Natural Remedies for an Upset Stomach
Upset stomach and indigestion are very common, and almost everyone has them now and then. There are probably hundreds of reasons for a stomach ache, and most of them are not severe and can be managed with simple home and natural remedies. Your stomach is upset if you experience symptoms such as acidity, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, belching, flatulence, and sour breath.
People suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lactose intolerance, celiac disease, and Crohn’s disease frequently experience stomach problems. While the treatment will vary depending on the cause, the following home remedies can help settle an upset stomach and make you feel much better.
1) Ginger
Ginger, a popular Eastern and Ayurvedic medicine, has adaptogenic properties that help the body fight physical, chemical, and biological stress. It is great for an upset stomach and indigestion. This root contains gingerols and shogaols, which are chemicals that facilitate stomach contractions. This action helps food responsible for making your stomach upset move quickly. Ginger also relieves nausea and vomiting. You can add ginger to boiling water and make ginger tea. You can also try ginger candies and supplements.
2) Mint
Menthol present in mint not only makes your breath smell better but also prevents vomiting and diarrhea and relieves stomach ache by reducing muscle spasms in the intestines. Mint is used as a traditional treatment for gas, diarrhea, and indigestion in many countries. You can boil mint leaves with cardamom in water and make tea. Or you can add the mint powder to your regular tea. Next time you feel nauseous, travel sick, or have heartburn, suck on mint candies or chew on fresh mint leaves for instant relief.
3) Aloe Vera Juice
Make juice only using the clear gel inside the aloe vera leaves. Drinking aloe vera juice helps relieve heartburn, stomach pain, and other symptoms of indigestion. Aloe vera reduces excess stomach acids, removes toxins, promotes healthy bowel movements, improves digestion, and reduces inflammation. A study found that individuals who consumed 10 ml of aloe vera juice daily for four weeks had significant relief from heartburn, belching, nausea, and vomiting.
4) Baking Soda
Baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate, is being used for indigestion for ages. As baking soda is highly alkaline, it neutralizes the acid present in your stomach (the cause of heartburn and indigestion) and helps relieve an upset stomach quickly and naturally. Mixing lime juice, water, and a pinch of baking soda produce carbonic acid, which reduces gas, nausea, and other digestive problems. Baking soda can affect the absorption of other medicines that you take, so always consult a doctor before taking it.
5) Cinnamon
The antioxidant properties of cinnamon help ease digestion and prevent damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Eugenol, linalool, and camphor are some of the antioxidants found in cinnamon. This spice can also reduce bloating, gas, burping, and heartburn by neutralizing stomach acids. The next time your stomach hurts, boil an inch of good quality cinnamon stick in the water to make tea and sip on it.
6) Take a Warm Bath
The heat from a warm bath will relax your muscles and ease the symptoms of an upset stomach. You can also apply a heated pad to the stomach for 20 minutes for the same effect. Applying heat directly calms your muscles, soothes bowel spasms, and boosts digestion. A hot water bottle, warm compress, or heating bag can all be used to relieve stomach pain naturally.
