Medicinal plants for flatulence

Herbal treatment of meteorism

Phytotherapy: Herbal remedies to cure flatulence and settle the stomach

The primary role of phytotherapy in the treatment of flatulence is to use those plants with the following purposes:

• Carminative plants to facilitate the expulsion of gases and avoid bloating.
• Anti inflammatory plants, able to reduce bowel inflammation that accompanies many gastrointestinal diseases.
• Digestive plants, which will help digest food better.
• Antiseptic plants, which will prevent intestinal putrefaction responsible for the production of gases.
• Sedative and antispasmodic plants, which will promote stress reduction by reducing air swallowing or involuntary spasms caused by a swollen belly.

Internal use medicinal plants for flatulence

Among all the plants we could mention the following: (When possible, consult specific study of each plant to see potential toxicity or contraindications)

• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) It is digestive, anti inflammatory, hepatoprotective, bile stimulant, antispasmodic and carminative.Because of his capacity to protect and repairer the gastric membrane, it becomes very suitable in all those conditions in which some organ of the digestive system is affected. It favors difficult digestion and helps expel gas from the digestive system.It is equally interesting when intestinal spasms are involved. (Infusion of a spoonful of dried flowers per cup of water. Take 2 to 3 cups per day)

• Mint (Mentha x piperita, Menta ssp) Its content in carvacrol, thymol and menthol help expel the excessive gas in the bowel, (infusion of 1 tablespoon of dried leaves or 2 tablespoons of fresh leaves in one liter of water. Take a couple of hot cups a day after meals)

Lavender, a very valuable treatment for flatulence

Nervousness in the stomach causes in many cases indigestion, intestinal spasms, stomach cramps, etc. The use of preparations of lavender can help “settle the stomach” eliminating many negative manifestations in this body. It has also been proved its choleretic properties (it stimulates the production of bile by the liver) and cholagogue properties (stimulates the production of bile by the gallbladder), so it is suitable in case of heavy digestions for lack of secretions. Similarly, the antiseptic properties of this plant are well suited to inhibit the growth of intestinal bacteria responsible for rots that will produce intestinal gas with the subsequent bloating. How to take lavender tea for flatulence: – 10 minute infusion of a spoonful of dried flowers per cup of water. Take 3 cups a day between meals (In case of putrefaction and abdominal discomfort, have a cup of this infusion immediately after the main meals)

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Helps digestion, contributing to expel flatulence and whetting you appetite (Infusion of 5 gr.of fruits per cup of water. Drink 2 cups a day) (In case of loss of appetite or anorexia have a cup of infusion half and hour before meals)
• Basil (Ocimum basilicum) It helps digestion and prevents stomach spasms and is very useful in cases of gastritis, of hiatal hernia, of flatus, etc. (Infusion of a handful of fresh leaves, about 15 g. Per liter of water. Take 3 cups a day after meals)

• Cumin: (Cuminum cyminum) cumin is a carminative remedy par excellence, and shares these properties with other plants of the same family as anise, dill or fennel (Umbelliferae family). (Infusion of half a teaspoon of whole or crushed cumin seeds, per cup of water, take after the meal)

  

  Fruits of coriander are used to treat intestinal gases

• Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Besides being a good digestive, it is a useful carminative to expel gases from the digestive tract, preventing flatulence and aerophagia. (To expel flatulence you can prepare at 50% of fennel and coriander Half a teaspoon per glass of water Drink a small cup after meals.)
• Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) Very good as a carminative for the elimination of gas or flatulence. (Infusion: 1 teaspoon of floral tops per cup of water, 3 cups per day)
• Wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) For its content in carvacrol and thymol it helps in the elimination of flatulence (Infusion of 1 teaspoon of flowering tops per cup of water, 3 cups daily, after each meal)
• Epazote, Wormseed (Chenopodium ambrosioides) It has very useful carminative properties to get rid of gases in such a way that flatulent foods are usually seasoned with some epazote leaves, such as legumes.
• Caraway: (Carum carvi) Caraway is one of the richest plant in carvone, an aromatic substance present in the essential oil with carminative properties (2 grams of seeds (half a teaspoon) whole or crushed, per cup of water. Take a cup after meals)
• Anise (Pimpinella anisum) It is one of the best carminatives, able to force the expulsion of excess of gas accumulated in the intestine in order to prevent bloating) (Infusion for 10 minutes of a half teaspoon of dry seeds per cup of water. Drink a couple of cups a day, by ingesting three or four sips from time to time)

  

  Cinnamon sticks

• Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) (Infusion of a spoonful of shredded cinnamon per liter of water. Drink a couple of glasses a day)
• Cardamom: (Elettaria cardamomum): Cardamom is a remedy to treat flatulence, alleviate cramps and colic caused by gas. For these intestinal applications it is recommended to take ground cardamom, ½ tablespoon with a glass of water, 3 times a day. Or take in tisane or infusion.
• Boldo (Peumus boldus) Ascaridol, abundant in the essential oil of boldo, is an antiflatulent component (Take 1.5.5g of dried leaves in 200ml of water, three times a day after meals. treatments of more than 4 weeks are contraindicated).
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Turmeric is carminative, that is, it helps expel intestinal gas, so it is also recommended to relieve flatulent colic, for people with bloating and flatulence (add turmeric powder to your dishes)

  

  Cloves. The essence or the infusion of cloves combat flatulence

• Clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) (Infusion of one to three drops of oil of cloves per glass of hot water available in pharmacies or herbalists . Drink three glasses a day) (15 minute infusion of a spoonful of cloves per liter of water. Take three glasses a day after the main meals)
• Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) It has carminative properties that help treat flatulence or gases. (Infusion of 2 teaspoons of flowers and leaves of meadowsweet and some seeds of anise or cumin per cup of water after meals).
• Wild marjoram/oregano (Origanum vulgare) To expel intestinal gases. Thymol and carvacrol, besides being antiespasmodic, are appropriate to ged rid of flatulence (Infusion of a spoonful of flowers in a cup of water. Three cups a day, after the main meals)

Ginger, an effective remedy to get rid of gases

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been traditionally used to treat intestinal disorders, especially in regard to digestive problems. It seems that, by stimulating the pancreas, it increases the production of enzymes that promote digestion and prevent the emergence of a number of side effects associated with a poor food absorption. It is its antibacterial capacity and its tolerance to the required microorganisms of the intestinal flora (Lactobacillus) that allows to increase intestinal flora richness. Doing so, it can eliminate harmful microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, responsible for most of the diarrhea, especially in children, and many cases of gastroenteritis. By eliminating this bacteria and other harmful parasite microorganisms, it manages to avoid the appearance of intestinal putrefaction responsible for abdominal swelling and bloating. We should also mention the ability of gingerols contained in this plant to increase intestinal peristalsis, which promotes the removal of excreta. (Infusion of a half teaspoon of dried root per cup of water. Take a couple of cups a day)

• Bay (Laurus nobilis) It enhances secretions and favors peristalsis, thus contributing to promote digestion, helping the stomach,and the liver, preventing acidity, reducing flatulence and intestinal cramps. This capacity is fundamentally exerted by eugenol, with carminative, antiulceric and hepatoprotective properties (Infusion of a pair of leaves in a cup of water for 10 minutes. 4 cups per day)

• Lemon (Citrus limonum) It can help combat flatulence caused by poor digestion (Take small sips of half a lemon juice diluted in a glass of water after meals)
• Lavender cotton: (Santolina chamaecyparissus) Its properties are similar to chamomile, promoting digestion, or in cases where there is heaviness, heartburn, stomach pain, bloating, etc. (Infusion of 7 flower heads per cup of boiling water. Two cups a day).

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) it helps to overcome diseases of the liver. Taken as an herbal tea after meals it eases digestion and prevents the onset of symptoms of a bad digestion such as bloating, flatulence, heartburn, etc.
• Sage (Salvia officinalis) It acts against heavy digestions, diarrhea and vomiting. It is a good remedy to take three cups throughout the day of the infusion of 15 g. of dried leaves per liter of water. This infusion helps eliminate acidity or abdominal swelling and its appropriate in cases of gastritis, or hiatal hernia.
• Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) It helps digestion, prevents gastric and intestinal spasms and avoids gas formation and rooting retention in intestines. (Infusion of teaspoon of flower summits per cup of water. Take 3 cups a day after meals) (Maceration of a handful of flowers in a liter of white wine. Drink a little cup after a meal)
• Sea fennel: (Crithmum maritimum) With properties similar to common fennel, sea fennel can be used as a remedy to promote digestion and as a remedy to eliminate flatulence. (Infusion of 3 tablespoons of dried plant per liter of water. Take a couple of cups a day)
• Tarragon: (Artemisia dracunculus) Indicated to treat poor digestion, bloating or flatulence treatment, to relieve stomach cramps and colic caused by gas (Use it as a condiment or infusion; 5g. Dried leaves in 250ml of water. Take a glass after every meal for its digestive and carminative properties)
• Guarana (Paullinia cupana) Some scholarly authors of the natural remedies of the Amazonian peoples point out that guarana is also used to remedy the meteorism.

• Wormwood: (Artemisia absinthium) By digesting food better avoids flatulence caused by rotting of poorly digested food in the intestine. (Infusion of a teaspoon of dried plants per cup of water for 5 minutes Take 2 cups a day without sweetening little by little)
• Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) The antiinflammatory capacity of tannins, flavonoids and acids is extremely effective in the treatment of many gastrointestinal problems. Liverwort preparations are capable of solving problems of poor digestion in the presence of flatulence, heartburn, or gastritis. (Infusion of a teaspoon of dried flowers per cup of water. A couple of cups a day.)
• Apple tree (Malus domestica) The pectin contained in the apple is a good regulator of the intestine. It favors the expulsion of feces and prevents the decomposition of the intestinal remnants that cause flatulence. (Eat apples in abundance) Apple cider vinegar helps prevent the formation of intestinal gas (Mix two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with two teaspoons of honey in a glass of water.) Drink after meals sips

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) Its sedative and antispasmodic function it not only limited to the level of musculature of the external members. Internally, the sedative properties of this plant may be useful to calm the spasms of the digestive system by acting on its muscles reducing indigestion, abdominal pains or flatulence. (Infusion of a tablespoon per cup of water for 15 minutes. 3 or 4 glasses a day between meals)
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) flavonoids give it antispasmodic properties very useful in case of “intestinal cramps”, whereas the bitter principles confer digestive properties and are suitable for indigestion. (Mixed infusion of half a teaspoon of of this plant and half a teaspoon of chamomile . 3 cups per day)
• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) It helps digestion, expels flatulence and opens appetite. Very adequate for intestinal spasms. (Infusion of a teaspoon of seeds per cup of water. 2 cups a day) (In case of inappetence take a cup half an hour before meals)
• Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) Its content in carvacrol, thymol and menthol help to expel excess gases in the intestine, most terpenes give antispasmodic properties, while rosmarinic and salicylic acids, along with carvacrol, limonene and Cineole gives it antispasmodic properties.

For regular use it is better to resort to other mints as effective as pennyroyal and without the toxicity of it. In this sense it would be better to use peppermint regularly. (Infusion of 2 tablespoons of dried leaves twice as many tender leaves in a liter of water Take a couple of cups a day Do not exceed this amount)

• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) It is an ideal relaxant for the treatment of intestinal spasms. I will assist the patient with abdominal swelling to endure discomfort and sleep better. In internal use, antiinflammatory and sedative properties are valid for the treatment of diseases such as diverticulitis, Crohn’s disease or gluten intolerance in which it helps relax the intestinal muscles and decrease spasms (Infusion of a spoonful of dried herb per cup of water. A couple of cups a day)
• Lemon verbena (Lippia triphylla) (Infusion of a spoonful of dry leaves for each cup of water. Two cups a day)
• Genciana (Gentiana lutea) he excess of gas, usually caused by poor digestion, can be alleviated by the ingestion of this plant. (maceration of 1.5 gr. of dry powder per cup of water for 4 hours. Take a couple of cups day)
• Pepper (Piper nigrum) Pepper is also a carminative spice, which also helps to promote (Add pepper to your food. Maximimun 5 gr daily)
• Wild celery (Angelica archangelica): Take a cup of angelica tea after meals.
• Mango (Mangifera indica)Very suitable for stomach problems caused by nerves in the stomach, such as vomiting, indigestion, flatulence, chronic constipation, cramps, etc.., Ingestion of mango juice helps to soothe the stomach and prevent these reactions.

SUPPLEMENTS TO AVOID GASES

Vitamins and minerals for the treatment of flatulence

The supplements can help in the natural treatment of flatulence. Among the main supplements we have:

• Vitamin B: Vitamin B helps to produce enzymes that are necessary in the digestive process. Vitamin B promotes intestinal motility by helping to expel stool and preventing retentions responsible for intestinal putrefaction. This same vitamin intervenes in the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates so it is necessary to implement the digestive processes.It is especially interesting for older people who have lost the ability to digest food and for people with intestinal diseases which absorb worse food. (Take a tablet of the B complex daily)

• Vitamin B5: Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid is the most interesting within this complex of vitamin B. It is essential for the production of energy and the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It also helps to combat stress so it favors a more relaxed swallowing of food and prevents aerophagia. (Ingestion of a 50 mg capsule of pantothenic acid after main meals)
• Activated charcoal: activated charcoal capsules can reduce flatulence, although they should be taken with caution, taking into account that their intake can inhibit the absorption of other nutrients necessary for health. Equally its use can neutralize the action of many medicines. (Take one capsule before or after meals according to the conditions of the package leaflet)
• Plant enzymes: They can be indicated for those people who have little capacity to digest food.

NATURAL THERAPIES FOR GASES

In addition to proper phytotherapy or the use of certain supplements, other resources can be used in the natural treatment of flatulence. Among all of them we could mention:

• Physical exercises and massages: Moderate and adequate physical exercise helps increase bowel movements and eliminate gases stored in the folds of the colon. For example:
  • Stretch on your back on the ground. Bend the legs towards the chest and let them rest again.
  • Sit on the floor with your legs crossed and bend your body back and forth.
  • The use of circular massage on the abdomen contributes to the same purpose.
• Diet: A proper diet combined with rules in the way of eating is the best way to prevent the onset of flatulence.

More information on flatulence natural medicine.

Written by Editorial Botanical-online team in charge of content writing

18 July, 2024