Many people want to know how to remove gas from the stomach instantly, particularly those with chronic conditions likeconstipationorirritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While over-the-counter medications can be very effective for this, there are natural remedies that can also help treat gas as well.
These not only include herbal remedies like ginger, anise, and peppermint but also self-care therapies like yoga, deep breathing, and heating pads. Sometimes even adjusting your bathroom habits can help.
Verywell / Joshua Seong
When to Call a Healthcare ProviderGas pain shouldn’t last more than a few hours. Contact your healthcare provider if your pain does not improve within 24 to 48 hours or if you have had painful bloating for more than two days.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Gas pain shouldn’t last more than a few hours. Contact your healthcare provider if your pain does not improve within 24 to 48 hours or if you have had painful bloating for more than two days.
1. Sipping Warm Water
Sipping hot water warms the stomach and stimulates the wave-like contractions of the digestive tract, calledperistalsis. The contraction can help push trapped gas from the colon and even help ease cramping and pain.
You don’t need to drink scalding water; rather, temperatures between 140 and 150 degrees F are ideal (the same temperature you usually sip tea at).
2. Herbal Teas
Spearmint,chamomile, ginger, peppermint, andaniseteas are all known to help get rid of gas naturally and may help amplify peristalsis if you suffer from gas.
That said, avoid anise if you have recurring diarrhea since it may have a mild laxative effect. This can be helpful, however, if you think constipation is adding to your gas pains.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
4. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seedsare known for relieving intestinal gas naturally.An amount thought to be safe is around 1 teaspoon. Try chewing the seeds to see if that helps.
There are some concerns regarding the safety of fennel while pregnant or breastfeeding.In such cases, it may be best to play it safe and choose a different option to get rid of gas.
5. Peppermint
Peppermintsupplements are often used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and gas.Look for peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules that can help you avoid stomach upset that can sometimes occur.
You can also try eating candies made with real peppermint or sipping peppermint tea.Peppermint oilfrequently used for the treatment of IBS can also be purchased online and added to water.
Peppermint may prevent your body from absorbing iron, so avoid it if you are taking iron supplements to treatiron-deficiency anemia.
6. Ginger
Gingerhelps reduce fermentation in the stomach, which may help relieve gas and bloating.You can take ginger supplements or drink ginger tea. Arguably, the best way to consume ginger is in your food. Try adding it to savory dishes or eating slices of pickled ginger.
7. Baking Soda
Baking sodacan help neutralize stomach acid and relieve painful bloating, particularly during pregnancy.Try drinking an 8-ounce glass of water with 1/2 teaspoon of dissolved baking soda.
It is important not to use baking soda for the long term or to take more than 1/2 teaspoon at a time since this can cause an imbalance ofelectrolytesand symptoms likeirregular heartbeats.
8. Abdominal Massage
Abdominal massagecan stimulate your digestive system and help gas move down and out of your body. Press down gently on the painful area and rub in circular motions in the direction of your colon. You can perform this on someone with gas pains or on yourself.
9. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoalis a porous form of charcoal with tiny spaces that help trap gas. Taking activated charcoal before or after meals may help prevent painful gas.
Activated charcoal can cause constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting if overused, so always start with smaller doses.Be aware that activated charcoal can turn your stool black, which may surprise you but it’s otherwise harmless.
10. Clove Oil
Clove oilmay help relieve gas, bloating, and indigestion. Try taking a clove oil capsule after meals to stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce the production of gas.
Clove oil should not be used in children. Even small amounts may cause severe side effects such as seizures and liver damage.
11. Exercise
Ultimately, any exercise that causes the compression and extension of the intestines can help release gas. This includes calisthenic exercises like:
12. Yoga
Others that may help include:
13. Deep Breathing
Deep breathingmay help relieve gas, but you will need to practice before you’ll be able to use this technique.
Since deep breathing from thediaphragmis so effective for reducing stress, it’s worth taking the time to learn how to do it. You can then use this breathing technique as needed for future gas attacks. With practice, you will be able to do it wherever you are, in any position.
14. Change Positions
If trapped gas is causing you pain, don’t worry about modesty. Instead, go to a private place and allow yourself to pass gas/break wind/fart. Or, find a bathroom to relieve yourself. The less gas there is in your system, the less likely it will cause you pain.
Trapped gas is painful because it creates pressure in your digestive tract. Gas that builds up in your stomach or the left side of yourcolon(large intestine) can feel like chest pain. Gas that builds up on the right side of your colon can feel likeappendicitispain.
To help release gas, try lying on your left side. This follows the natural flow of gas in the large intestine and may help release it more easily.
If you have painful gas and bloating, it may be because it is trapped behind stool. The best advice in this case is to sit on the toilet and allow yourself plenty of time to have a bowel movement. Oftentimes, the very action of sitting will send signals to the brain that it’s time to go.
16. Over-the-Counter Medications
Some people find that over-the-counter (OTC) products like simethicone andBeanoare very effective in relieving gas.
Brand names for simethicone include:
Beano is another product that contains the digestive enzymealpha-galactosidase. This can help if you are prone to gas after eating beans or certain kinds of vegetables.
If you get gas after consuming dairy products, try takingLactaid, which contains a digestive enzyme that breaks down lactose in dairy and prevents it from fermenting in the gut.Beano also breaks down certain carbs into simple sugars, which may be a problem if you havediabetes.
17. Heating Pads
Heating pads can be soothing and help to relax the muscles in your gut enough to release pain.You can use a heating pad or hot water bottle, or simply relax in a hot bath.
If you use a heating pad or hot water bottle, put a cloth barrier between your skin and the pad to prevent burns. If you have frequent gas pain, consider taking a heating pad with you to work.
Preventing Gas
The best way to deal with gas and bloating is to identify the cause and take steps to prevent it from happening.
One of the most common culprits is swallowing too much air. To prevent excessive air swallowing, avoid things like:
Another way to prevent gas is to identify andavoid foods that cause gas. This can vary from person to person, but some of the more common culprits include:
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt can also cause gas in people who arelactose intolerantand don’t naturally produce the enzymes needed to break them down.
Summary
For milder gas, there are some things you can do to relieve your symptoms at home. Relieving yourself as soon as you need to pass gas or have a bowel movement, walking, applying heat, and taking deep breaths can all help relieve gas pain.
You may also find OTC remedies and supplements helpful. But talk to your healthcare provider before taking them to be sure they are safe for your situation.
23 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Caliskan N, Bulut H, Konan A.The effect of warm water intake on bowel movements in the early postoperative stage of patients having undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial.Gastroenterol Nurs.2016 Sep-Oct;39(5):340-7. doi:10.1097/SGA.0000000000000181Koriem KM.Approach to pharmacological and clinical applications of Anisi aetheroleum.Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2015;1(5):60-7. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(15)30172-6Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567Choi NR, Jung D, Kim SC, Park JW, Kim BJ.Analysis of network pharmacological efficacy and therapeutic effectiveness in animal models for functional dyspepsia ofFoeniculi fructus. Nutrients.2023 Jun;15(12):2644. doi:10.3390/nu15122644Mahendran G, Rahman LU.Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological updates on Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.)-a review.Phytother Res. 2020;34(9):2088-2139. doi:10.1002/ptr.6664Crichton M, Marshall S, Marx W, et al.Therapeutic health effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale): updated narrative reviewing exploring the mechanisms of action.Nutrition Reviews. 2023:nuac115. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac115Ali RAR, Hassan J, Egan LJ.Review of recent evidence on the management of heartburn in pregnant and breastfeeding women.BMC Gastroenterol. 2022;22(1):219. doi:10.1186/s12876-022-02287-wAl-Abri SA, Olson KR.Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart, case files or the medical toxicology fellowship the University of California, San Francisco.J Med Toxicol.2013 Sep;9(3):255–258. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4Medline Plus.Activated charcoal.Batiha GE, Alkazmi LM, Wasef LG, Beshbishy AM, Nadwa EH, Rashwan EK.Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents, pharmacological and toxicological activities.Biomolecules. 2020;10(2):202. doi:10.3390/biom10020202MedlinePlus.Clove.Johns Hopkins Medicine.How to get rid of gas pain.University of Michigan Medicine.Diaphragmatic breathing for GI patients.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gas in the digestive tract.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Bowel retraining: strategies for establishing control.UCLA Health.Does activated charcoal help with gas and bloating?New York University Langone Health.Beano.Ibba I, Gilli A, Boi MF, Usai P.Effects of exogenous lactase administration on hydrogen breath excretion and intestinal symptoms in patients presenting lactose malabsorption and intolerance.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:e680196. doi:10.1155/2014/680196.Beano.FAQs.Mooventhan A, Nivethitha L.Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body.North Am J Med Sci. 2014;6(5):199-. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.132935Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Gas: beat the bloat.Bayless TM, Brown E, Paige DM.Lactase non-persistence and lactose intolerance.Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2017;19(5):23. doi:10.1007/s11894-017-0558-9Staudacher HM, Whelan K.The low FODMAP diet: recent advances in understanding its mechanisms and efficacy in IBS.Gut. 2017;66(8):1517-1527. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2017-313750
23 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Caliskan N, Bulut H, Konan A.The effect of warm water intake on bowel movements in the early postoperative stage of patients having undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial.Gastroenterol Nurs.2016 Sep-Oct;39(5):340-7. doi:10.1097/SGA.0000000000000181Koriem KM.Approach to pharmacological and clinical applications of Anisi aetheroleum.Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2015;1(5):60-7. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(15)30172-6Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567Choi NR, Jung D, Kim SC, Park JW, Kim BJ.Analysis of network pharmacological efficacy and therapeutic effectiveness in animal models for functional dyspepsia ofFoeniculi fructus. Nutrients.2023 Jun;15(12):2644. doi:10.3390/nu15122644Mahendran G, Rahman LU.Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological updates on Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.)-a review.Phytother Res. 2020;34(9):2088-2139. doi:10.1002/ptr.6664Crichton M, Marshall S, Marx W, et al.Therapeutic health effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale): updated narrative reviewing exploring the mechanisms of action.Nutrition Reviews. 2023:nuac115. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac115Ali RAR, Hassan J, Egan LJ.Review of recent evidence on the management of heartburn in pregnant and breastfeeding women.BMC Gastroenterol. 2022;22(1):219. doi:10.1186/s12876-022-02287-wAl-Abri SA, Olson KR.Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart, case files or the medical toxicology fellowship the University of California, San Francisco.J Med Toxicol.2013 Sep;9(3):255–258. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4Medline Plus.Activated charcoal.Batiha GE, Alkazmi LM, Wasef LG, Beshbishy AM, Nadwa EH, Rashwan EK.Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents, pharmacological and toxicological activities.Biomolecules. 2020;10(2):202. doi:10.3390/biom10020202MedlinePlus.Clove.Johns Hopkins Medicine.How to get rid of gas pain.University of Michigan Medicine.Diaphragmatic breathing for GI patients.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gas in the digestive tract.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Bowel retraining: strategies for establishing control.UCLA Health.Does activated charcoal help with gas and bloating?New York University Langone Health.Beano.Ibba I, Gilli A, Boi MF, Usai P.Effects of exogenous lactase administration on hydrogen breath excretion and intestinal symptoms in patients presenting lactose malabsorption and intolerance.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:e680196. doi:10.1155/2014/680196.Beano.FAQs.Mooventhan A, Nivethitha L.Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body.North Am J Med Sci. 2014;6(5):199-. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.132935Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Gas: beat the bloat.Bayless TM, Brown E, Paige DM.Lactase non-persistence and lactose intolerance.Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2017;19(5):23. doi:10.1007/s11894-017-0558-9Staudacher HM, Whelan K.The low FODMAP diet: recent advances in understanding its mechanisms and efficacy in IBS.Gut. 2017;66(8):1517-1527. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2017-313750
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Caliskan N, Bulut H, Konan A.The effect of warm water intake on bowel movements in the early postoperative stage of patients having undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial.Gastroenterol Nurs.2016 Sep-Oct;39(5):340-7. doi:10.1097/SGA.0000000000000181Koriem KM.Approach to pharmacological and clinical applications of Anisi aetheroleum.Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2015;1(5):60-7. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(15)30172-6Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567Choi NR, Jung D, Kim SC, Park JW, Kim BJ.Analysis of network pharmacological efficacy and therapeutic effectiveness in animal models for functional dyspepsia ofFoeniculi fructus. Nutrients.2023 Jun;15(12):2644. doi:10.3390/nu15122644Mahendran G, Rahman LU.Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological updates on Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.)-a review.Phytother Res. 2020;34(9):2088-2139. doi:10.1002/ptr.6664Crichton M, Marshall S, Marx W, et al.Therapeutic health effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale): updated narrative reviewing exploring the mechanisms of action.Nutrition Reviews. 2023:nuac115. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac115Ali RAR, Hassan J, Egan LJ.Review of recent evidence on the management of heartburn in pregnant and breastfeeding women.BMC Gastroenterol. 2022;22(1):219. doi:10.1186/s12876-022-02287-wAl-Abri SA, Olson KR.Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart, case files or the medical toxicology fellowship the University of California, San Francisco.J Med Toxicol.2013 Sep;9(3):255–258. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4Medline Plus.Activated charcoal.Batiha GE, Alkazmi LM, Wasef LG, Beshbishy AM, Nadwa EH, Rashwan EK.Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents, pharmacological and toxicological activities.Biomolecules. 2020;10(2):202. doi:10.3390/biom10020202MedlinePlus.Clove.Johns Hopkins Medicine.How to get rid of gas pain.University of Michigan Medicine.Diaphragmatic breathing for GI patients.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gas in the digestive tract.International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Bowel retraining: strategies for establishing control.UCLA Health.Does activated charcoal help with gas and bloating?New York University Langone Health.Beano.Ibba I, Gilli A, Boi MF, Usai P.Effects of exogenous lactase administration on hydrogen breath excretion and intestinal symptoms in patients presenting lactose malabsorption and intolerance.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:e680196. doi:10.1155/2014/680196.Beano.FAQs.Mooventhan A, Nivethitha L.Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body.North Am J Med Sci. 2014;6(5):199-. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.132935Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Gas: beat the bloat.Bayless TM, Brown E, Paige DM.Lactase non-persistence and lactose intolerance.Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2017;19(5):23. doi:10.1007/s11894-017-0558-9Staudacher HM, Whelan K.The low FODMAP diet: recent advances in understanding its mechanisms and efficacy in IBS.Gut. 2017;66(8):1517-1527. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2017-313750
Caliskan N, Bulut H, Konan A.The effect of warm water intake on bowel movements in the early postoperative stage of patients having undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a randomized controlled trial.Gastroenterol Nurs.2016 Sep-Oct;39(5):340-7. doi:10.1097/SGA.0000000000000181
Koriem KM.Approach to pharmacological and clinical applications of Anisi aetheroleum.Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2015;1(5):60-7. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(15)30172-6
Gopal J, Anthonydhason V, Muthu M, et al.Authenticating apple cider vinegar’s home remedy claims: antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties and cytotoxicity aspect.Nat Prod Res. 2019;33(6):906-910. doi:10.1080/14786419.2017.1413567
Choi NR, Jung D, Kim SC, Park JW, Kim BJ.Analysis of network pharmacological efficacy and therapeutic effectiveness in animal models for functional dyspepsia ofFoeniculi fructus. Nutrients.2023 Jun;15(12):2644. doi:10.3390/nu15122644
Mahendran G, Rahman LU.Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological updates on Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.)-a review.Phytother Res. 2020;34(9):2088-2139. doi:10.1002/ptr.6664
Crichton M, Marshall S, Marx W, et al.Therapeutic health effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale): updated narrative reviewing exploring the mechanisms of action.Nutrition Reviews. 2023:nuac115. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuac115
Ali RAR, Hassan J, Egan LJ.Review of recent evidence on the management of heartburn in pregnant and breastfeeding women.BMC Gastroenterol. 2022;22(1):219. doi:10.1186/s12876-022-02287-w
Al-Abri SA, Olson KR.Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart, case files or the medical toxicology fellowship the University of California, San Francisco.J Med Toxicol.2013 Sep;9(3):255–258. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4
Medline Plus.Activated charcoal.
Batiha GE, Alkazmi LM, Wasef LG, Beshbishy AM, Nadwa EH, Rashwan EK.Syzygium aromaticum L. (Myrtaceae): traditional uses, bioactive chemical constituents, pharmacological and toxicological activities.Biomolecules. 2020;10(2):202. doi:10.3390/biom10020202
MedlinePlus.Clove.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.How to get rid of gas pain.
University of Michigan Medicine.Diaphragmatic breathing for GI patients.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Gas in the digestive tract.
International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Bowel retraining: strategies for establishing control.
UCLA Health.Does activated charcoal help with gas and bloating?
New York University Langone Health.Beano.
Ibba I, Gilli A, Boi MF, Usai P.Effects of exogenous lactase administration on hydrogen breath excretion and intestinal symptoms in patients presenting lactose malabsorption and intolerance.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:e680196. doi:10.1155/2014/680196.
Beano.FAQs.
Mooventhan A, Nivethitha L.Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body.North Am J Med Sci. 2014;6(5):199-. doi:10.4103/1947-2714.132935
Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Gas: beat the bloat.
Bayless TM, Brown E, Paige DM.Lactase non-persistence and lactose intolerance.Curr Gastroenterol Rep. 2017;19(5):23. doi:10.1007/s11894-017-0558-9
Staudacher HM, Whelan K.The low FODMAP diet: recent advances in understanding its mechanisms and efficacy in IBS.Gut. 2017;66(8):1517-1527. doi:10.1136/gutjnl-2017-313750
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