7 effective natural remedies for indigestion
Indigestion can often be managed with home remedies and lifestyle changes. However, if indigestion is accompanied by other symptoms that indicate an illness, it is always best to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment options. That being said, some home remedies may also help provide relief from indigestion. But before trying any of the following remedies, make sure you are not allergic to them and consult a healthcare professional if there are any adverse reactions.
Chamomile tea
This is a well-known remedy to induce sleep and calm anxiety. Chamomile tea has other benefits, including easing gut discomfort by reducing the stomach acid found in the gastrointestinal tract and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent to relieve pain.
To prepare chamomile tea, simply place a tea bag in one cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the water to a cup and add some honey for taste. Sip on the mixture to help soothe the stomach and relax.Â
If one’s on blood thinners, it’s important to consult a doctor before trying this remedy to ensure there are no reactions.
Apple cider vinegar
There are a range of health benefits associated with apple cider vinegar, with one of the most popular being its ability to improve skin health. However, another reason to consider using apple cider vinegar in daily meals is its effectiveness in combating indigestion. One of the reasons why indigestion occurs is due to insufficient stomach acid. To help increase the acid levels, simply add one or two tbsp of ACV to a cup of water and drink to observe fast relief.
Another remedy is to drink this mixture 30 minutes before eating any meal to prevent indigestion from occurring in the first place. While it is completely safe to consume ACV, excessive intake may lead to tooth erosion, low blood sugar, throat burn, and nausea.
Peppermint tea
This tea has antispasmodic properties that can help with digestive issues like indigestion and nausea. It is often used as a breath freshener. To incorporate the tea into your routine, simply add a tea bag to a cup of boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Once the tea has cooled to a lukewarm temperature, pour this mixture into a cup and sip on it slowly. You can also use peppermint candies after a meal to soothe indigestion.
However, it is important to note that avoid using this remedy when the indigestion is caused due to acid reflux. Since peppermint helps relax the esophagus, during acid reflux, it is possible for the stomach acid to flow back up easily. So, be mindful of when to use the remedy.
Fennel seed
This particular seed is known for its antispasmodic properties that can relieve not only indigestion but also other gastrointestinal issues such as stomach cramps, bloating, and nausea. You can try the remedy to get some relief. Take half a teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds and mix it with water. Boil this mixture for 10 minutes. After it cools down, transfer it to a cup and sip it slowly. Additionally, you can also chew on fennel seeds after a meal to prevent indigestion.
Ginger
Similarly, ginger has the same properties that can help reduce stomach acid. Ingestion can be caused by too little or too much stomach acid, and ginger is an effective solution to deal with both cases. To relieve indigestion, you can drink a cup of ginger tea any time you feel some sort of discomfort. Simply grate a small piece of ginger into boiling water and let it steep for 5-10 minutes, and then transfer the mixture into a cup. Sip lightly on the lukewarm tea to get relief from indigestion. Although the flavor of the tea might be a bit too strong for your liking, it can be beneficial to experience relief from the stomach condition.Â
Licorice root
Studies have shown that this root can effectively calm muscle spasms and reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. These two conditions are known to trigger indigestion in the body. There are two ways of using this remedy – either chew on the licorice root directly for relief or add the root to boiling water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Drink this lukewarm mixture slowly to help get some relief from indigestion.Â
While this is a great remedy for indigestion, remember that drinking excess amounts may lead to a sodium and potassium imbalance in the body and a change in blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to speak to a doctor to understand the right amount of licorice root to use as a remedial solution for indigestion (not more than 60-70 gms).Â
Lemon water
This mixture is alkaline in nature, which helps neutralize stomach acid and improves digestion. You can include this mixture in your everyday routine by drinking a glass of it in warm water before meals. This can help prevent indigestion. However, be careful not to consume too much lemon as it can wear down tooth enamel and cause excess urination. It’s important to rinse your mouth after the remedy to remove any excess acid and prevent damage to your teeth.