Flatulence
Flatulence is merely our bodies trying to rid themselves of excessive gas that has built up in the stomach or intestines. Unfortunately, a little methane is also released with the gas, which can make ordinary flatulance (we all pass gas between 8 and 20 times per day) socially awkward.
Symptoms
Symptoms of flatulance include releasing gas frequently, an unpleasant odor, and sometimes cramping or abdominal discomfort.
Causes
Excessive gas can build up in the intestine or in the stomach because you are sedentary, you swallow air while chewing or you have problems digesting carbohydrates. Other foods that may cause gas include sauerkraut, dairy products and artificial sweeteners. Flatulence may also occur if you don't chew your proteins carefully enough. If you eat a diet high in fiber and lots of fruit and vegetables, flatulance is part of the deal. Some medications may also cause the problem. It can also be a result of excessive bacterial activity in the colon.
Cautions
See your doctor if your flatulence is accompanied by abdominal or stomach pain for more than three days, if you have unexplained weight loss with gas or if your pain is more severe than you've ever experienced before. Rarely, flatulence can also be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition like irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease or colorectal cancer.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Ginger – add half a teaspoon of ginger powder, quarter teaspoon of asafetida and a small sprinkle of rock salt to a warm glass of water. Drink as needed. Alternatively, slice fresh ginger and soak the slices for an hour in the juice of a lime. After eating, chew the slices to relieve gas.
- Peppermint – chew peppermint leaves to relieve gas. You can also drink peppermint tea three or four times a day.
- Fennel – drink fennel tea either before or after meals. Be sure to use crushed fennel seeds, and pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 or 2 teaspoons of seeds. Let it steep for 10 minutes and then strain before drinking. You can also choose to chew ¼ teaspoon of seeds.
- Dill – chew a ½ teaspoon of dill seeds. You can also make dill water by mixing 1 teaspoon of dill oil with 4 cups of warm water. Drink one cup as needed. Dill tea can be made by steeping 1 teaspoon of ground seeds in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the tea before drinking. Drink this tea before or after meals.
- Caraway – drink caraway tea 2 to 4 times per day between meals. Be sure the seeds are crushed before making tea. You can also chew caraway seeds after a meal.
- Cinnamon – small amounts of this herb can help relieve gas in the stomach. Larger amounts can act as a laxative. Cinnamon, when used as a laxative, might prevent cramping and flatulence that sometimes comes with constipation.
- Sage – this herb promotes good digestion and helps the stomach. It stimulates the appetite and eases gas pains.
- Thyme – this herb supports the gastrointestinal system and helps digestion. It calms the stomach and relieves flatulence by releasing trapped gas.
- Coriander - infuse 25 grams crushed seeds in 1 liter boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain, drink 1 cup after each meal.
- Rosemary - drinking 3 cups a day of Rosemary tea will aid digestion.
Aromatherapy
Use essential oils in bath, massage or burner. Oils can either be used on their own or in a blend - basil, bergamot, marjoram, orange and peppermint.