Intestinal gas is something that all of us deal with on a daily basis. For some of us however, this can become an embarrassing, annoying or even debilitating issue.

Hence today, I want to introduce you to a natural product that may be able to help some of you, for whom intestinal gas provides frequent discomfort or comes at the most inopportune of times.

The product is called CharcoCaps and it is a homeopathic anti-gas formula. The product claims that it provides fast relief from gas, abdominal discomfort, pressure and bloating.

Being homeopathic, is by far the best feature of this product, as homeopathic formulas are based on completely natural substances and work by supporting and working with the body’s own system and healing abilities.

The active ingredients contain known and trusted homeopathic ingredients. Homeopathy is the second most widely used system of medicine in the world and continues to grow in popularity as people continue to look for more natural alternatives to healing.

Homeopathic medicine is symptom free, however any person choosing this sort of approach should understand that it is generally not meant to be used like traditional medicine. The homeopathic approach is usually intended for short-term care, and not meant to be used mechanistically like some other drugs. Thus for best results, you should use this product when you feel there will be a need, not on a daily basis. Most common uses will include having this product around if you are traveling, such as on a plane or long ride, in meetings or any other events where you may be expected to be in the company of others, eating new foods or unable to excuse yourself to go to the bathroom frequently.

The main ingredient – activated charcoal, may not sound too healthy, but this has actually been used for thousands of years as a natural and safe remedy for digestive ailments. Activated charcoal works on the principle of adsorption. Therefore, CharcoCaps help naturally relive gas discomfort, pressure and bloating, and help adsorb gas and the embarrassing odor. Click here to learn more about activated charcoal.

In terms of the the inactive ingredients, unfortunately they are not perfect for a natural product due to the inclusion of some artificial colors as well as other substances. This product is not suitable for vegans and may not be suitable for vegetarians depending on the gelatin source. As well, it does contain lactose, so it may not be suitable if you are lactose intolerant. And as always if you are pregnant or on other medications, you should consult a health care professional before use.

The directions for use are to take 2 capsules with water with meals or at first sign of any discomfort. This can be repeated in 2 hours if necessary.

I have personally not tried this product myself, as I guess I am fortunate enough not to need it. If you have tried this product, feel free to share your experiences in the comment section below.

For more information on the product, visit CharcoCaps.com

Active Ingredients

  • Carbo Vegetabilis – vegetable charcoal
    (homeopathic for abdominal distress & intestinal gas)

  • Lycopodium Clavatum – club moss
    (homeopathic for abdominal pains, bloated abdomen & trapped gas)

  • Cinchona Officinalis – cinchona bark
    (homeopathic for stomach cramps, bloated abdomen & flatulence)

  • Sulphur
    (homeopathic for abdominal pains, bloating & flatulence)

Inactive Ingredients

  • Activated Charcoal
  • Black Iron Oxide (naturally derived pigment)
  • FD&C Blue 1 (artificial color)
  • FD&C Red 3 (artificial color)
  • Gelatin
  • Lactose
  • Potassium Hydroxide
  • Propylene Glycol (solvent & humectant)
  • Titanium Dioxide (naturally derived pigment)

Packaging

In the box of 36 capsules, there are 3 sleeves of 12 capsules. The capsules come in a typical foil/plastic pop out pill format. Each pop out provides 2 capsules, as per recommended dosage. The box is fully recyclable, the capsule sleeves may also be, depending on the specifications of your recycling facility in your area.

The product also comes in 100 capsule, plastic bottles.

Price (as of this posting)

Availability

  • In Canada, in Wal-Mart starting in the fall of 2009
  • In the United States, click here for a full list of locations

The Good

  • Homeopathic formula
  • Easy to swallow capsules
  • Should be side-effect free
  • Claims to provide fast relief of gas
  • Claims to provide fast relief of abdominal discomfort, pressure and bloating
  • Appears to have great reviews from people who have tried it (claiming it is better than Beano or Phazyme)

The Bad

  • Contains artificial colors
  • Contains some ingredients which do not qualify the product as truly “natural”
  • Is not suitable for vegans (may not be suitable for vegetarians or lactose intolerant people)