Hippocrates is often credited with the invention of medicines. He wrote Hippocratic Corpus which is a collection of seventy of his medical works.
The Chinese, Japanese and Indian civilisations also had a great part to play in the history of medicines with their accessible and affordable medicinal herbs, practices and natural remedies.
Today, as we approach the finish line of the first quarter of the twenty-first century, we are immensely and completely dependent on modern medicines.
While these are fairly quick to address the problem, many carry side effects and continuous usage can lead to the development of tolerance against these medicines.
An alternate solution for simple and surface level problems can be natural remedies. Natural remedies are often more affordable and accessible than the modern medicines and carry minimal to no side effects.
My palette has an insatiable urge for delectable flavours. So, I am often seen trying new places and recipes. Sometimes, the experiments go sideways too and I am left with stomach aches.
This has been the story since I was a child and my mother preferred natural remedies for stomach aches, some of which like Ginger and Lemon, I still use actively.
In this article, I will share some of the most affordable and accessible natural remedies for stomach pain that have been used since generations.
Reasons of Stomach Pain
“Instead of complaining about problems in your stomach, mind what goes into your stomach to cause the problems in your stomach.”
— Ernest Agyemang Yeboah
Stomach pain can vary in intensity and the exact location of the pain. Most pains do not have serious underlying causes and pass soon. Understanding the reason behind the pain can help us treat it better.
Some potential causes of stomach pain include the following.
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- Indigestion or heartburn
- Gas
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Ulcers
- Food allergies
- Food poisoning
- Stress or anxiety
Stomach pain can also be a symptom of more serious conditions such as appendicitis, kidney stones, etc. and may require intervention from a qualified healthcare professional.
10 Most Accessible and Affordable Natural Remedies for Stomach Pain
Natural remedies for stomach pain can be a non-invasive and soothing alternative to modern medicines.
These also carry added benefits for our body while being accessible and affordable.
1. Drinking Water
Our body requires water to digest and absorb nutrients efficiently. Dehydration is a major cause of indigestion and upset stomach.
In addition, drinking enough water can decrease the chances of heartburn.
With the World Meteorological Organization‘s report stating that the global temperatures are expected to rise in the next five years, it is crucial we drink enough water.
What can be a more accessible and affordable natural remedy for a variety of conditions than good ol’ water itself?
2. Ginger
Ginger is an accessible and affordable natural remedy for stomach pain that is anti-inflammatory in nature. It works on stomach pain and nausea quite effectively and can be used by pregnant women as well.
It can be consumed in a variety of ways which include but are not limited to ginger tea, extracts and chewing on a piece of ginger root.
3. BRAT Diet
For people suffering from diarrhoea, BRAT diet can be an accessible and affordable natural remedy for stomach pain.
BRAT stands for Banana, Rice, Applesauce and Toast. These are low fibre, high binding, bland food items which do not irritate the stomach and reduce the number of stools a person passes.
4. Figs
Figs contain laxatives that can help people suffering from constipation. It also has compounds that help ease indigestion.
Figs are accessible and affordable natural remedies and are available in a variety of forms such as leaves, fruit and paste.
5. Basil
Basil leaves is a natural remedy for stomach pain that is commonly used to treat gas. It is also an accessible and affordable source of linoleic acid which has anti-inflammatory properties.
It is easily available in grocery stores and online markets to be procured fresh.
6. Peppermint
Peppermint has menthol which is an analgesic. It is an accessible and affordable natural remedy for stomach pain and has calming effects.
Peppermint can be consumed as peppermint tea, essential oil, candy or directly as leaves.
7. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds can help in treating numerous digestive problems such as indigestion, bloating and gas.
It is a very commonly used, accessible and affordable natural remedy to treat stomach pain among children in many households.
It can be consumed whole, ground up and added to food items or made into tea.
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar has antibacterial properties and helps in digestion.
It can be diluted with water and honey can be added for taste, making it yet another accessible and affordable natural remedy for stomach pain.
9. Lemon
Lemon juice is an accessible and affordable natural remedy for stomach pain that contains citric acid and can help with nausea and indigestion.
It can be diluted with water and for taste honey or salt can be added.
10. Chamomile
Chamomile has soothing properties and can help with stomach pain, inflammation and muscle spasms.
Chamomile flowers can be brewed into tea and consumed to experience relief from pain.
Signs to see a Doctor
Sometimes, stomach pain can be a symptom for a more serious problem which must not be ignored.
If stomach pain is accompanied by one or more of the below mentioned symptoms, immediate medical attention must be sought.
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- Severe, persistent or worsening pain
- Pain radiating towards chest, shoulders or back
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent diarrhoea or vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin, eyes or nails
- High fever
- Difficulty in passing urine
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Difficulty in swallowing
- History of kidney, liver or gastrointestinal diseases
Conclusion
“I believe that for every illness or ailment known to man, that God has a plant out here that will heal it. We just need to keep discovering the properties for natural healing.”
— Vannoy Gentles Fite, Essential Oils for Healing: Over 400 All-Natural Recipes for Everyday Ailments
Stomach pain has ailed us since the dawn of evolution. It will continue to do so till humanity perishes.
We have equipped ourselves to deal with stomach pains adequately with medicines. But, with so many non-invasive, accessible and affordable natural remedies in hand, we don’t need to look any further than our home most times.
The comfort of home and confidence in nature is irreplaceable. It gives mental peace in addition to relief.
Do you know any more accessible and affordable natural remedies for stomach pain? Enlighten us with your knowledge in the comment section!
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