We all suffer from some kind of stomach or digestion pain from time to time. Whether it’s indigestion, heartburn, menstrual cramps or diarrhea, there are ways to calm your system without having to reach for a box of over-the-counter medicine. Here is some food for upset stomach.
Indigestion
This affliction is often caused by overeating, spicy or greasy foods or carbonated beverages. One easy thing to turn to: peppermint. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, peppermint “calms the muscles of the stomach and improves the flow of bile, which the body uses to digest fats.” But do not use peppermint if your symptoms are related to gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Heartburn
This feeling of burning in your chest is often brought on by something you ate. According to WebMD, several herbs — such as caraway, German chamomile and licorice — can help calm heartburn. One way to use these herbs to reduce heartburn is in the form of tea.
Menstrual cramps
Pain in the lower abdomen, which women often experience before and during their monthly periods, can be soothed with many of the same herbs as indigestion or heartburn. Both mint and chamomile are helpful, but you can also rely on heat, such as a heating pad or warm bath, and exercise to decrease the pain from cramping, according to WebMD.
Diarrhea
According to the UMMC, some herbs — such as blackberry leaf or raspberry leaf — can help treat loose stools by helping to “dry up” mucous membranes in the intestine. Another option is chamomile — which seems to be a good choice for any stomach issue! — because it helps reduce inflammation.