Stomach pain is one of the most common ailments among people. It is estimated that its incidence worldwide is around 10-12%. When you have it, it’s natural to want to find quick and effective relief. In mild or moderate cases not accompanied by intense symptoms, there is the possibility of resorting to home remedies for stomach pain.
Over-the-counter stomach upset medications can help reduce or even eliminate the intensity of the pain. If you don’t want to use them, natural therapies are available to provide some degree of relief. Many contribute to reversing its cause and are safe as long as they are used moderately.
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Causes of stomach pain
First, you need to understand that the term “stomach ache” is not a disease or condition. It is a symptom, one that can have multiple triggers and that is usually accompanied, therefore, by other signs. In general, it is classified into three main types:
- Somatic or parietal pain: occurs due to irritation of the peritoneum inflammation, infection, or chemical reaction. It is distinguished by being localized and constant.
- Visceral pain: it is generated by the stretching of the walls of the hollow viscera. For example, the stomach, the intestines (small and large), the appendix, the spleen, the gallbladder, the pancreas, and so on.
- Referred pain: refers to stomach pain whose root is in the periphery. For example, the kidneys, bladder, or lungs. It occurs due to the common innervations of the nerve root.
Abdominal pain can be sudden, rapid, or gradual in onset. The first is associated with perforation of the gastrointestinal tract (gastric or duodenal ulcer), colonic diverticulum, or a foreign body. The second, with cholecystitis, ureteral calculi, pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction, diverticulitis, appendicitis, and gastric ulcer. The third relates to neoplasms, chronic inflammatory processes, and significant intestine obstruction.
Fortunately, most cases are benign, triggered by constipation, gastritis, gases, indigestion, and gastroenteritis (stomach flu). Because of this, stomach pain is usually one of a group of symptoms. As the UK National Health Service points out, the picture is generally as follows:
- The feeling of stomach fullness.
- Flatulence.
- Heartburn.
- General discomfort.
- Difficulty starting or continuing bowel movements.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting and nausea.
Since stomach pain can compromise body posture and movement, it is often the most bothersome and intense symptom. In principle, in cases of chronic pain, it is essential to consult a doctor to determine its origin and the appropriate treatment. Natural and home therapies can alleviate the milder or more controlled episodes.
Five home and natural remedies for stomach ache
As we already pointed out at the beginning, many natural remedies for stomach pain can reverse the cause and the parallel symptoms, such as swelling and flatulence. They are safe therapies, although they should be used in moderation. If the problem persists, do not hesitate to consult your GP.
1. Apply heat to the area
A work published in the European Journal of Case Reports in Internal Medicine in 2020 found that abdominal pain can be relieved by applying a warm water bag. In addition to relieving pain, it has been suggested that heat therapy may mediate increased blood flow, metabolism, and elasticity of connective tissues.
The Department of Health of the State of Virginia (Australia) recommends the application of a bag of warm water on the abdominal region to relieve stomach pain. The calming sensation is mild, but it can help in conjunction with other therapies. If abdominal pain has occurred due to an episode of primary dysmenorrhea, applying heat may also help.
2. Do abdominal massages
Painting the abdomen can be another solution to improve this situation. Its action is positive since it can help relax muscles and relieve tension in the stomach. According to a study on animals and disclosed in Pain Research & Management, it can improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, among which is pain.
On the other hand, experts recommend it within the conservative first-line approach for treating chronic functional constipation. An effective way to do it is with the help of your fingers and in circles (in a clockwise direction). You can apply a little pressure, always gently.
3. Drink an infusion of ginger
A study reported in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that ginger may help the intestinal hypersensitivity of diarrhea, which is predominant in irritable bowel syndrome. Similarly, the researchers found that it can affect the inhibition of the proinflammatory reaction.
Its intake has also been related to the relief of vomiting and nausea, two symptoms that often accompany some episodes of stomach pain. Today, ginger is available in extract, tincture, tablet, and supplement forms, in addition to its natural root. Even so, an infusion is the best way to take advantage of it.
Ingredients
- One slice of fresh ginger.
- Two tablespoons of lemon juice (30 milliliters).
- One tablespoon of honey (25 grams).
- One cup of hot water (250 milliliters).
Preparation
- First of all, pour the fresh ginger into a pot of water and bring it to a boil for 5 minutes. Please remove it from the heat, let it rest, and strain it.
- Then add the lemon juice and honey.
- To finish, drink it in sips two or three times a day.
4. Make a chamomile infusion
Chamomile tea is another good remedy to combat this pain, especially after eating a too copious meal. It has been used for centuries for this purpose, and in many countries, the custom of drinking chamomile tea has even been consolidated to improve digestion after each meal.
Although several properties have been attributed to the infusion to address various gastrointestinal disorders (gastritis, ulcerative colitis, inflammation, intestinal cramps, and so on), much research remains to be done in this regard. You can buy infusion bags in the market or herbalist stores or choose to prepare the recipe at home.
Ingredients
- Two tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers (30 grams).
- One tablespoon of lemon juice (15 milliliters).
- One cup of water (250 milliliters).
Preparation
- First, pour two tablespoons of dried chamomile flowers into a cup of boiling water. Then, cover them and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- After the recommended time, all that remains is to strain them and add a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Finally, sip it down.
5. Drink a mint infusion
As in the previous case, mint infusion has been used traditionally to relieve stomach pain at home. There isn’t much evidence on this, although a paper published in Prescrire International indicates that peppermint tea is safe and may be more effective than other herbal remedies in addressing the symptoms of dyspepsia (including pain).
According to the National Health Service, peppermint oil can help relieve stomach cramps, bloating, and flatulence, conditions that may accompany or generate stomach pain. The one that can be ingested is marketed in capsules, but if possible, it appeals to making mint tea with the plant leaves.
Ingredients
- Two tablespoons of fresh mint leaves (30 grams).
- One cup of water (250 milliliters).
- Two tablespoons lime juice (optional).
Preparation
- First, put the mint leaves in a cup of water and bring them to a boil over medium heat for 5 minutes.
- Then, remove the infusion, let it rest covered, and strain it.
- Finally, add a little lime juice to taste and sip it twice a day.
Other home therapies to relieve stomach pain
The remedies for stomach pain we have reviewed are the most popular for relief at home. As a supplement, you can do many other things to opt for a timely recovery.
Bet on a BRAT diet
You can incorporate a BRAT diet as the pain and upset stomach subside. It is an acronym in English for banana, rice, applesauce, and toast. It is a type of bland diet that is used by people who have an upset stomach. It will not help eliminate your stomach ache, but it is friendly to the digestive process and favors bowel movements.
Eat some yogurt
As in the previous case, eating yogurt can indirectly relieve episodes of this type. Its intake is associated with changes in the composition of the human gut microbiome and metabolome. In the medium term, this can help improve gastrointestinal function. Far from assuming it is a punctual therapy, you can include its intake regularly if you know that you develop stomach pain due to problems of this type.
Avoid lying down for a long time.
Rest can provide some relief but can also lead to other problems. For example, gastroesophageal reflux. Avoid doing it if you have developed stomach pain immediately after eating, or do not do it in a horizontal position. If you want to get some rest, use a cushion to elevate your torso vertically a bit.
Drink plenty of water.
Whatever the cause of stomach pain, you must ensure a water supply. Discomfort can indeed inhibit you from eating and drinking, but doing so is essential to ensure proper stomach function. Also, if the cause is constipation, drinking water can mediate your solution.
Other things you can do in conjunction with the above are avoid drinking alcohol and smoking. At the same time, the pain persists, avoid foods that are difficult to digest, do not appeal to a sedentary lifestyle, and, along these lines, maintain some activity during the day. You must also learn to identify when to turn to the specialist.
When to consult with the specialist?
Most of the indicated remedies are helpful if the cause of stomach pain is related to a gastrointestinal disorder. We have already made it clear initially that its catalysts go much further. Do not hesitate to seek professional help in the following contexts:
- The pain has occurred suddenly and intensely, without antecedents or identifiable triggers.
- You have very high sensitivity when touching the surface of the abdominal area.
- Your bowel movements are bloody.
- The pain does not go away or lessen with the passing days.
- You manifest symptoms such as high fever, weight loss, difficulty breathing, etc.
- You develop symptoms of dehydration (dizziness, very dark urination, lightheadedness, dry mouth, and so on).
Final thoughts
Most episodes of stomach pain are benign. They are associated with discomfort caused by a meal, constipation, viral infections, and the accumulation of gases. When the symptom is mild, you can treat it from home using remedies for stomach aches. They are safe and can help to relieve or completely disappear the symptoms.
Even so, it is essential to remember that its effectiveness depends on the origin of the problem. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult a specialist beforehand. Do this, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication, or have a chronic illness or significant health condition, similarly, if the pain is manifested by a child under 12 years of age.
Do not forget that it is essential to consult your doctor if the stomach discomfort persists or recurs, even if its intensity is mild, also if it is accompanied by continuous and unstoppable vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty breathing, sensitive abdomen, chronic constipation, fever, weight loss, blood in the stool, or vomiting.