Herbal Remedies for Gas

Having gas is normal but it can be very embarrassing. When gas starts to build up it has nowhere to go but out. It can go out by burping or flatulence. Passing gas in public can be very humiliating in some cultures, especially when it has a really foul odor. Gas is usually caused by swallowing air as we eat or drink. Sometimes it is also caused by the digestion of food that we eat. There are ways to prevent and cure gas, one of which is with the use of herbs.

Parsley

• You may not know that parsley is not just a cooking ingredient. It is also an effective digestive aid. Parsley can be found in most herb gardens. Either the curly or the flat leaf variety of parsley may be used to relieve gas. Parsley efficiently expels gas and the abdominal pains commonly caused by gas. It also promotes digestion, thus preventing the accumulation of gas.

  Parsley can be eaten raw to relieve gas. It can be mixed with salads or eaten by itself. The parsley leaves can also be made into a juice with the use of a blender or food processor. Parsley juice is a highly effective laxative. Though it is harmless for the most part, parsley should not be eaten in large quantities. This is because of its high content of oxalic acid that can lead to the formation of kidney stones. It is also not wise to eat lots of parsley because of its powerful laxative effect, which is self explanatory.

Ginger

• Ginger is another cooking ingredient that effectively relieves gas. Ginger contains digestive enzymes, which can result in relief from gas and stomach pains caused by excess air. It also stimulates the production of saliva in the mouth, which also aids in digestion. Ginger can be used fresh or in powder form. There are also health supplements that have ginger as the primary active ingredient.

  Ginger can also be prepared as a tea. Just mix a teaspoon of grated ginger, one teaspoon of lime juice, with six ounces of water. You may add honey to sweeten the ginger tea. The drink is best consumed after meals to help aid digestion and prevent gas. Keep in mind ginger must not be taken in excessive amounts. It can cause heartburn, diarrhea and irritation of the mouth.

Dandelion

• Dandelions are considered weeds by most gardeners. What they do not know is that dandelions are also considered an herbal treatment for gas. The dandelion leaf is used to stimulate appetite and relieve fullness of the stomach and gas.

  To relieve gas, dandelion leaves are made into a tea. The tea may be made out of fresh or dried dandelion leaves. To make the tea, just place the leaves in a cup and pour boiling water over them. Let the leaves steep in the hot water for 15 minutes. You can add honey if the dandelion tea is too bitter for your taste.