Accumulation of Gas in the abdomen is a very common problem. It can manifest itself in many ways, such as feeling of bloating in the abdomen, passing of excessive gas from the anus (flatulence), and burping. The trapped gas can cause discomfort, heaviness, and even pain in the abdomen.
Homeopathy is highly efficient in managing numerous gastric issues including gas problems. These medicines along with proper diet and lifestyle can bring about relief in gas and bloating problems. Homeopathy targets the underlying causes and helps provide relief. These medicines are sourced from naturally obtained substances so there are no adverse effects. These medicines help in reducing gas, bloating, excessive burping and abdomen pain due to gas.
Symptom-based prescription
There are several medicines in homeopathy which bring relief in cases of gas problems. The most suitable medicine is selected as per the characteristic symptoms present in each individual. A homeopath records all the symptoms in detail and then evaluates the key symptoms to administer the most appropriate medicine. Such medicines bring relief to the patients.
Natural Treatment Without Side Effects
Homeopathy treats gas problems very safely with natural medicines. The medicines do not contain any toxic chemicals so promote natural healing with no side effects. Even with prolonged use, there are no unwanted after-effects.
Homeopathy addresses the root cause
Homeopathy focuses on treating the root causes which result in gas problems and offer long term solution. Homeopathy can treat the medical conditions that may lead to excessive gas formation like IBS, celiac disease, and lactose intolerance, and manage its symptoms including gas trouble. The regular prescription-based use of homeopathic medicines can also help decrease dependence on conventional medicines that offer only temporary relief.
Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines For Gas And Bloating
The ten most effective homeopathic remedies for gas include Carbo Vegetabilis, Lycopodium Clavatum, China Officinalis, Asafoetida, Raphanus Sativus, Pulsatilla Nigricans, Nux Vomica, Robinia Pseudacacia and Colocynthis, Argentum Nitricum.
1. Carbo Vegetabilis – Top-Grade Medicine for Gas and Bloating
Carbo Veg is a natural medicine recommended for excessive gas. This medicine is suitable for nearly every symptom associated with gas, such as bloating, belching, pain and flatulence. In most of the cases, gas is mostly felt in the upper abdomen. The problem worsens when one lies down. Burping or passing of gas relieves bloating. It is also indicated when anything (even the best diet for the body) gets converted into the gas. Sour or putrid burps after eating may also occur. Carbo Veg helps ease pain in the abdomen due to trapped gas. In some cases, the gas pushes the diaphragm, puts pressure on the lungs, and leads to difficulty in breathing. Here, Carbo Veg proves to be very effective.
When to use Carbo Vegetabilis?
This medicine can be administered for cases of excessive gas specifically in the upper part of the abdomen along with burping, bloating, and abdomen pain due to trapped gas.
How to use Carbo Vegetabilis?
Homeopathic practitioners use it in different potencies from low to high. But in the beginning, it is safe to use it in 30C potency twice or thrice daily depending on the severity of the problem. Higher potencies should be used after consulting a qualified homeopath.
2. Lycopodium Clavatum – For Gas, Bloating Immediately After Eating
Lycopodium Clavatum is a plant remedy prepared from the plant ‘Club Moss’. It is highly useful when the abdomen feels full and distended soon after eating even a small quantity of food. The rumbling of gas in the abdomen is also well-marked. Most of the patients may suffer from noisy flatulence. For gas problems worsening in the evening time, Lycopodium is a major medicine. It is also a leading medicine in cases the gas in the lower abdomen is more pronounced.
When to use Lycopodium Clavatum?
The use of Lycopodium is recommended when gas and bloating are observed immediately after eating and gas is mostly felt in the lower abdomen.
How to use Lycopodium Clavatum?
Though it can be used in both low potencies and higher potencies, such as 30C and (like 200C, 1M), initially it is best advised to administered low potencies. Lycopodium 30C can be taken one to two times daily according to the intensity of the problem.
3. China Officinalis– For Gas in Full Abdomen and Pain From Gas
China Officinalis is a wonderful remedy prepared from “Peruvian dried bark”. It is primarily prescribed for gas in the entire abdomen that causes excessive bloating. Gas in the abdomen is felt for a long time after meals. Digestion is weak and slow. Secondly, it is beneficial to get rid of abdominal pain from obstructed gas. It is also an important medicine to relieve one of gas pain following a surgery of the abdomen. Along with the above-mentioned symptoms, belching with bitter taste or taste of the food consumed, along with vomiting of undigested food may be present.
When to use China Officinalis?
China is considered the best remedy when a person complains of gas in the entire abdomen and also when there is obstructed gas leading to the abdomen pain.
How to use China Officinalis?
China is generally administered in 30C potency. It can be taken two or three times daily in a gap of three to four hours.
4. Asafoetida – For Gas Pushing Upwards with Loud Burps
Asafoetida (commonly called ‘Heeng’) is very suitable for treating excessive gas in the abdomen when the gas pushes itself up the body and not downwards. One burps louder than usual and there is difficulty in burping. The abdomen feels full and distended with colic. There is a sensation as if the abdomen may burst. Gurgling and rolling sensations are felt in the abdomen, and a throbbing pain in small regular intervals may be felt in the pit of the stomach. Burps may emit a garlic-like foul smell. They leave bad taste in the mouth.
When to use Asafoetida?
This medicine is beneficial when gas in the abdomen moves upwards followed by loud burps with much difficulty.
How to use Asafoetida?
This medicine can be administered in 30C potency two times a day for best possible results.
5. Raphanus Sativus – For Obstructed Gas In Abdomen
Raphanus Sativus is prepared from the fresh root of ‘Black Garden Radish’. Raphanus is one of the best prescriptions for gas stuck in the abdomen. It neither pushes upwards or downwards. The abdomen gets enlarged, inflated, and distended. Griping pain is felt around the navel. Any pressure on the abdomen is unbearable. A burning sensation in the abdomen, stomach pain, and severe nausea may also be felt.
When to use Raphanus Sativus?
Raphanus can be administered for any case where obstructed gas that neither moves up nor down is the key symptom. This medicine helps release gas and also relieves one of pain.
How to use Raphanus Sativus?
This medicine works in different potencies ranging from low to high as per its intensity. For gas problems, the most recommended dose is 30C potency that can be administered two to three times daily as per the intensity of the problem.
6. Pulsatilla Nigricans- For Gas after Fatty Food
Pulsatilla Nigricans is a natural medicine prepared from the plant “Windflower’. It is indicated for gas and bloating when the complaints arise from eating rich, fatty or heavy food. The patient feels marked fullness and distension of the abdomen, heaviness mostly felt after the meals. Eructations often taste of food eaten long before and the digestion is generally very slow. Flatulence is more troublesome in the evenings and is accompanied by a feeling as if the stomach is overloaded. Symptoms keep varying and the person usually has a mild, gentle and emotional temperament.
When to use Pulsatilla Nigricans?
Pulsatilla should be used when bloating occurs particularly after pastries, fried food, ice creams or oily meals. The patient feels better in the open air.
How to use Pulsatilla Nigricans?
Pulsatilla 30C potency can be administered two to three times a day in case of normal indigestion. In acute attacks, Pulsatilla 200C may be administered once a day for short periods.
7. Nux Vomica – For Bloating from Overeating and Sedentary Habits
Nux Vomica is one of the top remedies for gas and bloating. Normally it happens due to faulty lifestyle and dietary indiscretions. It is especially suitable for people who ten to overeat, take spicy food, alcohol, coffee or have irregular meal habits. The abdomen feels tight, distended and full of gas with frequent ineffectual urge to pass stool. The patient often complains of sour or bitter eructations, heaviness in the stomach after eating and crampy abdominal pain. Flatulence is usually associated with irritability, mental stress and a sedentary routine.
When to use Nux Vomica?
Nux Vomica is administered when gas and bloating take place due to late nights, overwork, stimulants or rich food and it is also useful for routine gastric linked upsets.
How to use Nux Vomica?
Nux Vomica 30C can be taken twice or thrice daily. In acute circumstances, Nux Vomica of 200C potency at bedtime often brings relief.
8. Robinia Pseudacacia – For Bloating with Marked Acidity
Robinia is predominantly a medicine for gas and bloating associated with marked hyper acidity. There are intensely sour eructations with burning sensation in the stomach and throat. The patient suffers from acid reflux, regurgitation and distension of the abdomen after meals. There may be sour vomiting and a constant feeling of acidity along with flatulence. The entire digestive system seems overloaded with acid leading to discomfort and bloating. Symptoms generally aggravate at night and when one lies down, and relief is often felt after vomiting or eructations.
When to use Robinia Pseudacacia?
Robinia should be used when gas is accompanied by intense heartburn and sour risings.
How to use Robinia Pseudacacia?
Robinia 30C can be administered two to three times daily. In cases of chronic acidity with persistent bloating Robinia 200C once daily proves to be very effective.
9. Colocynthis – For Bloating with Violent, Cramp-like Abdominal Pains
Colocynthis is indicated when the flatulence is accompanied by severe colicky and cramping abdominal pains. There is intense griping, cutting pain in the abdomen which compels the patient to bend double for relief. The abdomen becomes distended with gas, but the discomfort is mainly due to spasmodic pains rather than simple fullness. Flatulence is often associated with restlessness and irritability. A very characteristic indication of Colocynthis is that the pain gets better from firm pressure, warmth and by bending forward, while they are aggravated by eating, drinking, anger or emotional excitement. Gas formation is frequently triggered by mental stress, indignation or suppressed anger.
When to use Colocynthis ?
Colocynthis should be used when bloating is painful, crampy and spasmodic in nature rather than merely uncomfortable.
How to use Colocynthis?
In ordinary acute attacks, Colocynthis 30 can be administered two to three times a day until relief sets in. In more intense colicky pains with marked flatulence, Colocynthis 200 may be prescribed as a single dose or once a day for short term duration.
10. Argentum Nitricum -For Nervous Gas with Loud Belching
Argentum Nitricum is a very useful remedy for bloating and flatulence of nervous origin. The characteristic feature is excessive gas formation with loud, noisy belching that gives temporary relief. The abdomen feels distended and the patient often complains that it feels as if the abdomen will burst. There is rumbling, and gurgling sensation and continuous passing of the wind. A strong craving for sweets is usually an accompanying factor and that aggravate the gastric issues. Gas troubles are commonly associated with anxiety, anticipation and nervous excitement, such as before travel, examinations or at the time of public speaking.
When to use Argentum Nitricum ?
This remedy should be administered when gas and bloating worsen due to emotional stress or after sugary food intake.
How to use Argentum Nitricum?
Argentum Nitricum 30 may be used twice or thrice a day. In chronic nervous dyspepsia, Argentum Nitricum 200 can be prescribed once daily according to the severity of the symptoms.
Note: One may consider the use of any of these medicines only in the above-recommended potency and the specific dosage can be taken for about a month. To continue using these medicines beyond one month or for use of higher potencies, it is advised to take the opinion of a qualified homeopath.
What is the Reason behind Gas Formation in Abdomen?
Some gas formation is quite normal and is part of the process of digestion itself. The passing of gas is mostly a result of the food that we eat or its interaction with the kind of bacteria present in our intestines. Flatulence is generally produced when undigested food is acted upon by bacteria in the large intestine. When the digestive system is not able to digest certain carbohydrates (like sugar starches and fiber found in different food items) due to shortage or absence of certain enzymes, the undigested carbohydrates (when they reach the large intestine) are broken down by harmless bacteria to produce gas (carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane). Certain food items produce more flatulence than others because they contain more indigestible carbohydrates.
Some of the substances that lead to the overproduction of gas are – beans, dairy products, onions, celery, carrots, sprouts, fruits (raisins, bananas, apricots), and complex carbohydrates like pulses. Gases like methane, hydrogen, and hydrogen sulphide are the main reasons of flatulence. Hydrogen Sulphide is responsible for the odor of the flatus. Though the symptoms are usually bloating, abdominal pain, belching, and flatulence, not everyone experience all of them. The amount of gas produced and the sensitivity of the gastrointestinal tract to gas determines the kind and the intensity of the symptoms.
Why do Some Individuals Suffer More from Gas than Others do?
The answer lies in the fact that some of us are biologically more prone to have this problem whereas in others, eating habits contribute majorly to this disorder. Increased gas formation may also occur from certain gastric problems:
1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS):It is a disorder of the large intestine that causes altered bowel movements (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating diarrhea and constipation), bloating, gas, and cramps in the abdomen. The cause of IBS is unknown but may involve abnormal movements and contractions of intestinal muscles and increased sensitivity to pain in the intestine. People with IBS have this increased sensitivity of the intestinal walls and may even cause even a small amount of gas formation to cause excessive bloating in the abdomen.
2. Lactose intolerance: Gas formation increases among those people who suffer from lactose intolerance. If there is lactose intolerance, the sufferer cannot completely digest lactose in milk. Gas, diarrhea, and bloating take place after consuming milk or other dairy products.
3. Celiac disease (gut allergy to wheat): Those with a wheat allergy also suffer from excessive flatulence. In celiac disease, eating gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley) triggers an immune reaction in the small intestine leading to damage of the lining of the small intestine with the passage of time, and hampers nutrient absorption. The symptoms of this disease include diarrhea, fatigue, bloating, weight loss, and anemia.
4. Cohn’s disease: It is an inflammatory bowel disease in which any part of the digestive tract gets inflamed due to an autoimmune response. It can cause gas, and bloating along with other main symptoms of abdomen pain, diarrhea, weakness, and weight loss.
5. Chronic constipation: In constipation the digestive process slows down due to which stool remains in the colon for an extended time period. Hence the bacteria get more time to ferment stool leading to gas and bloating.
6. SIBO(small intestinal bacterial overgrowth): It refers to a condition that results from an imbalance of the gut bacteria. It happens when excessive bacteria or the wrong type of bacteria grows in the small intestine. It can lead to various symptoms including gas, bloating, abdomen pain, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
What Lifestyle Factors Contribute in Excessive Gas Formation?
1. Eating Rapidly- Eating too fast leads to excessive swallowing of air, which causes excessive gas and bloating in the gastrointestinal tract. It leads to inadequate chewing which causes digestive problems and increased fermentation in the intestines.
2. Lack of Physical Activity- Sedentary lifestyle or no routine physical activity can reduce intestinal motility. This may result in gas accumulation, discomfort and even constipation.
3. Overeating- Eating large meals burden the gastrointestinal system that leads to poor digestion and fermentation of food causing excessive gas formation in the abdomen.
4. Stress and Anxiety- Psychological stress significantly disrupts the gastrointestinal function as it alters the gut motility. It further slows down the digestion and causes bloating, gas, and discomfort in the abdomen.
5. Excessive Caffeine Intake- Consuming more caffeine can also irritate the gut lining leading to abdominal discomfort, acid reflux and bloating.
Which measures provide relief from gas and bloating?
Few lifestyle changes that can help in managing excessive gas formation are:
1. Avoid late night eating
2. Maintain Hydration
3. Add some physical activity in your routine
4. Identify and avoid triggers
5 Limit alcohol and smoking
6. Restrict caffeine intake
7. Take a short walk after meals
8. Avoid eating too much in one meal, rather divide your meals
9. Maintain meal regular timings and avoid eating between meals
10. Manage your stress and anxiety
11. Avoid lying down immediately after eating
12. Limit consumption of carbonated beverages as they can lead to excessive air entry into digestive tract
13. Adapt thoughtful eating habits, such as slow eating, chewing food properly, avoiding talking while eating, etc..
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is gas formation normal?
Yes. Passing gas is a normal body function. However, excessive gas, discomfort, or persistent bloating may indicate a digestive problem.
2. Which foods usually cause gas?
Foods like lentils, beans, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, dairy products, fried food, fizzy drinks, and excessive tea/coffee can increase gas.
3. Can stress cause bloating?
Yes. Stress and anxiety can disturb digestion and lead to acidity, bloating and gas.
4. Why do I feel bloated even after small meals?
This can happen due to slow digestion, food intolerance, acidity, constipation, or sensitive stomach conditions like IBS.
5. When should I worry about bloating?
If bloating is intense, and persistent, also associated with weight loss, vomiting, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, or difficulty in swallowing, medical advice is necessary.
6. Does drinking water help with gas?
Yes. Warm water especially helps improve digestion and relieves trapped gas.
7. Can constipation cause bloating?
Absolutely. When stool is not passed regularly, gas builds up in the intestines causing bloating and discomfort.
8. Is acidity related to bloating and gas?
Yes. Acidity and indigestion often go hand in hand with gas formation and abdominal fullness.
9. Do home remedies really help?
Simple remedies like ginger tea, jeera water, ajwain, and warm lemon water can provide relief in cases of mild gas and bloating.
10. Can milk cause bloating?
Yes, especially among people who are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy products.
11. How can homeopathy help in gas and bloating?
Homeopathy treats the root cause by improving digestion and correcting individual sensitivity, offering long-term relief without side effects.
12. What tests are required to know if it is chronic bloating?
Depending on the symptoms, a doctor may advise tests like stool examination, ultrasound, endoscopy, or tests for food intolerance.