Some eating habits may result in digestive upsets, producing acid reflux, gas, bloating and burning sensations in the chest and back. Look no farther than your kitchen cupboard or refrigerator for a home remedy to relieve pain and discomfort from digestion problems. Although home remedies often provide relief for simple acute ailments, chest pain and other digestive disorders may indicate more serious diseases. If your symptoms persist, consult a health practitioner for treatment.
Ginger
The common spice ginger is a useful remedy for the treatment of nausea and vomiting from a stomach flu or other digestive disturbance. In addition, ginger may relieve symptoms associated with a gallbladder attack, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Both powdered or fresh ginger can be made into an herbal tea and mixed with a little bit of honey to sweeten. Ginger is considered safe when used occasionally in tea; however, it can thin the blood when used repeatedly. If you take blood-thinning medicine, consult your health practitioner before using ginger medicinally over time.
Mint
Another home remedy that is an excellent treatment for upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, bloating, excess gas and acid indigestion is mint, notes the UMMC. You can buy dried mint at the health food store loose or in tea bags and keep it in a cool, dark cupboard for times when you need a cup of mint tea. Or grow a mint plant on your windowsill. Whenever you have a digestive upset, tear off a mint leaf and chew on it for relief. Mint and other plants in the mint family, like basil and spearmint, may aggravate acid reflux in some people. If you notice your symptoms getting worse, stop using it. Contact your health practitioner if your symptoms do not improve.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a mild acid that helps create an alkaline-forming state in the stomach when taken for acid reflux, according to "The pH Miracle." It stimulates the production of digestive enzymes, including bicarbonate, which neutralizes stomach acid and changes the pH of the contents of the stomach. To make a home remedy to ease acid reflux, mix 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar with 8 to 10 oz. water and drink. If this is too much vinegar reduce the quantity to what you can tolerate and work up to the full dose.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is useful for alkalizing the stomach during an attack of acid reflux, as well as for changing the body's pH to become more alkaline systemically, according to Drugs. com. To use baking soda to relieve an acute acid indigestion attack, mix 1/2 tsp. in an 8-oz. glass of water and drink immediately. It should help neutralize the contents of your stomach and bring immediate relief. Baking soda can raise the blood pressure and should not be used if you take medicines for high blood pressure, unless under the supervision of your health practitioner.
References
- "The pH Miracle"; Dr. Robert O. Young and Shelley Redford Young; 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peptic Ulcer
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Peppermint
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- Drugs.com: Baking Soda
