A stomach upset can cause discomfort and pain in the abdominal area.
The discomfort you feel in your stomach may go away by itself, but it might take several hours to resolve.
If the discomfort persists or is not resolved after using these seven natural remedies, you may need to seek medical attention immediately.
Common causes of an upset stomach
- Stress
An upset stomach can be caused by stress. You feel a fuzzy feeling in your stomach when stressed, anxious, or upset. This feeling is temporary and does not require treatment.
- Food poisoning
Sometimes your body may react violently to contaminated food. This could lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can be resolved in a matter of days.
- Indigestion
This is a common sign of an upset stomach. It’s usually caused by eating too many junk foods, eating too fast, smoking, or alcohol.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
If you have frequent upset stomachs, it is possible that you are suffering from IBS. IBS can cause cramps, bloating, and diarrhea.
NATURAL-REMEDIES FOR AN UPSET STOMACH
1. Ginger
Ginger is rich in the active ingredients gingerols (and shogaols), which both help improve digestion and ease bowel movements. It can also be used to treat nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Ginger: How to treat an upset stomach
- In a cup of warm water, heat a few slices of ginger rhizome.
- Drink the mix after 5 minutes to relieve an upset stomach.
- Teabags can also be used.
2. Peppermint
In India and Pakistan, peppermint is used to treat indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea. It has active ingredients that prevent vomiting, diarrhea, muscle spasms, and relieve cramps.
Peppermint can be used to soothe an upset stomach.
Please select one of the options.
- To a cup of boiling water, add 3 to 5 fresh or dried peppermint leaves. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes before you consume.
- Boil three peppermint leaves in cardamom tea or with other beverages.
- Premade peppermint tea bags can be purchased and used to make flavored peppermint tea.
3. Heating bags
The heat helps relax tight abdominal muscles and relieve cramps. You might find it relaxing to soak in a warm tub for a while longer. It just might help.
Heat therapy to treat upset stomach
Choose one of the following options
- For 20 minutes, sit in warm water while you massage your abdomen.
- Use a heat pad or heat bag to massage your abdomen for 20 minutes.
A heating bag can be purchased at the store, or you can make your own by filling a cloth bag with rice and microwaving it for 30 seconds.
4. Baking soda
Baking soda contains the active ingredient, sodium bicarbonate, which neutralizes the stomach acid that is causing your stomach upset. It also draws water into the colon and relieves constipation.
Stomach upset: How to use baking soda
- Combine 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with a cup of water
- Drink immediately
5. Basil leaves
Basil has a high level of linoleic acid and eugenol and other antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation, ease bloating, cramps, neutralize stomach acids, improve appetite, and aid digestion.
Basil leaves can be used to soothe upset stomachs
Choose one of the following options
- Blend 6 fresh basil leaves with a cup of water to create a concoction. Take it immediately to soothe an upset stomach.
- Green tea made with fresh basil leaves can be prepared by soaking 3 basil leaves in hot water.
- For instant relief, add a teaspoon of powdered Basil leaves to a cup of tea or meal.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has been a well-known remedy for stomach problems.
It helps to neutralize excess acid, regulate bowel movements, alleviate nausea and vomiting, prevent acid reflux, improve protein digestion, serve anti-inflammatory purposes and promote the growth of healthy bacteria.
Aloe vera is fast and effective in treating upset stomachs
- For fast relief of an upset stomach, squeeze and consume 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel
- Alternatively, you can cut two large Aloe Vera leaves into small pieces
- For 3 days, soak in a jar or bottle of water
- Half a cup of the juice should be consumed before you start your breakfast.
7. Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be used to treat IBS. It’s rich in antioxidants such as cinnamaldehyde and linalool, eugenol, and camphor.
Cinnamon can be used to soothe upset stomachs
- Combine a teaspoon of cinnamon powder and a cup of hot water.
- Allow steeping for 10 minutes before you consume.
- To relieve indigestion, repeat the process two to three times per day.
- You can also add one teaspoon of cinnamon powder to your food and enjoy it.
Conclusion
You can manage an upset stomach by living a healthy lifestyle.
Get plenty of water, eat lots of fiber, eat whole grains, legumes, fish, and quit smoking.