One in four people experience indigestion on a regular basis. Symptoms range from gas and bloating, to nausea, to a burning sensation in the chest, also known as “heartburn”, in which stomach acids escape from the stomach into the esophagus. The more technical term for heartburn is gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. You should seek a doctor’s advice if you have chronic GERD. However, you can also give these natural remedies for indigestion a try:
1. Peppermint or chamomile tea
These warm, soothing teas not only reduce stress and anxiety, but also aid digestion. Chamomile tea additionally acts as an anti-inflammatory, while peppermint is known to relax intestinal muscles and reduce pain caused by GERD and heartburn.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
This fermented vinegar made from crushed apples has many wonderful uses, one of which is helping to ease indigestion. The idea is to introduce more acid into the stomach and digestive tract to further break down food so that it doesn’t back up into the esophagus. Apple cider vinegar (ACV) also contains probiotics and antioxidants. Mix one teaspoon into a glass of water and drink before or after meals. If one teaspoon isn’t enough, increasing your dose of ACV up to a tablespoon might be necessary.
3. Ginger
Ginger contains phenol, which can help reduce the gastric contractions that push acid into the esophagus. Ginger can also soothe an irritated stomach. This spice can be taken in capsule form or made into a tea, whichever is preferable.
4. Fennel seed
This aromatic herb, which smells faintly like licorice, has many health benefits. One of these benefits is stimulating digestion. Fennel eases indigestion by reducing inflammation in the bowels and killing some of the bacteria that causes gas. It can be eaten plain, soaked in water, or crushed into a powder.
5. Baking soda
Also known as bicarbonate of soda, baking soda has an alkaline pH that can neutralize stomach acid. It has been used for decades and works similarly to Alka-Seltzer in providing temporary relief for mild heartburn. Just stir half a teaspoon of baking soda into 4 ounces of water and drink. This remedy works best with mild heartburn and is meant only for short-term use.
6. Lemon water
The citric acid in lemon juice can boost acid production in the stomach, resulting in better digestion. Squeezing half a lemon into 8 ounces of warm or cold water can not only stave off indigestion, but it also gives water a refreshing taste.
7. Licorice root
This sweet-tasting root contains glycyrrhizin, which is an active compound that acts as an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory, and an antimicrobial agent. Licorice root also stimulates the production of “mucin,” which are the molecules found in mucus that protect the mucous membranes in the stomach and intestines from acid. Licorice root can be taken as a capsule or as a liquid.
