The uncomfortable feeling that arises after having had a meal, along with tightness, burping, flatulence, or a visually distended stomach. This is most commonly known as bloating or gas, which affects almost everyone at some point in their lives. While this feeling is often harmless, it could be a signal that the digestive system is struggling to break food down efficiently. The main cause of bloating could be lifestyle habits like eating too quickly, consuming large amounts of gassy foods, drinking carbonated beverages, or even prolonged chronic stress. But, keeping these causes aside, many people experience bloating or gas repeatedly immediately after having a meal. Such uncomfortable instances that are experienced by many people need certain home remedies for bloating that can offer instant relief.
4 Natural Remedies For Bloating And Gas
1. Ginger
Ginger, or adrak, is one of the most used digestives globally due to its anti-inflammatory and medicinal properties. The exact compounds that are present in this natural remedy are gingerol and shogaols. When it comes to relieving gas, consuming a small piece of ginger works as a calming agent for the digestive system. Ginger also works as an effective remedy to expel gas and soothe the digestive tract.
How To Use It: Consuming a small teaspoon of ginger powder, followed by water, can offer instant relief from gas.
Even a small square inch of fresh ginger can be a helpful digestive aid, even though it may be pungent and hard to swallow.
To ease into consuming raw ginger, chew a small piece under the tongue so it can slowly release its juices and change the flavour in the mouth. This can also be used as a taste changer and can be slowly absorbed into the system.
Ginger can also be consumed in tea form by brewing a small piece of it in lukewarm water and using a dollop of honey as a sweetener. Only consume only one cup of ginger tea in a single day, as too much consumption can cause indigestion.
Read More: Is Drinking Adrak Chai Or Ginger Tea Beneficial For Winter Immunity?
2. Ajwain Or Carom Seeds
The most commonly existing ingredient is a powerhouse against indigestion, bloating, and gas, especially after consuming a heavy meal. The magic ingredient in ajwain is thymol, an essential oil that gives the seeds their distinct aroma and flavour. The magic compound present in ajwain is a highly effective digestive agent through its secretion of powerful gastric juices. Through this function, carom seeds prevent food from sitting in the stomach, which prevents the production of gas.
How To Use It: A small teaspoon of carom seeds needs to be soaked in water so that the helpful properties can be increased. This form also helps in faster absorption into the system, decreasing the uncomfortable feeling when people experience gas or bloating.
Read More: What Happens To Your Body After Drinking Ajwain Water?
3. Saunf Or Fennel Seeds
The ritual of consuming a small teaspoon of fennel seeds after eating a heavy meal serves as more than a mouth freshener. Fennel seeds also have a calming effect, like carom seeds, which calm the digestive tract. This allows the gas pockets formed in the intestines to release and soothe stomach discomfort.
How To Use It: A small teaspoon of fennel seeds or even fennel seeds soaked in water can be used as an instant relief for gas and bloating.
4. Curd
An imbalance in the gut environment due to an increase in bad bacteria can cause gas and bloating. To remedy this situation, consuming a small bowl of probiotic-filled curd can be helpful. As the body relies on trillions of good bacteria to break down food efficiently, it is important to correct the balance for gut health. This imbalance can occur due to poor diet, stress, or medications, as these causes can enter the gut and lead to excessive gas formation.
How To Use It: The most potent form of curd comes from the homemade version that is set in a well-cleaned terracotta container.
This vessel maintains the temperature of the curd and ensures proper fermentation for maximum presence of live cultures.
The maximum presence of these live cultures is directly responsible for maintaining a gut microbiome. This kind of curd can offer instant relief from bloating.
These four natural remedies are highly effective for managing every day and occasional gas and bloating. But it is crucial to remember that natural remedies are meant for instant relief and not as the sole way to treat persistent symptoms of gas and bloating.
Note: If bloating is accompanied by symptoms like unexplained weight loss, changes in bowel movements, or blood in the stool, consult a medical professional immediately.
Read More: 5 Ways Curd Or Dahi Can Restore Gut Balance And Build Immunity
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
References:
Lemlem Gebremariam Aregawi, Csiki Zoltan, Ginger's nutritional implication on gastrointestinal health, Clinical Nutrition Open Science, Volume 61, 2025, Pages 1-13, ISSN 2667-2685.
Baghel, S., & Pal, A. (2024). Trachyspermum ammi (Ajwain): A comprehensive review of pharmacological properties from traditional to recent developments. Journal of Medicinal and Aromatic Plant Sciences.
Das B, Rabalais J, Kozan P, Lu T, Durali N, Okamoto K, McGeough MD, Lee BJ, Barrett KE, Marchelletta R, Sivagnanam M. The effect of a fennel seed extract on the STAT signalling and intestinal barrier function. PLoS One. 2022 Jul 8;17(7):e0271045. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271045. PMID: 35802574; PMCID: PMC9269469.
The effects of dairy on the gut microbiome and symptoms in ... - NIH. (2024).
