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Stomach Bloating and Gas Discomfort
Natural Remedies you can use to cure the problem

Introduction

Stomach Bloating - During the digestion process in your stomach and intestine, some amount of gas is normally produced by the bacteria processing the food. It is when excessive amounts of gas are produced that cause you to feel bloated, uncomfortable or even suffer constant pain.

Facts and Frequently Asked Questions about Stomach Bloating

What are the symptoms of excessive gas production?
What causes stomach bloating or excessive gas?

Natural Remedies for the Cure of Stomach Bloating and Gas

Natural Remedy	What experts say about them
Peppermint	(What's this?) Peppermint oil is shown to help with stomach related pain and discomfort that happens after eating a meal. Click here to get information on available formulations and the dose to use.
Turmeric	This herb is shown to help treat stomach complaints including bloating and pain. This herb seems to have a protective effect on the stomach against irritation from stress, certain foods and alcohol. Dose: Take 500 mg up to four times daily.
Fennel	Fennel, when combined with peppermint, can be used to treat a variety of stomach complaints including chronic bloating and flatulence. Dose: Tea or infusion - Use 1 to 5 grams of the crushed fruit up to four times daily in between meals. It is suggested that fennel be used on a short-term basis, no longer than 14 days.
Chamomile	Chamomile is useful in treating stomach bloating and it acts as a mild sedative. Clinical studies done with chamomile combined with fennel and several other herbs showed that it reduce colic problems in infants. Dose: Tea - Drink a cup of chamomile tea after each meal. Extract - Take 500 mg up to twice daily. Tincture - Use 2 mL up to twice daily.
Licorice	Licorice is used to treat stomach ulcers, gastritis, colic (abdominal pain) and gas. Iberogast made by Enzymatic Therapy is clinically shown to help reduce stomach problems including excessive gas. (It contains licorice, peppermint, chamomile, lemon balm, caraway and clown's mustard plant.) Dose: Take 1 mL three times daily of Iberogast.
Cayenne Pepper	Helpful Many herbalists suggest using cayenne pepper to treat stomach pain, cramps and gas. However, some people may experience stomach discomfort from using cayenne pepper. Dose: Detailed dosage information can be found in this article.
Ginger	Helpful Traditionally, ginger is used to treat nausea, colic and stomach pains. Dose: Take 1 to 5 grams daily (divided into three or four equal doses). Start with the lower dose first as higher dosage has been reported to cause stomach discomfort.
Valerian	Helpful Valerian may be helpful in reducing stomach bloating and discomfort. It is classified as a carminative (reduces gas) herb. Dose: Suggested dose ranges from 300 to 1,800 mg daily (divided into two or three times daily). Tea - Use 1.5 to 3 grams and steep for 5 to 10 minutes in about 150 mL of water. Drink several times daily as needed.
Lemon Balm	Helpful Traditionally, lemon balm is suggested to have anti-gas and anti-spasm benefits. Dose: Tea - Drink 1 cup two to four times daily. Tincture (1:5) - Use 2 to 6 mL up to three times daily.
Anise water	Helpful Historically and medically, anise is used as a digestive aid and to treat stomach problems. It may be helpful in relieving gas pains. Dose Suggested: Take 10 to 30 grains of lightly grounded or powdered seeds steeped in half a cup of water and drink one to three times daily.

Frequently Asked Questions & Facts

Signs and Symptoms of Excessive Gas Production

Here are some common symptoms that a person suffering from stomach gas might experience:

abdominal pain and discomfort
abdominal cramping (colic)
burping, belching
passing gas (flatulence)

Stomach Bloating Causes Revealed

There are certain foods and health conditions that are known to cause excessive gas formation leading to abdominal bloating and discomfort.

Foods

Foods that many cause excess gas formation include:

onions
beans
cabbage
fibers found in foods sources

It is also possible for you to be allergic to certain foods. This may cause excessive gas to be produced during digestion.

Health Conditions

Medical conditions that may cause chronic bloating include:

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
lactose intolerance
diverticulititis
disease of the intestine

Follow-up with your doctor to ensure that the excess gas production is not caused by these and other health conditions.

Swallowing Air

Swallowing excessive amount of air during eating or chewing food or gum.

Prescription and Non-prescription Medications

Certain medications may cause excess gas production. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to rule this out.

Stress

Excessive chronic stress can cause stomach complaints including pain, bloating, ulcers and many other health conditions.

What else can I do to get rid of bloating?

To help get rid of bloating, here are other things you can do.

Foods - Increase the amount of fiber in your diet slowly. Chew properly and eat slowly. Avoid foods such as beans, onions and cabbage. Avoid eating carbohydrates with proteins at the same time.

Exercise - Physical activities help to promote proper digestion. and intestinal functions.

Stress - Managing stress can go a long way to help you get relief from stomach complaints and gas.