Indigestion is an uncomfortable feeling of fullness accompanied by upper abdominal pain or burning, according to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse. Commonly referred to as an upset stomach, indigestion often develops from eating too fast or overeating. Heartburn occurs when stomach acid moves up into the esophagus. Heartburn causes a burning feeling in the middle of your chest while acid indigestion produces a similar burning sensation in the core of your stomach. While antacids are normally the first line of treatment for stomach upset, certain natural remedies may prevent and ease acid indigestion. Talk to your doctor about using herbs for medicinal reasons.
Artichoke
Artichokes may help relieve acid indigestion. Artichoke Leaf Extract, also known as ALE, is purported to reduce gas and feelings of fullness by increasing the flow of bile, according to Prevention.com. Bile is fluid secreted by the liver that aids in the digestion process. Touch base with your doctor about using ALE.
Barberry
Barberry has been used in Indian folk medicine to stimulate appetite, improve diarrhea and relieve indigestion. This herb is commonly used in Iran to treat heartburn, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Barberry may encourage the flow of bile.
Check with your doctor before taking barberry.
Peppermint
Peppermint may aid in the digestive process as well as relieve indigestion, notes the UMMC. Peppermint is purported to relax stomach muscles, permitting uncomfortable gas to pass quickly as well as improve the flow of bile.
Ask your doctor about using peppermint to ease acid indigestion.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice may help prevent and treat indigestion. Drinking a cup of warm lemon juice prior to a meal may fend off an upset stomach, according to Natural Home Remedies.com. Mixing 1 tbsp. of lemon juice with a tbsp. of ginger and 2 tbsp. of honey in cup of warm water may ease indigestion.
Talk to your doctor about using herbal remedies for medicine purposes.
Ginger
Ginger has been used for centuries in China to relieve indigestion. It remains a viable natural remedy for mild stomach upset and may also aid in digestion, according to the UMMC.
Chewing a small amount of fresh ginger sprinkled with salt a few minutes before eating may improve digestion.
Consult with your health care provider about taking ginger for acid indigestion.
Oregon Grapes
Oregon grape may stimulate digestion as well as relieve contractions in the intestinal tract.
Oregon grape contains a compound called berrbine, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Berrbine appears to kill a number of germs and bacterias including those responsible for diarrhea.
