Carminatives Botanical Medicine 1 Brandy Webb, ND

Main Actions of Carminatives Relieve intestinal gas, pain, spasm and distention Settle indigestion Increase absorption Drying; help dispel water and mucus Promote proper peristalsis

Considerations When Using Carminatives Carminatives tend to be the aromatic herbs with high volatile oil content  Oils stimulate the GI nerves to promote digestions and the dispelling of undigested food Especially useful for digestive weakness owing to nervousness, anxiety or depression Caution with excess or long term use, which may be too drying

Syzygium aromaticum

Clove Myrtaceae family Constituents  Volatile oils  Triterpenes  Flavonoids  Tannins  Phenolic acids

Syzygium aromaticum Actions  Local anesthetic  Antibacterial  Antiviral  Antifungal  Antispasmodic  Anti-inflammatory  Carminative

Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel Apiaceae family Constituents  Volatile oils  Phenolic acids  Flavovoids  Furanocoumarins  Fixed oils  (some with Anethole)

Foeniculum vulgare Actions  Aromatic  Carminative  Antispasmodic  Expectorant  Antimicrobial  Galactagogue  Corrigent (flavor enhancer)

Pimpinella anisum

Anise Apiaceae family Constituents  Volatile oils  Coumarins  Flavonoids  Phenolic acids  Fixed oils

Pimpinella anisum Actions  Aromatic  Expectorant  Antispasmodic  Carminative  Antimicrobial  Bitter

Mentha piperita Mentha spicata

Mentha piperita Peppermint Lamiaceae family Constituents  Volatile oils  Triterpenes  Tannins  Flavonoids  Coumarins  Amines

Mentha piperita Actions  Antispasmodic  Bitter  Carminative  Antimicrobial  Mild astringent

Cinnamomun verum

Cinnamon Lauraceae family Constituents  Volatile oils Cinnamic aldehyde Eugenol  Tannins  Mucliage

Cinnamomun verum Actions  Aromatic  Bitter  Carminative  Antispasmodic  Antimicrobial  Astringent  Demulcent