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Carminatives are agents that prevent or reduce flatulence. These are herbal remedies rich in oils, including many spices and herbs that are commonly used. Carminative herbs not only help with flatulence but are also used for diarrhea and constipation.
Natural and herbal remedies made from spices and condiments have been used in traditional medicine since ancient times. They are still followed in many cultures, including Chinese and Indian traditional medicine. In this article, we list the commonly used carminatives along with their amazing properties.
Do carminatives work?
Carminative herbs have been reported to ease and relieve conditions in the intestine and other inflammatory conditions.
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Although more research is required to find out the exact mechanism of how these herbs work, they are harmless and can be used for mild issues, including constipation relief and flatulence remedies. For severe conditions, it's best to consult a doctor before taking any carminatives, though.
Carminative Herbs
Here's a list of popular carminatives that are widely used:
1) Lemon balm
Scientifically known as Melissa officinalis, it belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It contains volatile oils (citral, citronellal, citronellol, geraniol), polyphenols (chlorogenic, rosmarinic and caffeic acids), tannins, lavonoids (luteolin, quercitin, apigenin, kaempferol). Lemon balm can be used along with other carminatives.
It's used for anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, headaches and excitability. It can be used topically for herpes and other viral infections. Lemon balm is also used topically for gout and internally for rheumatism and neuralgias.
Uses: Available as capsules. It can be taken as 2 tsp per cup of water or topically: 2-4 times daily.
2) Anise
Scientifically known as Pimpinella anisum, it belongs to the Umbelliferae family. It contains volatile oil (1-4%), coumarins, flavonoid glycosides, phenylpropanoids, lipids, fatty acids, sterols, proteins and carbohydrates in small amounts. Anise can be used along with other carminatives.
It's widely used as an expectorant, anti-spasmodic, carminative and anti-microbial agent. A mixture prepared with different carminative herbs can help relieve coughs and colds.
Uses: 1-2 tsp crushed seeds in a cup of water or 1-2 drops of oil mixed with honey or sugar. Toxicity has not been reported for this herb.
3) Rosemary
Scientifically known as Rosmarinus officinalis, it belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It contains volatile oils (borneol, camphene, camphor, cineole, limonene, linalool, isobutyl acetate, 3-octanone, terpineol, verbenol, etc.), flavonoids (apigenin, diosmin, diosmin, etc.), rosmarininc acid and other phenolic acids, terpenoids (carnasol, oleanolic and ursolic acid).
Rosemary relaxes smooth muscle spasms, capillaries and arteries, improving blood flow. It's used to improve mental clarity, memory and vision. Rosemary stimulates appetite and improves the circulatory and nervous systems. This herb can be used to manage cardiovascular weakness too. Rosemary can be used with other carminatives as well.
Uses: 1 tsp per cup of water. It can also be used for baths, ointments, chest rubs and massage oil.
4) Fennel
Scientifically known as Foeniculum vulgare, this herb belongs to the Umbelliferae family. Fennel is among the most commonly used carminatives in Asia. It contains volatile oils (up to 8% consisting of anethole, estrogole, and fenchone), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, kaempferol glycosides), coumarins and sterols.
Fennel extract relaxes the smooth muscles of the intestines and reduces flatulence. Fennel is more effective than Cumin, anise seeds and dill seeds. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in the intestine.
Uses: 1-2 tsp crushed seeds per cup of water
5) Peppermint
Scientifically known as Mentha piperita, it belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Peppermint is among the most popular carminatives.
It contains volatile oil (2%) containing menthol, menthone and jasmone, tannin, phenolic acids (rosmarinic, chlorogenic, caffeic), flavonoids (luteolin, rutin, hesperidin), gum, resins, micronutrients (carotenes, choline, vitamin E, minerals).
It's anti-spasmodic and carminative and is among the best carminative herbs. Peppermint has a relaxing effect on the visceral muscles and relieves intestinal flatulence. The oils present in peppermint help reduce nausea during travel or pregnancy. Peppermint oil can also be used topically for rheumatism, sprains and strains.
Uses: 2 - 4 grams of dried herb can be used directly. One tbsp per cup of water can be used to make an infusion. The essential oil can be used for steam inhalation, baths, topical rubs and massage.
Indranil Biswas is a nutritionist and personal trainer with a diploma in dietetics and personal training with a specialization in sports nutrition and strength training.
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