Stomach ache is a common problem among people of all ages, whether adults or children. Some common causes of stomach aches are indigestion, gas, heartburn, constipation, a stomach infection, over eating and lactose intolerance. However, stomach pain can also be due to more serious issues like an ulcer, a hernia, gall stones, a urinary tract infection and appendicitis. Some natural and simple home remedies can give you quick relief. These home remedies are particularly effective for stomach aches due to indigestion, gas, bloating and similar conditions.
FENNEL SEEDS
Fennel seeds excellently cure indigestion by triggering off the secretion of digestive juices. This happens due to the compound of fennel seeds called anethole, a volatile oil. Anethole can cure inflammation of the stomach lining and give you relief from pain occurring due to this.
Remedy 1: Make fennel tea to get relief from stomach ache as well as cramps. Put 1 tsp of fennel seeds in a cup and pour hot water over it. Cover and let steep for 8-10 minutes. Strain and have this digestive tea thrice a day.
Remedy 2: You can even have raw fennel instead of fennel seeds. Take a fresh slice of raw fennel bulb and chew this after meals.
CHAMOMILE
Chamomile can help ease the pain of a stomach ache by working as an anti-inflammatory and by relaxing the smooth muscle of the upper digestive track. When it relaxes that muscle, the contractions that are pushing food through your system ease up a bit and lessen the pain of cramping and spasms.
How to use: Put one teaspoon of dried chamomile in a cup. Pour boiling water in the cup and cover it. Allow it to steep for 15 minutes, strain and add lemon juice or honey according to your taste. Sip the tea slowly. Drink this two or three times a day.
RICE WATER
If your stomach ache is due to indigestion and you also suffer from diarrhoea at the same time, you may consider using rice in various forms for alleviating your stomach problems. What we call rice tea is actually the left out water we get after cooking the rice. This rice water acts as a demulcent by reducing inflammation as it creates a barrier over a membrane, the lining of your stomach.
How to use: Cook your rice with twice the amount of water you normally would for your chosen amount. Put your rice in a pot on the stove and add the water, cooking over medium-low heat. As the rice starts to become tender, remove it from the heat and let it soak for 3 minutes with the lid on the pan. Drain and drink the water warm, adding a smidge of honey if needed.
GINGER
Ginger has in it the compounds called gingerols and shogaols. These compounds aids your muscles of intestinal track relax. This in turn, gives you relief from stomach ache occurring due to indigestion as well as gas. Ginger also gets you rid of nauseating feeling accompanying your stomach ache.
How to use: Cut one medium-size fresh ginger root into thin slices. Bring one cup of water to a boil and add the ginger slices. Boil for three minutes, and then simmer for another five minutes. Remove from heat, strain, and add honey to taste. Sip it slowly. Drink ginger tea two or three times a day to ease stomach ache and improve digestion.
YOGURT
Yogurt is good for your stomach’s overall health. In fact, yogurt with live cultures (good bacteria) improves digestion and relieves stomach aches due to indigestion.
How to use: Mix two tablespoons of plain yogurt and a pinch of salt in a cup of water. Add three teaspoons of juice from fresh coriander leaves. Finally, mix in one-half teaspoon of cardamom powder. Drink this one hour after eating your meals to ease a stomach ache.