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9 Medicine-Free Stomach Ache Remedies You Never Knew

Whether you're gassy, constipated, nauseous, or have indigestion, try these natural remedies to make an upset stomach feel better without medicine.

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Carrot and Mint “Juice” Helps an Upset Stomach

It might sound iffy, but this is one of the stomach ache remedies that’s super helpful if you’re suffering from the winter flu; the carrot provides nourishment and peppermint soothes your upset stomach. Boil four sliced carrots, four cups of water, and one teaspoon of dried peppermint or one peppermint teabag. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook about 15 minutes or until carrots are soft. If you’re using a teabag, remove it, then blend the mixture until smooth and enjoy! You can also add a pinch of ground ginger to further soothe, or a squeeze of lemon juice for flavor. These are the 7 best foods for your belly. Oh and, for some fun reading, check out these crazy old-time flu remedies, too.

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iStock/Barcin

Rice Tea Alleviates an Upset Stomach

To settle an upset stomach or stop diarrhea, make a rice “tea.” Boil 1/2 cup of rice in six cups of water for about 15 minutes. Strain out the rice, then flavor the water with a dash of honey or sugar and drink warm. Try these 11 other home remedies for diarrhea.

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Burnt Toast Settles an Upset Stomach

You know that toast is one of the best stomach ache remedies, but burnt toast is even better because the char absorbs toxins that are making you feel ill. Add a smear of jelly to make it more palatable.

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iStock/Christine Glade

Apple Cider Vinegar Soothes an Upset Stomach

Whether easing hiccups or soothing a sore throat, is there anything apple cider vinegar can’t do? (Here are 15 ways apple cider vinegar benefits your health.) This popular home remedy may also calm an angry tummy. A mixture of one tablespoon apple cider vinegar, one cup warm water, and one tablespoon honey will ease indigestion and may alleviate cramping and gas in your upset stomach. It can also lessen discomfort caused by heartburn. While apple cider vinegar does have amazing benefits, make sure you don’t drink it like this.

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iStock/Chris Gramly

CRAP Diet Is Good for an Upset Stomach

If you’re feeling constipated, try the CRAP diet: It stands for “cherries, raisins, apricots, and prunes,” all fiber-friendly foods that should get your system moving and ease your upset stomach. Try these bedtime fixes to banish belly bloat overnight.

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Yogurt Reduces Discomfort from an Upset Stomach

You probably don’t crave anything dairy when you have a stomach ache, but the probiotic qualities of yogurt—aka live bacteria—make it a good cure as it eases digestive discomfort and boosts your immune system. Just make sure to choose non-fat plain yogurt without added sugar or flavors when you have an upset stomach.

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iStock/eskaylim

Caraway Seeds Ease an Upset Stomach

Caraway seeds are packed with vitamins and minerals, which inhibit the growth of bad bacteria that causes indigestion, gas, or bloating and contributes to an upset stomach. Nibble on a handful after eating your meal, or if you feel gassy.

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iStock/MarkSkalny

Fennel Makes an Upset Stomach Feel Better

Whether it’s indigestion or gas and bloating, fennel is also one of the best stomach ache remedies. Sip a fennel tea, chew on a few fennel seeds or crunch on some raw. It supports digestion, reduces gas, helps with cramping, and reduces nausea from an upset stomach.

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iStock/SolStock

Heat Helps an Upset Stomach

Another great addition to the list of medicine-free stomach ache remedies is placing a hot water bottle or heating pad on your upset stomach. The heat increases blood flow to the skin surface and transfers the perception of pain from inside your stomach to the outside. These are the secrets your stomach is trying to tell you.

Reader's Digest
Originally Published in Reader's Digest