10 Natural Home Remedies To Treat Abdominal Pain

Many people experience abdominal pain at some point in their lives. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe sharp stabbing pains in the abdominal area. Although causes may vary, some of the more common reasons why abdominal may occur are due to constipation, a stomach virus, gas, lactose intolerance, ulcers, food allergies or poisoning, menstrual cramps, kidney stones, irritable bowel disease or syndrome, a urinary tract infection, a hernia, gallstones, and endometriosis. Here are some ways to treat abdominal pain naturally.

10. Peppermint

Peppermint has been proven to help aid in over twenty-five medical conditions, including abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and other digestive problems. Peppermint is a combination of water mint and spearmint. It contains antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to help relax muscles and reduce pain. Drinking peppermint tea after a big meal is a good way to reduce abdominal pain. Sniffing peppermint essential oil throughout the day may also help.

9. Ginger

Ginger is a spice belonging to the Zingiberaceae family. It contains an active compound known as gingerol, which has been shown to relieve digestion pains, treat nausea, and even fight off the common cold. Gingerol provides potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties to help flush toxins or chemicals from the body. Research shows ginger is especially effective in treating morning sickness associated with pregnancy. It has also been shown to reduce post-exercise muscle pain.

8. Apple Cider Vinegar

Organic, unfiltered and raw apple cider vinegar contains “mother” strains of proteins, healthy bacteria, and enzymes that may help reduce abdominal pain. Apple cider vinegar is also high in antioxidants to help flush toxins and chemicals from the body. It has been shown to kill germs and harmful bacteria that may be lingering in the gut. Be sure to look for a brand of apple cider vinegar that is organic and unfiltered, meaning it has not been heated to high temperatures and most of its nutrients are still intact.

7. Heating Pad

When pain strikes in the middle of the night, try placing a heating pad directly on the abdomen. Make sure to turn the setting to low and do not leave it on for more than twenty minutes if possible. Heating pads are comforting and may help relax abdominal muscles to reduce pain. Avoid falling asleep on the heating pad as it has been reported to cause muscle stiffness in the back and other areas of the body upon waking up.

6. Eat More Vegetables

Celery is a great food to munch on when bloating and gas cause digestive pain. It is made of mostly water, which helps flush toxins out of the gastrointestinal system to alleviate pain. Eating high fiber vegetables may help relieve pain associated with constipation. Add a handful of berries to oatmeal in the morning and pile on the fresh vegetables at lunch in a salad. For dinner, enjoy steamed broccoli with a baked sweet potato.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is an excellent natural anti-inflammatory supplement with proven benefits in the digestive system. According to a study published in Alternative Medicine Review, turmeric has been shown to treat irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, indigestion, Ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric responsible for its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Look for a turmeric supplement with ninety-five percent curcuminoids. Taking turmeric with a few peppercorns may help aid in absorption by eight folds.

4. Detox Bath

Taking a hot bath is a good way to soothe abdominal pain by relaxing the muscles in the digestive system. Draw a bath with water as hot as tolerable and add in a cup of Epsom salt, which will help draw toxins out of the body. Add a few drops of essential oils to help with relaxation. Choose oils with anti-inflammatory properties such as lavender or peppermint oil. Soak in the tub for twenty minutes and be sure to sip on water while in the bath to prevent dehydration.

3. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce abdominal pain by relaxing the smooth muscle in the digestive tract. It may also help reduce pain by targeting inflammation in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract caused by Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis or eating the wrong foods. Chamomile tea is useful for treating menstrual cramps, colic pains, and nausea associated with pregnancy. Steep chamomile leaves in boiling water for ten to fifteen minutes. Strain the leaves and drink the water.

2. Activated Charcoal

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Activated charcoal is a natural supplement used to reduce intestinal discomfort by absorbing toxins and moving them out of the body. A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology found that activated charcoal may be useful for treating gastrointestinal bloating and gas. Activated charcoal supplements are available for purchase at health stores in pill form. Be sure to drink lots of water while supplementing with activated charcoal as it is a potent detoxifying agent.

1. Probiotics

Probiotics are the “good” bacteria found in the gut. They have been used to boost the immune system, ease digestive discomfort, reduce intestinal gas and bloating, and prevent chronic disease. It should be noted that supplementing with too many probiotics may cause stomach discomfort. Most people who do not suffer from a digestive disease do not need to take more than twenty billion colony forming units each day. Eating foods with naturally occurring probiotics may also help. Examples include sauerkraut, Keifer, miso, yogurt, and tempeh.