Fast Home and Natural Remedies for Upset Stomach and Indigestion

We all have those days where we consume a little too much of our favorite food items and end up with an upset stomach or indigestion. Symptoms of indigestion or dyspepsia include uneasiness and abdominal fullness after eating, foul-smelling or sour breaths, nausea, farting and a burning sensation in the upper part of the abdomen. While indigestion may be a symptom for gastrointestinal diseases such as acid reflux, ulcer or gastritis, most tummy aches aren’t that serious and pass away quickly.

Instead of going for the antacids every time you have an upset stomach, you can also opt for some easy home remedies for quick relief. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular natural remedies for indigestion.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is an ancient technique to cure indigestion. It acts to reduce the gastrointestinal acids, thereby soothing the stomach. It also has anti-inflammatory properties which help the stomach muscles relax. Drink one or two cups of chamomile tea during the day or take the tincture thrice a day. However, chamomile has anticoagulant ingredients. So, if you regularly intake blood thinners consult a doctor before drinking chamomile tea as there is a possible risk of bleeding. 

Ginger

From curing pain to nausea, ginger is a common cure-all remedy in indigestion. A natural anti-inflammatory, it has chemicals called shogaols and gingerols that fasten stomach contractions, allowing causing food to move through the stomach faster. It also reduces diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. If you have an upset stomach, you can drink a cup of ginger tea or ginger ale or make your own ginger water by boiling one or two ginger pieces in four cups of water and adding lemon or honey for flavor.

You can also opt for ginger candies or chews. But make sure you limit your daily intake to three to four grams to avoid heartburn, gas, and throat burn that occurs due to overconsumption.

Peppermint

Apart from sweetening the breath, the menthol in peppermint acts as a natural analgesic. It is a common fix for diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting and helps reduce intestinal muscle spasm. Typically, for an upset stomach, people brew a cup of peppermint tea along with cardamom after meals. You can also take one to two capsules containing 2 ml of peppermint oil thrice a day in between meals.

Sniffing peppermint extract, sucking on mint candies or chewing the leaves directly are among other options. However, if indigestion has been caused by acid reflux, or if you are suffering from GERD or ulcers, you should not eat or drink peppermint.

BRAT diet

High in nutrients like potassium and magnesium, the Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast (BRAT) diet can reduce indigestion and diarrhea. The low fiber, bland items in this diet eases tissue irritation from the acids in vomiting. Charred bread is believed to reduce nausea so you can go for overcooked toast.

Apple Cider Vinegar

From easing hiccups to improving skin condition, the health benefits of apple cider vinegar are many. Mix a spoon or two of raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar with a cup of water for fast relief in case of indigestion. The acids in it help reduce starch digestion and keep the gut bacteria healthy. However, drinking in excess or in undiluted condition can be harmful in the long run, causing throat burn, low blood sugar, tooth erosion, and nausea. So, make sure you are drinking it the right way.

Lime Juice, Baking Soda, and Water

Studies suggest that a mix of lemon juice with a pinch of baking soda can help resolve a number of digestive ailments. The carbonic acid produced in the mix improves intestinal mobility and reduces gas and indigestion. Other acids and nutrients in lime juice absorb fats and alcohol and neutralize bile acids, thereby, decreasing acidity in the stomach. Baking soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) itself can relieve bloating and gas. However, drinking it in large amounts can cause constipation, vomiting, irritability, nausea, and even muscle spasm. 

Basil

The linoleic acid in basil has anti-inflammatory properties while eugenol helps to lessen the acid quantity in the stomach. Adding a few fresh leaves or half a teaspoon of dried leaves to boiled water can give immediate results in case of indigestion.

Licorice

Licorice root can reduce gastritis and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and calm muscle spasms. Chew the root for relief or drink licorice root tea several times throughout the day till the symptoms of indigestion reduce. But make sure you are having no more than 2.5 grams of dried licorice root a day because overdoses may result in high blood pressure and sodium and potassium imbalances.

All the above natural remedies are quite effective in curing indigestion. But if you are still confused about the best remedy, you can always turn to Gas-o-fast, the leading antacid brand in India.

With the goodness of Ayurveda, Gas-o-fast’s Active Jeera acts directly on the source of indigestion, giving you instant relief. Keep a sachet of Gas-o-fast handy and don’t let the discomfort of indigestion last.