Carminative
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 facilitating its expulsion.[clarify]
Name
[edit | edit source]The word carminative is a derivative of Latin cārmen "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".[1]
Varieties
[edit | edit source] | This section needs additional citations for verification. (June 2014) |
Carminatives are often mixtures of essential oils and spices with a tradition in folk medicine.[citation needed] Some examples include:
- Agasyllis
- Angelica
- Ajwain
- Anise seed[2]
- Asafoetida
- Basil
- Calamus
- Caraway[3]
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon[3]
- Coriander
- Coscoll
- Cnidium monnieri (She Huangzi)
- Cumin[2]
- Dill[3]
- Epazote
- Eucalyptus
- Fennel[2]
- Garlic[4]
- Ginger
- Goldenrod
- Haritaki
- Hops
- Lemon balm
- Liquorice[2]
- Lovage
- Marjoram
- Motherwort
- Muña
- Mustard
- Nigella
- Nutmeg
- Onion
- Orange[3]
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Pepper
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint[3]
- 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 physiological effects.[clarify][citation needed]
See also
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Hensleigh Wedgwood, A Dictionary of English Etymology, s.v.
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External links
[edit | edit source]
The dictionary definition of carminative at Wiktionary