Gas and Bloating (Flatulence)
By Steven Horne, RH (AHG) & Kimberly Balas, ND

See also Belching, Hiatal Hernia and Ileocecal Valve

Intestinal gas is created by the action of friendly flora on foods we eat. Some amount of gas production is normal.
Excessive gas is usually due to imbalances in the friendly flora or problems with digesting certain foods. Digestive enzymes can help reduce intestinal gas. Taking fiber or probiotics sometimes temporarily increases intestinal gas by altering intestinal microbes.

Bloating is an abnormal feeling of fullness in the gastrointestinal tract caused by excessive gas that builds up pressure in the abdomen. Bloating puts pressure on the stomach and contributes to the development of a hiatal hernia. It may even cause stress on the heart. Where bloating is frequent, the ileocecal valve is probably swollen and inflamed and needs to be closed.

Herbs used to relieve gas and bloating are called carminatives. These herbs relieve intestinal gas by increasing blood flow to the abdominal cavity. Most of the gas produced in the intestines is actually absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted through the lungs. Carminative herbs aid this process. They also aid digestion to slow gas production.

Where bloating is severe and accompanied by foul belching, there is petrification taking place in the digestive tract. Activated charcoal can be very helpful for relieving this condition. Chinese Anti-Gas is also helpful.
Here is a complete list of therapies and remedies that may be helpful for gas and bloating.

Below is a list of suggested products. Those in bold are key products for the health issue explained on this page.
For details and ordering simply copy a product's name in the search box above or click on the bold name.

Therapies: Aromatherapy, Cleansing Programs, Gut Healing Diet and Hiatal Hernia Correction

Herbs: Blessed Thistle, Catnip, Chamomile, Garlic, Ginger, Kava Kava and Safflowers

Herbal Formulas: Anti-Gas (Chinese), Anti-Gas Formula, Catnip & Fennel, CLT-X, Fenugreek & Thyme, Intestinal Soothe & Build, JP-X, Liquid Cleanse, Papaya Mint and Red Raspberry Liquid

Herbal Extracts: CurcuminBP

Nutrients: Activated Charcoal and Probiotics

Nutraceuticals: Bowel Detox, Food Enzymes, Lactase Plus, PDA Combination and Proactazyme

Essential Oils: Bergamot, Clove Bud, Lemon, Myrrh, Neroli, Peppermint, Red Mandarin, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary, Thyme and Ylang Ylang