A carminative, known in Latin as carminativum (plural carminativa), is a herb or preparation intended to combat flatulence either by preventing formation of gas in the gastrointestinal tract or
Name The word carminative is a derivative of Latin "card for wool", according to Hensley Wedgewood, on the humoral theory that carminatives "dilute and relax the gross humours from whence the wind arises, combing them out like the knots in wool".Hensleigh Wedgwood, A Dictionary of English Etymology, s.v.
Varieties
Carminatives are often mixtures of essential oils and spices with a tradition in folk medicine. Some examples include:
Agasyllis Angelica Ajwain Anise seed Asafoetida Basil Calamus Caraway Cardamom Cinnamon Coriander Coscoll Cnidium monnieri (She Huangzi) Cumin Dill Epazote Eucalyptus Fennel Garlic Ginger Goldenrod Haritaki Hops Lemon balm Liquorice Lovage Marjoram Motherwort Muña Mustard Nigella Nutmeg Onion Orange Oregano Parsley Pepper Pennyroyal Peppermint Rosemary Saffron Sage Triphala Savory Spearmint Thyme Valerian Wintergreen Wormwood
Modern drugs used for the same purpose include simethicone, which simply lowers the surface tension of gas bubbles rather than having
See also Antiflatulent
Anti-foaming agent Dalby's Carminative
References
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