Calming an Upset Stomach Using Ginger and Mint

It happens to the best of us: after eating dinner out, your stomach is telling you what it thinks of the plate of cheese fries you just inhaled and you're wishing it would've spoken up a jalapeno burger ago. But you're at home, and out of the famous pink stuff that heals every pain you're feeling. Never fear--here are a few tried and true ways to treat your ailing stomach at home.

First of all, watch what else you put in there. Try your best to avoid alcohol and caffeine, including coffee and soda. Dairy products don't help either, so skip Grandma's warm milk.

Ginger: An ancient herbal remedy, ginger has been used to cure multiple ailments, including upset stomach, for thousands of years. If your stomach issues are due to pregnancy, ginger is a near-miracle cure, helping to combat nausea and vomiting. Ginger is a root, and you can get the herb as an extract, capsule or oil. For a convenient fix, nibble on gingerbread or gingersnaps, or steam the ginger root for tea. To make a sweet ginger tisane, combine six cups of water, 1/4 cup peeled and chopped fresh ginger and 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice in a large saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat. Simmer on low for five minutes, then remove it from the heat and add 1/2 cup of firmly packed fresh mint leaves. Let it steep for five minutes, then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. Discard the mint leaves and ginger, then stir in six tablespoons honey. You can drink it hot or iced--either way your stomach will thank you.

Baking Soda and Water: It doesn't taste great, but it works. That orange box you have in the back of your fridge or on a pantry shelf can do wonders for digestive distress. Baking soda helps to neutralize acid in your stomach, so it's a natural antacid. Wait until you aren't overly full to use this remedy. Completely dissolve 1/2 tsp. baking soda in four ounces of water and drink up! Baking soda contains quite a bit of sodium, so consult your doctor if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

Mint: This does a great job to help soothe an upset stomach. Make a tea from fresh or dried mint leaves or crush the leaves to put in sparkling water. Add a few drops of pure peppermint oil to the beverage of your choice (decaf please) or just drop it directly on your tongue for a quicker fix. Peppermint candies are good, too, but make sure they're not artificially flavored. Altoids contain pure oils, so they're perfect for the job.

Any of these are effective home remedies for your upset stomach, but your best bet is to avoid it altogether. If stomach issues are a frequent problem, eat smaller meals. Avoid greasy and spicy food, and limit your caffeine intake. But if you do find yourself at home with a digestive dilemma, try a drink laced with ginger, baking soda, or mint. Soon, you'll be well on your way to getting rid of the belly blues.

Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Center http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm