“Mama, my tummy hurts.”
Unfortunately, every mom from time to time has heard this phrase come out of her child’s mouth. In fact, my daughter walked into the kitchen just the other day, clutching her stomach and wincing in pain, uttering those very words.
I knew I needed to spring into action to help her find some quick relief for her upset stomach.
Thankfully, my home is stocked with plenty of natural remedies that can help. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best natural remedies to relieve an upset stomach quickly.
Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathy is a highly effective natural remedy that uses diluted substances to stimulate the body’s healing process. It’s based on the principle of “like cures like,” which means that a substance that causes symptoms in its original form can heal those same symptoms when that substance is diluted into a homeopathic medicine.
Whenever anyone in our family is sick, homeopathy is always the medicine I reach for first.
Homeopathic remedies are available without a prescription and can be purchased at many health food stores and pharmacies.
This family homeopathy kit is a favorite of mine and comes with 32 remedies for the most common ailments:
Here are some of the most effective homeopathic remedies for an upset stomach:
Nux Vomica
Nux Vomica is used for relieving heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. It is also used for stomach upset caused by overindulgence in food or alcohol.
Arsenicum Album
Arsenicum Album can help with stomach cramps and diarrhea. It is often recommended for people who have food poisoning or have eaten spoiled food.
Carbo Vegetabilis
Carbo Vegetabilis is useful for bloating, gas, and heartburn. It is often recommended for people who have eaten too much or have a slow digestive system.
Lycopodium
Lycopodium may help with constipation accompanied by bloating and gas. It is useful for people who have a weak digestive system or have eaten too much fatty food.
Chamomilla
Chamomilla is used for stomach cramps and diarrhea. It’s also an excellent remedy for babies who are teething or have colic.
Ipecacuanha
Ipecacuanha is a useful remedy for nausea and vomiting. It is often recommended for motion sickness or morning sickness.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is great for stomach upset caused by acid reflux or gastritis. It helps relieve heartburn and indigestion and is often recommended for people who have a sensitive digestive system or have eaten too much spicy food.
Herbal Remedies and Spices
Herbs and spices have been used for generations to help heal the body. Here are some of the most effective herbal remedies and spices for soothing an upset stomach:
Ginger
Ginger is a great remedy for nausea, so it’s a good option if you’re feeling queasy. It contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, which can help with indigestion and vomiting, as well.
You can consume ginger in various forms, such as fresh ginger, ginger tea, or ginger ale.
To make ginger tea, simply slice a few pieces of fresh ginger and steep them in hot water for 10-15 minutes. You can also add honey or lemon to enhance the flavor. This Organic Ginger Aid tea is wonderful for an upset stomach, too!
Ginger ale is another popular way to consume ginger. However, be sure to choose a brand that contains real ginger and not just artificial flavors.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a popular remedy for upset stomachs and for good reason. Peppermint contains menthol, which has a relaxing effect on the muscles in the digestive tract. This can help to ease cramping and nausea. You can try brewing a cup of peppermint tea or chewing on fresh mint leaves to ease your symptoms.
To make peppermint tea, steep a few peppermint leaves in hot water for 5-10 minutes. I also really enjoy this organic peppermint tea.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a gentle herb that can help calm an upset stomach. It contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. This herb can help with stomach cramps, bloating, and indigestion. You can drink chamomile tea or take chamomile supplements.
To make chamomile tea, steep a few chamomile flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. You can also add honey or lemon to enhance the flavor. Chamomile tea is also known for its calming properties, making it an excellent choice for bedtime.
Fennel
Fennel is an herb that is commonly used in cooking, but it can also be a great remedy for an upset stomach. Fennel contains compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in the digestive tract. This herb can help with bloating, gas, and indigestion. You can try chewing on fennel seeds or brewing a cup of fennel tea to ease your symptoms.
To make fennel tea, steep a teaspoon of fennel seeds in hot water for 5-10 minutes. You can also add honey or lemon to taste. Fennel seeds can also be chewed after a meal to aid digestion.
Licorice
Licorice is a sweet herb that can help to soothe an upset stomach. Licorice contains compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and protect the lining of the digestive tract. It can help with heartburn, acid reflux, and indigestion. You can try brewing a cup of licorice tea or sucking on a piece of licorice root to ease your symptoms.
However, it’s important to note that licorice can interact with certain medications, so it’s best to consult with your doctor before using it.
Dandelion
Dandelion is a gentle herb that supports digestion. Dandelion contains compounds that can help to reduce inflammation and improve the flow of bile, which can help to ease symptoms such as bloating and indigestion. You can try brewing a cup of dandelion tea or adding fresh dandelion greens to your meals.
I like this dandelion tea but it does have a pretty strong taste. If you’d prefer, you can take dandelion supplements instead.
Cumin
Cumin is a common spice used in cooking, but it can also be a great remedy for an upset stomach. Cumin contains compounds that can help to reduce inflammation, bloating, and gas. It also improves digestion. You can try adding cumin to your meals or taking cumin supplements.
Essential Oils
Essential oils can be a helpful natural remedy for stomach problems. They are extracted from plants and contain the essence of the plant’s fragrance and flavor.
Essential oils can be used for aromatherapy, topical application, and even ingestion.
However, it is important to use them safely and appropriately. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them topically. Essential oils should never be ingested without first consulting with a certified aromatherapist.
To help ease stomach issues, you can add a few drops of any of the essential oils listed below to a carrier oil like coconut oil and massage it onto your stomach. You can also inhale the aroma by adding a few drops to an essential oil diffuser.
Here are some essential oils that can help soothe your upset stomach:
Ginger
Ginger essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties and can help an upset stomach. Ginger oil is often used to help relieve nausea and vomiting.
Peppermint
Peppermint essential oil is another essential oil useful for relieving an upset stomach. It has a cooling effect that can help with nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil is a refreshing essential oil that can help alleviate tummy troubles. It has a calming effect that is extremely useful in reducing nausea.
Chamomile
Chamomile essential oil is a calming and anti-inflammatory essential oil that can help with digestive issues, especially bloating and gas.
Lavender
Lavender essential oil is a relaxing essential oil that can help with stress-related stomach upset. It has a calming effect that helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can contribute to digestive issues.
Other Remedies to Soothe an Upset Stomach
If you’re looking for additional natural remedies to help your upset stomach, there are a few more options you can try. Here are some other remedies to consider:
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a form of charcoal that is derived from coconut shells. It’s a highly porous substance that is very effective at binding to and adsorbing toxins and other impurities in the digestive tract, which can help alleviate symptoms of an upset stomach.
You can take activated charcoal supplements or add activated charcoal powder to water and drink it. To use activated charcoal powder, break open a capsule and mix in a glass of water. Drink it down, and be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a great natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including upset stomachs. It contains acetic acid, which can help regulate the pH level of your stomach and improve digestion. Apple cider vinegar is known to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion.
To use apple cider vinegar, mix 1-2 teaspoons with a glass of water and drink it down. You can also add honey or lemon juice to improve the taste. If you’d prefer to take apple cider vinegar in supplement form instead, these are an excellent choice.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are naturally occurring substances in the body that help break down food and aid in digestion. If your body is not producing enough digestive enzymes, you may experience symptoms of an upset stomach.
To boost your digestive enzymes, try incorporating more foods that are high in enzymes into your diet. Some examples include pineapple, papaya, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.
You can also take digestive enzyme supplements with your meals to help break down food and aid in digestion.
Probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria that can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. They can help improve digestion and reduce inflammation in the stomach. You can find probiotics in supplement form, like my all-time favorite one here. Or, you can eat foods that are naturally rich in probiotics, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.
Concerns and Precautions
When it comes to soothing an upset stomach, there are a few concerns and precautions you should keep in mind.
Stay Hydrated
One of the most important things you can do when you have an upset stomach is to stay hydrated. Dehydration can make your symptoms worse and prolong your recovery time.
Drinking water helps flush out any toxins in your system and keeps your digestive system functioning properly. Water is the best way to stay hydrated, but there are other options as well.
Other clear liquids like diluted bone broth, vegetable broth, and herbal tea can be soothing to your stomach and help you stay hydrated as well. Avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks as they can irritate your stomach and make your symptoms worse.
To ensure you’re getting enough fluids, try to sip on small amounts of liquid frequently throughout the day.
In addition to drinking fluids, you can also eat foods that are high in water content, such as watermelon, cucumbers, and celery. These foods can help you stay hydrated and provide additional nutrients that can help soothe your stomach.
Know When to Seek Medical Help
If your upset stomach persists for more than a few days, or if you experience severe or persistent stomach pain, it could be a sign of a more serious condition and you should seek professional medical help.
