Gas, in addition to being a rather uncomfortable and embarrassing problem, could also be a sign that we are suffering from some type of stomach difficulty caused by eating too fast, poor digestion or even a food intolerance. On the other hand, flatulence may also be indicating that we are developing some type of gastrointestinal infection such as, for example, constipation, gastritis or, in more severe cases, irritable bowel or celiac disease. Whatever the reasons for the appearance of these annoying noises in the abdomen, one of the best ways to avoid their appearance is to resort to medicinal plants and natural remedies.
One of the most effective herbs against flatulence is fennel, a plant well known for its pleasant aroma that stands out for different properties very beneficial for our stomach health. That is why, in the following article of, we explain how to take fennel for gases and that, in this way, you do not have to experience a rather embarrassing situation. Read!
Nutritional composition of fennel
Fennel, scientifically known as Foeniculum vulgare Miller, is an evergreen plant that grows wild in different regions throughout the Mediterranean area. This herb of the Umbeliferas family is used for different medicinal remedies due to its incredible health properties. These benefits are due to the following nutritional composition:
- Vitamins: fennel has a richness in vitamin B3 and vitamin C. It also has a good supply of vitamin B6 and B9.
- Minerals: its high content of calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and cobalt stands out.
- Essential oils: this plant contains a pleasant aroma due to its fenchone content. It also stands out for its richness in oils such as trans and anethole, alpha-pinene and limonene.
- Amino acids: it stands out for its contribution in alanine, histidine, arginine, glut aminic acid and aspartic acid.
- Other nutrients: fennel has a great richness in flavonoids and coumarins. Within its composition, we find a good contribution of fiber and fats.
Properties of fennel to remove gases
Fennel is an aromatic herb that has been used since ancient times as a medicinal remedy for different conditions related to the digestive system, including flatulence. Next, we will explain the properties and benefits of fennel for the stomach and why it serves to eliminate gas:
- Fennel is a plant with powerful carminative properties due to its richness in different essential oils. This carminative action helps both to expel gases from the body and to prevent their appearance. In addition, by eliminating the accumulation of gas, it also prevents other related symptoms such as abdominal bloating and heaviness in the stomach.
- These carminative properties contained in this wild plant are also very useful for other discomfort in the abdomen such as the feeling of nerves and oppression that we sometimes accumulate in the upper area of the stomach.
- This herb, especially its seeds, also works as a stomach tonic, since its richness in ethereal oil (anethole) gives it excellent digestive properties. Thanks to them, fennel helps relieve some conditions such as abdominal cramps, improves the digestive process and reduces the lack of appetite.
- This remedy is also used to relieve some symptoms of menstruation, such as severe pains in the lower abdomen. Thanks to its richness in flavonoids, fennel has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce period-related pains.
- Finally, its carminative and anti-inflammatory properties make fennel used as a medicinal remedy for other digestive conditions such as diarrhea, colitis, parasites in the intestine or hyposecretory dyspepsia’s.
How to take fennel for gases – very effective remedy
The best way to use this plant as a medicinal remedy to eliminate gases is to make an infusion using its fruits once they are dry. Next, we explain step by step how to prepare an infusion of fennel for gases. To do this, you will only need to have the following ingredients at home:
- 15 grams of dried fennel seeds.
- 3 grams of cardamom.
- 1 glass of water.
Preparation and treatment:
- The first step in making the fennel infusion will be to add a glass of water in a saucepan and put it on the fire until it starts to boil.
- When the water reaches its boiling point, you will have to add both the 15 grams of dried fennel and the 3 grams of cardamom. We use this plant for the elaboration of this infusion, since it also has carminative properties. In this way, we accelerate the process of expelling the annoying gases.
- Once you have added the amounts described, turn off the heat, cover the saucepan and let the herbs rest in the boiled water for 10 minutes.
- When the indicated time has elapsed, strain the drink from the saucepan in a cup to remove the remains of fennel and cardamom. You will already have the fennel infusion ready for the gases.
- Take fennel infusion for twice a day, preferably after the main meals (lunch and dinner). If the taste is too strong for your taste, you can always sweeten it with a tablespoon of organic honey.
Contraindications of fennel infusion
- Pregnant women.
- Lactating women.
- Patients who are taking medication for epilepsy or seizure disorders.
- Those who suffer from hypothyroidism because fennel contains iodine.
- People who have an allergy to this plant or species of the same family.
