Did you ever wonder why almost all Indian Restaurants have a large bowl of seeds placed strategically at the exit?
There is no doubt that Indian cuisine is delicious, but most of us will find ourselves paying a very smelly price for it.
To ensure you won’t regret going into that restaurant, they place a bowl full of Fennel seeds at the exit (and they know exactly what they are doing…)
In this post, you’ll find the best home remedy for bloating and 7 more effective solutions to get rid of bloating in the long term as well.
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The Ultimate Home Remedy for Gas and Bloating
Through my research and personal experience, Fennel seems to be the champion of home remedies for gas and bloating
Fennel may be the fastest and most effective remedy, and all you have to do to get rid of a bloated tummy is to take these 2 steps:
- Chew a pinch of fennel seeds.
- Chew a little more fennel seeds.
Fennel is a green leafy plant that tastes much like black licorice. If you like licorice-y things, you’ll love the taste.
If the taste is too strong for you, you can always steep a pinch of seeds in hot water for 3 minutes and drink the water instead.
I recommend keeping Fennel seeds at home, for everyone having these uncomfortable/painful gassy moments.
Don’t Like Licorice-y Taste? Try These Alternatives
For some reason, Fennel and any kind of licorice-y taste make many people gag. But worry not, here are excellent alternatives:
1. Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is one of the most popular home remedies for bloating, probably because it works great and tastes soooo good. If you don’t have seasonal allergies, you can add some chamomile tea with it.
According to this study, Menthol, the main component of peppermint oil, is thought to have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles in the digestive tract.
This relaxation may help relieve intestinal spasms that contribute to bloating and discomfort.
Some studies suggest that peppermint may help regulate gut bacteria, which can contribute to gas and bloating.
2. Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds are one of the best carminative (anti-gas) herbs and can help with many other stomach ailments if had on an empty stomach regularly.
Caraway seeds have a long history of use in traditional medicine for digestive issues. They contain fiber, which helps bulk up stool and promote healthy digestion, and may relax the smooth muscles in the digestive tract, similar to peppermint.
3. Activated Charcoal
In my popular post about activated charcoal benefits, I talked about the main benefit of this magic powder, made from coconut shells, for purifying and detoxing our digestive system quickly and naturally.
Activated charcoal is a porous material that can bind to gas and other molecules in the gut. This is why it’s sometimes used in emergency medicine to absorb toxins after poisoning.
Double-blind clinical trials have proven this, and I used it many times (and gave it to my children as well).
You can take up to 3 tablets a day but for no more than a week.
4. Ginger Tea
While ginger works best for nausea and inflammation, a small study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that ginger was effective in reducing bloating in people with indigestion.
You can drink a cup of ginger tea or chew on a piece of ginger. Another option is adding 5 drops of ginger essential oil in 2-3 tbsp of carrier oil and rubbing it on your stomach.
5. Clove Tea
Cloves contain eugenol, an active compound with digestive properties, that stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes. This helps break down food more efficiently and reduces bloating caused by indigestion.
It also has antimicrobial properties that may help eliminate unwanted gut bacteria that contribute to gas production and bloating.
To make clove tea, steep 10-15 heads of clove for 10 minutes and drink slowly.
6. Turmeric Tea
Bloating can be caused by inflammation in the digestive tract. Curcumin’s well-documented anti-inflammatory properties might help reduce bloating by calming this inflammation.
Some studies suggest that curcumin can improve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), including bloating.
Natural Gas Remedies for Babies and Children
Gripe Water is an excellent natural remedy for gassy babies and children with stomach issues. It is an all-natural herbal remedy with fennel, ginger, chamomile, and a little baking soda and it can save any mom’s sanity because it usually works instantly.
Another option is catnip and fennel drops. Even newborns can have a few teaspoons of this remedy once a day and it can work wonders.
Peppermint tea is also safe for babies and children.
What Are the Possible Causes of Bloating?
There are many possible reasons for chronic bloating. If you figure out the reason, it will be easier to treat the root cause and get rid of it.
Here are the most common causes:
1. Certain Foods (beans, lentils, cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), some fruits (apples, pears), whole grains, and dairy products (for those with lactose intolerance) can all cause gas and bloating due to the way our bodies digest them.
2. Carbonated Beverages: Soda, beer, and other fizzy drinks introduce gas directly into your stomach, leading to bloating.
3. Swallowing Air: Eating or drinking too quickly, chewing gum, sucking on candies, or talking while eating can cause you to swallow excess air, which gets trapped in your digestive system and leads to bloating.
4. Indigestion: Difficulty breaking down food can lead to gas buildup and bloating. This can be caused by overeating, eating too quickly, or consuming fatty or spicy foods.
5. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This chronic condition involves abnormal muscle contractions and gut sensitivity, which can cause bloating, gas, and other digestive issues.
6. Constipation: When stool isn’t eliminated regularly, it can back up in the intestines and lead to bloating.
7. Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): An abnormal increase in bacteria in the small intestine can lead to fermentation and gas production, causing bloating.
8. Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disease where gluten triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine, leading to bloating and other digestive problems.
9. Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach muscles don’t function properly, causing food to move slowly through the digestive system and leading to bloating.
10. Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: These inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) can cause inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to bloating and other symptoms.
11. Stress and Anxiety: Stress can worsen digestive symptoms, including bloating and gas.
12. Medications: Certain medications, such as antidepressants or laxatives, can cause bloating as a side effect.
To your Health and Happiness,
Meital
Followed a link to this article (from search engine results).
What a lovely blog this is! What a wonderful thing you are doing!
All the best to you.
Marie,
Why don’t you try one or more of the above home remedies? Come back and let me know how they worked for you,..I’d love to help more if needed,
I have been suffering from gas for the past 2 years and find it very difficult to release gas no matter what I do, I hate to take medicines and would like to have home remedies to help me cause I am in great pain and feel very heavy since the gas travels all over my body including my chest/legs – some times I feel very difficult to talk and stand for too long.
That’s great, I’ve never heard of that before, I’m sure going to try it! Thanks for your comment:)
I use toasted ground sesame seed and mixed with salt for gases, the result has always been very good, I do this over 30 years passed. I learned it from a book on Eastern medicine. I did not know that chewed fennel seed is so good and practice.