They say that the way to reach a man’s heart is through his stomach, and so the good health of the stomach is important not just physically but emotionally as well, I guess! Stomach ache or stomach ache is also referred as abdomen pain, which is one of the most commonly occurring ailment in our day-to-day lives. They can be defined as cramps or a mild pain in the abdomen. Even being a common problem, it is a rather neglected one. However, after a proper research, we have listed 15 home remedies for stomach ache that are scientifically proven to cure. Let’s see how to get rid of a stomach with simple and natural home remedies.
Symptoms Of Stomach Ache
Most dormant symptoms of the stomach ache are the shooting pain in the abdomen. However, sometimes it can be chaperoned with:
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Tension and tightness in the abdominal area
- Inability to eat
- Breathing difficulty
- Issues with passing stool
- Vomiting
- Blood in vomit
Causes Of Stomach Ache
One can learn the cause of stomach ache by differentiating the types and specific area of pain itself. Various reasons cause different types of stomach ache and here are some of them.
- Indigestion: A very common reason for stomach ache is indigestion, which occurs when the stomach is not able to digest the food properly. You feel pain in the upper abdomen, and the pain can be persistent or recurrent. Your stomach may be bloated temporarily, and you may feel nauseated or might want to vomit. Uncomfortable sounds from the stomach are also a common occurrence.
- Constipation: A good morning is indeed good when your toilet trips are effectively good. A good stool is important for the overall health of the body. Constipation is a symptom where the bowel movements are difficult, and you experience hardened feces. It may be a common phenomenon, but if it is consistent for 2-3 months, then it may be chronic constipation and needs immediate medical attention.
- Menstrual Cramps: When it is ‘that’ time of the month, women are most worried about their menstrual cramps. A huge loss of blood from the body leads to weakness. It is mostly common in women, but the intensity of the pain ranges from normal to severe. It is scientifically also known as dysmenorrhea. They can occur before the menstrual cycle or during it. Pain is felt in the lower abdomen and may sometimes extend to hips, lower back, and thighs.
- Food Poisoning: For those who are away from their homes, this is the biggest enemy ever. Food poisoning is a result of consuming contaminated, spoiled or toxic food. The common symptoms are diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. It is not an unusual phenomenon, and the main culprits are the harmful bacteria found in ‘outside food.’ Natural antibacterial food can treat food poisoning thoroughly. Stomach ache is a common symptom in this.
- Flatulence: It is easy to commit a murder, but to accept that the smelly gas came from your back is a much embarrassing task. Flatulence means gas in the stomach. Your stomach growls, making sounds that are not just uncomfortable to you, but also to those close to you. Scientifically, this is due to the excessive gas produced in the stomach or intestine due to the waste present in there. Abdominal bloating and discomfort are the common symptoms. Microbes in the stomach lead to the production of gas, especially methane and so you need a way to tackle the bad bacteria that cause methane and other gas production.
- Diarrhea: Also called as loose motions, is the complete opposite of constipation, where you might need to visit the bathroom frequently because your stool is loose and watery. Diarrhea probably lasts for 2-3 days but in case you need to be outside the house, it is important that you find an immediate and safe relief for this problem. Regular intake of water is necessary during diarrhea because one would have lost almost all the water from the body. At such times, liquid food like fruit juices or coconut water is highly recommended.
- Dysentery: A dysentery is an extreme form of diarrhea when there is an inflammation of the intestine and blood can be seen in the stool. Abdominal pain, fever and rectal tenesmus that is a feeling of incomplete defecation, are some of the other symptoms. Bacteria, parasites, and viruses that have entered the body through oral contact or contaminated objects or hands cause dysentery.
- Diverticulitis: When the pain starts, it is often short-lived. They are reoccurring, non-lasting and will usually occur when you fill the stomach — here is your best clue to stomach ache. The type of pain can be classified as chronic or temporary. Temporary pains in the abdomen are caused by the gastrointestinal agitations that are caused by eating greasy and gassy food. Mending changes to your dietary patterns can bring a solution to the pain. However, the more serious side of the stomach ache can come from the chronic type. It can be an indication of severe underlying conditions or worse, the cause being cancerous. Hence, if you have reasons to believe that your pain is chronic, consult a doctor immediately. The individual suffering from the diverticulitis will have holes in the colon, and it gets inflamed when the stool is lodged in the holes. When you are suffering from the diverticulitis, you have pain in the abdomen that may respond to antibiotics. You can overcome the symptoms with high fiber diet. In rare intense cases, it can cause bleeding and abscesses. You may also need surgery or hospitalization.
- Gallstones: If you are wondering at the causes of that sharp pain in the right side of the upper abdomen when you exhale, here is that one answer you needed to know. Gallstones! They are tiny stones that block the orifice of the small sac under the liver that produces bile juice for digestion and causes swelling the area. When these juices are blocked from entering the intestine, you will have stinging pain. Eat a super fatty meal and you will have the pain bothering you soon.
Top 15 Herbal & Home Remedies for Stomach Ache
There are “N” number of factors that cause stomach aches, and so the treatment for them also varies. Most stomachaches are caused due to the growth of unwanted bacteria in the stomach or intestine. However, with the help of some natural remedies, you can easily overcome your stomach ache.
Note: Different herbal treatments work for different pains. Hence, you need to find out the cause of the pain before trying one of these effective methods.
15. Sacred Fig Leaves and Buttermilk
- Step 1: Take a few sacred fig leaves and crush them to make juice.
- Step 2: Take three teaspoons of sacred fig leaves juice.
- Step 3: Take a cup of buttermilk.
- Step 4: Mix them and drink.
How Does This Work?
The leaves have mildly laxative and astringent effects, which can effectively treat constipation. The high fiber content in the leaves facilitates smooth passage of stool. It makes the waste softer and easy to pass through your gut.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- You are allergic to berries and figs.
- You have bleeding disorders. Avoid consuming the sap from the tree as it is believed to cause bleeding in the digestive tract, but such cases have rarely been reported.
14. BRAT Diet (Banana, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast)
How Does This Work?
The BRAT diet has foods that are easily absorbed by the body, and they contain low fiber. BRAT diet is best when you have to eat something despite being sick. Roasting the bread a little excessively is known to ward off the symptoms of nausea. You can also include other foods in the BRAT diet. The best are the saltine crackers, clear soups or boiled potatoes.
BRAT Diet Is Not Good, If:
- You are suffering from vomiting. It is better to stick to liquid diets until you can change to solid diet.
- You are anemic.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. A sudden diet change can cause harm. Consult your doctor before trying.
13. Fresh Aloe Vera Juice
- Step 1: Cut one or two fresh Aloe Vera leaves. Use the ones that are close to the ground, as they are said to be more mature.
- Step 2: Clean the leaves with fresh water.
- Step 3: Take out all its gel.
- Step 4: Its yellow sap (or aloin) has to be discarded.
- Step 5: You need only the inner central gel. So separate them carefully.
- Step 6: Blend the gel in a mixer to make it smooth.
- Step 7: For one glass of Aloe Vera Juice, mix two tablespoons of this gel with one glass of water.
- Step 8: Refrigerate the rest and use when required.
- Step 9: Mix the gel and water properly. Drink two times a day.
- Step 10: Continue for 3 to 4 days.
How Does This Work?
The plant consists of two substances (gel and latex) mainly used in medicines. It can assist in acid reflux, indigestion, etc. It consists of laxative compounds known as aloin, aloe-emodin, and barbaloin. It conducts anti-inflammatory effect on the GI tract lining. It also contains vitamins A, E, zinc, magnesium, essential fatty acids, and calcium.
Aloe Vera Is Not Good, If:
- You are taking other medications. Aloe juice and can lead to low potassium and blood sugar levels in the body.
- You are diabetic. It can promote low glucose levels.
- You are suffering from stomach ulcers, appendicitis, hemorrhoids, liver problems, and colitis.
- You have a history of heart disease. Aloe can make the body produce high levels of adrenaline, which can lead to dangerous conditions.
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can lead to miscarriage and defects in babies.
- You are administering a child. It should not be given to children below 12 years of age.
12. Rest In Hot Bath Tub
How Does This Work?
Hot water can increase the blood circulation, which in turn relaxes the muscles. You will feel less pain in the stomach.
Resting In Hot Water Tub Is Not Good, If:
- You are resting in the tub within one hour of your lunch, breakfast or dinner. Kindly remember, a hot bath must be taken three hours after a meal.
- You are preparing to take food. Kindly note that any meals have to be taken half an hour after the hot bath.
11. Cumin Seeds
- Step 1: Take two tablespoons of cumin seeds and three cups of water.
- Step 2: Mix them together.
- Step 3: Boil this mixture for fifteen minutes.
- Step 4: Let the mixture calm down.
- Step 5: Strain the mixture and consume it. You will get relief.
How Does This Work?
The aroma of cumin comes from the compound (cumin aldehyde) which triggers the salivary glands facilitating primary digestion of food. The second compound is thymol, which can activate the glands responsible for secretion of acids, enzymes, and bile. Since it contains sodium and magnesium content, these seeds promote digestion.
Cumin Seeds Are Not Good, If:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You are suffering from bleeding disorders. Cumin seeds can make it worse.
- You are diabetic. It can lower your blood sugar levels.
- You have undergone surgery or going to have one.
10. Fennel Seeds
- Step 1: Take one tablespoon of fennel seeds.
- Step 2: Chew the fennel seeds after your meals to assist easy digestion.
How Does This Work?
Fennel seeds possess anethole and cineole, the oils that can trigger the secretion of digestive juice. It can also reduce inflammation and the pain caused due to a stomachache. These seeds are also rich in phytoestrogens and can have a soothing effect on irritable bowels and stomach disorders.
Fennel Seeds Are Not Good, If:
- You are pregnant. You can suffer a miscarriage.
- You are allergic to carrots, mugworts, and celery. Fennel seeds may cause an allergy if you are sensitive to such plants.
- You are suffering from uterine cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, ovarian cancer, and uterine fibroids.
9. Yogurt and Coriander Leaves
- Step 1: Take one or two tablespoons of fresh yogurt.
- Step 2: Mix it with some freshly chopped coriander leaves and if needed, a pinch of salt.
- Step 3: Mix all the ingredients together. Ensure the coriander leaves are crushed to get the maximum benefits.
How Does This Work?
The probiotics are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. The lactobacillus succeeds in breaking the lactose that can cause discomfort in many people. They can also assist people with irritable bowel syndrome, antibiotic-related diarrhea, etc.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- You have low blood pressure. Coriander leaves might decrease it even more.
- You are diabetic. Coriander leaves can decrease it the sugar levels.
- You are allergic to plants like mugwort, caraway, aniseed, dill, fennel, or plants that are similar to these. You may have allergies to coriander as well.
- You have a weak immune system. Some claim that the live bacteria present in yogurt may reproduce unchecked, thereby, causing sickness in people who have a weak immune system, like organ transplant recipients, HIV/AIDS, etc.
8. Healthy Rice Soup
- Step 1: Take half a cup of long grain white rice and top it with more than normal level of water and cook it.
- Step 2: Let the rice become tender in a medium-low heat setting and remove it from the stove.
- Step 3: Allow it to soak for 3 minutes and then drain the fluid. Drink the watery extracts directly or you can add honey.
Note: The rice can be consumed separately as a bland meal.
How Does This Work?
The soup can easily soothe the internal organs if you are suffering from fermentation, indigestion, extreme fatigue and weak stomachs. It can promote healthy factors such as providing quick energy, can stabilize levels of blood sugar and vitamin B1 to the human body. It can increase appetite, decrease digestive problems, elimination of toxins from the human body.
Rice Soup Is Not Good, If:
- You consume white rice on a daily basis. Prefer brown rice instead. You can risk the development of type 2 diabetes and cause obesity. It can contain massive consumption of the chemical arsenic, and it may lead to cancer.
- You are diabetic. Eating too much of rice can affect the production of insulin and metabolism of glucose in the body.
7. Ginger Root Tea
- Step 1: Take one ginger root, one sharp knife, two cups of water.
- Step 2: Grate the ginger root to pieces and boil the mixture in water.
- Step 3: Remove the mixture, strain it and add honey to taste.
How Does This Work?
The chemicals present in ginger are called as shogaols and gingerols. They can assist in relaxation of stomach muscles in the intestinal tract. It is recommended to have raw ginger instead of ginger ale as there might be artificially added.
Ginger Tea Is Not Good, If:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. Though proper evidence has not been documented, many say that it can affect the fetal sex hormones.
- You are suffering from bleeding disorders. Ginger can worsen it.
- You have heart problems. Taking ginger in high doses can worsen the heart condition.
6. Dandelion Root Tea
- Step 1: Take two cups of water.
- Step 2: Boil the water and add the herb.
- Step 3: Cover with a lid and let it steep until warm.
- Step 4: Strain and then consume the tea.
How Does This Work?
It contains more beta-carotene and rich in minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. The herb also displays similar properties to a laxative, assists in digestion, and enhances the formation of appetite. The stomach acid is released more along with bile to aid in the digestion of fats.
Dandelion Root Tea Is Not Good, If:
- You have allergic to ragweed, daisies, chrysanthemums, and marigolds.
- You are taking medicines for blood thinning. Interactions can happen.
5. Potato Juice
- Step 1: Crush or grind the potatoes.
- Step 2: Extract the juice and then add one cup of water. You can also add lemon juice if you want.
- Step 3: Consume every morning on an empty stomach.
How Does This Work?
Potassium the nutrient that potatoes are rich in. These high levels of potassium are responsible for the acid-base balance in the cells. It can also relax the tension between blood vessels. The acid formation in the stomach is neutralized, and you get relief from peptic ulcers and heartburn.
Potato Is Not Good, If:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- You are diabetic. It can affect the sugar levels in the blood.
- You consume in excess. It can backfire and cause headache, vomiting, and nausea.
4. Asafoetida Powder and Buttermilk
- Step 1: Roast the Asafoetida chunks.
- Step 2: Crush these chunks and grind them into a fine powder.
- Step 3: Take one teaspoon of powdered asafoetida and mix it with a glass of freshly prepared buttermilk.
- Step 4: Drink this mixture to get immediate relief within minutes.
How Does This Work?
Asafoetida acts as an anti-flatulent and prevents the growth of indigenous microflora in the stomach. For women who suffer from menstrual irregularities, asafoetida can work wonders and help restart the menstrual cycle as normal. Buttermilk, on the other hand, contains good bacteria, which is lactic acid, which speeds digestion and absorption of food.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- You are lactose intolerant. It is better to avoid this remedy.
- You are suffering from convulsions or epilepsy.
- You have high blood pressure (or hypertension).
- You have bleeding disorders.
- You have undergone surgery or going to have one.
3. Mango Leaves and Honey
- Step 1: Take some immature mango leaves, clean them and dry them in shade.
- Step 2: Crush the dried leaves in a grinder and store it in a clean, dry container.
- Step 3: Take a tablespoon of this powder, mix it with honey and then consume it.
Note: One must also be careful of adulterated honey (which is easily available in the market). Use only good quality or 100% organic honey.
How Does This Work?
The high content of fiber in mango leaves helps naturally cleanse the digestive tract. The powerful anti-oxidants in mango Methylgalla, Gallic-Acid, Fisetin, Astragalin, Quercetin, etc. help to flush out unwanted waste from the body and leaves you with a feeling of freshness from within.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- You are allergic to pollen grains.
- You have a weak immune system. Honey may increase the risk of bacterial or fungal infection.
2. Juice Of Achyranthes Aspera Leaves
- Step 1: Take some Achyranthes Aspera leaves.
- Step 2: Prepare its juice and drink.
- Step 3: Continue the remedy for 2 to 3 days.
How Does This Work?
Achyranthes Aspera contains Betaine and alkaloids achyranthine. Its diuretic properties help in detoxifying the body naturally.
The Remedy Is Not Good, If:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. It can cause miscarriage.
- You are already suffering from nausea.
- You are consuming the herb in excess. In high doses, it can also cause vomiting.
- You are a man, who is undergoing fertility treatment. Avoid prickly chaff flower for long-term use.
1. Mixture Of Rose Buds And Dill Seeds
- Step 1: Take some 4-5 rose buds and a handful of dill seeds.
- Step 2: Crush the two with pestle and mortar.
- Step 3: Soak the mixture in hot water for about 3 hours.
- Step 4: Drink one teaspoon of the concoction once in every three hours.
- Step 5: Continue for 4 to 5 days.
How Does This Work?
Roses are a rich source of Vitamin C and anti-oxidants, which help your immune system by fighting and killing various bacteria and infections. Dill contains a carminative agent, which aids digestion by relieving intestinal gas and helps in easy digestion. They are also rich in calcium, dietary fiber and with minerals like magnesium and iron (nutrients required for a healthy stomach). The above-mentioned properties are which makes it the best home remedy for stomach pain.
The Remedy Does Not Work, If:
- You are using dried or processed petals instead of fresh ones. A lot of vitamin C is lost in the process, making the remedy futile.
- You are allergic to pollen. Avoid rose buds in such cases.
- Though dill seeds are rarely known for their side effects, consumption of large quantities of dill plant grown outdoors with plenty of sunlight can cause dermatitis as claimed by few.
How To Prevent A Stomach Ache?
A healthy diet is a must for a healthy stomach. Apart from this, a strictly followed diet timetable helps in preventing stomach ache because most of the problems are caused due to irregular timings of food consumption. It is highly recommended to avoid outside food due to the unhygienic use of water and hands.
Taking the following precautions will help avoid the abdominal pain.
- Do not take greasy, gassy and fatty food
- Do your exercises regularly
- Replenish with sufficient water
- Have fiber-rich and well-balanced food like fruits and vegetables
- Eat mini meals frequently rather than having a single large meal.
- Do not have alcohol and caffeinated beverages
- Chew the food you eat properly
- Do not hit the bed immediately after a meal
- Follow a coordinated dietary plan that will help you deal with the pain better.
- Make sure to include sufficient exercise in your lifestyle to avoid the painful episodes in your stomach.
- Bowel movement must not be disrupted and must happen naturally at regular intervals. Have fiber-rich food and drink plenty of water to keep the stomach functioning efficiently.
- Lastly, make sure you get sufficient sleep and rest. A stressed body will make way for a plethora of ailments. Hence, rest is critical for replenishing the energy and restoring the health.
- If none of the stomach ache remedies seem to work on alleviating the pain, then you are recommended to visit a doctor and make a complete diagnosis for any serious underlying conditions.
When To See A Doctor?
- You are currently undergoing cancer treatment
- Having pain in the chest, shoulder, and neck
- You have difficulty to pass stool. Also, if you are vomiting consistently.
- You are pregnant or planning to conceive
- You have difficulty in breathing
- You had suffered abdominal injury
- Tenderness or stiff belly
- You see blood in stool or vomit
- You have sharp reoccurring pain in the abdomen
It Is An Emergency If:
- The pain is lasting more than a week.
- The severity and frequency of the pain increase with vomiting and nausea.
- You persistently have to bloat beyond two days.
- You have diarrhea for more than five days.
- Intense burning while urinating.
- High fever accompanied by pain.
- You have unpredictable weight loss.
- Prolonged Vaginal bleeding.
- Lasting poor appetite.
Natural Remedy vs.Pharmacy
There are a variety of Over The Counter (OTC) medicines that are used to treat the stomach pain. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen are popular choices of medications. For nausea and acid reflux, you can have antacids that will regulate the acids in the stomach. Antacids can also improve the digestion and relieve you from heartburns.
- Tums will bring momentary quick relief for the acid related problems in the stomach. Tums is an antacid.
- Use proton pumps inhibitors that will regulate the acids in the stomach. It is also used against heart burns.
- Pepcid and Zantac are the best acid blockers that will regulate the acid in the stomachs. The effect lasts a few hours.
- Pay attention to your choice of antacids. Some that are magnesium or calcium based will cause diarrhea and constipation.
- Drink electrolyte beverages such as Rehydralyte and Pedialyte if you are suffering from vomiting.
The pain you experience in the stomach is a natural response of the body and the immune system indicating a problem associated with the epicenter of pain. Hence, you are required to make quickly an assessment of your activity to undermine the cause of the pain and discomfort. It may be due to the food, or other contributing factors. If you cease the factors that are aggravating the pain, you can quickly begin treating the pain or inflammation.