The main causes are eating habits like gulping with your mouth open, a diet high in fat, an extra intake of fiber, a bowel disorder, smoking, or even spurts of stress. Sometimes it may be an infection in the gastrointestinal tract or a bowel disorder. Fortunately there’s an effective home remedy – ginger and mint lemonade! Just mix chopped ginger with mint, add boiled water and let it steep 30 minutes. And you’ll feel much better. (For more details of the recipe, check this.) So how does it work?
The Ginger Root
Ginger root is an underground stem that has been a medicinal component for thousands of years. It has been savored as a healing root for bloating in various cultures, including the Ancient Greeks. Herbs that help to soothe the digestive tract and relieve gas are known as carminatives. Ginger is a particularly effective carminative; according to James A. Duke, author of The Green Pharmacy Guide to Healing Foods, ginger helps alleviate gas, bloating, and cramps. Ginger also aids in calming the intestinal activity that expels gas. It thins the blood, improving circulation, which effectively relieves any signs of bloating. The element of Gingerols in ginger are pain relievers, and are useful for the abdominal pain that may accompany bloating.
The Mint Family
Spearmint and peppermint are effective natural remedies as well. Menthol in peppermint oil relaxes the muscles and the gastrointestinal tract blocking calcium channels, and encourages smooth motion in the digestive system. Peppermint oil stimulates the increase of localized circulation and bile within the digestive enzymes. The mint family includes peppermint, spearmint, and basil, all herbs that may be helpful in reducing stomach bloating and gas. The soothing mints calm activity in the digestive tract and dissolve the gas pockets that cause bloating. According to The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook, there are several mints that relieve bloating. You can chew on fresh mint leaves, or add peppermint oil or extract drops into hot water to create a healing tonic. Peppermint herb tea will help relieve the pain or cramps associated with bloating. Featured photo credit: epicurious.com via assets.epicurious.com
