Herbal Remedies for Gas

Gas in the intestine, most of the times, is the result of bacterial action on food. In our everyday diet, beans, cauliflower, onions, broccoli, cabbage, apples, cherries, and bananas, are certain food items that are potent gas producers, even though its ultimate impact on one’s body may vary from person to person. Flatulence can also occur due to excessive consumption of carbonated drinks and inadequate chewing of food while eating. Other reasons include allergies, lactose intolerance, postnasal drip, malnutrition, bulk forming laxatives, high-fiber foods, and certain drugs like cholesterol lowering medicines/tranquilizers. Rarely, gas can also be a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome.

However, there is nothing to worry as there are efficient herbal remedies for gas available around us, both in the form of over-the-counter drugs and raw herbs with medicinal values. For example, fennel tea is an excellent remedy for flatulence. Crush the dried seeds of fennel and add 1-2 teaspoon full of it into a liter of boiling water. Steep it for ten minutes approximately, strain, and drink just before or after meals. If tea making is a bit difficult for you, try chewing a quarter teaspoon of dried seeds as an alternative option.

Dill seeds are another one amongst the potent herbal remedies for gas used widely. One can either chew half a teaspoon dill seeds or prepare dill water by mixing one teaspoon of dill oil with four cups of warm water, and drink one cup from it after the meals. Dill tea, made by mixing one teaspoon of grounded dill seeds and a cup of water is also effective. Tea made with anise seeds/oil is also very effective in treating/containing flatulence.

Yet another safe carminative is the caraway seeds. It is traditionally known for its ability to stimulate appetite and enhancing gastric secretions. Like in the case of dill seeds and fennel, caraway seeds can either be consumed orally or through tea, twice a day. Galangal, peppermint (even though not advisable in babies), garlic, mullein, basil, and cinnamon are other popular herbal remedies for gas used by people world over. Few of these herbs in fact have been traditionally used in Chinese and Indian herbal medicines.

In fact, there are lots more herbal remedies for gas available including certain other herbs and man made drugs such as Simethicone drop for babies. However, the most effective treatment against flatulence still is to categorically avoid the common triggers that produce gas in the alimentary canal. Remember the adage..‘prevention is better than cure’!