girl holding bellyIndigestion is a condition that refers to discomfort that occurs in the abdominal region, particularly just before meals and after meals. It is often accompanied by a burning sensation in the area just above the navel region. In some cases, it manifests as a sudden feeling of fullness right after a meal. Other accompanying symptoms include flatulence, an acidic taste in one’s mouth, and in some cases, vomiting.

The medical term for this condition is dyspepsia. The cause of the condition is attributed to a malfunction in the secretion of the digestive juices in the stomach.There are a number of factors that trigger indigestion. They include obesity, ulcers, alcohol intake as well as stress. Overeating is also a common cause of indigestion. There are a number of natural remedies which you can use to treat indigestion, many of which are easily available from your kitchen pantry.

If indigestion is persistent and does not ease even with the use of natural remedies, it is important to get medical attention. This is because a number of diseases have been known to manifest symptoms that include indigestion. These conditions include a swollen pancreas, gallstones as well as the inflammation of the stomach. Such a medical visit will also pinpoint whether there are specific medicines that predispose you to indigestion.

1. Ginger:

Time Required: 30 Min
What You Require: Ginger root, a clean piece of cloth, a cup of warm water, a teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt. A teaspoon of honey (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Ginger is an excellent home remedy for a number of conditions in the digestive tract. This is because it works by enhancing the production of digestive juices in the stomach. The increased concentration of enzymes helps with proper digestion of food, which then allows for proper absorption and passing on of the undigested food to the intestines. For this reason, when you suffer from indigestion especially when it stems from overeating, ginger is your go-to home remedy. Once the indigestion eases, you may opt to take a preventive step and take fresh ginger along with your meals. There are several methods you can use to prepare ginger as described in the directions below.

Directions:

  1. Wash the ginger root well before peeling it and slicing it to get small pieces.
  2. Place the ginger pieces on a clean piece of cloth and squeeze tightly to get ginger juice.
  3. Take two teaspoons of the ginger juice and mix with one one teaspoon of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
  4. You may add water to this mixture or choose to take the mixture plainly.
  5. The other option is to prepare ginger tea.
  6. Simply boil a tablespoon of the ginger pieces in a cup of water and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Strain the tea and sip on it s often as indigestion occurs.

 

2. Carom Seeds:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Carom seeds, a pestle and mortar, a teaspoon of ginger powder, a teaspoon of black pepper and a cup of warm water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Carom seeds are used for the natural treatment of indigestion thanks to their carminative traits. The seeds’ properties help improve digestion as well as eliminate the occurrence of bloating and flatulence. The carom seeds are also known as ‘Ajwain’ or ‘Bishop’s weed’ in different parts of the world. Add Carom seeds to your daily diet to be able to deal with indigestion.

Directions:

  1. Grind the carom seeds to get a fine powder which you will then mix with dried ginger.
  2. Place a teaspoon of the carom and ginger mixture in a cup and add the black pepper.
  3. Add warm water to the mixture and stir.
  4. Drink this mixture twice daily and enjoy the digestive benefits thereof.

 

3. Fennel Seeds:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Fennel seeds and a cup of warm water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Fennel seeds are a super home remedy used to treat indigestion, particularly that which results from extremely spicy foods. The seeds work in the treatment of indigestion because they have volatile oils that mix with the stomach contents and relieve you of indigestion. The seeds are also excellent at decreasing nausea and managing bloating. The advantage of these seeds is that they are easy to prepare.

Directions:

  1. Sort the seeds and dry roast them to add some flavor and adequately dry the seeds.
  2. Grind the seeds before sieving to get a fine powder.
  3. Scoop half a teaspoon of the fennel powder and indulge along with water.
  4. Repeat this procedure twice daily.
  5. The other alternative in using fennel seeds is to brew tea.
  6. Simply place two teaspoons of the ground seeds in a cup and add water.
  7. Allow the crushed seeds to steep for 10 minutes before sipping the fennel tea.

 

4. Coriander:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Coriander seed powder and a glass of buttermilk
Difficulty : Easy

 

Coriander is your go-to home remedy when you need relief from indigestion. This is because it increases the production of digestive enzymes that work on ingested food before it is passed to the small intestine. This has a much-desired calming effect on the stomach, making it one of the best ways to deal with the condition.

Directions:

  1. Take a teaspoon of the roasted coriander seed and place it in a glass of buttermilk.
  2. Stir the mixture and drink it twice daily until the indigestion eases. It helps to add coriander to your meal times as a preventive measure.

 

5. Chamomile or Mint Tea:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Choice of teabag between chamomile and mint tea.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Chamomile and mint tea are two of the most effective home remedies for indigestion. Not only do the teas relax the digestive tract, they also contain tannins that help eliminate the dyspeptic sensation. The teas are simple to use and prepare, so if you suffer from indigestion on a regular basis, make sure to stack up a few chamomile or mint teabags.

Directions:

  1. Take your choice teabag and steep it in hot water for 10 minutes prior to drinking.
  2. Sip on the tea slowly, making sure you use the remedy at least thrice daily.

 

6. Peppermint:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Peppermint oil capsules or dried peppermint leaves and a cup of hot water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Peppermint is a wonderful home remedy for indigestion as its antispasmodic properties help calm the stomach after mealtime. By relaxing the intestinal muscles, peppermint helps relieve the dyspeptic sensation. You may choose to use peppermint oil capsules or peppermint leaves depending on your personal preferences.

Directions:

  1. Take two peppermint capsules at least thrice daily, preferably in between meal times.
  2. Alternatively, place 2 teaspoons of dried peppermint leaves in a cup of hot water and allow to steep for 10 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture and sip on the tea throughout the day.

 

7. Cumin Seeds:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: A teaspoon of roasted cumin seeds, a glass of warm water and a half teaspoon of black pepper. A glass of buttermilk (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Cumin seeds have long been used as an ancient Ayurvedic form of treatment for indigestion. The ingredients of the cumin seeds are known to trigger the production of enzymes in the digestive tract. These enzymes enhance digestion which allows for the smooth transition of digested food from the stomach to the intestines.

Directions:

  1. Take a teaspoon of the roasted cumin seeds and place in a glass.
  2. Add warm water to the seeds and stir before drinking.
  3. Alternatively, mix the roasted cumin seeds with the black pepper before pouring in a glass of buttermilk.
  4. Mix the three ingredients well and drink thrice daily until you get relief from indigestion.

 

8. Use This Seedy Chew to Manage Indigestion:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: A teaspoon of the following seeds: caraway, anise, fennel and dill and a grinder.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Each of the seeds provides great relief from indigestion. In addition, to this, the seeds are rich in fiber, making them an ideal solution to the management of this condition. This is one of the reasons why many restaurants that serve spicy meals will often include bowls of the different seeds so that patrons can chew on them after the meals.

Directions:

  1. Place the seeds in a bowl and mix well before transferring to a grinder.
  2. Scoop half a teaspoon of the mixture and chew on slowly.
  3. Use this remedy thrice daily, preferably after meals.

 

9. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Need: Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV, preferably organic), a cup of water and a tablespoon of honey.
Difficulty: Easy

 

ACV is a preferred home remedy for the treatment of indigestion as it is known to improve the process of digestion. The vinegar’s acidity enhances the stimulation of enzymes in the stomach, thus promoting proper digestion and giving you relief from indigestion. As a general guide, organic ACV is preferred because it does not contain chemical additives that sometimes do not sit well with a number of users.

Directions:

  1. Add a tablespoon of the organic ACV to a cup of warm water.
  2. Add a tablespoon of the honey and stir well.
  3. Sip on this mixture thrice daily to alleviate dyspepsia.
  4. Use the remedy thrice daily until you start to feel better.

 

In addition to using these home remedies, it helps to eat slowly and chew food properly if you are to deal with indigestion before it occurs. Eating smaller portions at any one given time also helps improve digestion. Other simple measures that you can put in place include avoiding milk and dairy products for a while (particularly if you are lactose-intolerant) as well as taking fruits and fruit juices after meals. The reason for the latter is that fruit is mostly fiber, and while this has the advantage of increasing stool in bulk and making it easy to pass, the fruit may cause dyspepsia if taken just before a meal. Lastly, see to it that your last meal of the day is not less than three hours before your sleep time to ensure proper digestion.