Unsettled Stomach Home Remedy

An upset stomach can be caused by certain foods, motion sickness or a virus. Over-the-counter medications can soothe an upset stomach, but their active ingredients are mainly synthetic and can actually cause further irritation. Home remedies for upset stomachs utilize herbs to provide relief without introducing chemicals into your body. If your upset stomach lasts longer than several days, visit your doctor.

Ginger

• According to the University of Maryland, ginger has been utilized for its ability to reduce nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for more than 2,000 years. The active compounds within ginger are shogaols and gingerols, which are phenol compounds. These compounds work with various systems of the body to reduce nausea associated with motion sickness, pregnancy and even chemotherapy.

  Ginger is available in capsule and liquid forms. The University of Maryland suggests mixing between 30 to 90 drops of ginger extract with 8 oz. of water every day. For generalized upset stomach, chew a quarter of an ounce of freshly cut ginger, which is available at health food stores, as needed.

Peppermint

• Peppermint is commonly used as a flavoring, but it can also be ingested to calm an unsettled stomach. It provides indigestion and nausea relief by increasing the movement of bile throughout the stomach. For stomach cramps, peppermint causes the stomach and intestinal muscles to relax, which will soothe cramping and allow trapped gas to be expelled.

  The most popular methods of consuming peppermint include drinking it in tea form and consuming an enteric-coated capsule supplement. For general upset stomach relief, boil 8 oz. of water and then add 1 tsp. of peppermint leaves. Allow the dried leaves to steep for 10 minutes before straining and sweetening as needed. To reduce intestinal cramps, take two peppermint oil capsules, which have been coated by enteric, up to two times per day. Consume these capsules with 8 oz. of water.

Licorice

• Licorice, which is also known as the sweet root, is much sweeter than sugar and has been used to add flavor to foods and beverages as well as for its medicinal qualities. The main active ingredient within licorice is glycyrrhizin. This compound has been studied for its ability to protect the stomach and intestines from irritation, reducing cortisol within the system as well as relieving inflammation. While licorice is available in liquid extracts, some may be missing the glycyrrhizin compound. Thus, consuming the licorice extract in capsule form will ensure all necessary ingredients are introduced into the body. Consume up to 500 mg of licorice extract three times per day with 8 oz. of water. Ensure that the extract contains at least 20% glycyrrhizinic acid.