Laborious digestion, gas, heaviness in the stomach… Here are the natural and effective solutions of pharmacologist Sylvie Hampikian to counter bloating.
1. Vegetable charcoal: it absorbs gases
In absorbing part of the gases, vegetable charcoal helps to deflate and relieve feelings of discomfort. Dilute a tablespoon of powdered charcoal in a large glass of water. Ideally, this preparation is drunk in the morning on an empty stomach, but in case of severe pain, take it without delay. If you don’t like the taste, you can also consume it in the form of capsules.
2. Baking soda for stomach acidity
Because baking soda is an alkaline productit neutralizes the acidity of the stomach, thus putting an end in a natural way to bloating and heartburn. Dilute a teaspoon in a large glass of water to drink gently and whole. “Be careful, however, its consumption must stay very episodic, as baking soda can make high blood pressure worse“, insists Sylvie Hampikian. Hypertensive people should avoid it as it is high in sodium.
3. Fennel to deflate
This vegetable has no equal in chasing gas. It contains an active ingredient, called anethole, which blocks the fermentation process of food during digestion, calms bloating. Of the benefits recognized by WHO. “From the first pains, prepare an herbal tea by infusing a good teaspoon of fennel seeds in 200 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes, before filtering and drinking the preparation. You can take it up to 4 cups a day, preferably after meals. If you don’t like its taste, you can add a teaspoon of honey, lemon juice or mix it with another plant such as liquorice or verbena“advises our expert.
4. Basil essential oil against stomach ache
It reduces excess acidity, stimulates digestion and thanks to antispasmodic properties, it relieves abdominal pain. It is also very effective in stopping hiccups. Let a sugar melt in your mouth on which you have placed two drops of this essence. To be renewed during the day as needed, without exceeding six drops per day. In case of abdominal spasms, you can also use it in massage. Then dilute four drops of essential oil in two teaspoons of vegetable oil, type sweet almond or olive, and apply the preparation on the belly by performing gentle circular movements in the direction of clockwise.
5. A green tea against spasms
Green tea is very rich in polyphenols. In addition to their antioxidant effects, some have antispasmodic properties. Flatulence and bloating are part of the traditional indications of green tea. To drink a cup from the first pains and up to 2 per day, away from meals.
6. Lemon essential oil to reduce nausea
She has powerful digestive and anti-nausea properties. From the first sensations, take two drops of lemon on a piece of bread. To be renewed up to 4 times a day.
7. Peppermint to lighten up
Peppermint essential oil has digestive and anti-nausea properties recognized by the World Health Organization. After a heavy meal, swallow a drop of peppermint in a teaspoon of honey. Pain, nausea and bloating disappear within ten minutes.
8. Sage tea before a hearty meal
Its aromatic components exert antispasmodic and digestive effects that quickly calm pain and bloating. According to the European Medicines Agency, the sage is recognized for its traditional use in the treatment of mild digestive disorders (dyspepsia), heartburn and bloating. The used parts of the plant are the leaves and flowering tops. “Take a herbal tea as soon as you feel the first ailments: in 20 minutes, you will feel the benefits! But you can also consume it “preventively”: one hour before a meal that you know to be hearty, drinking a sage infusion will allow you to enjoy a feast without pain. However, do not consume sage for a prolonged period without medical advice, as it has hormonal properties“, recommends Sylvie Hampikian. It is particularly to be avoided in women who have a history of hormone-dependent cancers (such as breast cancer for example).
9. Kombucha to take care of your microbiota
It is a drink originating from Central Asia prepared from a mixture of bacteria and yeasts cultivated in sweetened black tea. Her taste is slightly acidic and reminiscent of cider. It contains good bacteria, micro-organisms that enrich our microbiota and act as a barrier to the expansion of “bad bacteria”. At the key, a better digestion, regular transit, good digestion and better resistance to disease. Available in organic stores.