Stomachaches, cramping and gas can arise as a result of a variety of factors including eating spoiled food, contracting the flu, having gallbladder attacks or experiencing an irritable bowel attack. Pain and discomfort may be eliminated with treatment from home remedies. Because some herbal remedies may cause side effects or interfere with medicines, a health practitioner should be consulted before starting treatment.
The Mint Family
Peppermint, basil and wintergreen are all culinary herbs from the mint family that have medicinal characteristics. Any of these minty herbs can be used to settle an upset stomach, soothe pain, reduce belching and gas, and offer overall digestive relief. They can be consumed in their fresh state; in lozenge form; or as tea, sipped throughout the day.
Homeopathic Lycopodium
The remedy Lycopodium is useful for treating cramping in the abdomen as a result of trapped gas, food allergies, gallbladder colic and inadequate digestion, according to the University of Michigan Health System. The person needing Lycopodium begins by feeling ravenous hunger, which is easily satiated after a few bites of food. The individual eats fast, gulping food and air, and may feel full and bloated. Lycopodium may help relieve these symptoms as well as those developed after drinking or eating exceptionally hot foods and drinks. The person's gas pains are predominantly on the right side of the abdomen, sometimes shifting to the left, according to "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines."
Homeopathic remedies are available at health food stores and online homeopathic pharmacies for self-treatment. If Lycopodium does not relieve the individual's discomfort, another remedy may be needed. If symptoms persist, consult a homeopath or other health practitioner.
Ginger
Ginger can be used as a digestive tonic to soothe the stomach and help pass trapped gas. It is an excellent herb for use in relieving nausea and vomiting, especially when the symptoms come on from motion. It is helpful with abdominal symptoms that appear from flu, gallbladder colic and other digestive upsets, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Place a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger in 1 cup boiling water and brew for 15 minutes. Remove the ginger and sip. Honey can be added to sweeten. Ginger can also be consumed by allowing some ginger ale soda to go flat and then sipping. The soda must contain real ginger and sugar, not artificial sweeteners.
If you are using medicines to thin the blood, consult with a health practitioner before using ginger, which has blood-thinning characteristics.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peptic Ulcer
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peppermint
- "Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines"; Stephen Cummings, F.N.P. and Dana Ullman, M.P.H.; 1984
- University of Michigan Health System: Allergies and Sensitivities (Food and Chemical) -- Homeopathic Remedies
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
