1. Lie in a comfortable position ( works for many )
Try out all the positions and see which lying posture provides relief from the pain. Switch on some entertainment to get the mind off the pain. If a baby is experiencing stomach pain, bring him or her something that gives joy.
Thinking about a pain really makes it worse. In most cases, pain is just idiopathic. These are some poses you should try.
- Reclining position - Lay flat on your bed with the head elevated at about 30 degrees. This position helps with nausea and acid reflux.
- Lie bending towards the left side, with knees close to the chest. This helps with painful issues of stomach and left side of intestine.
- Lie bending towards the right side.
- Lying flat on the stomach, with the back towards the ceiling.
2. Burping forcibly
This practice is somewhat instinctive, but helpful. Patting on the back in a burping fashion can relieve a stomach ache. The vibrations can cause belching which relieves stomach pain to some extent.
This is quite effective for babies, newborns and kids.
Adults can induce belching using these techniques.Sit up instead of lying down. It induces belching.
Bend a little forwards while sitting straight. Pull your lower abdomen inwards. Then try to expel the air out. It takes some practice, but it works. Just like learning how to release phlegm.
( Photo credit : acheron0 )
3. Natural anti-acids ( for gas pain )
Due to the natural process of digestion, an acidic gas can be produced which in excess causes pain of acidity. This sharp stomach pain can be reduced by eating foods which naturally act against this acidic gas. Eat banana, wheat, papaya, mango and drink milk ( if you can tolerate it ). In fact, milk can relieve stomach pain in many cases. After drinking milk, lie down with the head elevated. Eating yogurt can also provide relief from stomach pain.
It is always easy to take an antacid medication, but in the long run, they are harmful. Instead use cool skimmed milk. If you are lactose intolerant, try some baking soda.
( Photo credit : stuart_spivack )
4. Baking Soda
Taking a small amount of baking soda helps in stomach ache. But it may not work for all kinds of stomach ache.
- Ingredients
Baking soda
- Directions / How to use
Add 1 tablespoon baking soda to 1 glass of water. Stir it in the water and drink this. Wait for 5 - 10 minutes. It should relieve that stomach ache.
- Why it works ?
Baking soda is alkaline in nature. It naturally has a basic pH above 8. Therefore, it can neutralize excess acid in the stomach. This relieves pain caused by acidic gas.
5. Carbonated beverage
Drinking a good amount of carbonated beverage can really help in relieving pain in the tummy. It makes one belch which somehow works against the pain.
Now, the amount of soda varies from person to person. But it works for most of us.
NOTE - This home remedy should be used only for occasional pain. If you are suffering from stomach ache regularly, then you should probably not use carbonated beverages.
( Photo credit : mukluk )
6. Massage the stomach
Massage your upper and lower abdomen with an oil, like olive oil. Massage can aid movement of food in the intestine leading to relief from occasional pain.This works for babies as well.
7. Drink pickle juice
The solution which is used to preserve a pickle is made up of salt and water. It contains some nutrients of the thing which is pickled. It may help with stomach pain. Give a glass of pickle juice a try.
Why it works ?
Pickle juice works for a specific kind of stomach ache caused by cramping. Pickle juice is loaded with electrolytes which relieve cramping fast. Stomach and intestinal tract is encapsulated by smooth muscle that regulate its movement. Lack of electrolytes lead to strong involuntary contraction of these muscles which causes sharp pain. Pickle juice relieves this condition.
( Photo credit : hvc )
8. Ginger tea
This is perhaps the most powerful remedy for any kind of stomach ache. But, it doesn't work for all people. Make a ginger tea with honey for sweetness. Add enough ginger that it is potent in relieving the pain and not so much that it feels too bitter and one is
nauseating.
Ginger has exceptional properties in relieving stomach upset.
- It gets rid of nausea, but too much ginger may trigger the opposite.
- It relieves indigestion brilliantly.
- It relieves stomach pain caused by diarrhea. Ginger tends to accumulate in the digestive tract, fostering better health.
A fantastic home remedy to relieve stomach ache is ginger ale. This carbonated ginger beverage is one of the best things for abdominal problems. You can eat crackers with it.
9. Slippery elm tea
This herb from America has been used by Native Americans since Ancient times to relieve stomach pain and other digestive issues (
indigestion ).
- Ingredients
Slippery elm bark powder
- Directions / How to use
Add 1 tablespoon of slippery elm powder to 300 ml water. Boil the water and then keep it on low heat for about 5 minutes. Cool it a bit, and then drink this tea. It should feel a little slippery to the throat, that's its name !
- Why it works ?
Slippery elm is very soothing for the stomach. It coats the lining of the intestinal wall. This relieves ulcers and many other problems which might be leading to a stomach pain.
It works fast, so one should experience relief after the first tea itself.
"A similar effect can also be seen by eating okra pods, a vegetable. "
( Photo credit : ideonexus )
10. Peppermint Oil ( enteric coated )
One of the finest remedies for stomach ache is peppermint oil. Taking a capsule or two of enteric-coated peppermint oil can quickly relieve a stomach ache.
Enteric coated - This is a coating on a medication which prevents it from releasing in the stomach. Peppermint essential oil is irritating to the esophagus and stomach. That is why, peppermint oil is coated so that it is released in the intestines. It is a brilliant remedy for IBS caused stomach ache.
Safety of peppermint oil - It is generally safe for adults to take enteric coated peppermint oil. However, if taken regularly, or taking large doses is harmful for the body. It should be avoided by expecting mothers, babies and people who have liver or kidney problems.
Other ways to use peppermint.
- Peppermint leaves - You can eat peppermint leaves directly. I remember my grandfather who used to eat half a handful of peppermint leaves after eating food whenever he felt that the food wasn't right for his gut. I leaned about peppermint from him, as he always kept it growing.
- You can drink peppermint tea. It relieves stomach ache and headache.
11. Rice in a sock
Heat some rice in a microwave. Then place it in a sock and close it. Apply the sock on your tummy. You can also keep it overnight. The warmth from a warm sock soothes a stomach ache.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar
Pour 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to 1 glass of water. Drink it warm. It can relieve a mild stomach ache. Apple cider vinegar is great for our entire body.
13. Fennel seeds
Chew a few fennel seeds nicely. Do not spit them even after the sweetness is gone. The sweet juice of fennel calms the stomach. It is a
carminative, that is it helps to expel out stored intestinal gas. This can provide much needed relief from stomach pain.
( Photo credit : gogri )
14. Take A Hot Shower
It works for so many people. Just go into a shower and pour warm water on your skin. It is so relaxing. After the bath, perhaps the pain subsides. One can sleep peacefully, after all the trouble !
If you suspect that you have abdominal cramp, add some salt or Epsom salt in a bathtub. This alleviates cramping pain.
15. Herbal remedies for stomach ache
These are some herbs which can help with stomach troubles. But, as always, exercise caution in using herbs. And never use without consultation.
- Greater celandine.
- Caraway seed, an excellent carminative.
- Chamomile tea
- Licorice ( do not take much, as it can cause hypertension )
- Angelica root.
Chronic Stomach Ache
Are you often saying " I have a stomach ache", then probably you have chronic stomach ache. It is more difficult to alleviate, as gastrointestinal problems are not easy to diagnose. Our digestion, assimilation and exretion processes are complex and should perform well for peak health.
A recurring stomach ache can be relieved by making changes in diet. Also keep a food diary and note which foods possible cause trouble.
Try these remedies for stomach ache.
16. Yogurt
One of the best remedies for chronic stomach problems is yogurt. It is loaded with probiotics. Taking yogurt for a few weeks can replenish healthy bacteria in our intestine. They restore normal digestion which alleviates the root cause of many gastrointestinal problems like IBS.
17. Psyllium Husk ( not for kids and toddlers )
Take about 20 gm of psyllium husk and drink it with water. Do this 2 times a day. It helps in eliminating constipation. This relieves stomach ache caused by
contipation dominant IBS ( called IBS - C ).
Psyllium is a good source of dietary fiber. It also helps to remove toxins from the gastrointestinal tract.
It should not be given to babies as it poses a choking hazard.
18. Eliminate Stress
One of the "hidden" causes of chronic stomach ache is stress, either physical, but mostly emotional. It is important to face the cause of stress and let it relieve out. You can try out various stress relaxing techniques. Drinking
chamomile tea helps with this kind of stomach ache as it relieves stress, to some extent.
( Photo credit : macbeck )
Stomach Ache in pets ( dogs, cats, birds )
If your pet suffers from stomach ache, that is the symptoms of it, then it is mostly because of the diet. Try changing the diet from store bought food to natural food. One of the best things to give a pet is chicken broth.
For birds, you can give them grains and some fruits. Different birds like different foods, so research that out.
Divide their meals into smaller portions throughout the day. Perhaps the pet is unable to digest all that food in one go. And another thing, a pet should also be taken for regular exercise, just like us. It keeps their bodies flexible and moving, which is good for the digestive system.
One can try some
home remedies for upset stomach which may help with ache or colic. Most of these remedies can help to lessen stomach ache in kids or adults.
Some other foods that help in relieving stomach ache : Cardamom, coriander leaves and parsley are also effective. They can be taken by anyone and are commonly added in food.
