When a wind – or gas – is stuck inside you, the pain can be unbearable. So much so that it may feel as if you need to take a trip to the emergency room. Before heading off to the doctor, try applying a few simple home remedies to relieve the intense pain.
According to Healthline, trapped wind can be caused for a number of reasons. Common causes of excess gas include digestion, food intolerance, bacterial overgrowth, constipation, and lifestyle behaviours (such as smoking, overeating, or chewing gum).
Below are a few ways to relieve the gas, as explained by Healthline.
Gently massage the painful area
Massaging the area causing pain, using the ‘I LOV U’ method, can encourage the gas to move downward and out of the body. To apply the technique, make circular massage movements on your abdominal area in the shape of the letters I, L, U, and O in the direction your bowel movements pass through the colon and small intestine.
Consume herbs or seeds
Mix the following herbs or seeds into a glass of warm water and drink:
- Anise
- Caraway
- Coriander
- Fennel
- Turmeric
Move around or do yoga poses
Try walking around or exercising as this will help in relieving you from the gas pains. Regarding yoga poses, Healthline recommends the following:
- Lie on your back and extend your legs straight up with your feet together.
- Bend your knees and put your arms around them.
- Pull your knees down to your chest while simultaneously pulling your head up to your knees. You can also keep your head flat if it’s more comfortable.
- Hold the pose for 20 seconds or more.
Drink non-carbonated liquids
Forget the fizzy drinks. Try drinking chamomile, ginger, or peppermint tea. You can either use prepared teabags, or make your own herbal tea.
Use baking soda
Add to a glass of water half a teaspoon of baking soda, stir, and drink. It is important that you do not use more than half a teaspoon as too much baking soda on a full stomach can lead to a stomach rupture.
Also see: Why you shouldn’t hold in your farts
