Bloating occurs when the stomach and intestines are filled with excessive air or gas. Mostly, it is experienced as fullness, tightness, or swelling in the abdomen. Your abdomen may also feel distended, hard and painful. Common causes include eating or drinking too fast, chewing gum, smoking, having oily or spicy food and overeating. Medical causes include IBS ( irritable bowel syndrome), Crohn’s disease,peptic ulcer, heartburn, indigestion and constipation. In most cases, bloating is not a serious problem and settles on its own.
Here are some effective home remedies to get rid of bloating naturally:
1 . Ginger
Ginger is an excellent remedy for bloating. It can be munched in slices or taken in tea. It secretes digestive juices and enzymes to help you digest those stubborn fats in your food.
2 . Tulsi
Tulsi or basil leaves are known for their ability to drive away intestinal gases and reduce bloating. Take about 5-6 leaves, wash them properly and then make a paste out of it. Add it with a pinch of salt and pepper in 2-4 table spoons of yoghurt. Consume 2-3 times a day.
3 . Saunf ( Fennel seeds)
Roast/Grind a handful of saunf seeds (fennel ) and consume it with water, daily after meals for a healthy digestion. Alternatively, the seeds can be chewed after meals for a quick remedy.
4. Peppermint
Peppermint contains menthol oil, which is known for its anti-spasmodic properties. it eases the spasms in the intestines and helps to get rid of bloating and excessive gas. Chew 4-5 fresh peppermint leaves to get instant relief from bloating. Or else, steep a peppermint tea bag in hot water for about 10 minutes and drink two to three cups of this tea a day.
5 . Ajwain( Carom seeds)
Carom seeds, also known as ajwain, are traditionally used to cure bloating and indigestion. Take a spoon full of ajwain seeds and chew it after a heavy meal. It can also be grounded and mixed with dry ginger into a fine powder, to be consumed with a glass of water daily.
6 . Jeera (Cumin Seeds)
Jeera or cumin seeds aid in the secretion of pancreatic enzymes that helps in digestion. Take a handful of cumin seeds, grind them and add the powder to a glass of water for a digestive drink! Alternatively, you can also use the powder in milk, add pepper and consume the tasty drink!