Stomach aches, also known as “abdominal pain,” are tricky when it comes to finding cure unless you know the cause. It can range from indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome to gastritis and GERD. If you are dealing with an uncomplicated stomach ache, here are some remedies that can help you bring relief from the pain and discomfort.
1. Have a Cup of Chamomile Tea
Chamomile can help ease the pain of a stomach ache because it is anti-inflammatory and it has the property to smooth the muscle of the upper digestive track. The contractions that are pushing food through your system ease up a bit the pain of cramping and spasms is eased, when the muscle is relaxed.
For the preparation you will need:
-1 teabag of chamomile tea or 1-2 teaspoons of dried chamomile
-A mug
-Hot water
Preparation:
Over the teabag pour boiling water and cover the mug. Leave it for 10 minutes. For dried chamomile, add 1-2 teaspoons in a mug and cover it with boiling water. Cover the mug and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Sip it slowly.
2. Use a “Hot” Pack
Hot is in quotations because you don’t truly want it hot-just very warm. You can use a hot water bottle for this as well. Heat loosens and relaxes muscles, so if you find yourself cramping up, the warmth can really help you in relieving the pain.
You will need…
-A hot pack, hot water bottle, or something similar
-A cozy place to lie down
Directions
Lie down, and place the hot pack on your belly. It should be at a comfortable temperature, but definitely warm. Stay like this for at least 15 minutes, or as long as you need to, reheating if necessary.
3. Rice Water
Rice water is the water left-over after you cook rice, simple as that. It acts as a demulcent, it relieves inflammation by forming a sort of soothing barrier over a membrane, that is, the lining of your stomach.
You will need…
-1/2 cup of white rice
-2 cups of water
-A pot
Directions
Cook the rice with twice the amount of water you normally would for your chosen amount. Put the rice in a pot on the stove and add the water. Cook it over medium-low heat. When the rice starts to become tender, remove it from the stove and let it rest 3 minutes with the lid on the pan. Drink the water warm and if you like you can add some honey in the water.
4. Try Some Mint
Fresh peppermint tea relaxes the stomach muscles. It also improves the flow of bile, which allows us to digest properly. This is especially useful if suffering from indigestion or gas/bloating.
You will need…
-A handful of fresh peppermint leaves or 1-2 teaspoons dried
-Mug
-1 cup water
Directions
Pour over the peppermint, a cup of boiling water, cover it, and leave it for 5-10 minutes. Sip slowly while it’s still warm. You can chew fresh peppermint leaves to ease stomach pains.
5. Warm Lemon Water
If your problem is indigestion, than lemon water will surely be of help. The high acidity level stimulates the production of hydrochloric acid that digests the food. Warm lemon water will move digestion along at healthy pace. This also keeps you hydrated, which is crucial for the system to be flushed and running smoothly.
You will need…
-1 fresh lemon
-warm water
6. Ginger Root Tea
Ginger contains chemicals called gingerols and shogaols, that can relax smooth muscle, such as the muscle that lines the intestinal track. This means that it relieves stomach cramps or a colicky stomach ache. Ginger root can also relieve nausea, which may accompany a stomachache.
You will need…
-1 ginger root, 1-2 inches
-A sharp knife or peeler
-1-2 cups of water
-Honey (optional)
Directions
Wash, peel, and grate or finely chop 1-2 inches of fresh ginger root. Add the ginger to 1-2 cups of fresh boiling water. Boil for 3 minutes and then simmer for 2 more. Remove from heat, strain the tea and if you like you can add some honey.
7. Chew Fennel Seeds
If the cause of your pain is indigestion, chewing fennel seeds will help because they contain anethole. It can help you tame inflammation, and reduce the pain caused by it. If you are suffering from gastritis, inflammation of the stomach, this may provide some relief from the discomfort.
You will need…
-1/2-1 teaspoon of fennel seeds
Directions
After a meal, chew ½-1 teaspoon of fennel seeds. If you are pregnant, it is not recommended to eat fennel.
8. Drink Club Soda and Lime
Just as lemon, lime can help ease an aching tummy. Combine the lime with club soda and you have the perfect drink that will wash away the pain. The combination of the carbonation in club soda will make you burp and will relieve the pressure in your belly, If you are overeat and have a stomach ache as a result of it. This beverage is very helpful with dyspepsia (basically indigestion) and constipation.
You will need…
-8 ounces of cool club soda
-Fresh lime juice
Directions
Mix 8 ounces of club soda with the juice of half a lime. Stir well and you’ll have your drink to enjoy.
I hope you will find my advices helpful and you’ll no longer have problems with your stomach.