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What is a Carminative?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A carminative is a substance which relieves flatulence. Carminatives may be taken by people who are suffering from flatulence, or who anticipate that they may experience it as a result of something they will be eating, or of taking certain medications. Many drugstores carry carminatives, and they are also available at health food stores and similar establishments. Additionally, people can prepare their own, and may opt to take the carminative in the form of a tea or tisane.

There are two ways in which a carminative can combat flatulence. Some do so by suppressing the formation of gas in the intestines, which will reduce the amount which needs to be expelled. Others actually promote gas expulsion, with the goal of essentially clearing out the intestines so that someone will stop experiencing flatulence unexpectedly. Much like an expectorant, a carminative which works in this way attempts to help the body eliminate the offending deposits, rather than just suppressing them.

Dill is believed to have carminative properties.
Dill is believed to have carminative properties.

Numerous herbs and spices appear to have anti-gas properties. Peppermint, cinnamon, dill, basil, anise, ginger, fennel, and nutmeg are some examples of well-known herbs and spices with carminative properties. Their essential oils can be used to manage flatulence, or people can consume other preparations made with these ingredients. Anti-gas pills in health food stores often contain a blend of these ingredients. Some also have the effect of settling the stomach, as seen with peppermint, by reducing gas in the stomach.

Basil is sometimes used as a carminative to relieve gas.
Basil is sometimes used as a carminative to relieve gas.

There are also pharmaceutical preparations which can be used as carminatives. Some are available over the counter, while others must be prescribed as they may require special usage directions. These substances are usually taken orally, with pills being a popular method of drug delivery. Some of these commercial products specifically focus on flatulence caused by particular foods, such as beans, advertising themselves with copy which suggests that after taking the medication, people can consume a good without worry.

Cinnamon can be used as a carminative.
Cinnamon can be used as a carminative.

Chronic flatulence can be the sign of a medical problem which needs to be treated. If someone finds that they are experiencing much more flatulence than normal and it cannot be clearly linked to an activity, it may be a good idea to consult a doctor. The doctor can perform an evaluation to learn more about the causes of the flatulence, and may identify a medical problem which needs treatment. The treatment for the problem should resolve the flatulence, and make the patient more comfortable.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon267710

What are the amounts or percentages to prepare the carminative?

live2shop

If you suffer frequently from flatulence, there are a number of remedies you can use. It's an embarrassing condition and nobody should have to live with it chronically. Carminatives can be taken by pill, or as teas, with ingredients like peppermint, cinnamon, dill, or ginger.

If it is really bad, you can get a prescription from your doctor. These medications are supposed to help quite a bit. If the problem gets more severe, it might be wise to check with your doctor.

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    • Dill is believed to have carminative properties.
      By: Viktor
      Dill is believed to have carminative properties.
    • Basil is sometimes used as a carminative to relieve gas.
      By: Barbara Pheby
      Basil is sometimes used as a carminative to relieve gas.
    • Cinnamon can be used as a carminative.
      By: Natika
      Cinnamon can be used as a carminative.
    • Nutmeg has carminative properties.
      By: Thomas Francois
      Nutmeg has carminative properties.