In today’s fast paced world many people suffer from upset stomach and indigestion. While there are plenty of over-the-counter and prescription medications that can calm a distressed stomach, some of the best relief can be obtained from homemade natural remedies.
Drink Lemon Water to Calm an Upset Stomach
One of the simplest homemade natural remedies for calming an upset stomach is lemon water. I was introduced to the practice of drinking lemon water nearly 15 years ago while working at a health food store. One of the in-house nutritionists recommended this natural remedy after she noticed my frequent consumption of chewable heartburn tablets.
According to OrganicFacts.net, lemons can treat a wide range of stomach problems including indigestion, acidity, stomach cramps and bloating. Lemon is also known to reduce anxiety and stress, which can contribute to upset stomach. It is believed drinking a glass of lemon water an hour before bedtime can help ease insomnia; allowing for a good night of rest to rejuvenate the adrenal glands.
All that is required to make lemon water is six ounces of filtered water and one ripe lemon. Cut the lemon in half, squeeze the juice into the water and drink immediately. If any seeds fall in the water, remove before drinking.
Add ice cubes to lemon water if desired, but don’t allow them to melt too much in order to preserve the full affects of the lemon juice. You can also add one-half teaspoon of baking soda to lemon water to achieve a creamy texture. However, make certain the baking soda is completely dissolved before drinking the lemon water.
Use Baking Soda to Clean Internal Pipes
Baking soda is another simple homemade remedy for calming an upset stomach. Manufacturer, Arm and Hammer® recommends mixing one-half teaspoon of baking soda with four ounces of water to relieve acid indigestion, heartburn and upset stomach. However, there are a few important medical considerations which should be addressed.
One teaspoon of baking soda contains 1232 milligrams of sodium. Individuals on sodium-restricted diets should consult with their physician to determine if this homemade stomach remedy is in their best interest.
Additionally, Arm and Hammer includes a medical advisory warning to inform consumers that baking soda must be fully dissolved prior to consumption and to never drink baking soda water when overly full from food or drink.
Baking soda can be a great solution for occasional upset stomach, but it is important to follow directions presented at the Arm and Hammer website.
Chew Peppermint to Relieve Indigestion
When my mom was in hospice, she suffered from constant upset stomach and indigestion. Her nurse recommended she suck on a candy peppermint disk. I purchased a bag of candies for her and she kept a bowl near her recliner. When her condition worsened, she was unable to continue with the peppermint candies because they burned her throat.
After conducting online research I discovered that applying therapeutic peppermint oil mixed with carrier oil, such as jojoba or olive oil, and rubbed on the chest and stomach could provide the same relief.
Using therapeutic oils on cancer patients requires careful research. It is best to consult with a massage therapist or aroma-therapist to determine appropriate quantities. Peppermint essential oil should never be applied directly to the skin or ingested. Instead, mix equal parts of peppermint oil with organic carrier oil.
Apply a small amount on the wrist or behind the ear to check for allergies. If no allergies exist, apply a thin layer of peppermint oil mixture on the upper torso to calm indigestion or the stomach area to calm stomach cramps, bloating and upset stomach.
A great resource for learning about the healing properties and health benefits of peppermint oil is LiveStrong.com; a division of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
