An upset stomach, while not a disease per se, can be a grave source of discomfort. This is the term used to describe pain in the upper abdominal region. It is often accompanied by belching, nausea, bloating and flatulence. For a number of people, a heartburn or acid reflux is also a common symptom.

One of the main causes of an upset stomach is overeating and over drinking.When you take excessive amounts of food and drink, the acid produced by the stomach comes into contact with the mucus lining the stomach and part of the digestive system. The acid causes the digestion of the mucus so that the stomach lining is easily irritated and becomes inflamed.

girl holding her belly

Other causes of an upset stomach include infections within the digestive system, certain medications as well as food intolerance.The aforementioned symptoms are what you should be on the look out for if you suspect you have an upset stomach. While mild cases of this condition can be treated using natural remedies, you must seek professional medical advice if the symptoms do not resolve after a couple of weeks even with the use of natural remedies.

This is important because persistent symptoms could be an indication of serious diseases such as cancer of the stomach. It is also important to see a doctor if your upset stomach is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, black stool, extreme sweating as well as jaundice.


1. Ginger:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Require: Fresh Ginger root, a cup of water and pan. Ginger powder and buttermilk may also be used.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Ginger is, undoubtedly, one of the most effective ways to treat an upset stomach and just about any other disorder within the digestive system. In addition to its anti fungal properties, ginger is also famed for its excellent antibacterial properties. This herb also has anti inflammatory properties that aid in soothing abdominal pain while providing relief from the accompanying symptoms. In cases where an upset stomach is accompanied by watery stools, the active ingredients in ginger help reduce the frequency of passing loose stool, ultimately making the condition more manageable. you may choose to use ginger powder and buttermilk. The latter is preferred because it is gentle on the stomach.

Directions:

Using fresh Ginger Root:

  1. Peel the fresh ginger well and wash it properly.
  2. Slice the ginger into small pieces and transfer to the pan.
  3. Pour in the cup of water and bring the mixture to boil for 5 minutes.
  4. Lower the heat and allow the ginger to steep in the water.
  5. Turn off the heat after 10 minutes and let the solution cool.
  6. Take this mixture thrice daily until the symptoms ease.

Using Ginger Powder:

  1. In the absence of fresh ginger, you can always use ginger powder.
  2. Simply add a teaspoon of the ginger powder to a cup of buttermilk.
  3. Stir the resulting mixture well and drink it thrice daily.

NOTE: This remedy is not intended for patients suffering from hypertension as certain compounds found in ginger have been shown to elevate the blood pressure with potentially adverse effects.

 


2. Ripe Bananas:

Time Required: 40 Min
What You Require: Ripe bananas, a glass of buttermilk, a bowl and a teaspoon of pulp from the tamarind pulp. A pinch of salt (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Bananas are not only healthy fruits packed with potassium and nutrients for the body, they are also a reliable remedy for the natural treatment of an upset stomach, particularly one that is accompanied by diarrhea. This is because the fruit is easy to digest and is therefore gentler on the stomach. Additionally, bananas have pectin that help bulk up stool while enhancing the absorption of excessive acid production in the stomach. Since bananas are rich in Potassium, they make for an excellent way to replenish electrolytes lost through the formation of loose watery stool. The addition of tamarind pulp is meant to solidify stool while soothing the irritated stomach.

Directions:

  1. Peel the banana and proceed to mash in a bowl.
  2. Add buttermilk to the mashed banana and mix well.
  3. Drink the mixture thrice daily until your stomach pains cease.
  4. Alternatively, mix the mashed bananas with a teaspoon of fresh pulp from the tamarind pulp.
  5. Add a pinch of salt and eat this mixture daily until the pain dissipates.

 


3. Fenugreek Seeds:

Time Required: 15 Min
What You Require: A teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds and a glass of warm water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Fenugreek seeds are recommended for the home treatment of an upset stomach because they produce a gummy substance that helps solidify watery stool. This is important in cases where an upset stomach is accompanied by diarrhea. When you take the fenugreek seeds in warm water, you are able to get instant relief from some of the symptoms that accompany the condition.

Directions:

  1. Place two teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds in a glass and add warm water.
  2. Stir the resulting mixture and drink it thrice daily until you get relief.

 


4. Chamomile Tea:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Require: 2 Teaspoons of dried chamomile and a cup of hot water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Chamomile is best known for its soothing properties, one of the traits that makes it ideal for the treatment of an upset stomach. Certain compounds in chamomile help reduce inflammation by relaxing the smooth muscles found in the gut. This eases abdominal pain and reduces spasms that often lead to cramping.

Directions:

  1. Place the dried chamomile in your cup and add the hot water.
  2. Allow the chamomile to steep for 10 minutes in order to get the best benefits from the home remedy.
  3. Sip the chamomile tea while still warm, and use this remedy severally throughout the day until you start to feel better.

 


5. A Hot Pack:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Require: A hot water bottle and a comfortable place to lie.
Difficulty: Easy

 

The purpose of a hot pack is to help relieve abdominal discomfort by virtue of its warmth. This warmth not only relaxes the abdominal muscles, it also helps get rid of the cramping that characterizes an upset stomach.

Directions:

  1. Get a comfortable place to lie and place the hot water bottle on your tummy. The use of the word ‘hot’ is relative because, ideally, the temperatures should be bearable.
  2. Place the bottle on your tummy for 20 minutes and repeat as often as is needed.

 


6. Rice Water:

Time Required: 40 Min
What You Require: Half a cup of plain white rice, 2 cups of cold water and a pot. Honey (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Rice water, just as the name suggests, is water that is left behind once rice has cooked. The reason it is an excellent home remedy for the treatment of an upset stomach is that it is bland and has demulcent properties. The latter simply means a remedy that provides relief from inflammation by creating a layer over the lining of the digestive system, and in particular the stomach. This in turn prevents the irritation of the stomach thus speeding the healing process of an upset stomach.

Directions:

  1. Cook your rice using twice the amount of water you would normally use for the specific amount of rice. If you have not done this before, the recommended guide lines are a cup of rice for 3 cups of water.
  2. Place your rice and turn the heat on, making sure you cook over medium heat.
  3. Once the rice becomes tender, turn the heat off and allow it to soak for 5 minutes while covered.
  4. Drain the water and save it as this is what constitutes the remedy.
  5. Preserve the rice for a later meal if the diarrhea does not subside.
  6. You may add a teaspoon of honey to the rice water before drinking it.
  7. Use this remedy thrice daily until you feel better.

 


7. Warm Lemon Water:

Time Required: 20 Min
What You Require: 1 Fresh lemon, a cup of hot water and a strainer. Honey (optional).
Difficulty: Easy

 

Lemon juice comes in handy in treating an upset stomach particularly if it is the result of overeating. The reason for this is that the citric acid present in the lemon triggers the production of Hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The increased concentration of the acid in turn enhances proper digestion of the excessive food. Lemon water also has the advantage of ensuring that you remain hydrated. This is important in getting rid of toxins from the digestive system in order to prevent abdominal cramping.

Directions:

  1. Wash the lemon well and cut it into half.
  2. Juice the two halves and transfer the juice to a cup.
  3. Add the warm water and let the mixture steep for a few minutes.
  4. You may strain the mixture if you so wish, or drink it as it is once it has cooled and is warm enough.
  5. Use this remedy thrice daily until your tummy feels better.

 


8. Fennel Seeds:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: 1 Teaspoon of fennel seeds.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Fennel seeds are an excellent home remedy for the natural treatment of an upset stomach. This is attributed to the fact that they are packed with anethole. Anethole is a volatile and potent oil whose function in this is to trigger the production of the stomach’s digestive enzymes. This not only helps with the digestion of food, it also aids in solidifying stool so that it is easier to pass. Overall, fennel seeds provide relief from the abdominal discomfort that is typical of an upset stomach.

Directions:

  1. Simply chew on the fennel seeds after your meals to get things moving.

NOTE: This remedy is not recommended for expectant women.

 


9. Cumin Seeds:

Time Required: 10 Min
What You Need: 1 Teaspoon of cumin seed and 1 Cup of water.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Cumin is best known for its role as an excellent spice in the culinary field, but you will be pleased to learn that the seeds can also be used to manage an upset stomach. Compounds present in the seeds are known to prevent the contraction of smooth muscles in the digestive system. This goes a long way in relaxing the muscles and calming the stomach, in effect reducing the extent of abdominal cramping. The seeds have also been shown to promote digestion by increasing the concentration of digestive enzymes.

Directions:

  1. Place 1 teaspoon of the cumin seeds in a cup of water and transfer to a pan.
  2. Bring the mixture to boil for 5 minutes and turn the heat off.
  3. Allow the cumin water to cool and drink while it is still warm.
  4. Alternatively, roast half a teaspoon of the cumin seeds, making sure they do not burn.
  5. Take the roasted cumin seeds with half a teaspoon of organic honey at least thrice daily until you get relief.

 


10. Fresh Mint Leaves:

Time Required: 15 Min
What You Need: 1 Teaspoon of  Fresh Mint Leaves , Honey and Lime Juice.
Difficulty: Easy

 

Mint is a refreshing aromatic herb that has been used since ancient civilizations to treat an array of stomach disorders. It is an excellent way to relieve nausea, one of the most common accompanying symptoms. Mint also has excellent antispasmodic properties that regulate the activity of the smooth muscle lining the digestive system. In addition to this, mint is also rich in nutrients that enhance digestion. You may extract the mint juice and mix it with lime and honey, or you may opt to prepare mint tea.

Directions:

  1. Clean the mint leaves well before blending them to get the juice.
  2. Take a teaspoon of the mint juice and mix it with an equivalent amount of both the lime juice and honey.
  3. Stir the mixture well and take this thrice daily to eliminate the discomfort.
  4. Alternatively, add a teaspoon of the mint leaves to a cup of water and boil the mixture.
  5. Allow the mint leaves to steep in the water for 10 minutes before straining.
  6. Discard the used leaves and sip on this tea thrice daily.
  7. This remedy is a great and simple way of dealing with an upset stomach.

It helps to keep a number of these remedies on standby for those moments when an upset stomach creeps on you.