Historically, chamomile has been used for a variety of intestinal troubles, including gas, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting Yet despite its widespread use, only a limited number of studies support its effectiveness for digestive complaints. An animal study found that chamomile extracts relieved diarrhea in mice by reducing intestinal spasms and decreasing the amount of water secreted into the stool, but more research is needed to see if this applies to humans Chamomile is also commonly used in herbal supplements that relieve indigestion, gas, bloating and diarrhea, as well as colic in babies 12 , 13 , 14 , Although the gut-soothing effects of chamomile are widely recognized, research has not yet shown how it helps to relieve stomach upset.
For some people, upset stomach is caused by irritable bowel syndrome , or IBS. IBS is a chronic gut disorder that can cause stomach pain, bloating, constipation and diarrhea. While IBS can be difficult to manage, studies show that peppermint may help reduce these uncomfortable symptoms.
Taking peppermint oil capsules daily for at least two weeks can significantly reduce stomach pain, gas and diarrhea in adults with IBS 16 , Researchers believe that peppermint oil works by relaxing muscles in the digestive tract, reducing the severity of intestinal spasms that can cause pain and diarrhea 18 , While the research is promising, additional studies need to determine whether peppermint leaf or peppermint tea have the same therapeutic effects Peppermint is safe for most people, but caution is advised for those with severe reflux, hiatal hernias, kidney stones or liver and gallbladder disorders, as it may worsen these conditions Licorice is a popular remedy for indigestion and may also prevent painful stomach ulcers.
Traditionally, licorice root was consumed whole. DGL is preferred over regular licorice root because it no longer contains glycyrrhizin, a naturally occurring chemical in licorice that can cause fluid imbalances, high blood pressure and low potassium levels when consumed in large quantities 20 , Animal and test-tube studies show that DGL soothes stomach pain and discomfort by decreasing inflammation of the stomach lining and increasing mucus production to protect the tissues from stomach acid 22 , This may be especially helpful for people suffering from an upset stomach caused by excessive stomach acid or acid reflux.
DGL supplements may also help relieve stomach pain and indigestion from stomach ulcers caused by an overgrowth of the bacteria known as H. Several studies have shown that DGL supplements can eliminate H. Overall, licorice is a soothing herb for the intestinal tract, and can help reduce inflammation and infections that may contribute to an upset stomach. Flaxseed, also known as linseed, is a small, fibrous seed that can help regulate bowel movements and relieve constipation and abdominal pain.
Chronic constipation is defined as fewer than three bowel movements per week, and is often associated with abdominal pain and discomfort 26 , Flaxseed , consumed either as ground flaxseed meal or flaxseed oil , has been shown to relieve uncomfortable symptoms of constipation 28 , Constipated adults who took about one ounce 4 ml of flaxseed oil per day for two weeks had more bowel movements and better stool consistency than they did beforehand Animal studies have found additional benefits of flaxseed, including preventing stomach ulcers and reducing intestinal spasms, but these effects have yet to be replicated in humans 32 , 33 , Papaya, also known as pawpaw, is a sweet, orange-fleshed tropical fruit that is sometimes used as a natural remedy for indigestion.
Papaya contains papain, a powerful enzyme that breaks down proteins in the food you eat, making them easier to digest and absorb Some people do not produce enough natural enzymes to fully digest their food, so consuming additional enzymes, like papain, may help relieve their symptoms of indigestion.
There has not been a lot of research on the benefits of papain, but at least one study found that regularly taking papaya concentrate reduced constipation and bloating in adults Papaya is also used in some West African countries as a traditional remedy for stomach ulcers. A limited number of animal studies support these claims, but more human research is needed 37 , 38 , Finally, papaya seeds have also been taken by mouth to eliminate intestinal parasites, which can live in the gut and cause severe abdominal discomfort and malnutrition 40 , Several studies have shown that the seeds do indeed have antiparasitic properties and can increase the number of parasites passed in the stools of children 42 , 43 , Interestingly, several studies have found that giving cooked, green bananas to children with diarrhea can help reduce the amount, severity, and duration of episodes 45 , In fact, one study found that the addition of cooked, green bananas was nearly four times more effective at eliminating diarrhea than a rice-based diet alone The powerful antidiarrheal effects of green bananas are due to a special type of fiber they contain known as resistant starch.
Resistant starch cannot be digested by humans, so it continues through the digestive tract all the way to the colon, the final portion of the intestines. Once in the colon, it is slowly fermented by your gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids, which stimulate the bowels to absorb more water and firm up the stools 48 , While these results are impressive, more studies are needed to see if green bananas have the same antidiarrheal effects in adults.
An upset stomach can sometimes be accompanied by diarrhea. Green bananas contain a type of fiber called resistant starch, which is very effective at relieving this type of diarrhea in children. More research is needed in adults. Be aware of these causes, find out how to treat an upset stomach, and learn when to speak to a medical professional. Many different things can cause pain or discomfort in the stomach. Some causes are more severe than others, and the treatment for stomach pain varies accordingly.
Gas or bloating after a meal can be managed at home. However, drinking contaminated water while traveling requires care from a medical professional. Chronic health problems that cause stomach pain must be managed long term with the help of a healthcare professional. Drink plenty of liquids, but do so in small amounts; water is a good choice. Therefore, this diet can soothe the tissue irritation resulting from the acids in vomit. Many of the foods in the BRAT diet are also high in nutrients such as potassium and magnesium and can replace those lost through diarrhea and vomiting.
Smoking can irritate the throat, increasing the likelihood of an upset stomach. If the person has vomited, smoking can further irritate the tender tissue already sore from stomach acids. People with an upset stomach should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol until they are feeling better. Some foods are harder to digest than others, which increases the risk of an upset stomach. Anyone with an upset stomach should avoid foods that are:. Some studies suggest that mixing lime or lemon juice in water with a pinch of baking soda can help to relieve a variety of digestive complaints.
This mixture produces carbonic acid, which may help to reduce gas and indigestion. It may also improve liver secretion and intestinal mobility. The acidity and other nutrients in lime or lemon juice can help to digest and absorb fats and alcohol while neutralizing bile acids and reducing acidity in the stomach. Cinnamon contains several antioxidants that may help ease digestion and reduce the risk of irritation and damage in the digestive tract.
Some of the antioxidants in cinnamon include:. Other substances in cinnamon may help to reduce gas, bloating, cramping, and belching. They may also help to neutralize stomach acidity to reduce heartburn and indigestion. People with an upset stomach could try adding 1 tsp of good-quality cinnamon powder, or an inch of cinnamon stick, to their meals. Alternatively, they could try mixing the cinnamon with boiling water to make a tea.
Doing this two or three times daily may help to relieve indigestion. Cloves contain substances that may help to reduce gas in the stomach and increase gastric secretions. This can speed up slow digestion, which may reduce pressure and cramping. Cloves may also help to reduce nausea and vomiting. A person with an upset stomach could try mixing 1 or 2 tsps of ground or powdered cloves with 1 tsp of honey once a day before bedtime.
For nausea and heartburn, they could combine the cloves with 8 oz of boiling water instead to make a clove tea, which they should drink slowly once or twice daily. A person with an upset stomach could try mixing 1 or 2 tsps of ground or powdered cumin into their meals.
Alternatively, they could add a few teaspoons of cumin seeds or powder to boiling water to make a tea. Some traditional medical systems suggest chewing a pinch or two of raw cumin seeds or powder to ease heartburn.
Cumin seeds are available to purchase online. Figs contain substances that can act as laxatives to ease constipation and encourage healthy bowel movements. Figs also contain compounds that may help to ease indigestion. A person with an upset stomach could try eating whole fig fruits a few times a day until their symptoms improve.
Alternatively, they could try brewing 1 or 2 tsps of fig leaves to make a tea instead. In one study , researchers found that people who drank 10 milliliters ml of aloe juice daily for 4 weeks found relief from the following symptoms of gastrointestinal reflux disease GERD :. Yarrow flowers contain flavonoids, polyphenols, lactones, tannins, and resins that may help to reduce the amount of acid that the stomach produces.
They do this by acting on the main digestive nerve, called the vagus nerve. A reduction in stomach acid levels can reduce the likelihood of heartburn and indigestion. A person with an upset stomach could try eating young yarrow leaves raw in a salad or cooked in a meal. It is also possible to make yarrow tea by adding 1 or 2 tsps of dried or ground yarrow leaves or flowers to boiling water.
Basil contains substances that may reduce gas, increase appetite, relieve cramping, and improve overall digestion. Basil also contains eugenol, which may help to reduce the quantity of acid in the stomach.
A person with an upset stomach could try adding 1 or 2 tsps of dried basil leaves, or a couple of fresh basil leaves, to meals until their symptoms lessen. For more immediate results, they could mix half a teaspoon of dried basil, or a few fresh leaves, with boiled water to make a tea.
Licorice root contains substances that may help to reduce gastritis, or inflammation of the stomach lining, as well as inflammation relating to peptic ulcers.
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