Natural Remedies for Treating an Upset Stomach

Just about everyone has experienced an upset stomach at sometime in their life and sometimes the condition will eventually improve on its own. At other times, the upset stomach may be too bothersome, requiring some type of treatment. Many people take over-the-counter medications for stomach ailments like Pepto-Bismol or Maalox, but others want more of a natural approach. If you're interested in finding natural ways to rid yourself of an upset stomach, the following remedies have been used for years by many others with great success.

Peppermint - Whether you choose to take peppermint in tea form or in pills, peppermint has been proven to alleviate stomach upsets. Peppermint begins to work immediately by calming stomach cramps and spasms, and can also relax you as well.

Relaxation - Because of the connection between the stomach and the brain, experiencing nervousness, anger, stress, or some other type of emotional upset can trigger a stomachache. Fortunately there are various relaxation techniques that can minimize and even eliminate stomach pain related to emotions. Certain breathing exercises, cognitive therapy and meditation techniques can help to relax you, therefore ridding you of stomach pain in the process.

Ginger - Although this herb that has been around for centuries has been used to treat a number of different ailments, one main ailment that it has been used to treat is stomachaches. Despite the fact that it is very potent, ginger can be safely used during pregnancy to help combat nausea as well as indigestion, diarrhea and other digestive conditions, in pregnancy and non-pregnant individuals. There is no one form of ginger that works best, and you can choose between teas, extracts, tinctures, capsules and oils. Ginger is also available in a variety of foods like ginger snaps, ginger sticks and even ginger bread. Many people drink cold or heated ginger ale for a quick upset stomach fix.

Aloe Vera - although aloe Vera is quite a well-known natural remedy for burns, it also has other usages, with curing stomach ailments being top on its list. Aloe Vera can also heal stomach ulcers, lesions and other intestinal issues with regular use. Aloe Vera can be purchased online or at any neighborhood health food store.

Licorice Root - This popular herb that is used to flavor candy, tobacco and beverages also doubles as a natural remedy to treat upset stomachs. Licorice has been used for years to treat intestinal issues like colic, inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis), colic, and even ulcers. Check your local health food store for licorice in capsule or tea form.

References

Natural upset stomach remedies - Mayo Clinic - www.mayoclinic.com/health/indigestion/DS01141/DSECTION=alternative-medicine

Digestive Health - Stress and Stomachaches -
www.everydayhealth.com/digestive-health/the-gut-brain-connection.aspx

University of Maryland Medical Center - Ginger & upset stomachs - www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginger-000246.htm