When a stomach ache occurs, people often seek alternative, herbal and home remedies to help them cope with the pain and discomfort. Often accompanied by nausea, heartburn, vomiting and diarrhea, an upset stomach can be quite an inconvenience. Although no home remedies have been scientifically proven to cure stomach aches, they may provide relief from symptoms when used correctly. Numerous readily available herbs and foods have a reputation for settling the stomach and reducing symptoms without any unwanted side effects.
Step 1
Drink peppermint tea to aid digestion, relieve nausea and calm an upset stomach. Steep 1 ½ tsp. dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup of boiling water for 15 minutes, strain and drink immediately. Do not take peppermint if your stomach ache is accompanied by heartburn, however, as the plant's oils may exacerbate the condition.
Step 2
Drink chamomile tea, an age-old home remedy for treating stomach aches. According to gastroenterologist Anil Minocha, M.D. in his book "Natural Stomach Care," chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties help tame reflux stomach acid and quiet digestion. Steep 1 tsp. dried chamomile flowers in 1 cup boiling water for 15 minutes, then strain. Drink several cups per day as needed.
Step 3
Chew caraway seeds, which contain oils that soothe stomach spasms, relieve nausea and help control flatulence. In the book "1,801 Home Remedies," the Reader's Digest Association recommends chewing and swallowing a spoonful of the seeds after a meal or anytime you experience indigestion or upset stomach.
Step 4
Drink canned pear juice, an old home remedy, to help relieve nausea and vomiting associated with upset stomach. Joe Graedon, author of "The People's Home Pharmacy," attests that the juice from canned pears appears to work well for treating children. Although it's unclear why this remedy works and how effective it may be, its worth a try if you have some canned pears in the cabinet when a stomach ache strikes.
Step 5
Drink ginger tea to help improve digestion and reduce upset stomach. Ginger root is a famous home remedy for stomach aches and healers around the world use the herb for this purpose. Slice and peel a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root, boil for 20 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups daily as needed. Sweeten with honey, if desired, which also has a soothing effect on the stomach.
Tips and Warnings
- Other herbs that may help stomach aches when prepared as tea include plantain, marshmallow root, slippery elm, meadowsweet, fennel, lemon balm and licorice. Steep 1 to 2 tsp. of dried herbs in 1 cup boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, strain and drink. Eating a banana or papaya might also help settle the stomach.
- If stomach pain becomes worse or does not improve after three days, seek medical attention, as this may be the sign of a more serious condition.
Things You'll Need
- Dried peppermint leaves
- Dried chamomile flowers
- Caraway seeds
- Canned pears
- Fresh ginger root
- Honey (optional)
References
- Mayo Clinic: Non Ulcer Stomach Pain Alternative Medicine
- "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies"; Joe Graedon, Teresa Graedon; 2000
- "1,801 Home Remedies: Trustworthy Treatments for Everyday Health Problems"; Reader's Digest; 2004
- "Natural Stomach Care"; Anil Minocha, David Carroll; 2003
- "The Herbal Drugstore"; Linda B. White, Steven Foster; 2000
