6 Natural Remedies for Those Pesky Stomach Cramps

Most people have experienced stomach ache or cramps at one point or another. Stomach aches are a regular occurrence for some people. Stomach ache or abdominal pain can stem from many things such as irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion, gastritis, lactose intolerance, gastritis, and stress. Try out these natural remedies for stomach cramps and improve your health.

1- Chamomile Tea

Drinking a cup of chamomile tea can provide relief and comfort as it has an anti-inflammatory effect. This can help because the lining of the stomach may become inflamed because of common gastritis which is caused by bacteria. Chamomile tea also relaxes the muscle of the upper digestive tract.

When the muscle relaxes, the contractions which push food through your system ease up and this reduces the severity of the cramps. To make chamomile tea, just take 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile or 1 tea bag of chamomile tea. Pour hot water over a tea bag and let it sleep for 5 minutes. If you are using dried chamomile, cover your mug and let it steep for 10 minutes.

2- Heating Pad

Another simple but effective remedy for stomach ache is heat. Take a heating pad, hot water bottle, or an electric blanket. You need something warm, not hot that would burn you. Place the heating pad over that part of your stomach which hurts. It can take 10 to 15 minutes before you start to feel the soothing effect of the heat.

3- Carrot And Mint Juice

Mint soothes your stomach while carrot provides nourishment. Boil a liter of water, four sliced carrots, and one teaspoon of dried peppermint. You may use a peppermint tea bag if you do not have dried peppermint.

Bring down the flame to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for nearly 15 minutes or until the carrots are tender. Remove the teabag if you used it, and blend the mixture until smooth. You can also sprinkle some ground ginger or squeeze some lemon juice to make the mixture even more soothing.

4- Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for calming an upset stomach. Add one tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and honey into a cup of warm water and drink it. It will ease digestion and alleviate gas and cramping. It can also provide relief from the discomfort caused by heartburn.

5- Drinking water

The body needs water to digest and absorb nutrients from foods and beverages efficiently. Being dehydrated makes digestion more difficult and less effective, which increases the likelihood of an upset stomach.

In general, the Health and Medicine Division (HMD) recommend that:

• women should have around 2.7 liters (l), or 91 ounces (oz), of water a day
• men should have about 3.7 l, or 125 oz, of water a day

Around 20 percent of this will come from food, with the rest coming from beverages. For most people, a good figure to aim for is approximately 8 or more cups of water a day. Younger children require slightly less water than adults.

For those with digestive issues, it is imperative to stay hydrated. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration very quickly so people with these symptoms should keep drinking water.

6- Warm Lemon Water

If your stomach ache is caused by indigestion, lemon water can help. Lemon juice is acidic and this boosts the production of hydrochloric acid, which breaks down food. By stimulating HCL levels, lemon juice boosts the digestive system. Lemon juice is also very hydrating and keeps the system flushed.

7- Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds contain vitamins and minerals that inhibit the growth of bad bacteria which causes gas, indigestion, or bloating.

8- Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains several antioxidants that may help ease digestion and reduce the risk of irritation and damage in the digestive tract. Some of the antioxidants in cinnamon include:

• eugenol
• cinnamaldehyde
• linalool
• camphor

Other substances in cinnamon may help to reduce gas, bloating, cramping, and belching. They may also help to neutralize stomach acidity to reduce heartburn and indigestion.

People with an upset stomach could try adding 1 tsp of good-quality cinnamon powder, or an inch of cinnamon stick, to their meals. Alternatively, they could try mixing the cinnamon with boiling water to make a tea. Doing this two or three times daily may help to relieve indigestion. Talk to a stomach specialist in Karachi to confirm if this treatment is for you.

9- Cumin

Cumin seeds contain active ingredients that may help by:

• reducing indigestion and excess stomach acids
• decreasing gas
• reducing intestinal inflammation
• acting as an antimicrobial

A person with an upset stomach could try mixing 1 or 2 tsps of ground or powdered cumin into their meals. Alternatively, they could add a few teaspoons of cumin seeds or powder to boiling water to make a tea.

Some traditional medical systems suggest chewing a pinch or two of raw cumin seeds or powder to ease heartburn.

If you feel you have a persistent, intense stomach ache, consult your doctor right away.

At oladoc, you can find a gastroenterologist in Lahore, Karachi, and Islamabad and get an appointment. Moreover, you can also get an appointment by calling our helpline: 042-3890-0939.