Bloating: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Bloating is a common digestive issue characterized by the accumulation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to discomfort, pain, and swelling in the abdomen.

It is often caused by swallowing air, eating certain foods, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hormonal fluctuations, and underlying medical conditions such as celiac disease or gastroparesis. Chronic bloating can lead to fatigue, decreased appetite, and negatively impact overall health and well-being.

To alleviate bloating, herbal remedies such as peppermint, ginger, and fennel can be used to relax the digestive system and reduce gas. Medicinal preparations like teas and capsules can also be effective.

However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or take prescription medications, as some herbs can interact or exacerbate symptoms.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of bloating, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of bloating?

The main causes of bloating are often attributed to swallowing air, consuming certain foods and beverages, and underlying medical conditions.

Aerophagia, the swallowing of air, can be caused by eating or drinking too quickly, chewing gum, or smoking. A high-FODMAP diet, which includes foods containing fructans, galactans, and polyols, can also lead to bloating in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Hormonal fluctuations during menstruation and menopause can cause water retention and bloating due to increased estrogen levels.

Additionally, certain medications such as antidepressants and blood pressure medications can also contribute to bloating as a side effect.

• Food Intolerance: Food Intolerance occurs when the body is unable to digest certain foods, leading to the accumulation of undigested carbohydrates in the gut, which are then fermented by bacteria, producing gas and causing bloating.
• Fructose Malabsorption: Fructose Malabsorption is a condition in which the small intestine is unable to properly absorb fructose, a sugar found in many fruits and vegetables, leading to its fermentation by bacteria in the gut and subsequent bloating.
• SIBO: Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) occurs when bacteria overpopulate the small intestine, leading to the fermentation of undigested carbohydrates and the production of gas, which can cause bloating.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal changes during menstruation, menopause, or pregnancy can lead to changes in digestion and bowel habits, including bloating.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, and bloating, often related to changes in gut motility and sensitivity.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antacids, and painkillers, can disrupt gut bacteria, slow down digestion, or relax the muscles in the digestive tract, leading to bloating.
• Constipation: Constipation can cause bloating as waste material accumulates in the colon and is fermented by bacteria, producing gas.
• Stress: Chronic stress can slow down digestion, lead to changes in gut motility, and alter the balance of gut bacteria, contributing to bloating.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: Underlying medical conditions, such as gastroparesis, celiac disease, or inflammatory bowel disease, can cause bloating by disrupting digestion and gut function.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for bloating?

The main medicinal herbs used for bloating are Foeniculum vulgare, Zingiber officinale, Cuminum cyminum, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Peumus boldus, Cichorium intybus, Angelica archangelica, Curcuma longa, Piper nigrum, Angelica sinensis.

Foeniculum vulgare, also known as fennel, contains anethole which has a carminative effect, helping to alleviate bloating by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract. Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, while Cuminum cyminum, or cumin, has been shown to improve digestion and reduce symptoms of bloating. Glycyrrhiza glabra, or licorice root, has anti-inflammatory properties and can help to soothe the digestive tract, while Peumus boldus, or boldo, has been traditionally used to treat digestive issues including bloating.

Additionally, Cichorium intybus, or chicory root, Angelica archangelica, or angelica root, Curcuma longa, or turmeric, Piper nigrum, or black pepper, and Angelica sinensis, or dong quai, have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, making them useful in the treatment of bloating.

• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, also known as anise, helps with bloating due to its carminative properties, which relieve gas and reduce flatulence by inhibiting the production of gas-producing bacteria in the gut.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, helps with bloating by reducing inflammation and alleviating digestive discomfort through its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, which also have a direct effect on the digestive system.
• Cuminum cyminum: Cuminum cyminum, or cumin, helps with bloating due to its carminative and antispasmodic properties, which relieve gas and reduce muscle spasms in the digestive tract, thereby alleviating bloating and discomfort.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with bloating by inhibiting the growth of gas-producing bacteria in the gut and by reducing inflammation in the digestive system, which can contribute to bloating and discomfort.
• Peumus boldus: Peumus boldus, or boldo, helps with bloating due to its carminative and cholagogic properties, which relieve gas and stimulate the digestive system to eliminate waste and toxins, thereby alleviating bloating and discomfort.
• Cichorium intybus: Cichorium intybus, or chicory, helps with bloating by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and improving the functioning of the digestive system, which can help to alleviate bloating and discomfort.
• Angelica archangelica: Angelica archangelica, or angelica, helps with bloating due to its carminative and antispasmodic properties, which relieve gas and reduce muscle spasms in the digestive tract, thereby alleviating bloating and discomfort.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, or turmeric, helps with bloating by reducing inflammation in the digestive system and by inhibiting the growth of gas-producing bacteria in the gut, which can contribute to bloating and discomfort.
• Piper nigrum: Piper nigrum, or black pepper, helps with bloating by stimulating digestive enzymes and improving the functioning of the digestive system, which can help to alleviate bloating and discomfort.
• Angelica sinensis: Angelica sinensis, or dong quai, helps with bloating due to its carminative and antispasmodic properties, which relieve gas and reduce muscle spasms in the digestive tract, thereby alleviating bloating and discomfort.

What are the main herbal preparations used for bloating?

The main herbal preparations used for bloating are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Suppository, Gel, Tea, Powder, Cream, Pills, Ointment.

Decoction of peppermint, ginger and dandelion root is used to relieve bloating due to its carminative properties that help to ease digestion and reduce gas. Tincture of chamomile and fennel seeds is used for its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects that help to soothe the digestive system and reduce bloating. Capsules containing activated charcoal and licorice root are used to absorb and neutralize toxins that cause bloating.

Suppositories containing probiotics and slippery elm are used to promote gut health and protect the mucous lining of the digestive tract from inflammation.

• Decoction: A decoction of Peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps with bloating by releasing its active compounds, such as menthol and menthone, which relax the muscles in the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, thereby alleviating bloating symptoms.
• Tincture: A tincture of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) helps with bloating by rapidly releasing its essential oils, including anethole, which stimulates digestive enzymes and relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, thus reducing bloating.
• Capsule: A capsule filled with Ginger (Zingiber officinale) powder helps with bloating by releasing its active compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, which reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby alleviating bloating symptoms.
• Suppository: A suppository of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) helps with bloating by directly releasing its active compounds, including apigenin and luteolin, which relax the muscles in the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, thus alleviating bloating symptoms.
• Gel: A gel of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root helps with bloating by releasing its active compounds, including glycyrrhizin, which reduces inflammation and relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby alleviating bloating symptoms.
• Tea: A tea of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root helps with bloating by releasing its active compounds, such as taraxasterol and inulin, which stimulate digestive enzymes and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, thus reducing bloating.
• Powder: A powder of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) root helps with bloating by releasing its active compounds, including curcumin, which reduces inflammation and relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby alleviating bloating symptoms.
• Cream: A cream of Calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower helps with bloating by releasing its active compounds, including triterpenoids and flavonoids, which reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, thus alleviating bloating symptoms.
• Pills: Pills containing Caraway (Carum carvi) seeds help with bloating by releasing their active compounds, including carvone and limonene, which stimulate digestive enzymes and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, thus reducing bloating.
• Ointment: An ointment of Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) resin helps with bloating by releasing its active compounds, including commiphoric and furanodienone, which reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby alleviating bloating symptoms.