Q. Where can I find the Flatulence Activator? I saw something on TV about a cushion you can sit on that will trap odors from intestinal gas. My sister suffers terribly with this problem and I would love to help her.
A. We can’t imagine anyone wanting a flatulence “activator.” Most of us have more than enough gas already and certainly don’t need to activate it more than usual. Goodness knows, friends and family would probably prefer we had a flatulence suppressor rather than an activator.
You might be referring to the Flatulence Filter, a portable seat cushion that contains activated charcoal in polyurethane foam. The charcoal traps most offensive odors.
The cushion is quite ordinary-looking, so it would not call attention to itself. But you might have to be brave to give it to your sister as a gift. Not everyone would welcome such a present.
Those who are brave or would like a unique stocking stuffer this holiday season, you can learn more about flatulence filters and undergarments with activated charcoal to trap offensive odors at GasBGon or call 1-877-427-2466.
Other approaches to flatulence include tea made with fennel, anise, ginger or peppermint. Beano can be helpful if taken with gas-producing foods such as broccoli, beans or brussels sprouts.
Here is a question about how to prepare anti-flatulence tea.
Q. I recently read that fennel seed tea possibly helps to control gas. Unfortunately, I have not seen how to make or buy it. Please tell me how to make this tea. I will have to move out of the bedroom if I don’t get something, other than a gas mask, so that I can survive my husband’s bouts with gas!
A. We were inundated with questions about how to make fennel seed tea for fighting flatulence. Here’s the recipe:
Take one teaspoon of fennel seeds. (You can buy them in the grocery, with the spices.) Rub them between your fingers or mash them with the back of a spoon to crush them slightly. A mortar and pestle certainly works, but is not necessary.
Cover the “bruised” seeds with eight to ten ounces of boiling water and allow the brew to steep for about five minutes. Discard the seeds, sweeten the beverage if you wish, and drink it. You can have up to three cups a day.
Some readers worried about the smell of licorice:
“I made the tea and noticed a licorice smell. Does fennel have licorice in it? I was warned to avoid licorice because it is bad for high blood pressure and would conflict with my medicine.”
Despite the pleasant licorice-like smell, fennel is different and should not raise blood pressure or interact with medicine.
If you would like to learn more about fighting off flatulence, we offer our Guide to Digestive Disorders.
You will find lots of tips for preventing or fighting off flatulence as well as dealing with heartburn. You may also want to take advantage of our very special holiday offer. Buy a copy of The People’s Pharmacy Quick & Handy Home Remedies with hundreds of fabulous cost effective treatments for common ailments (including gas and heartburn).
