Bloating is a common symptom of many digestive system disorders. Bloating is a sense of gassiness or a sense of being distended in the abdomen. It’s uncomfortable and embarrassing. So how do you get rid of bloating? Keep reading to learn the five most powerful Ayurvedic bloating remedies.
Here’s what we’ll cover in this article:
Uncovering The Cause Of Bloating With Ayurveda
5 Ayurvedic Bloating Remedies
How These Bloating Remedies Work
READ MORE: Marma Points For Indigestion And Metabolism, Bloating Causes + Remedies
According to Ayurveda, intake of Vata aggravating factors (Vatprakopaka Ahara Vihara) causes an abnormal condition of the digestive fire (Agnidushti) and disturbance in the function of the stomach and intestines. This leads to impaired digestion and bloating (Adhmana).1 When there is an aggravation of Vata in the rectum, it causes retention of stool, urine and gas and this also results in colic pain, flatulence or bloating. According to Ayurveda, bloating is a Vata disorder (Vatvyadhi). It is accompanied by weakened digestive or metabolic fire (Agnimandya).
In order to recover from bloating, treatment should ignite the metabolic fire (deepana), promote digestion (pachana) and be carminative (vata-anulomaka). One of these bloating remedies may help.
READ MORE: Vata Diet: Everything You Need To Know
Here are the five best Ayurvedic bloating remedies. These remedies follow the above principle and provide effective relief from that feeling of fullness and discomfort.
Ayurveda gives great importance to Buttermilk (takra) both as a food and a medicine (aushadha). Buttermilk is light in digestion and so it is preferable for those suffering from diseases having an abnormal condition of metabolic fire (Agnidusti). It is sweet (madhur) and sour (amla) in taste and so it also pacifies the aggravated Vata dosha.2
READ MORE: Indian Spiced Buttermilk Recipe For Strong Digestion
Buttermilk (Takra) is obtained from yogurt or curd. Here’s how you make it.
Ingredients
400 ml yogurt or curd
100 ml water
Directions3
To make buttermilk, add water to the yogurt. Churn or blend for 1 to 2 minutes in a jar or mixer. Now, your standard buttermilk is ready.
Note: For making standard buttermilk (Takra) the ratio of yogurt to water will always be 4:1.
In the case of bloating, the buttermilk can be taken in the following three ways.
Buttermilk sprinkled with half a teaspoon of Ajwain (Carom seed) powder or Yavani and made saline by adding rock salt (Saindhava lavana) according to taste, stimulates the power of digestion and helps in the downward movement of Vata dosha and urine.4
Buttermilk that is sour and blended with one teaspoon each of ginger, black pepper and cumin and half a teaspoon of rock salt will help. As all these condiments have excellent digestive properties and are carminative as well. They improve digestion and expel gas from the stomach. They are beneficial in Vata aggravation which is the main cause of bloating.
Buttermilk blended with half a teaspoon of Ajwain (Carom seeds or Yavani) and rock salt, and 2-3 grams of jaggery, helps in the downward movement of gas and stool. This is an effective bloating remedy.5
Ingredients
1/4 tsp each of cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds
2 cups water
Directions
1. Boil water for 2 -3 minutes in a pan.
2. Remove from heat and add the whole cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds.
4. Let the spices infuse into the boiled water for about 10 minutes, or until the water turns luke warm.
5. Strain and discard the spices, and your digestive decoction is ready to be served. Drink warm.
Drinking this infusion half an hour after food helps in digestion, bloating, cleanses the body channels and removes all the body waste and toxins from the body.
Garlic tea is an effective remedy for a variety of conditions including gas and bloating. Raw garlic delivers better results than processed garlic.
Ingredients
2 cups water
2-3 garlic cloves
2-3 black peppercorns
1/2 tsp cumin seeds
Directions
1. Add peeled cloves of garlic, black pepper and cumin seeds to a pan of water.
3. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, then turn off the flame.
4. Strain and discard the spices.
5. Let the tea become lukewarm before consuming it.
Drink this one half to one hour after meals. Garlic tea with black pepper and cumin is an excellent bloating remedy that gives immediate relief to bloating discomfort.
Ingredients
1 tsp of fresh or dried peppermint stems and leaves
2 cups water
1 1/2 tsp lemon juice
sugar (optional, to taste)
Directions
1. Boil the water and add the fresh or dried peppermint stems and leaves.
3. Reduce heat to low and continue to boil for five minutes, then turn off the flame.
4. Let the peppermint steep for ten minutes.
5. Strain the tea and add little fresh lemon juice and sugar.
6. Stir well and consume it warm to relieve gas and bloating.
Intake of this tea for 2 – 3 times a day will not only help to relieve gas or bloating but also treats overall health problems.
Asafoetida (Hing) Tea
Ingredients
10 grams of Asafoetida (Hing)
2-3 grams of cumin seeds
200 ml of water
Directions
1. Add the Asafoetida (hing) and cumin seeds to the water and boil over a low flame until it reduces to half.
2. Turn off the flame and let cool.
4. Now strain and discard the leftover spices. Consume warm.
Asafoetida (Hing) Paste
External application of Asafoetida (Hing) paste is another bloating remedy you may consider. To make this paste, take half a tablespoon of Asafoetida and dissolve it in a few drops of water. Mix to form a paste and apply on and around your navel.
Another way is to dissolve 4-5 grams of Asafoetida in hot water and steep a cloth in it. Place over the abdomen as a form of fomentation.
Both ways relieve gas instantly and give immediate relief in bloating pain.
Now let’s take a look at the action and therapeutic uses of these ingredients. How do they help bloating? Keep reading.
Buttermilk (Takra) pacifies all doshas (tridosha shamaka)7, increases the digestive fire (deepana)8, and promotes digestion (Pachana).9 It clarifies the channels of circulation (Srotshodhaka).10
It is useful in Vata imbalance related disorders (Vatavyadhi), distention of the abdomen due to obstruction to the passage of urine and stools (Anaha)11, udara rog (abdominal disorders)12 and digestive ailments like irregular bowel movements, irritable bowel syndrome and stomach infections.13
READ MORE: Indian Spiced Buttermilk Recipe For Strong Digestion
Carom seed (Yavani or Ajwain) relieves pain (Shoolhara), acts as a carminative (Anulomana), increases the digestive fire (Deepana), promotes digestion (Pachana)14 and acts as a digestive stimulant.15
It is useful in bloating (Adhmana), flatulence, distention due to obstruction (Anaha) and supports abdominal disorders (Udarroga).16
Rock salt (Saindhav lavana) increases the digestive fire (Deepana), pacifies all doshas (tridoshshamaka)17 and gives relief from constipation (Vibandhaghna).18
Ginger (Adraka) was included by Charaka in a group of herbs that increases digestive fire (deepana)19, alleviates Vata (vatahara)20, is useful in painful conditions (Shool), constipation (Vibandha), distention due to obstruction (Anaha)21 and dyspepsia.22
READ MORE: What Are The Benefits Of Ginger Tea/Water?
Black pepper (Marich) was included by Charaka in a group of herbs that increases digestive fire (Deepana)23, alleviates Vata (vatahara)24, acts as a digestive stimulant and aids in intestinal motility.25
It is useful in painful conditions (Shool)26, vata related disorders and bloating (vayunivarayati).27
Jaggery (Gur) ignites the digestive fire (agnideepana), cleanses the stomach, urinary and excretory systems (vitmutra, amashayashodhana).28
It is useful in flatulence and bloated stomach conditions.
Cumin (Jeeraka) ignites the digestive fire (Deepana), promotes digestion (pachana)29, is effective in cases of weak digestive fire (Agnimandhya).30 One research study found it to be effective in improving all IBS symptoms.31
Coriander (Dhanyaka) ignites digestive fire (Deepana), promotes digestion (pachana)32, is effective in bloating (Adhmana), indigestion (Ajirna)33, possesses muscle relaxant effects and thus is helpful in relieving abdominal pain.34
Fennel (Mishreya, Sanuf) ignites digestive fire (Deepana), carminative (anulomana) and removes toxins from body (Amadoshahara).35
It is effective in cases of weak digestive fire (Agnimandhya) and painful conditions (Shool).36 One research study found that fennel oil was useful in the condition of bloating and flatulance.37
Garlic (Lasuna) ignites digestive fire (Deepana) and alleviates Vata (vatahara).38 It is useful in painful conditions (Shool), Vata disorders (vatavyadhi), colic with flatulence (vatashoola)39, relieves constipation and is useful in treating disorders related to Vata imbalance.40
Peppermint (Pudina) ignites digestive fire (Deepana), is useful in painful conditions (Shool), alleviates Vata (vatahara)41, relieves bloating (Adhmana) and strengthens a weak digestive fire (Agnimandhya).42 In a recent study on peppermint, it was seen that 35 volunteers with IBS who received capsules containing peppermint oil and fiber showed a 53.5% improvement in symptom scores for bloating and distention after four weeks of use.43
Lemon juice (Nimbu ras) ignites digestive fire (Deepana), alleviates Vata (vatahara) and promotes digestion (pachana).44 It is effective in cases of weak digestive fire (Agnimandhya), anorexia (aruchi), colic with flatulence (vatashula) and constipation (vibandha).45
Asafoetida (Hing) ignites the digestive fire (Deepana), promotes digestion (Pachana), acts as a carminative (Anulomana), alleviates Vata (vataprashmana)46 and enhances digestive enzyme action in the pancreatic tissues.47
It is useful in diseases involving pain (shoolrog), bloating (adhmana), and in weak digestive fire (Agnimandhya).48
Natural Ayurvedic bloating remedies are a great first step to relieve bloating. But if the problem persists for more than 2-3 weeks, don’t ignore the issue. See your doctor to address the issue.
References
1. Jaimini Pandey, Harita samhita sankrita mula and Nirmala hindi commentary ref 3/20/33-34 Chaukhamabha vishwabharati Varanasi 221005 1st edition 2010.
2. Kashinath ,Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana chapter 15 verse 118, Chowkhambha Bharti Academy, 2005.
3. Bhavamisra, Bhava Prakasha Nigantu, Takra Varga, Sloka 1 – 7, 5 edition Chowkhambha Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi.
4. Kashinath, Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana chapter 5 verse 168, Chowkhambha Bharti Academy, 2005.
5. Kashinath ,Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana chapter 14 verse 99, Chowkhambha Bharti Academy, 2005.
6. S M Zahid Hosen,Role of Ayurvedic formulation in indigestion, International Research Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology (ISSN 2251-0176) Vol. 2(8) pp. 187-192, August 2012.
7. Kashinath, Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana chapter 15 verse 118, Chowkhambha Bharti Academy, 2005.
8. Kashinath, Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana chapter 15 verse 117, Chowkhambha Bharti Academy, 2005.
9. Kashinath Pandey, Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana chapter 2 verse 19, Chowkhambha Bharti Academy, 2005.
10. Priyavrat Sharma, Drav Varg, Priya Nighantu, Varanasi: Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan; 2004, page 232.
11. Vagbhatt, Astang Hridyam (Vidyotini Teeka), Udar Chikitsa sthana Chapter 15th Chaukhambha Prakashan; 2007, page 395, Varanasi.
12. Agnivesh, Charaka Samhita ChikitsaSthana chapter 13th , Part 2,Varanasi: Chaukhambha Bharati Academy; 2012, page 330.
13. Dr. Vandana S Yeragi, Effects of Buttermilk on Health, International Journal of scientific research and management (IJSRM) ||Volume||4||Issue||11||Pages||4936-4940||2016|| Website: www.ijsrm.in ISSN (e): 2321-3418.
14. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India, Part 1, Volume 1.
15. Saini N, Spasmolytic Potential of some medicinal plants belonging to family Umbelliferae: A Review, Int.J.Res.Ayurveda Pharm. 5(1) Jan -Feb 2014.
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17. Kashinath Pandey, Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana chapter 27 verse 300, Chowkhambha Bharti Academy, 2005.
18. S.D. Kamat,Dhanvantari Nighantu 2 ,edition 2011,Choukhambha Publishing house, Varanasi.
19. Kashinath Pandey, Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana chapter 4 verse 8/6, Chowkhambha Bharti Academy, 2005.
20,21. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India, Part 1, Volume 2.
22. Ming-Luen Hu, Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsia, World J Gastroenterol. 2011 Jan 7; 17(1): 105–110.
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23. Kashinath Pandey,Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana chapter 4 verse 8/6, Chowkhambha Bharti Academy,2005.
24. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India, Part 1, Volume 3.
25. Krishnapura Srinivasan,Black pepper and its bioactive compond (Piperine) Molecular Targets and Therapeutic Uses of Spices, pp.25-64
26. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India, Part 1, Volume 3.
27. S.D. Kamat, Dhanvantari Nighantu ,Shatpuspadi varga 13, edition 2011, Choukhambha Publishing house, Varanasi .
28.Acharya Balkrishna, rajnighantu chapter 12 verse 119, Divya prakashan
29,30. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India, Part 1, Volume 1.
31. Shahram Agah ,Cumin Extract for Symptom Control in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Case Series, Middle East J Dig Dis. 20- Oct; 5(4): 217–222.PMCID: PMC3990147PMID: 24829694.
32,33. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India, Part 1, Volume 1.
34. Saini N,Spasmolytic Potential of some medicinal plants belonging to family Umbelliferae: A Review, Int.J.Res.Ayurveda Pharm. 5(1) Jan -Feb 2014.
35,36. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India, Part 1, Volume 1.
37. Choi EM, Antiinflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activities of the fruit of Foeniculum vulgare. Fitoterapia. 2004 Sep;75(6):557-65. PMID: 15351109 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2004.05.005.
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40. Kashinath Pandey,Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana chapter 27 verse 176, Chowkhambha Bharti Academy,2005.
41,42. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India, Part 1, Volume 5.
43. Brooks D. Cash, A Novel Delivery System of Peppermint Oil Is an Effective Therapy for Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms, Dig Dis Sci. 2016; 61: 560–571. doi: 10.1007/s10620-015- 3858-7, PMCID: PMC4729798,PMID: 26319955
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47. R. Ramakrishna Rao, K. Platel, K. Srinivasan,In vitro influence of spices and spice-active principles on digestive enzymes of rat pancreas and small intestine Nahrung, 47 (2003), pp. 408-412.
48. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India, Part 1, Volume 1.
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