carminative

A carminative is a substance, typically a plant-derived essential oil or herb, that helps relieve intestinal gas (flatulence) and bloating by facilitating the expulsion of gas from the gastrointestinal tract and reducing gas formation. Carminatives are valued in traditional and herbal medicine for supporting digestion and comfort in cases of indigestion or abdominal discomfort.

Common carminatives include culinary herbs and seeds such as fennel, anise, caraway, cumin, and peppermint, as well as ginger and chamomile. Essential oils from these plants—often used in diluted form—are also described as carminatives. Other traditional sources include cinnamon, cloves, oregano, and thyme. The term is used across traditional systems of medicine and in pharmacognosy to describe substances with gas-relieving properties.

Mechanistically, carminatives are thought to exert antispasmodic effects on intestinal smooth muscle and to help loosen and move gas through the digestive tract, thereby reducing bloating and discomfort. They may also aid digestion in some individuals and relieve mild dyspepsia or colic.

In modern contexts, carminatives are used as culinary flavorings and as complementary therapies. They are not a substitute for medical treatment when serious symptoms are present. Essential oils should be used with care, properly diluted, and avoided in certain individuals or situations (for example, specific allergies or pregnancy) without professional guidance. Simethicone is a non-herbal gas-relief option in conventional medicine.