Home Remedies and Herbs for Upset Stomach

Upset stomach is a term that is often used to broadly describe a type of common symptom. Upset stomach is sometimes also used interchangeably with indigestion and dyspepsia, however it can also describe symptoms like nausea, vomiting or gastritis. ¹

Upset stomach is a very common symptom and nearly everyone, including children and adults alike experience an upset stomach at some point. Upset stomach after eating is especially common. ¹

What Causes Upset Stomach?

There are many possible upset stomach causes. Depending on the underlying condition at hand, upset stomach causes can be from any of the following:

• Eating too much or too rapidly
• Consuming fatty, greasy or spicy foods
• Too much caffeine or alcohol consumption
• Consuming too much chocolate or carbonated beverages
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Food allergies
• Gastritis
• Peptic ulcers
• Gallstones
• Pancreatitis
• Stomach cancer
• Trauma, stress or anxiety
• Bacterial infection such as H. pylori
• Prescription medications like antibiotics

As there is a broad range of possibilities when it comes to upset stomach causes, it typically shouldn’t be treated as severe unless there are other serious symptoms that accompany an upset stomach such as fever, vomiting blood or loss of consciousness. Upset stomach after eating is very common and can be rectified by avoiding unhealthy and inflammatory foods.

Upset Stomach Symptoms

Upset stomach symptoms can vary depending on the cause. There are some common upset stomach symptoms which can include:

• Feeling of being too full after eating even if only a small amount
• Feeling of being uncomfortably full after eating that lasts a while
• Upper abdominal pain or discomfort
• Upper abdominal bloating
• Upper abdominal burning
• Abdominal cramping
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Gas

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Upset Stomach

Upset stomach after eating can be treated with a variety of home remedies. Some of the top upset stomach natural remedies include:

• Apple - Apples are a good source of pectin, which is known to help reduce various digestive symptoms including upset stomach and diarrhea.
• Ginger Tea - Ginger tea is a traditional herbal remedy for helping to calm upset stomach and nausea. It helps best when sipped slowly.
• Honey and Cinnamon - The combination of honey and cinnamon work together to help treat upset stomach and reduce any possible symptoms of nausea or vomiting. Honey and cinnamon can also help to reduce any abdominal pain.
• Amla - Amla fruit is also known as Indian Gooseberry. It is an edible fruit with natural digestive health benefits including the ability to help reduce inflammation caused by upset stomach.
• Black Cumin Seed - Black cumin seed is an effective upset stomach natural remedy. Black cumin seed can help to alleviate upset stomach and other related symptoms like nausea, dizziness, vomiting and diarrhea. 
• Fennel Seed - Fennel seed and raw fennel plant are known to be an effective upset stomach natural remedy. Fennel seed tea can help to reduce bloating, indigestion, cramping and nausea.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/home/ovc-20209272
2. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/163484.php 
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/symptoms-causes/dxc-20209277