Gas and Flatulence

No one under the sun is exempt from flatulence. Every person at some time or another gets gases and disturbances in the colon.

We are all vulnerable to this condition for several reasons. First, the colon is the main seat of vata dosha, the dosha that is derived from ether and air. If vata increases in the colon, due to eating vata-aggravating foods, cold weather, anxiety, insomnia, and other factors, gases may build up. Also, whenever we eat anything, we swallow a small amount of air, which increases vata. And any food we eat undergoes slight fermentation, which produces gases. These gases, in the segmented colon, create flatulence, distension, and discomfort.

Here are some effective ways to control flatulence.

GINGER REMEDY. Grate some fresh ginger root until you have about 1 teaspoon of pulp, and add 1 teaspoon of lime juice. Take this mixture immediately after eating.

LEMON JUICE REMEDY. Another simple method to reduce excess gas is to stir 1 teaspoon lemon juice and ½ teaspoon baking soda into 1 cup cool water. Drink it down quickly, right after meals, for best results! (It forms carbon dioxide, which facilitates digestion.)

CUMIN-FENNEL-CELERY SEED MIXTURE. Prepare a mixture of roasted cumin, fennel, and ajwan seeds (Indian celery seed) in equal proportions. (See this page-this page for suggested method of preparation of roasted seeds.) After each meal, take about ½ to 1 teaspoon of this mixture, chew well, and swallow with about ⅓ cup warm water.

CHARCOAL TABLETS. Another simple remedy is charcoal tablets, which you can buy in most health food stores. Swallow two tablets after lunch and dinner. The charcoal absorbs gases and helps to prevent flatulence.

HERBAL
TABLETS. Ayurveda also suggests the herbs shankavati and

lasunadivati. These herbs are useful for an aching stomach and are

helpful to reduce flatulence. Take 1 tablet (available from most sources

of Ayurvedic herbs) at night for 5 days.

DIETARY GUIDELINES. Flatulence is mostly a vata condition, so following a vata-pacifying diet can help prevent it. Avoid raw foods, cold food and drinks, and most beans. (See chapter 8 for guidelines.) Fermented foods also increase gases in the colon, so it’s best to avoid them.

IRIPHALA. Finally, it is helpful to take the herbal compound triphala. At night before going to bed, steep ½ to 1 teaspoon triphala in a cup of boiling hot water for 5 to 10 minutes, then drink it.