Carminatives
A carminative, also known as carminativum (plural carminativa), is a herb or preparation intended to either prevent formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract or facilitate the expulsion of said gas, thereby combating flatulence.
Medical Definition of Carminative:-
Carminative: An agent that prevents or relieves flatulence (gas in the gastrointestinal tract) and, in infants, may help in the treatment of colic. The origin of the word "carminative" is particularly curious.
It was borrowed from the French carminatif (masc.), carminative (fem.). Virtually all English-language dictionaries state that the French took the word from the Latin carminare, to card wool. However, a respected French dictionary Le Petit Robert indicates that carminare meant nettoyer, to cleanse. The confusion appears to stem from the fact that to card wool was to cleanse it. Thus, a carminative cleanses the bowels.
Name
The word carminative is a derivative of Latin cārmen "card for wool", on the humoral theory that carminatives "dilute and relax the gross humours from whence the wind arises, combing them out like the knots in wool".
Varieties
Carminatives are often mixtures of essential oils and herbal spices with a tradition in folk medicine for this use. Some examples for oils and spices with carminative action are:
Carminatives are often mixtures of essential oils and herbal spices with a tradition in folk medicine for this use. Some examples for oils and spices with carminative action are:
Carminative Herbs in Use
Carminative herbs are plants that contain volatile compounds that have traditionally been used for their pharmacological properties on benefiting human health. Primarily, the phytonutrients in these herbs have therapeutic effects in supporting digestive health and influencing overall well-being.
One of the most common carminatives used today, peppermint, was even referred to in the writings by Hippocrates when he references its plant structure the Mentha Piperita L.
Carminatives are present in many uses today such as gum, bitter liqueurs, food preparation, toothpaste and herbal teas.
Adding carminative herbs into your diet and even into the air you breathe can have a profound impact on reducing gas, after dinner bloating, nausea and more. This article discusses 7 reasons to use carminative herbs to improve your health.