5 herbs and spices to reduce bloating

Do you experience stomach discomfort or burping during meals even while consuming fewer portions? This could indicate bloating. You may be eating too fast which could lead to swallowing of air or certain food items like dals, cabbage, radish, or excessively salty foods might be making you gassy. Whatever may be the reason, it can be corrected with little help from our age-old herbs and spices that can help treat digestive discomfort.

1. Cumin

You can make yourself cumin seeds or jeera tea to get quick relief from bloating. Roast and grind cumin seeds and keep the powder aside. Now boil a cup of water and add cumin seeds powder to it. You can also add some lemon juice and black salt to boost flavour. Research shows that cumin can support bile production, which is important for digestion and absorption of nutrients.

2. Clove

Laung or clove is an effective home remedy for relieving post-meal bloating. Take 1-2 clove pieces and chew them for instant relief from the feeling of heaviness and bloating. Consuming clove post meal can speed up process of digestion. Studies have shown that this helps reduce flatulence, gas formation and bloating.

3. Carom seeds

Ajwain or carom seeds is an age-old remedy that can cure almost all digestive issues. It is known to resolve indigestion, bloating and flatulence. Consume a pinch of ajwain with some black salt added to it. Alternatively, boil some water and add carom seeds to it. Strain the mix after 2-3 minutes and add black salt to it. This tea is very effective for stomach pain due to indigestion and bloating.

4. Cinnamon

Dalchini or cinnamon is used since time immemorial for treatment of nausea, flatulence and upset stomach. Take few dalchini sticks, grind them, and add them to boiling water. Strain after the water turns slightly darker. It will be slightly sweet to taste. It is a very popular remedy as per traditional Chinese medicine.

5. Ginger

Adrak or ginger chai can be an amazing way to release gas and resolve bloating. Eating ginger is known to cure constipation and other causes of bloating and intestinal gas. Boil some water and add grated ginger and tea leaves to it. Add honey after it cools down a bit to sweeten it.

You can also take a stroll after eating to release trapped gas and get rid of bloating. Soak pulses overnight before consuming them as they have tannins that can interfere with digestion. Eat meals slowly and not very rapidly as it can lead to swallowing of air.

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