Gas In Stomach: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Gas in the stomach, also known as flatulence or dyspepsia, refers to the accumulation of gas in the digestive system, typically caused by the breakdown of undigested food, especially carbohydrates, beans, cabbage, broccoli, and dairy products.

It can also be triggered by swallowing air, eating too quickly, or underlying medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If left untreated, gas in the stomach can lead to bloating, discomfort, and pain, potentially causing digestive issues, nausea, and vomiting. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies like peppermint, ginger, and fennel can be used, often in the form of teas, capsules, or essential oils.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have allergies or underlying health conditions, and to follow proper dosage guidelines to avoid any adverse reactions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of gas in stomach, 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 gas in stomach?

The main causes of gas in stomach are largely attributed to the digestion and fermentation of food, particularly when undigested carbohydrates are broken down by bacteria in the large intestine.

Swallowing air while eating or drinking, known as aerophagia, can also contribute to gas buildup. Ingestion of high-fiber foods, such as beans, cabbage, and broccoli, can lead to increased production of gas due to their high content of raffinose, a complex sugar that is not fully digested in the small intestine. Additionally, certain medical conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroparesis, and small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) can disrupt normal digestion and lead to gas accumulation.

Other factors, including lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and food allergies, can also cause increased gas production in the stomach.

• Lactose: Consuming lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products, can cause gas in the stomach because the body lacks the enzyme lactase to break it down, leading to undigested lactose being fermented by bacteria in the colon.
• Fructose: Fructose, a sugar commonly found in fruits, honey, and high-fructose corn syrup, can cause gas in the stomach because it is not fully absorbed in the small intestine and is fermented by bacteria in the colon.
• Beans: Eating beans and other legumes can cause gas in the stomach because they contain complex sugars that are not fully digested in the small intestine and are fermented by bacteria in the colon.
• Wheat: Consuming wheat and other gluten-containing grains can cause gas in the stomach in individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, as undigested gluten is fermented by bacteria in the colon.
• Sorbitol: Sorbitol, a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum and candy, can cause gas in the stomach because it is not fully absorbed in the small intestine and is fermented by bacteria in the colon.
• Xylitol: Xylitol, a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum and candy, can cause gas in the stomach because it is not fully absorbed in the small intestine and is fermented by bacteria in the colon.
• Artificial sweeteners: Consuming artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose can cause gas in the stomach in some individuals, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood.
• Food additives: Certain food additives like tartrazine and sodium benzoate can cause gas in the stomach in some individuals, although the exact mechanism is not fully understood.
• Carbonated drinks: Drinking carbonated beverages can cause gas in the stomach because the carbon dioxide is released as gas bubbles in the stomach, leading to discomfort and bloating.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for gas in stomach?

The main medicinal herbs used for gas in stomach are Foeniculum vulgare, Zingiber officinale, Mentha x piperita, Cuminum cyminum, Curcuma longa, Carum carvi, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cinnamomum verum, Anethum graveolens, Pimpinella anisum.

Foeniculum vulgare, also known as sweet fennel, contains anethole which has carminative properties and helps to reduce flatulence by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract. Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation caused by gas. Cuminum cyminum, or cumin seeds, has been shown to have a direct effect on the gastrointestinal system, reducing the production of gas and alleviating symptoms of indigestion.

The other herbs such as Curcuma longa, Carum carvi, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Cinnamomum verum, Anethum graveolens and Pimpinella anisum also have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and carminative properties that help to alleviate gas and indigestion.

• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, also known as sweet fennel, helps with gas in the stomach by its essential oils, which have carminative properties that help to relax the muscles in the digestive tract and reduce the production of gas.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, helps with gas in the stomach by its anti-inflammatory properties and the presence of gingerols and shogaols, which help to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby reducing discomfort caused by gas.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, known as peppermint, helps with gas in the stomach by its menthol content, which helps to relax the muscles in the digestive tract and improve digestion, reducing the production and discomfort caused by gas.
• Cuminum cyminum: Cuminum cyminum, also known as cumin, helps with gas in the stomach by its carminative properties, which help to reduce the production of gas and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby reducing discomfort caused by gas.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, helps with gas in the stomach by its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help to reduce inflammation and improve digestion, thereby reducing the production and discomfort caused by gas.
• Carum carvi: Carum carvi, also known as caraway, helps with gas in the stomach by its carminative properties, which help to reduce the production of gas and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby reducing discomfort caused by gas.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice root, helps with gas in the stomach by its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which help to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby reducing discomfort caused by gas.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, known as cinnamon, helps with gas in the stomach by its carminative properties, which help to reduce the production of gas and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby reducing discomfort caused by gas.
• Anethum graveolens: Anethum graveolens, also known as dill, helps with gas in the stomach by its carminative properties, which help to reduce the production of gas and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby reducing discomfort caused by gas.
• Pimpinella anisum: Pimpinella anisum, commonly known as anise, helps with gas in the stomach by its carminative properties and anise oil content, which help to reduce the production of gas and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby reducing discomfort caused by gas.

What are the main herbal preparations used for gas in stomach?

The main herbal preparations used for gas in stomach are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Suppository, Tea, Gel, Powder, Ointment, Elixir, Salve.

Decoction of herbs such as peppermint, ginger and fennel is used to relieve gas and indigestion due to its high fiber content and antispasmodic properties. Tincture of carminative herbs like anise and dill is used to treat flatulence and bloating due to its ability to relax intestinal muscles. Capsule of probiotic-rich herbs like peppermint and chamomile is used to promote digestion and reduce gas production in the stomach.

Additionally, herbal preparations like tea of fennel and ginger, gel of aloe vera, powder of activated charcoal, ointment of peppermint oil, elixir of ginseng, and salve of calendula are used to relieve gas and indigestion due to their anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, helps with gas in the stomach by reducing inflammation and soothing the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, thereby alleviating symptoms of gas and bloating.
• Tincture: A tincture of the seeds of the plant Nigella sativa, also known as black cumin, helps with gas in the stomach by inhibiting the growth of bacteria that contribute to gas production, and by reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the powder of the plant Cuminum cyminum, also known as cumin, helps with gas in the stomach by reducing inflammation and spasms in the digestive tract, thereby alleviating symptoms of gas and bloating.
• Suppository: A suppository of the root of the plant Albizia julibrissin, also known as silver leaf, helps with gas in the stomach by applying a localized anti-inflammatory effect to the rectum, thereby reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with gas and bloating.
• Tea: A tea made from the leaves of the plant Zingiber officinale, also known as ginger, helps with gas in the stomach by reducing inflammation and spasms in the digestive tract, and by stimulating digestive enzymes that break down food more efficiently, thereby alleviating symptoms of gas and bloating.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant Commiphora molmol, also known as myrrh, helps with gas in the stomach by reducing inflammation and soothing the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, thereby alleviating symptoms of gas and bloating.
• Powder: A powder of the plant Foeniculum vulgare, also known as fennel, helps with gas in the stomach by reducing inflammation and spasms in the digestive tract, and by stimulating digestive enzymes that break down food more efficiently, thereby alleviating symptoms of gas and bloating.
• Ointment: A topical ointment made from the plant Calendula officinalis, also known as marigold, helps with gas in the stomach by applying a localized anti-inflammatory effect to the abdomen, thereby reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with gas and bloating.
• Elixir: An elixir made from the plant Panax quinquefolius, also known as American ginseng, helps with gas in the stomach by reducing inflammation and soothing the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, thereby alleviating symptoms of gas and bloating.
• Salve: A salve made from the plant Plantago major, also known as plantain, helps with gas in the stomach by applying a localized anti-inflammatory effect to the abdomen, thereby reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with gas and bloating.