Herbs and bloating

[Shy Hawk]

I was a vegetarian for almost 2 years, and I had no problems with it. I wasn't very strict with my diet and ate thing that some vegetarians would consider "not animal friendly". This time I tried to be a more conscious veg.
Since I started this a couple weeks ago, I have noticed severe bloating and gas. It's not just a problem that I'm all puffy, but that I'm so bloated at times that it physically hurts. It's quite possible that I'm eating a lot of gassy foods. What I'd like to know is, are there any herbs that will significantly effect bloating? I grow many types, and it won't be hard to buy some, however I would like a natural remedy. Heck, if there are any foods that cut down on bloating, I'll try that too.
Any imput would be great!
Thank you all so much,
Shy Hawk

[Amethyst Rose]

I don't know about herbs, however, I know that "Beano" (which you can get in any drug store or grocerty store) is made from a natural substance, and it prevents gas caused by foods.

[ELM]

It would be helpful to know what exactly you do eat. Is there a lot of one particular food that you eat? Perhpas cutting down on one of those regular foods might do the trick. But herbs that are good for digestion are things like angelica, you can get this at a good garden centre and eat the leaves with salad. Also fennel, there is also a tea available in health food shops called stomach ease tea which might help. And there are digestive enzyms that you can get in powder or tablet form from health food shops these should also help, and not only with the bloating problem. They give your stomach a bit of a rset freeing up your immune system and thus making it easier to fight infections and they do wonders for the quality of your skin and hair. When you stop taking them your stomach works more effectivly again. Also there is an oil called Udo's choice which is good for vegetarians and anyone really, it is full of the essential fatty acids you need and it cleanses the liver and the whole system, aiding better digestion and stronger skin hair nails immune system brain function and well the whole body really. I swear by it.

[Shy Hawk]

Thank you very much! I will try what you suggested.
By the way, I eat a lot of starchy food (not great, but honest). I like vegetables but maybe eat about half as many as I should, also I hardly ever get the fruit requirement. Well, in the summer I do, I grow some.
Thanks again.
Shy Hawk

[gogogeorgia]

I'm no herbalist, but I lived in South America for two years and picked up a bunch of natural remedies from the natives.

If you have gas, then make your self a tea:

Take the inner most part of the celery, and cut off the leafy parts. Place the leafy parts in your favourite tea mug and pour over boiling water, let it sit and simmer covered for about 1 - 3 minutes. Add sugar if you like (sugar may not be the best sweetener to use, considering that it is often a culprit of tummy aches, but I've used it and it works.)

Drink away! Cheers - you should feel relief within a few minutes.

Best wishes. Georgia - spouse of the best South American out there!