Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNatural RemediesSymptoms Not to IgnoreFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Natural Remedies
Symptoms Not to Ignore
Frequently Asked Questions
Indigestion, also known asdyspepsia, is a term used to describe a burning sensation or pain in your upper abdomen. Symptoms, such as bloating, nausea, burping, and gas, often occur after eating or drinking.
Treatment of indigestion usually includes lifestyle and dietary modifications, as well as taking over-the-counter (OTC) antacids. Other remedies, such as drinking abaking soda solution, can help ease your symptoms.
This article will discuss nine home remedies that can quickly relieve indigestion.
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9 Ways to Get Rid of Indigestion
Most people experience indigestion at some point in their lives. Some may have it once in a while, while others endure it daily. Thankfully, lifestyle changes can control symptoms, including eating small, frequent meals, avoiding late-night snacking, and exercising. Certain medications and home remedies can also ease your symptoms.
Here are nine ways to get rid of indigestion.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, orsodium bicarbonate, is a safe, effective way to neutralize the acid in your stomach and relieve acid indigestion, gas, bloating, and heartburn after a meal.
To use baking soda at home as an antacid, dissolve one-half teaspoon of baking soda in 4 ounces of water. Drink the solution within one to two hours after a meal. You can repeat every two hours as needed until your symptoms improve.
Studies suggest adults should not exceed seven one-half teaspoon doses within 24 hours, and adults over 60 should consume no more than three one-half teaspoons. Baking soda should not be taken for more than two weeks.
Over-the-Counter Antacids
Several different OTC medications can effectively relieve your symptoms.
Antacids, such as Tums and Alka-Seltzer, work to neutralize indigestion, causing fast relief to your stomach.
Avoid takinganti-inflammatorymedications, such as Motrin, Advil (ibuprofen), aspirin, and Aleve (naproxen), to control your symptoms. These medications are not considered to be helpful and may make symptoms worse.
Chamomile Tea
Although additional studies are needed to verify its effectiveness, a warm cup ofchamomiletea may help ease indigestion.
One review of studies found that chamomile can help ease anupset stomach, gas, and gastrointestinal (GI) irritation. It can also help relax the digestive muscles that move food through the intestines, which can help keep the digestive system moving and reduce bloating.
Chamomile contains coumarin, a blood-thinning agent. If you take ablood thinner, such as warfarin, consult your healthcare provider before drinking chamomile tea.
Peppermint Oil and Caraway Oil
Preliminary studies suggest that a combination ofpeppermint oiland caraway oil can help relax the stomach muscles and improve symptoms of indigestion.
One 2019 review of studies that included 350 participants found that people treated with peppermint and caraway oil were significantly more likely to have an overall improvement in indigestion symptoms than those who received the placebo (a control with no therapeutic effect).
Most studies have used an enteric-coated capsule containing 50 milligrams (mg) of caraway oil and 90 mg of peppermint oil.
Ginger
Although more high-quality studies are needed to determine dosing and effectiveness, some experts recommend taking 1.2 grams of ginger root powder to treat indigestion.
You can also drink a warm cup of ginger tea, suck on ginger candies, or boil fresh ginger in hot water.
Most studies note that ginger’s maximum recommended daily intake is 4 grams.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Although little research exists to support its effectiveness, some people with indigestion may find relief after drinking a mixture containingapple cider vinegar(ACV).
Indigestion can occur if a person does not have enough acid in their stomach to digest food properly. If this is true for you, you may benefit from sipping on apple cider vinegar to help increase the acid content in your stomach.
For relief, you can dilute 1–2 tablespoons of raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water. Avoid drinking apple cider vinegar in excess because too much can cause tooth enamel erosion and throat irritation.
Aloe Vera Juice
Recent research suggests thataloe veramay be effective at easing indigestion.
Natural Ways to Fight Inflammation
Licorice Root
Licorice root has been used for years to treat digestive conditions, includinggastritis(inflammation of the stomach lining), ulcers, andgastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD).
In one study, 50 adults with indigestion were given a placebo (inactive sugar pill) or treated with a 75 mg licorice extract capsule for 30 days. Those who took the licorice extract reported significant improvement in symptoms compared to those in the control group.
Fennel Seed
Fennelis a well-known digestive aid commonly used to treat indigestion, gas, bloating, and constipation.
Emergency Symptoms to Not Ignore
If you experience indigestion along with the following symptoms, you may have a more serious condition, and you should seek medical attention right away:
Is It Heartburn or a Heart Attack?Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish betweenheartburn and a heart attack. If you are concerned about chest pain, you should go to your local hospital or call 911 immediately.
Is It Heartburn or a Heart Attack?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish betweenheartburn and a heart attack. If you are concerned about chest pain, you should go to your local hospital or call 911 immediately.
Summary
Indigestion can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as heartburn, bloating, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. It is typically treated using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as Tums or Alka-Seltzer, that can weaken or reduce stomach acid.
You may also talk to your healthcare provider about trying alternative remedies to improve your symptoms, such as baking soda, ginger, or chamomile tea.
Frequently Asked QuestionsBaking soda, licorice root, fennel seed, and ginger can all help relieve indigestion.Water can help keep the digestive system moving. One study found that drinking hydrogen carbonate-rich mineral water can help reduce the severity and frequency of heartburn.Milk, especially full-fat milk, is high in fat, which may worsen symptoms such as heartburn.Learn MoreDoes Milk Help Heartburn?Mild symptoms of indigestion often last for a few hours and resolve on their own without medical treatment.
Baking soda, licorice root, fennel seed, and ginger can all help relieve indigestion.
Water can help keep the digestive system moving. One study found that drinking hydrogen carbonate-rich mineral water can help reduce the severity and frequency of heartburn.
Milk, especially full-fat milk, is high in fat, which may worsen symptoms such as heartburn.Learn MoreDoes Milk Help Heartburn?
Milk, especially full-fat milk, is high in fat, which may worsen symptoms such as heartburn.
Learn MoreDoes Milk Help Heartburn?
Mild symptoms of indigestion often last for a few hours and resolve on their own without medical treatment.
22 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Family Physicians.Indigestion.Medline Plus.Sodium bicarbonate.Al-Abri SA, Olson KR.Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart: case files of the medical toxicology fellowship at the university of california, san francisco.J Med Toxicol.2013;9(3):255-258. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4American Academy of Family Physicians.Indigestion.Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S.Chamomile: a herbal medicine of the past with bright future.Mol Med Rep. 2010;3(6):895-901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Chamomile.Li J, Lv L, Zhang J, et al.A combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil for the treatment of functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:1-8. doi:10.1155/2019/7654947Jafri W.Peppermint oil in conjunction with caraway oil: remedy for functional dyspepsia?BJSTR. 2019;23(4). doi:10.26717/BJSTR.2019.23.003938Anh NH, Kim SJ, Long NP, et al.Ginger on human health: a comprehensive systematic review of 109 randomized controlled trials.Nutrients.2020;12(1):157. doi:10.3390/nu12010157Nirankari, Ronika MD; Junker, et al.Does ginger relieve symptoms of dyspepsia?Evidence-Based Practice. 2021;24(12):34. doi:10.1097/EBP.0000000000001287Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine.Ginger.Lete I, Allué J.The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.Integr Med Insights. 2016;11:11-17. doi:10.4137/IMI.S36273Science Direct.Gastric hypoactivity.Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, et al.Efficacy and safety of aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5Science Direct.Glycyrrhiza glabra root.Raveendra KR, Jayachandra, Srinivasa V, et al.An extract of glycyrrhiza glabra (gutgard) alleviates symptoms of functional dyspepsia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:216970. doi:10.1155/2012/216970National Kidney Foundation.Herbal supplements and kidney disease.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice root.Science Direct.Fennel.Badgujar SB, Patel VV, Bandivdekar AH.Foeniculum vulgare mill: a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application, and toxicology.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:842674. doi:10.1155/2014/842674National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of indigestion.Beer AM, Uebelhack R, Pohl U.Efficacy and tolerability of hydrogen carbonate-rich water for heartburn.World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2016;7(1):171-180. doi:10.4291/wjgp.v7.i1.171
22 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Family Physicians.Indigestion.Medline Plus.Sodium bicarbonate.Al-Abri SA, Olson KR.Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart: case files of the medical toxicology fellowship at the university of california, san francisco.J Med Toxicol.2013;9(3):255-258. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4American Academy of Family Physicians.Indigestion.Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S.Chamomile: a herbal medicine of the past with bright future.Mol Med Rep. 2010;3(6):895-901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Chamomile.Li J, Lv L, Zhang J, et al.A combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil for the treatment of functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:1-8. doi:10.1155/2019/7654947Jafri W.Peppermint oil in conjunction with caraway oil: remedy for functional dyspepsia?BJSTR. 2019;23(4). doi:10.26717/BJSTR.2019.23.003938Anh NH, Kim SJ, Long NP, et al.Ginger on human health: a comprehensive systematic review of 109 randomized controlled trials.Nutrients.2020;12(1):157. doi:10.3390/nu12010157Nirankari, Ronika MD; Junker, et al.Does ginger relieve symptoms of dyspepsia?Evidence-Based Practice. 2021;24(12):34. doi:10.1097/EBP.0000000000001287Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine.Ginger.Lete I, Allué J.The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.Integr Med Insights. 2016;11:11-17. doi:10.4137/IMI.S36273Science Direct.Gastric hypoactivity.Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, et al.Efficacy and safety of aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5Science Direct.Glycyrrhiza glabra root.Raveendra KR, Jayachandra, Srinivasa V, et al.An extract of glycyrrhiza glabra (gutgard) alleviates symptoms of functional dyspepsia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:216970. doi:10.1155/2012/216970National Kidney Foundation.Herbal supplements and kidney disease.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice root.Science Direct.Fennel.Badgujar SB, Patel VV, Bandivdekar AH.Foeniculum vulgare mill: a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application, and toxicology.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:842674. doi:10.1155/2014/842674National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of indigestion.Beer AM, Uebelhack R, Pohl U.Efficacy and tolerability of hydrogen carbonate-rich water for heartburn.World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2016;7(1):171-180. doi:10.4291/wjgp.v7.i1.171
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Indigestion.Medline Plus.Sodium bicarbonate.Al-Abri SA, Olson KR.Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart: case files of the medical toxicology fellowship at the university of california, san francisco.J Med Toxicol.2013;9(3):255-258. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4American Academy of Family Physicians.Indigestion.Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S.Chamomile: a herbal medicine of the past with bright future.Mol Med Rep. 2010;3(6):895-901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Chamomile.Li J, Lv L, Zhang J, et al.A combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil for the treatment of functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:1-8. doi:10.1155/2019/7654947Jafri W.Peppermint oil in conjunction with caraway oil: remedy for functional dyspepsia?BJSTR. 2019;23(4). doi:10.26717/BJSTR.2019.23.003938Anh NH, Kim SJ, Long NP, et al.Ginger on human health: a comprehensive systematic review of 109 randomized controlled trials.Nutrients.2020;12(1):157. doi:10.3390/nu12010157Nirankari, Ronika MD; Junker, et al.Does ginger relieve symptoms of dyspepsia?Evidence-Based Practice. 2021;24(12):34. doi:10.1097/EBP.0000000000001287Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine.Ginger.Lete I, Allué J.The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.Integr Med Insights. 2016;11:11-17. doi:10.4137/IMI.S36273Science Direct.Gastric hypoactivity.Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, et al.Efficacy and safety of aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5Science Direct.Glycyrrhiza glabra root.Raveendra KR, Jayachandra, Srinivasa V, et al.An extract of glycyrrhiza glabra (gutgard) alleviates symptoms of functional dyspepsia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:216970. doi:10.1155/2012/216970National Kidney Foundation.Herbal supplements and kidney disease.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice root.Science Direct.Fennel.Badgujar SB, Patel VV, Bandivdekar AH.Foeniculum vulgare mill: a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application, and toxicology.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:842674. doi:10.1155/2014/842674National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of indigestion.Beer AM, Uebelhack R, Pohl U.Efficacy and tolerability of hydrogen carbonate-rich water for heartburn.World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2016;7(1):171-180. doi:10.4291/wjgp.v7.i1.171
American Academy of Family Physicians.Indigestion.
Medline Plus.Sodium bicarbonate.
Al-Abri SA, Olson KR.Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart: case files of the medical toxicology fellowship at the university of california, san francisco.J Med Toxicol.2013;9(3):255-258. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4
Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S.Chamomile: a herbal medicine of the past with bright future.Mol Med Rep. 2010;3(6):895-901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Chamomile.
Li J, Lv L, Zhang J, et al.A combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil for the treatment of functional dyspepsia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019;2019:1-8. doi:10.1155/2019/7654947
Jafri W.Peppermint oil in conjunction with caraway oil: remedy for functional dyspepsia?BJSTR. 2019;23(4). doi:10.26717/BJSTR.2019.23.003938
Anh NH, Kim SJ, Long NP, et al.Ginger on human health: a comprehensive systematic review of 109 randomized controlled trials.Nutrients.2020;12(1):157. doi:10.3390/nu12010157
Nirankari, Ronika MD; Junker, et al.Does ginger relieve symptoms of dyspepsia?Evidence-Based Practice. 2021;24(12):34. doi:10.1097/EBP.0000000000001287
Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine.Ginger.
Lete I, Allué J.The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy.Integr Med Insights. 2016;11:11-17. doi:10.4137/IMI.S36273
Science Direct.Gastric hypoactivity.
Panahi Y, Khedmat H, Valizadegan G, et al.Efficacy and safety of aloe vera syrup for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a pilot randomized positive-controlled trial.Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2015;35(6):632-636. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(15)30151-5
Science Direct.Glycyrrhiza glabra root.
Raveendra KR, Jayachandra, Srinivasa V, et al.An extract of glycyrrhiza glabra (gutgard) alleviates symptoms of functional dyspepsia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:216970. doi:10.1155/2012/216970
National Kidney Foundation.Herbal supplements and kidney disease.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Licorice root.
Science Direct.Fennel.
Badgujar SB, Patel VV, Bandivdekar AH.Foeniculum vulgare mill: a review of its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, contemporary application, and toxicology.Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:842674. doi:10.1155/2014/842674
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms and causes of indigestion.
Beer AM, Uebelhack R, Pohl U.Efficacy and tolerability of hydrogen carbonate-rich water for heartburn.World J Gastrointest Pathophysiol. 2016;7(1):171-180. doi:10.4291/wjgp.v7.i1.171
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