One of the most common causes of abdominal distension is overeating, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Abdominal distension is the swelling of the bowels due to excess gas, which may result from eating too much or eating foods high in fiber. Some herbal teas may help relieve the bloating. Other reasons for distension are swallowing air, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance and bowel obstruction. If symptoms persist, contact your doctor.
Bowel Distention
If your bowel distension is caused by overeating, consider eating smaller, more-frequent meals instead of three large ones. Avoid foods that are gas-forming, and drink liquids an hour before and after a meal instead of during the meal. You may also try wearing nonconstricting clothing and sitting up for at least 30 minutes after you've finished a meal. Drinking certain herbal teas may also aid in digestion and help relieve bowel distension.
Caraway Tea
Caraway is an herb belonging to the carminative family of plants, which are used to help relieve digestive disorders, including gas and distension. Caraway, used in conjunction with peppermint oil, may be used for irritable bowel syndrome, and caraway and fennel may be helpful with flatulence and cramping in children. However, children under 2 and pregnant women should not use caraway. To make tea for abdominal, or bowel, distension, steep 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. of powdered caraway; drink the tea three times per day. Before using any herbal remedy, consult your physician.
Ginger Tea
Ginger became popular in the United States at the turn of the 20th century, although it has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Ginger tea is used for nausea, vomiting, flatulence and abdominal gas. For ginger tea, steep 2 tbsp. of freshly grated ginger root into hot water; drink three times a day. Side effects from ginger are rare, but they may include mild heartburn, belching, diarrhea and stomach upset. Talk to your doctor prior to trying any herbal remedies.
Peppermint Tea
The calming, numbing effect of peppermint relaxes the stomach muscles and allows foods to pass more easily through the stomach to the bowels. For tea, use 1 tsp. of dried peppermint leaves per cup of boiling water and let steep for 10 minutes. Drink four or five cups per day. If you are pregnant, nursing, have gallstones, use drugs to reduce stomach acid or have gastroesophageal reflux disease, do not use peppermint. As with all herbal remedies, consult your doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Swollen Abdomen - Overview
- California Pacific Medical Center; Distension; Margie Petrakis, RN
- University of California, San Diego: Complementary Medicine: Caraway
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- Huntington College of Health Sciences; Smart Supplementation: Ginger; Art Presser; 2001
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peppermint
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