5 Desi Nuskhay for Gas, Bloating and Indigestion

Heavy biryani at a wedding, too many parathas on a Sunday morning, or simply eating in a hurry — almost everyone knows the feeling of a tight, gassy, uncomfortable stomach. Before reaching for a tablet, many Pakistani families still turn to the kitchen and the pansar shop. Here are five desi nuskhay that our customers have trusted for years, with the amounts we recommend.

1. Ajwain with kala namak — for gas and heaviness

Ajwain (carom seeds) is the best-known desi remedy for gas. Take half a teaspoon of desi ajwain with a small pinch of kala namak (black salt), chew it well and drink a few sips of warm water. For a gentler option, make ajwain ka pani: boil one teaspoon of ajwain in a glass of water for five minutes, strain, and sip it warm after meals.

2. Saunf after meals — for bloating

There is a good reason restaurants serve saunf (fennel seeds) with the bill. Chewing half to one teaspoon of saunf after a meal freshens the breath and helps relieve bloating. You can also make a light saunf qehwa: boil one teaspoon of saunf with a few mint leaves in a cup of water, strain, and drink after dinner. Lightly roasted saunf mixed with a little mishri (rock sugar) is a family favourite.

3. Ginger and lemon — for appetite and a sluggish stomach

If your stomach feels slow and heavy, try a thin slice of fresh ginger with a few drops of lemon and a pinch of salt about fifteen minutes before lunch. It wakes up the appetite and helps digestion. In winter, a cup of sund (dry ginger) qehwa after a heavy meal works well too: a quarter teaspoon of sund boiled in a cup of water.

4. Podina — for nausea and stomach cramps

Fresh podina (mint) qehwa is soothing after a rich meal and helps with mild nausea. For a quicker option, Arq-e-Podina is a traditional mint distillate taken in a little water — follow the dose on the bottle. Sat pudina (peppermint crystals) is very strong: one or two tiny crystals dissolved in a glass of water are enough for an adult.

5. Ispaghol — for constipation and loose motions

Ispaghol husk is natural fibre and one of the most useful items in any home. For constipation, stir one to two teaspoons into a full glass of water or warm milk at night and drink it straight away, before it thickens. For loose motions, many families mix ispaghol with dahi (yogurt) instead. Always drink plenty of water through the day when taking ispaghol, and take it at least two hours apart from other medicines.

Habits that make a big difference

• Eat slowly and chew well — digestion starts in the mouth.
• Do not lie down straight after a meal; a ten-minute walk after dinner (the old chehal qadmi) really helps.
• Keep regular meal times and avoid eating late at night.
• Cut down on fried food, fizzy drinks and very spicy curries if you get gas often.
• Drink enough water — at least eight glasses a day.

When to see a doctor

Occasional gas and bloating are normal. Please see a doctor if you have severe or constant stomach pain, vomiting, blood in your stool or black stools, weight loss without reason, difficulty swallowing, or if your symptoms continue for more than two weeks. People over 45 with new stomach problems should also get checked.

All the herbs in this article — ajwain, saunf, sund, podina, ispaghol and our own green qehwa blend — are available at our store near Lahori Gate, Wazirabad, and online with Cash on Delivery across Pakistan. Have a question? Send us a WhatsApp message and we will guide you.