Carminatives are herbs, such as peppermint, allspice, cloves, sage, and thyme, that soothe the digestive tract. Most of the herbs in the mint and carrot families are carminatives, including anise, basil, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, lemon, and nutmeg.

Using carminative herbs to flavor starchy dishes, especially those made with beans, may allow a person to burp up and pass intestinal gas more easily.