9 Indigestion Home Remedies That Actually Work
Updated: Mar. 29, 2022
Tame indigestion symptoms with things already in your cabinets.
Make a four-seed chew
Mix a batch of this seedy chew, which combats indigestion by helping your system expel excess gas. These carminative herbs are one of few indigestion remedies dating back to the Ancient Egyptians, according to Doctors’ Favorite Natural Remedies. Take 1 teaspoon each of fennel, dill, anise, and caraway seeds and blend. Chew up a half-teaspoon or so, slowly, when you’re having indigestion after you’ve eaten a big, spicy, or fatty meal. You might see this same mix in Indian restaurants, where it is often put in bowls for customers to sample as they leave.
Order mint or chamomile tea
A steaming cup of one of these teas will quickly dispel that dyspeptic feeling. Both have been shown in studies to help with various stomach issues, Healthline reports. Simply use one of either kind of tea bag to a cup of water. Cover and steep for 10 minutes before drinking. Many restaurants stock these two calming brews, so have it after dinner if you’ve eaten something rich that might not agree with you. Here are 8 home remedies for GERD and heartburn.
Drink this tonic before eating
Indigestion remedies often start with plain water before adding in helpful ingredients, like the ones in this tonic. Add 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water and drink it 30 minutes before you dine.
Or this alternative concoction
Stir a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water, add a few drops of lemon juice, and drink it. If your stomach is too acidic, this solution neutralizes stomach acid and helps relieve painful gas. In very rare cases, baking soda has been known to explode in the stomach and cause tearing, so squirt the lemon juice into the water first, to dispel some of the gas before it hits your stomach. Here are 8 medical reasons you shouldn’t ignore heartburn.
Nibble on candy
Who would have thought sweets count as indigestion remedies? Not every candy does the trick. Ginger slices that have been dried and sugared are sold in supermarkets and health or natural food stores. They keep forever in the pantry and taste yummy. Two or three pieces can tame your tummy woes. This makes a great remedy for children’s minor stomach aches.
Have half a bitter beer
Beers that have a bitter bite are rich in hops, an herb that helps stimulate digestion. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that the more bitter acids the beer has, the better the release of gastric acid from stomach cells. Gastric acid helps with digestion and controlling the growth of gut bacteria.
Always add cinnamon
Cinnamon in any form—sticks, powder, tea—is a great addition to oatmeal, hot tonics, and even soups or stews. According to Fox News, cinnamon can aid in indigestion, heartburn, and nausea as well as promote anti-inflammation. These are the foods you should eat for digestion issues—and the ones to avoid.
Enjoy some licorice
The health benefits of licorice include soothing the stomach as well as reducing stress and protecting the skin and teeth, Healthline reports. Licorice liquid extract, powder, tea, and DGL are all options for including a dose to remedy indigestion. Consult with your doctor before supplementing with high doses of licorice root since doing so could cause health issues like high blood pressure and low levels of potassium, per Healthline.
Aloe vera juice
This juice has vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that help boost digestion and eliminate toxins, according to Healthline. There are some risks when drinking aloe vera juice. The non-decolorized variety can cause diarrhea while the juice has also been associated with amplifying the effects of medication for people with diabetes and possibly including miscarriages, Healthline reports. Ensure that you are only drinking decolorized and purified aloe vera juice starting with two tablespoons per day.
When to call a doctor
The vast majority of indigestion cases are simple, one-time affairs, easily cured with home remedies. But call 911 if you experience nausea along with sweating or an ache or pain in the chest; you may be having a heart attack. See your doctor if you have intense abdominal pain, especially if you also have black or bloody stools or if you’re vomiting. And you need a checkup if indigestion lingers for more than a couple of weeks, despite your best attempts at self-care.
