Stomach aches, also broadly called “abdominal pain,” are tricky things to find remedies for unless you know the cause. Ranging from indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome to gastritis and GERD, an aching tummy can stem from many things. Assuming you are dealing with an uncomplicated stomach ache, these remedies can help bring relief from the pain and discomfort that’s making you miserable.
Here are some Prevention
1. Enjoy a Cup of Chamomile Tea
Chamomile can help ease the pain of a stomach ache by working as an anti-inflammatory (for example the lining of the stomach can become inflamed as a result common gastritis, caused by bacteria) and by relaxing the smooth muscle of the upper digestive track. When it relaxes that muscle, the contractions that are pushing food through your system ease up a bit and lessen the pain of cramping and spasms.
2. Use a “Hot” Pack
Nothing is more soothing than a heating pad or hot water bottle when you’re feeling sick, so cuddle up to your electric blanket and take it easy until your symptoms pass. The warmth on your stomach will distract you from any cramping or pain, and the heat can help to relax your muscles and reduce your nausea. Don’t leave it on too long, however, as you can damage your skin from overuse.
3. Rice Water
Rice water is exactly what it sounds like-the water left-over after you cook rice. It acts a demulcent, meaning a substance that relieves inflammation by forming a sort of soothing barrier over a membrane, in this case, the lining of your stomach.
4. Enjoy Some Mint
Fresh peppermint tea (or just peppermint tea in general) can help relax stomach muscles. It also helps improve the flow of bile, which helps you digest properly. This is especially useful if suffering from indigestion or gas/bloating.
5. Warm Lemon Water
Lemon water, if your issue is indigestion, helps a stomachache. The high acidity level stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid, which breaks down our food. By upping the amount of HCL being produced, you help move digestion along at healthy pace. You get the added bonus of the hydration too, which keeps the system flushed and running smoothly.
6. Ginger
Since ancient times, people have turned to ginger as a cure-all for pain to nausea and everything in between. It’s not just an old wives’ tale, either — studies have shown that ginger can be a very effective treatment for some kinds of stomach upset.
A natural anti-inflammatory, ginger is available in dozens of forms, all of which can help. Ginger chews and supplements are easy to take, while other people prefer their ginger in beverage form. Try an all-natural ginger ale or chop up some fresh ginger root and make a tea.
7. Chew Fennel Seeds
Let’s say your stomach ache is being caused by indigestion. In this case, chewing fennel seeds will help as they contain anethole, a volatile oil that can stimulate the secretion of digestive juices to help move things along. It can also help tame inflammation, and reduce the pain caused by it. If you are suffering from gastritis, inflammation of the stomach, this may provide some relief from the discomfort.
8. Bitters & Soda
A bar is probably the last place you’d look for relief from nausea, but many people swear by five or six drops of cocktail bitters mixed into a cold glass of tonic, club soda, or ginger ale.
Most common bitters brands, such as Peychaud’s and Angostura, contain a blend of herbs like cinnamon, fennel, mint, ginger, and others. This may be why bitters help ease nausea in some people.
9. When to See a Doctor
Stomach problems sometimes do point to a more serious problem, so go see a doctor immediately if you are having trouble keeping water down, or if your symptoms persist for prolonged periods.
Sources:
http://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/natural-upset-stomach-remedies#5
http://everydayroots.com/stomach-ache-remedies
http://ihomeremedy.net
