Ayurvedic Herbs and Spices to combat Bloating and Gas
What causes bloating and gas?
Eating too much: Overdoing it at mealtimes can overburden your digestive system, leading to ama (sticky digestive toxins caused by undigested food).
Eating incompatible foods: In Ayurveda, certain food combinations are said to diminish your agni (digestive fire). For example, milk is best consumed on its own, or with a sweet grain like rice. Eating milk with most other foods—especially bananas and sour fruits like cherries—will likely lead to indigestion. Melon is another food best eaten alone. The bottom line: if you feel gassy after eating a certain food or food combination, that’s your body’s way of telling you to reduce or avoid it.
Eating on the go: Eating while walking, standing, or doing other activities such as eating while working at your desk can draw energy and blood flow away from your digestive system, leading to digestive discomfort. It also aggravates Vata dosha—the Ayurvedic mind-body element associated with air and space—which can lead to a temporary accumulation of air in the intestines.
Eating while feeling upset or stressed: Eating when you’re upset or engaged in intense conversations has a similar effect. Whenever possible, skip the hard conversations or serious discussions for another time.
Ginger
Ginger is well known in Ayurveda for its digestion-boosting properties. This spicy root stimulates the digestive fire and also helps with assimilation. You can buy the root fresh or in powdered form in any supermarket and use it in your cooking.
Coriander
Coriander whets the appetite without overheating Pitta dosha (the mind-body element associated with fire and water). This flavorful spice also helps to support a healthy response to allergens. When cooking, simply add sautéed coriander seeds or powder to your dahls, soups, and veggie sautés.
Cumin
Cumin is commonly used in traditional Ayurvedic cooking, as well as in Middle Eastern and Mexican cuisines. This simple spice has many benefits, from boosting digestion to aiding in the purification of digestive toxins. Cumin, coriander, and ginger are three key ingredients that are a powerhouse for the digestive system when combined in a tea.
Fennel
Fennel is a fantastic spice that kindles the digestive fire without overheating Pitta dosha (the mind-body element associated with fire and water).
Turmeric
Turmeric is Ayurveda’s “golden spice.” The yellow powder that gives curry its distinctive hue, turmeric is a mainstay in Ayurvedic cooking and herbal formulas. According to the ancient texts, this golden botanical supports a healthy stomach, digestive system, liver, and colon, among many other benefits. Add a few sprinkles to your meals for a digestive boost.
A few more things you can do to help avoid and ease stomach discomfort:
Get moving: Exercise is one of the best and easiest ways to boost your digestion, metabolism, circulation, and mood. Try to make a point of doing a little something everyday—even just a 20-minute walk.
Steer clear of carbonated beverages of any kind. It creates air in the digestive tract.