Natural Ways To Treat Diarrhea And Upset Stomachs

A juice made of carrot and mint is often suggested as a healthy home remedy to soothe an upset stomach. This root vegetable is available all year round and is handy when the flu comes around. All individuals have to do is take four cups of sliced carrots and boil them in four cups of water, along with one teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves or a peppermint tea bag for fifteen minutes. Afterward, they should blend the mixture and drink. They can also add a little bit of ginger or lemon juice for more flavor. This remedy works for upset stomachs largely because of peppermint, which is a long-touted stomach soother.

Caraway Seeds

Chewing on caraway seeds is a convenient way of beating an upset stomach or gassy intestinal system. Caraway seeds, most commonly known as a classic topper on rye bread, come off its plant, which is a member of the carrot family. The flavor and scent of caraway seeds are quite similar to anise. The seeds are used to help several conditions, but are particularly beneficial for digestive issues like heartburn, bloating, gas, loss of appetite, and intestinal spasms. They also contain a host of vitamins and minerals.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Vomiting and diarrhea are both quick ways of losing electrolytes and fluid, which can cause or even worsen. It is important to maintain fluid intake to prevent dehydration, but it is important to recognize this can be difficult for individuals dealing with an upset stomach. A good overall recommendation is to aim for six to eight glasses per day in between meals. Some mild choices include pulp-free juice, vegetable or fat-free chicken broth, tea and honey, and sports drinks. Everyone should note it is easier for their stomachs to handle beverages in small sips rather than all at once. Additionally, those with upset stomachs should consider adding sprigs of mint to their water for a refreshing and stomach-soothing drink.

A Heating Pad

The comfort of rest and a soft heating pad can sometimes be enough to ease a mild stomach ache. Heating pads can be purchased as electronic versions or homemade with some fabric and stuffed with rice or barley. Hot water bottles are also popular because they are safe, soft, and comfortable. The warmth of a heating pad placed on a cramped, painful abdomen relaxes the muscles and adds comfort to an achy stomach. The relief provided can often make eating more tolerable. It is important to note, however, heating pads will not often help with diarrhea, though if an upset stomach occurs at the same time, the relief from that can ensure individuals can consume more fiber or try other remedies that will ease diarrhea.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Very few individuals like to consume or even be around apple cider vinegar due to its strong scent and taste, but it is still high on the list of the most powerful and versatile natural remedies out there. It has the ability to help individuals manage countless conditions, including upset stomachs caused by overeating, eating too fast, or consuming too much fatty or spicy food. Its high acid content helps balance the acid levels in the stomach and uses the method of food fighting food. The acids, as well as enzymes, pectin, and potassium, break down food in the stomach and help eliminate bloating and gas.

Peppermint

As mentioned briefly before, peppermint is quite the powerful stomach soother. It is a standard flavor used in toothpaste and gum, though the former should not be used to cure stomach issues. Its oils are beneficial for alleviating digestive issues like indigestion, gas, as well as irritable bowel syndrome, all of which can contribute to a sore stomach. It can also effectively reduce pain in the abdomen. Peppermint can be taken as a tea, sniffed in its extract form, eaten like candy, or by chewing on the mint leaves.

Ginger

Ginger, which has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for several ailments, contains multiple properties that help ease an upset stomach resulting from motion sickness, morning sickness, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. This spice is also a powerful anti-inflammatory agent with antioxidant powers. Ginger's versatility makes it easy to find a favorite form in which to use, from fresh, powder, tea, and supplements. Candied ginger is also available and has an interesting flavor and texture for a chewy treat. Individuals can even drink ginger ale, provided it is made with real ginger, to help ease their stomach troubles, though some may be sensitive to the carbonation. Thus, individuals may want to let their ginger ale go flat before drinking it.

Bitters And Soda

A bitter is a type of alcohol typically used to flavor cocktails. Bitters are blended with an infusion of herbs and spices to create a sour or bittersweet taste. A few drops of a bitter mixed with club soda or tonic water is a drink may naturalists swear upon to ease an upset stomach. An alternative is to use kefir or mineral water over a glass of ice and four to six drops of bitters. While this can help alleviate an upset stomach, bitters should not be consumed in excess, so it is best to try other natural remedies as well.

The BRAT Diet

The BRAT diet is one consisting of bland, low-fiber food and can be used safely by both adults and children. Traditional BRAT foods, and why this diet is called what it is, are banana, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet works as a solution for diarrhea and upset stomachs because these are four high-binding foods that help firm the stools. They are also salt-free and do not contain spices to irritate the stomach. Bananas are a high source of potassium, which needs to be replaced after vomiting and diarrhea. Of course, the BRAT diet can sometimes include any bland foods that will not irritate the stomach, because sometimes the only solution is to wait it out.

Chamomile

Another popular home remedy that is particularly potent at naturally treating an upset stomach, stomach cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, and abdominal gas is chamomile. Chamomile is incredibly effective due to its medicinal secret: volatile oil, which is derived from its daisy-like flowers. The extract produced from this infamous herb can help reduce inflammation of mucous membranes and muscle spasms, proving chamomile is an excellent treatment for indigestion and menstrual cramps.

Chamomile also contains chemicals that help fight infections that cause minor illnesses, as this wildflower contains a vast amount of active constituents, such as bisabolol, as well as antispasmodic and carminative properties. Bisabolol contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps relax the smooth muscle lining of the digestive tract. Whether it is ingested as a tea, capsules, or eating the herb raw, chamomile has proven it is a fast-acting and effective natural remedy for digestive issues.

Lime Or Lemon Juice

Whether an individual chooses lime or lemon juice, both citrus fruits are highly effective at healing the digestive tract. Specifically, individuals should mix lemon or lime juice with a pinch of baking soda and water to create a drink that can help relieve a variety of digestive problems. This particular mixture creates carbonic acid, which can help reduce gas and indigestion, as well as improve liver secretion and intestinal mobility. Both of these fruits' acidity and other nutrients aid in the digestive process and absorb fats and alcohol while neutralizing bile acids and decreasing the overall acidity in the stomach. Most traditional recipes for this concoction recommend one tablespoon of fresh lime or lemon juice, one teaspoon of baking soda, and eight ounces of water.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon, another classic spice that alleviates numerous illnesses and conditions, is a staple in almost every cupboard across the country. It contains several antioxidants that help ease digestion and decrease the risk of irritation and damage to the digestive tract, making it another highly effective remedy for curing stomach ailments. These helpful antioxidants include eugenol, cinnamaldehyde, Linalool, and camphor, along with other substances that cinnamon has that help reduce bloating, cramping, belching, and gas, as well as neutralizing stomach acidity to decrease heartburn and indigestion from occurring. Individuals dealing with digestive issues can try adding one teaspoon of cinnamon powder or a cinnamon stick to their meals or drink it as a hot tea.

Cloves And Cumin

Cloves are a great natural remedy for an upset stomach and diarrhea as this herb contains substances that help decrease the amount of gas in the stomach and increase gastric secretions, which can speed up slow digestion and reduce pressure and cramping the patient may be experiencing. Cloves are also well known to help reduce nausea and vomiting as well. If an individual is dealing with an upset stomach, they can try mixing one or two teaspoons of ground cloves with one teaspoon of honey before bedtime.

Cumin, whether in seed or powder form is also another effective digestive aid for an upset stomach. Cumin seeds, in particular, contain active ingredients that can help reduce indigestion and excess stomach acids, reduce intestinal inflammation, decrease gas and fluctuance, and acts as an antimicrobial. For an upset tummy, try mixing one or two teaspoons of powdered cumin into meals or add a couple teaspoons of powdered cumin or seeds to boiling water to make a tea.

Aloe Juice

Aloe is a natural remedy used to cure numerous ailments, including sunburns and acne. Whether it is a gel or juice, aloe seems to always cure whatever is ailing a person! Aloe juice is well known to ease an upset stomach as it contains substances proven to reduce excess stomach acid, encourage healthy bowel movements and toxin removal, reduces inflammation, improves protein digestion, and promotes the balance of digestive bacteria. One study conducted discovered individuals who drank ten milliliters of aloe juice daily for four weeks found immense relief from symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, such as heartburn, nausea and vomiting, acid and food regurgitation, as well as flatulence and belching.

Yarrow

Although many may not be aware of its health benefits, yarrow contains various substances such as flavonoids, polyphenols, lactones, tannins, and resins that may help decrease the amount of acid within the stomach. These substances act on the main digestive nerve, the vagus nerve, to try and reduce stomach acid and calm the stomach’s lining. With a reduction in stomach acid, a patient has a reduced chance of experiencing heartburn and indigestion. To remedy an upset tummy, individuals should try ingesting young yarrow leaves raw in a salad or cooked in a meal, or as a hot tea by adding one or two teaspoons of dried or ground yarrow leaves or flowers to boiling water.

Basil

Not only is this classic herb delicious in many meals, but basil also contains many active substances that help to reduce gas and flatulence, increase appetite, alleviate cramping, and improve a person's overall digestion. Just like cinnamon, basil contains eugenol, an active compound that can help reduce the quantity of acid in the stomach, as well as high levels of linoleic acid. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. Those who wish to use basil should try adding one or two teaspoons of dried or fresh basil leaves to meals to lessen the symptoms of an upset stomach, or make a tea with half a teaspoon of dried or fresh leaves.