Asian herb tea on an old rustic table

Oh Stomach, You Fickle Friend!

Everyone has had those moments when you wish you hadn’t eaten a certain meal, or you just had a stressful day, or you just woke not feeling right – you know that the stomach can be a fickle friend. You resist the urge to run to the store for a pharmaceutical – not wanting to add another foreign substance to your midsection. Have no fear; a home remedy is only a pantry away!

Identifying the Source

First, you will want to know why you are experiencing discomfort. Sometimes it can obvious – gramma’s pie was just too good for example. Other times it may not be so obvious and you simply woke not feeling yourself. Even if you have not over indulged, don’t be afraid to consider food may be the culprit. Unfortunately, even though you strive for a toxic-free environment, cross-contamination can still happen. It can be cross-contamination from pesticides or even food borne illness. There is even the possibility that you have developed a sensitivity that you never had before to a particular food source. It may be time to reassess your lifestyle too. Stress can be motivating, after all not all stress is created equal. Nevertheless, too much stress can cause stomach upset. Have you been demanding too much of yourself? Can you honestly say you have been seeking harmony and balance in your life lately? Sometimes your digestive imbalance can be one of the first signs that your lifestyle is suffering from imbalance. Some common stomach upset include gas, bloating, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, burning feeling in the stomach and/or throat. These can be signs of some more serious illnesses also– be wise and if these symptoms continue seek help from a medical professional.

Home Stomach Remedies

For occasional symptoms of stomach discomfort, try these home remedies.

  1. Chew caraway seeds – You may have seen these little seeds and their close relatives, fennel. Eaten alone, they can help resolve such symptoms as gas and slow digestion. Gas trapped in your gut can be painful. Carefully chew about a teaspoon of them with water or steep them in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain and then drink.
  2. Baking soda. – Follow package directions for adding the sodium bicarbonate to a glass of water. This neutralizes stomach acid and can reduce upset stomach. If you have high blood pressure, don’t use this one regularly.
  1. Increase fiber content – Fiber keeps everything moving. Insoluble fiber takes more energy to process so it keeps the digestive system occupied. This can help reduce constipation – which can be a common source of upset stomach.
  1. Raw Organic Honey – Honey contains natural bee immunity and helpful enzymes. When mixed with apple cider vinegar and warm water it can make a wonderful tonic! Taking a tablespoon of raw honey can help with constipation and also sore throat pain that can result from heartburn.

 

  1. Ginger – This ancient remedy has anti-inflammatory properties to ease digestion. It’s known to help alleviate nausea. Steep fresh ground ginger in hot water; strain and drink.

 

  1. Fresh mint – Peppermint or spearmint varieties can quiet nauseous stomachs. Nibble on some fresh leaves or steep to make a tea.

 

  1. Lemon water – A natural detoxifier, lemon in warm water can help with stomach pain associated with upset stomach.
  1. Aloe Vera – The juice can be just as soothing to the inside as the gel is to the outside. It can ease pain in the esophagus from dry coughing from cold and flu season too! It also works as a laxative.

Everyone has experienced a stomach problem at one time or another. By using your own homemade remedies, you always know what ingredients you’re using. You can easily make sure that any produce you use are cleaned with an organic chemical-free vegetable wash – like iGozen. Whenever possible we all want to stay chemical-free. It may not always be possible to steer clear from pharmaceuticals, but simple ailments like stomach upset shouldn’t have us feeling helpless.

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