Spice up your diet to combat bloating and gas naturally
While gas is a natural phenomenon, excessive and troublesome amounts require a more careful examination of one's diet. Herbs and spices with carminative, antispasmodic, and digestion-stimulating properties have been known to ease discomfort relating to gas. Adding these to your meals or as infusions can significantly improve your quality of life if they're used consistently.
4:21 PM EST, December 10, 2023
Gas primarily originates from two sources: swallowed air during eating, drinking or talking, and bacterial fermentation of certain foods in the large intestine. Fortunately, we can protect ourselves from any inconveniences associated with excessive amounts of intestinal gas by incorporating relevant herbs and spices in our diet.
Spices that help eradicate bloating and gas
Caraway is one of the most effective spices for bloating. This versatile ingredient has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that stimulate digestion, alleviate stomach pains, and reduce the quantity and odor of gas. Caraway’s versatility makes it a great choice for dishes with cabbage and legumes or as an accompaniment to bread or meat. Try making a caraway infusion by adding a teaspoon of seeds to a cup of boiling water and letting it steep for 10 minutes.
Anise is another beneficial spice. Its carminative, antispasmodic, antiemetic, and digestion-stimulating properties can help decrease stomach pains and reduce the number and smell of gas. Anise also benefits the respiratory system. It pairs well with dishes featuring cabbage and vegetables, desserts, and drinks. Incorporate anise into your everyday routine by creating an infusion - steep a teaspoon of the seeds in a cup of boiling water for about 15 minutes.
Regularly consuming certain herbs can alleviate excessive gas
Dill is recognized for its potent carminative, antispasmodic, and cholagogue properties. Not stopping there, it also aids digestion and prevents the build-up of gas. Dill suits fish dishes, cheeses, and salads. Try making a dill infusion by steeping a teaspoon of the seeds in boiling water for around 15 minutes.
Mint, rich in carminative and antispasmodic properties, along with antibacterial and calming effects, speeds up digestion, alleviates stomach pains, and has a cooling and refreshing impact. Mint is ideal for fruits and desserts, drinks, including tea, and vegetable dishes as well.
Last but not least, sage also displays carminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic effects. Moreover, it aids digestion, inhibits fermentation, and prevents gas build-up. Sage nicely complements meat and fish dishes, as well as cheeses, soups, and salads. An infusion of sage leaves steeped in boiling water for 10 minutes is also beneficial.
