Gastritis is very common and yet the problems that come with it can ruin your day. Gastritis can be defined as inflammation, irritation or erosion of the lining of the stomach, known as the gastric mucosa. However, the most common symptoms are nausea, vomiting, a feeling of fullness in the upper abdomen after eating, a burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night, indigestion, heartburn, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and bloating. Here are the most effective and top remedies for gastritis:
YOGHURT
Yogurt is a good addition to your diet, especially when suffering from gastritis. Yogurt with active live cultures is particularly beneficial in this regard. The probiotics present in yogurt help protect your stomach lining from H. pylori bacteria that causes gastritis. Also, yogurt boosts the immune system to fight off infection more quickly.
How to use: Eat 2 to 3 cups of plain probiotic yogurt daily until you get relief. You can also try a yogurt, banana and honey smoothie. Drink it 2 or 3 times a day for quick recovery.
PEPPERMINT
Peppermint is another herb known to treat gastritis due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antispasmodic properties. Its soothing properties can reduce inflammation of the stomach lining. Plus, it can help reduce nausea, indigestion and heartburn.
Remedy 1: Take standardized, enteric coated peppermint tablets. Usually, 1 tablet 2 or 3 times daily is recommended, but it is best to consult a doctor before taking it. Enteric coated tablets will help avoid heartburn.
Remedy 2: You can also chew fresh peppermint leaves or add them to your soups, salads and smoothies.
FENNEL SEEDS
Fennel seeds are great in relieving various gastritis related discomfort.
How to use: Roast a handful of fennel seeds and chew them after a heavy meal. You can also add a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of water and bring it to a boil. Simmer it for a couple of minutes and let the seeds steep in the water. After it has cooled completely, drink the infusion. If you feel like the infusion tastes a little sharp, you can add half a teaspoon of jaggery or honey into it before drinking.
POTATO JUICE
Potato juice is a rich source of alkaline salts, which react with excessive acid present in the stomach. But the juice must be obtained from raw potatoes, not boiled ones. You can peel and grate the potatoes and squeeze the juice out of them. Drink a glass of this juice mixed with warm water to treat digestive problems like gastritis. It also reduces constipation and cleanses the liver.
BUTTERMILK
Replace your alcoholic nightcap with a concoction of buttermilk, asafoetida, turmeric, fenugreek to relieve gastritis related problems. You can also treat acid reflux with a glass of buttermilk topped with a pinch of black pepper.
CHAMOMILE TEA
The fragrant Chamomile has a chemical named chamazulene, which is anti-inflammatory in nature. So, if your gastritis is triggered by an infection or allergy, chamomile tea will mitigate it. You can steep chamomile tea in warm water and drink it, but never boil the teabags because they will destroy the active substances present in it.
STRAWBERRIES
Strawberries can also help heal gastritis due to their antioxidant property and high content of phenolic compounds. It can help prevent the start of inflammation in the stomach lining.
How to use: Add 1 tablespoon of dried strawberry leaves to a cup of hot water. Let it steep for 5 minutes, then strain. Drink it 2 or 3 times daily until the gastritis symptoms subside.