12 Home Remedies for Indigestion

Indigestion is a common problem. We all experience this problem every now and then. Our food habits, sleeping patterns, and fitness levels can affect our digestive system. And when the digestive system does not function properly, it causes indigestion. Read on to know more about indigestion and how can you tackle this problem.

What is Indigestion?

When you experience any discomfort related to the digestive system like bloating, fullness, acidity, heartburn, abdominal pain, burning, or flatulence, it can be because of indigestion. Indigestion can be caused by several factors which we will discuss below. It is a common practice to take an antacid or an over-the-counter remedy for the pain and uneasiness. However, there are countless home remedies for indigestion. Read this article to know about these home remedies.

What Are the Causes of Indigestion?

The following problems mentioned below could cause indigestion:

• Pancreatitis
• Sleeping immediately after a meal
• Smoking
• Consumption of alcohol
• Eating very oily or greasy food
• Peptic ulcers
• The irregularity of pancreatic functions
• Blocked bile ducts
• Gastritis
• Frequent use of antibiotics
• Stomach cancer
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Gallstones

Signs and Symptoms

If you have indigestion, you might notice the following sign and symptoms of indigestion:

• Acid reflux and heartburn
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Flatulence
• Regurgitation
• Belching
• Sour breath
• Hiccups
• Abdominal pain and heaviness

12 Home Remedies for Indigestion

Here are some wonderful and easy remedies from your kitchen that you can use to get relief from indigestion.

1. Lemon Essential Oil

This remedy works like magic. The resulting concoction may taste a tad bitter, so be prepared for that. Lemon oil has carminative properties and is also alkaline in nature. It helps to neutralise the acids in the stomach and curbs the problem of indigestion.

What You Will Need

• 1 drop of essential oil in lemon flavour
• A glass of water

What To Do

1. Add one drop of the lemon essential oil in the water and mix it well.
2. Drink this concoction before half an hour of your mealtime.
3. Have it twice or thrice each day.

2. Honey

Honey is one of the best natural cures to indigestion and acidity. The nutrients in honey can help neutralise stomach acids while the anti-inflammatory properties help calm the digestive system down.

What You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of organic honey
• Water as required

What To Do

• Add a teaspoon of pure honey to one glass of water.
• Mix it well.
• Drink one hour before your meal.

3. Coconut Oil

Pure or extra virgin oil is known to reduce digestive discomfort if taken regularly. Coconut oil is a rich source of healthy saturated fats like capric acid and lauric acid. It helps neutralise the acids in the stomach and calms the stomach lining which is inflamed.

What You Will Need

• 1 tbsp of virgin coconut oil

What To Do

• Have a tablespoon or two of pure coconut oil every day.
• You can have it directly or mix it in your coffee, salads, or substitute your regular cooking oil with coconut oil.
• Have a spoonful at least once a day.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

ACV is a versatile household remedy. It has been recommended for various issues like dark underarms, open pores, calloused skin, etc. It works like a charm for indigestion too.

What You Will Need

• 1 or 2 teaspoons of ACV
• A glass of water

What To Do

• Mix the apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water.
• Add in some honey if you find the flavour too strong.
• Drink this twice a day.

5. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile tea is one of the home remedies for indigestion during pregnancy because of its relaxing and calming properties. Chamomile has properties that can calm the muscles of the digestive tract. It eases the constrictive pain caused in the abdomen too.

What You Will Need

• 1 teaspoon of chamomile tea leaves
• A cup of hot water
• Honey

What To Do

• Add a spoon of chamomile tea leaves in a cup of hot or boiling water.
• Let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
• Strain and mix in some honey. Alternatively, dip a tea bag in hot water and let it brew.
• Have the tea thrice a day.

6. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is an aromatic spice that is known to help lower blood sugar and aid in digestion. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory properties that calm the digestive tract. The spice is also known to have antispasmodic effects on the body.

What You Will Need

• 1 inch of cinnamon stick
• 1 cup of hot water
• Honey

What To Do

• Brew a cup of cinnamon tea by boiling a stick of cinnamon with a cup of water.
• Strain and allow it to cool.
• Mix honey or have it as it is.
• Drink cinnamon tea twice or thrice a day.

7. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera has a mild and pleasant taste and helps relieve the symptoms of indigestion. Aloe vera is known to have many vitamins, amino acids, and minerals which can work as a detox for the system. The anti-inflammatory property helps to calm the digestive tract.

What You Will Need

• Half a cup of aloe vera juice

What To Do

• Drink the juice directly before having meals.

8. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is cooling and tasty. Drinking buttermilk is the perfect remedy for indigestion and acidity. The lactic acid in buttermilk neutralises the stomach acids and cools down the digestive system and reduces post-meal sweet cravings.

What You Will Need

• 3-4 tablespoons of curd or plain yoghurt
• 1 cup of water
• Salt to taste
• A pinch of cumin powder
• Coriander leaves (optional)

What To Do

• Blend the curd and water with a hand blender.
• Add the pinch of cumin powder and salt, and mix well.
• Garnish with coriander leaves.
• Drink it after every meal.
• Have buttermilk thrice a day.

9. Ginger and Lemon Tea

Ginger and lemon help combat the problem of indigestion. Ginger helps deal with flatulence and bloating whereas, lemon neutralises stomach acids and helps in digestion.

What You Will Need

• 1 inch of ginger
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• A cup of hot water
• 1 tsp of honey

What To Do

• Steep the ginger in hot water.
• Mix fresh lemon juice and stir.
• Strain and drink warm.
• Add some honey if you wish.
• Drink at least twice a day.

10. A Mixture of Four Seeds

Fennel seeds, dill, kala jeera, and chakra phool can help in digestion. A mixture of these has different digestive-aiding properties. It can calm the lining of the digestive tract and neutralise the stomach acids.

What You Will Need

• 2 tbsp of fennel seeds
• 2 tbsp of dill seeds
• 2 tbsp of kala jeera
• 1 tbsp of star anise seeds

What To Do

• Mix all the above-mentioned ingredients and store in a cool and dry place.
• Have a spoon or two after every big or greasy meal.

11. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a healthy remedy for acidity and bloating. Oatmeal is high in fibre and helps in digestion. It also absorbs excess acids in the stomach and doesn’t allow reflux to happen.

What You Will Need

• 1 cup of oatmeal

What To Do

• Cook the oatmeal and have it for breakfast.
• You can eat oats for breakfast every day.

12. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are used to treat gas, bloating, and colic in infants and toddlers for long. It is one of the home remedies for indigestion in babies and toddlers. The carminative properties of fennel seeds make it ideal for treating the digestive problem. It also improves bile juice secretion and helps in breaking down fats.

What You Will Need

• 1 tsp of fennel seeds
• 1 cup of water

What To Do

• Eat a spoon of fennel seeds after a big meal.
• You can also drink fennel tea.
• Try this remedy thrice a day for best results.

FAQs

1. How Long Can Indigestion Last?

Indigestion can last for a few days. It is usually a chronic disease and can last years while displaying symptoms periodically in a fluctuating manner. Consult a doctor if you experience this problem frequently.

These home remedies are easy to follow and can reduce acid reflux cause due to other serious illnesses like diabetes too. Try them out, you will feel better soon.

Also Read:

Natural Remedies for Gas and Bloating
Home Remedies to Treat Dehydration
Natural Remedies for a Toothache