Remedies To Relieve Indigestion
Among the remedies used to relieve indigestion we find the mint infusion. Discover other natural options that are credited with digestive benefits and whether or not they have scientific endorsement.
Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is not a disease, but a disorder that occurs during digestion. It manifests as a feeling of discomfort in the upper part of the belly. The most common is to feel it after eating, especially in times of celebrations. In this article we talk about some remedies to relieve indigestion.
Possible causes
The United States National Library of Medicine lists the following as possible causes of indigestion:
- Eating excessively and without chewing
- Drinking alcohol excessively
- Eating toxic or spoiled food
- Suffering from stress or emotional shocks during a meal
When indigestion is recurrent, it could also be caused by adjacent diseases, such as:
- Weak digestive system (difficulty digesting fat, protein, etc.)
- Gastritis
- Ulcers
- Intolerances to certain nutrients and foods (gluten, lactose, etc.)
- Use of certain medications.
Here are some natural remedies that could help us avoid indigestion discomforts such as burning, pain, heaviness, nausea, belching, or even vomiting and diarrhea. Keep in mind that some of them are used by natural medicine but are not endorsed by scientific studies.
Remedies to relieve indigestion
Clay water
The clay would not only have topical applications, it could also be consumed. But in that case, we should specify it when buying it and ordering clay for oral use.
A study published in the Iranian Journal of Public Health indicates that clay may have detoxifying properties, as well as soothing properties that may help relieve irritation. However, the data found are not conclusive.
Ayurvedic medicine recommends placing a teaspoon in a glass of water and mixing it well with a non-metal spoon (it can be made of wood, glass, porcelain …). Let it rest for 10 minutes, stir it again, and ingest it. Before drinking this natural remedy, consult your doctor.
Peppermint essential oil
Peppermint is one of the plants most used to relieve indigestion. It is believed to help reduce swelling, relieve pain, improve bad breath, and refresh. It might even help when indigestion triggers headaches or migraines. You could use:
- Topically : spread 4 to 6 drops of the oil directly on the belly and around the navel. For headaches, put a drop on each temple and massage gently.
- Orally : add a drop of the essential oil to an infusion or mix it with a teaspoon of honey. You can also put this drop in a vegetable capsule and take it with water.
It is worth noting that the different studies have yielded preliminary data, that is, new research is needed to corroborate or disprove the supposed benefits of peppermint against indigestion.
Activated charcoal
Activated charcoal is obtained after a process in which common charcoal is ground, and heated with a gas that “pierces” the interior and forms “pores”, thus achieving a much more absorbent carboniferous surface.
It is a remedy traditionally used to treat poisoning. Later, it began to be used to help eliminate excess gas in the stomach and intestines.
Some research has suggested that, combined with simethicone and magnesium oxide, it could help eliminate flatulence, reduce pain and improve the sensation produced by indigestion. The data in this regard are not reliable.
Water
Popular folklore claims that drinking short sips of water every 3 to 4 minutes would help make indigestion symptoms disappear in an hour or two. On the other hand, another recommended home remedy would be to drink two glasses of warm water the next morning, to prevent the discomfort from reappearing.
Homeopathic remedies
The most widely used homeopathic remedy for indigestion is the vomica nut, nu x vomica , which should be taken after having committed excesses of food and drink to balance the liver and intestine.
On the other hand, if the indigestion had been caused by something toxic or in bad condition and caused diarrhea or vomiting, Arsenicum Album could be ingested .
In both cases, three balls should be placed under the tongue every hour until improvement is noticed, never with food and drink, and avoid strong and menthol flavors.
As we have pointed out previously, natural remedies against indigestion do not have scientific endorsement in all cases, so we recommend going to the doctor to receive the best indications for your condition.
