5 Ayurvedic Herbs for Bloating: Heal Gut Naturally

Imagine enjoying a hearty meal, only to be left feeling uncomfortably full, tight, and sluggish. Bloating can be frustrating, making even the simplest daily tasks feel burdensome. While occasional bloating is common, persistent digestive discomfort may signal an imbalance that needs attention. But this bothersome sensation might be hinting at something deeper about your health. Ayurveda, the ancient science of holistic healing, offers time-tested solutions using powerful herbs to support digestion and ease bloating naturally. Let us examine the relationship between bloating and one’s dietary & lifestyle choices or habits, from both modern-day and Ayurvedic perspectives. In this blog, you’ll discover natural remedies and herbs for bloating, along with their incredible benefits, to help promote a good digestive health.

Understanding Bloating

Bloating is a common issue that can be associated with a feeling of discomfort, tightness, abdominal pain, gas, fullness, etc. It can be caused by either overeating, eating too quickly, any type of food intolerance, gas, or any other underlying health conditions. Like modern health sciences, Ayurvedic wisdom too, lays immense importance on the good health of the digestive system. The reason associated with its significance lies in the fact that healthy digestion ensures the absorption of nutrients, efficient elimination of waste, etc.^1,2

Ayurvedic herbs that help to debloat

According to Ayurvedic wisdom, Vata dosha, associated with air and space, governs all movement in the body, while Pitta dosha, linked to fire and water, drives essential functions like digestion and metabolism. When these doshas are in balance, digestion runs smoothly, energy flows freely, and overall well-being is maintained. However, imbalances—often triggered by poor diet, stress, or lifestyle choices—can lead to digestive discomfort, sluggish metabolism, and other health concerns. Recognizing the deep connection between food and health, Ayurveda considers food as medicine, emphasizing the use of powerful spices and herbs to restore harmony, enhance digestion, and support overall vitality. Here are some Ayurvedic herbs for bloating and ingredients that can help deal with indigestion issues: 

Ginger

Ginger^3,4,5 is used worldwide as a traditional medicine for its potential benefits including gastrointestinal issues. Several modern-day studies have suggested that consuming ginger daily could help deal with digestive discomfort. Moreover, it can help with nausea and promote the movement of food through the intestinal tract, bloating and cramps, etc. 

Read more: Home remedies using ginger

Peppermint

Peppermint^6,7,8,9 has been widely recognized in modern as well as traditional systems of medication in helping soothe various digestive issues. Numerous studies have highlighted the ability of peppermint oil that help deal with bloating, intestinal spasms, elevated abdominal pain, etc. Research has also suggested that the rate of gastric discharging (A disorder that disrupts stomach muscle function, delaying proper emptying of the stomach) can be enhanced by consuming peppermint. People can incorporate peppermint oil into their daily routine to experience its potential digestive and gastrointestinal benefits. 

Triphala

The amazing therapeutic uses and efficacy of Triphala^10,11 have been mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts. They have been widely recognized in Vedic wisdom as a poly herbal medicine, which consists of three plant species, including haritaki, bibhitaki, and amalaki. It has tridoshik properties and can help deal with issues associated with the gut, promote digestion, absorption of nutrients, elimination of waste, and rejuvenation of the body. Thus, triphala can not only help reduce bloating but also help maintain a healthy gut. 

Read More: Can Triphala Cause Acid Reflux?

Turmeric

Turmeric^12,13 is one of the best herbs for bloating. It is a popular ingredient that has been used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicine for centuries. The herb can deal with a wide array of diseases and complications, especially bloating and similar gut-related ailments, which have been highlighted by modern scientific research. Studies suggest that turmeric can also help deal with abdominal pain with no significant side effects. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can also help reduce the sensitivity towards pain in the digestive tract. This can further help a person get relief from the symptoms of bloating. Turmeric can be easily incorporated into our daily routine in various forms to enjoy its properties.

Aloe vera

Another Ayurveda-approved ingredient that has shown great promise in dealing with bloating is aloe vera¹⁴. Aloe vera is used as a remedy for various diseases in traditional medicine. Even modern science backs many of its potential applications including its ability to deal with digestive ailments. Recently, a study has indicated the effectiveness of aloe vera in dealing with bloating with no significant adverse effects. 

Apart from this, limited evidence suggests that cumin, fennel seeds, pepper, garlic & carom seeds can also help deal with bloating.  

DIY Natural Remedies for Bloating

In addition to the already-mentioned Ayurvedic herbs for bloating, there are Ayurveda-approved lifestyle remedies that one must incorporate into their routine to manage bloating. This includes activities that help keep the digestive system healthy and reduces its reoccurrence.^15,16,17

• Eating only when hungry and not munching too often.  
• Eating around the same time every day
• Avoid consuming foods and ingredients that have contradictory potencies.  
• Eating mindfully and not in a hurry.  
• Chewing the food and not swallowing it in a hurry and avoid drinking excessive water right before or after meals.  
• Maintaining regular physical activity like yoga helps maintain a healthy digestive system & reduces chances of bloating. 

Bloating can throw off our day in an instant and may even linger far longer than you would like. However, with several herbs and better lifestyle choices, it can be managed. So, if you ever experience bloating, opt for natural remedies and practices that enhance your digestive health, go beyond treating your symptoms, and help achieve good health from the inside out.