Definition of carminative plant
Carminative plant helps expel intestinal gas.
It is useful against abdominal tension and flatulence.
A carminative, known in Latin as carminativum (plural carminativa), is a herb or preparation intended to combat flatulence either by preventing formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract orfacilitating its expulsion.
Carminative plants have many digestive applications, such as improving slow digestion (dyspepsia) and treating flatulence, bloating and constipation.
Active ingredient(s)* in carminative plants
Carminative properties are mainly attributed to the essential oils contained in certain plants.
*Although research into active compounds allows us to attribute certain properties to individual components, in herbalism we generally prefer to use the whole plant (in its entirety ).
Carminative plants
Highly carminative
Sweet Flag, Dill, Angelica, Fennel, Ginger, Hyssop, Lemon Balm,Peppermint, Rosemary, Green Anise
Carminatives:
Basil, Cardamom, German chamomile, Roman chamomile, Caraway, Coriander,
Cumin, Marjoram, Onion, Lavender, Lovage, Parsley, Savory, Sage, Thyme
Read the associated plant data sheet to find out about preferred systems, restrictions and possible interactions.
Carminative plant: Good uses
Issue: Slow digestion (dyspepsia)
For difficult digestion, digestive or bitter plants are the specialists. However, depending on the cause of the problem, they can be combined with plants with the following properties:
– Carminative: eliminates gas;
– Antispasmodic: calms the smooth musculature of the digestive tract;
– Aromatic: stimulates the gastrointestinal mucosa;
– Choleretics and cholagogues: increase the flow of bile, a digestive juice used by the small intestine.
Issue: Flatulence and bloating
Carminative plants are the great experts in flatulence and bloating disorders. However, depending on the cause of the problem, they can be combined with plants with the following properties:
– Antiputrid: cleanse the digestive tract in the event of poor fermentation;
– Bitter or digestive, aromatic: support digestion;
– Antispasmodic: calms the smooth musculature of the digestive tract;
– Choleretic and cholagogic: increase the flow of bile, a digestive juice used by the small intestine.
Useful plants: wormwood, dill, angelica, green anise, tarragon, mint, parsley, rosemary, savory, sage, thyme.
Note: sometimes, eating more slowly, chewing well and not working while eating are enough to solve the problem. If you have a recurring problem, you may want to check for lactose intolerance,
Issue: Constipation
In cases of constipation, the specialists are laxative plants. However, depending on the cause of the problem, they can be combined with plants with the following properties:
– Bitter or digestive, carminative: facilitate food processing;
– Emollient: heals the mucous membranes of the digestive tract and aids passage of the alimentary bolus;
– Bile drainers (cholagogues, choleretics): bile softens stools.
Carminative plant processing and consumption
Taking care of yourself…
Using a plant containing essential oils is not the same as ingesting essential oils directly.
In the plant, the essential oil is part of the totum and its presence is not concentrated. For example, eating oregano or rosemary poses no problem. However, their essential oils are respectively hepatotoxic and neurotoxic when taken orally.
Herbal tea
You’ll love the soothing effect of a good hot herbal tea on abdominal tension. To fully benefit from the carminative virtues of your herbal tea, be sure to keep your essential oils in your herbal teas. Here are a few useful precautions to help you make the most of your carminative herbal teas:
- Dried plants lose their essential oils over time. What’s more, they vaporize if dried at over 35°C. To benefit from their carminative virtues, prefer fresh plants! If you’re using dried plants, look for whole plants or chunks that were dried less than a year ago. A dried plant that has retained its essential oils also retains its scent.
- When preparing your carminative herbal tea, cover it with a lid (ideally cooled). This will preserve the essential oils in your herbal tea.
Recommended solvents
Here are the right solvents to take advantage of essential oils in carminative plants:
For more information on solvent processing:
Warning
In the case of serious disorders or chronic illnesses, consult a doctor.
Self-diagnosis and self-medication are dangerous.
Unless specifically indicated, the uses described are for plants and do not apply to essential oils.
Before consuming a plant: make sure you identify it correctly, and always read the “Precautions and interactions with medicines” leaflet in the associated plant files.
Dosages are given for guidance only and are suitable for adults unless otherwise specified.
Despite all the care taken in writing this article, an error may have crept in. We cannot be held responsible for any consequences or misinterpretation, as no article can replace medical advice. For more information on the safe use of plants, read: Safe use of plants as allies in your health.