We can never forget the delicious Thanksgiving stuffing a friend served several years ago. It was fantastic, but a few hours later we were overwhelmed with flatulence. Whatever was in that stuffing haunted us for many hours. Not only were there massive amounts of gas, but the smell was unforgettable.
We aren’t the only ones affected by holiday fare. Many people who have come to this website complain about visiting relatives during the holidays where some tasty food leaves a prolonged response. Some find the Brussels sprouts do them in. Others complain about the cauliflower or the parsnips. One reader confessed that she loves creamed pearl onions, but they produce unbearable gas.
Fighting Flatulence Naturally
One visitor asked us specifically about fennel seed tea and flaxseed:
Q. I am really having a problem with gas. I have read on the People’s Pharmacy that using fennel seed and flaxseed powder is a remedy. I am wondering how to go about this.
I am really desperate for something that will work. I am not a pleasant person to be around, especially at work. My co-workers know I have a problem and I am so embarrassed. I don’t say anything to them cause I don’t want to embarrass them by bringing it up. I sure would like to apologize to them.
If you have any suggestions I would really appreciate it. I know gas is natural but for some people like me it is really too much and I am at my wits’ end. Thanks for any information you can give me.
A. Fennel seed tea has a long history against flatulence. Here are some testimonials from readers of our newspaper column. This message arrived in February, 1998:
“My husband, a 77-year-old medical doctor who still works, has suffered from SEVERE flatulence for almost two years. Believe me, it’s no joke! He switched to soy milk and tried Beano to no avail. Doctors and pharmacists didn’t help.
“Then a wise Hungarian masseuse suggested flax seed powder, one tablespoon with juice twice a day, and 2 capsules of fennel seed, taken two or three times a day. Both are available at health food stores. Within a few days the gas was gone. On this regimen he has been free of flatulence for six months.”
Just after the holidays on January 7, 2002 we shared this story:
“A few months ago you offered a solution to a problem I’ve had on and off for years, but especially recently. I’ve had explosive flatulence during my work day. I tried the crushed fennel seed tea three times a day for the past week. It’s proven an almost instant cure. Thanks so much for sharing the tip. Now that I know it works, I wonder if you have any idea how.”
The answer:
Fennel originated in southern Europe and western Asia, but it was widely known in the ancient world, from China to Greece. For centuries it has been used to treat indigestion and flatulence. How it relieves gas, however, remains somewhat mysterious. We’re glad you got such great results.
Another reader shared this on 10/13/03:
“Thanks for suggesting fennel seed tea for gas pains. It’s wonderful and works quickly every time.”
See How to Make Fennel Tea and other flatulence remedies!
At the top of this article you will find our video on fighting flatulence. You will see how to make fennel seed tea and learn about other solutions to dealing with gas. When all else fails, there is always the Flatulence Filter. Here is a question and answer from a decade ago:
Q. I feel sorry for my sister’s husband. When they are together in a moving car, he can’t jump out to escape her horrible gas odor. It sounds funny, but being trapped in a closed space with her is no joke. Everyone in the family has been a victim at one time or another, so we all try to keep her away from the foods that make it worse. Do you have other suggestions?
A. Your sister might use a flatulence filter. The cushion is filled with activated charcoal that traps odors. Then she would not need to worry about offending family members.
To learn more about the GasBGon flatulence filter you can contact the Dairiair company at (877) 427-2466.
You will also learn details about Favorite Food #11: Fennel Seed on page 96 of our book, The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies, from National Geographic. We are offering a special holiday gift bundle when you purchase Quick & Handy Home Remedies. With each purchase you can get 50% off the cover price of our 174-page book, Recipes & Remedies from The People’s Pharmacy. That’s a savings of $7.48.
What a great gift for the holidays, with hundreds of fabulous food and home remedies! You’ll find dozens of other gift ideas in The People’s Pharmacy Store from the Winter Skin Survival Kit to Bed Soap and a free offer of our book, Favorite Foods From The People’s Pharmacy!
To make it even easier to do all your shopping early, we are offering an additional 20% off everything in The People’s Pharmacy Online Store. Just insert the code BLKFRI20 while checking out. This offer is good today, November 28, 2014.
Happy Holidays from The People’s Pharmacy, a great place to shop for healthy holiday gifts.
