Gas Down Below, or Flatulence

This symptom, the most frequent in astroenterology, mainly affects women It is due to the presence of too much gas in the intestine and colon, or to difficulty in getting rid of it. The established medical term is tympanites. The condition reveals itself as local or generalized distension, sometimes painful with excessive rectal emission of gas The rumblings in the gut actually come from the colon, though patients often imagine they are in the stomach. The development of this condition is unpredictable, and closely linked with the environment and to personal equilibrium.

Homeopathy

China, Raphanus niger

- Four granules of one of these two remedies at 5c, to be sucked like sweets, two or three times a day between meals. The intervals between doses should be increased as improvement occurs

Raphanus niger

- Vegetable origin: horseradish
- Homeopathic remedy for distension of the gut, with no release of gas

• You can use Lehning@ China compound 107, which contains China 3x, Arsenicum album 6x, and Nux vomica 4x:
  - Available in 30ml bottles of oral solution
  - Twenty drops to be taken in a little water after meals and when the condition is troublesome
• You should also add a constitutional remedy decided upon after consultation with your homeopath; in this case it will often be Argentum nitricum, Lycopodium, Nux vomica

Minerals

Clay, carbon

Clay is a sedimentary rock taken orally as a 'sponge' to adsorb intestinal germs. You can obtain clay of excellent quality, ground, as granules and as a powder, from health food shops and pharmacies;
- Take one dessertspoonful of finely ground clay in a half-glass of water, once or twice a day

• You can use Argiletz@ Fine Green Clay:
  - Available in 300g boxes
  - Add one teaspoon to a glass of water and stir well. Allow to stand overnight and next morning drink the clay milk or just the clear water before breakfast

Charcoal

Charcoal is one of the most powerful absorbent substances, capable of retaining bacteria, viruses, gas, and toxins. It is therefore almost indispensable as a natural 'intestinal bandage' for the treatment of diarrhoea, aerophagy, and gas distension. It is perfectly well tolerated, but can sometimes cause constipation.

• You can use Bragg's medicinal charcoal:
  - Available in boxes of 250 tablets
  - Take three or four tablets after meals, three times a day. Not recommended for children under twelve

Herbal treatment

Anise, fennel, mint

Mint

Peppermint is the most valued of all the varieties of mint because it is very rich in the essential oil that makes it so fine and so effective.

• If you are in a restaurant, you may be able to get a mint infusion at the end of your meal
• If you are at home, you can have an infusion of thyme, star anise, or fennel, or add some fennel or coriander seeds to the main dishes.