Experiencing an upset stomach can be incredibly unpleasant. The abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can quickly disrupt your day. As an integrative medical doctor and holistic health coach, I frequently receive questions about soothing upset stomachs quickly and naturally. Fortunately, several research-backed natural remedies can effectively relax gastrointestinal muscles, reduce inflammation, and calm nausea.
This blog post shares my top 3 natural solutions for fast relief from upset stomachs. These remedies offer a safe and effective alternative to over-the-counter medications, avoiding potential side effects.
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Natural remedy #1: Soothe your upset stomach with ginger tea
Ginger is a time-honored remedy for upset stomachs, renowned for its powerful anti-nausea properties. This aromatic root contains gingerol, a potent phytonutrient shown to relax gastrointestinal muscles and alleviate symptoms like nausea, cramps, and diarrhea. Ginger's effectiveness in reducing nausea has been widely documented, making it a first-line treatment for various conditions, including morning sickness and seasickness, before resorting to medication.
Sipping ginger tea is an excellent way to harness ginger's stomach-soothing benefits.
How to make ginger tea:
- Peel and finely chop a 1-2 inch piece of fresh ginger root.
- Add the ginger to a mug and pour in hot (not boiling) water.
- Allow it to steep for 5-10 minutes to extract the gingerol.
- Add fresh lemon juice to taste.
Drink the ginger tea once it cools to a comfortable temperature. You can drink ginger tea up to 3 times daily to ease mild stomach upset. Steeping the ginger for longer will result in a stronger tea. Alternatively, incorporate ginger into your cooking or simply chew on a small piece for quick relief. (Note: Chewing raw ginger can be quite spicy.)
For more potent effects, consider ginger supplements in capsule form. Always adhere to the recommended dosage and consult your doctor if you are taking blood thinners, as ginger may interact with these medications.
Natural remedy #2: Relax your stomach with peppermint tea
Similar to ginger, peppermint is a traditional folk remedy for digestive problems. The active ingredient, menthol, helps relax the stomach and intestinal muscles. Studies show that peppermint oil capsules can significantly improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea. Peppermint tea is also an excellent option for soothing nausea.
To make a stomach-calming peppermint tea:
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of fresh peppermint leaves (or 1-2 tsp dried leaves) to a mug.
- Pour in hot water and allow to steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Add lemon if desired.
Enjoy this refreshing peppermint tea 2-3 times daily to ease an upset stomach. Its soothing flavor also helps calm nausea.
Natural remedy #3: Restore gut balance with probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote proper digestion and gut health. In many cases, a probiotic supplement can help "reset" your gut microbiome, easing stomach upset. Studies show that probiotics are effective in treating diarrhea, gas, bloating, constipation, and other symptoms caused by gastrointestinal issues. They help restore the balance between the gut bacteria.
Look for a high-quality probiotic supplement containing 20-50 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) and at least 8 strains like *Lactobacillus acidophilus* and *Bifidobacteria*. Follow the dosage instructions on the label.
Within 1-2 weeks of taking a probiotic, many people notice relief from chronic stomach problems and improved regularity. For best results, combine probiotics with a healthy gut diet low in processed foods.
Other quick tips for upset stomach relief
Here are a few more quick natural tips that can help calm an upset stomach:
- Drink chamomile or fennel tea
- Apply a warm compress to your abdomen
- Take slow, deep breaths to relax your stomach muscles
- Gently massage your abdomen in a clockwise motion
- Limit fatty, spicy, or gas-producing foods
- Stay hydrated with herbal teas and electrolyte drinks, such as a solution made with Celtic sea salt.
Experiencing an upset stomach? Don't let it ruin your day! We've explored three powerful natural remedies—ginger tea, peppermint tea, and probiotics—to help you find fast relief. Remember to also incorporate those extra tips for soothing your stomach naturally, such as sipping chamomile tea, applying a warm compress, and practicing deep breathing exercises.
Schedule a consultation to discuss natural stomach relief
If you regularly experience upset stomachs, I can help identify the root causes and create a personalized natural protocol to prevent recurrences. Click the button below to schedule a free 30-minute health consultation.
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