Some stomachs are more sensitive than others, and that’s okay. But what’s not okay is putting up with serious ongoing symptoms, when there’s something you could easily (and naturally) do about them!
If you’re affected by an upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or other signs of gastrointestinal distress, you’re not alone. And for people with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disorder, the situation may be even worse.
Sometimes, even when you avoid certain trigger foods, stick to a diet, and take medication, the problems persist.
But don’t lose hope. If you’d like to explore natural remedies to relieve this discomfort, you have options!
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Let’s explore seven soothing, nutritious, and delicious ‘tonics’ that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine today.
1. Ginger and Lemon
Ginger has been used for nausea and vomiting as far back as we can remember. And now, plenty of research supports this age-old remedy. Thanks to bioactive compounds like gingerol and shogaol, ginger possesses a unique ability to fight those pesky digestive issues.
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When combined with the tartness of lemon, this dynamic duo can do wonders for your stomach and intestine.
Preparing this remedy is as simple as can be. Start with a small slice of fresh ginger roughly an inch long, and steep it in hot water for ~10 minutes. Then, add just a few squeezes of fresh lemon. Enjoy the tea slowly while it’s still hot or warm.
By consuming this tonic, you’ll boost your gastrointestinal motility and calm your stomach. Meanwhile, lemon’s high vitamin C content allows your immune system to get the pleasant, citrusy goodness it deserves!
Not big on tea? You can always chew on ginger candies with some lemon too!
2. Mint and Cucumber
Mint and cucumber are special for one primary reason: they cool… you… down.
When you’re seeking natural relief, they’re the perfect combo to ease that feeling of nausea. Mint, thanks to its menthol, has a calming effect on your stomach muscles, whereas cucumber is particularly hydrating. Cucumber also has anti-inflammatory goodies that make your digestive tract much better.
So give it a shot. To start, just slice a cucumber in half and cut up a few fresh mint leaves. Put them in cold (not hot) water and let the two infuse for about 15 minutes. Then just sip on this water throughout the day, and refill as needed.
This is especially useful for many Crohn’s sufferers, as it treats their dehydration and also helps fend off vomiting and diarrhea through muscle relaxation.
RELATED: 5 Tips For Dealing With Nausea
3. Chamomile and Apple
A centuries-old treatment for digestive difficulties, chamomile contains mild sedative properties that relax the muscles and facilitate overall digestive well-being. It also pairs quite nicely with apples, which contain sweetness and tartness, depending on the type.
Making this ‘concoction’ is very easy. To begin, steep one to two teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in hot water for about 10 minutes, before putting in a fresh apple slice. Or, if you’d like to have some more fruit, you can always enjoy a small apple on the side.
As with the other remedies in this article, take your time and sip while it’s nice and warm.
Chamomile will help with inflammation while its antispasmodic properties will settle your stomach. The combination with apples is key too, because apples are notably easy on the digestive tract and give you the natural sugars necessary to stabilize your blood sugar levels. This can help prevent nausea induced by glucose changes.
It’s an especially good remedy for Crohn’s sufferers, especially when dealing with those nasty flare-ups!
4. Fennel Seed Water
Fennel seeds may not be as well known as the other items in this article, but boy do they pack a punch.
And that’s a good thing.
Traditionally used to address nausea, gas, and bloating, fennel seeds contain something called anethole, a compound that chills straining intestines and reduces nausea. Not to mention, fennel will facilitate the digestion of food, so it’s particularly useful for Crohn’s sufferers.
To get the most out of this remedy, crush one or two teaspoons of fennel seeds in a mortar and pestle – or do it with a grinder. Then, boil a cup of water and add the crushed seeds, allowing it to simmer for 10 minutes before straining and drinking the water.
For treating gut irritation and regulating your digestion, fennel seed water is a must. Mix it up and try it both before and after meals for optimal effects.
5. Lavender and Honey
Not only does lavender have a lovely clean and piney aroma, but it also has many relaxant properties that ease nausea and even help relieve anxiety and stress. When combined with some fresh honey, it’s a delicious little tonic. It’s also very gentle, making it a go-to for many sensitive stomachs.
Simply steep one to two teaspoons of dried lavender flowers in hot water for 10 minutes and then add a teaspoon of raw honey. Stir and enjoy while warm.
The reason lavender is so useful is because it addresses more than just the physical symptoms. Many stomach issues are triggered by emotional states, and thanks to lavender’s compounds linalool and linalyl acetate, many users experience a sense of calm and sedation – and a lift in mood.
Mix with the antibacterial powers of quality honey, and you’ve got quite the match!
6. Peppermint and Lime
There’s a lot of research backing the use of peppermint for relaxing stomach muscles. Combine with the refreshing zestiness of some lime, and you’ve got a drink that both appeases the palate and aids digestion.
Potent yet not overstated, a cup of peppermint-lime tea is easy to make. Just brew the peppermint first (you can just buy the teabags), or do it naturally with some fresh leaves in hot water. Then add half a lime’s worth of juice and stir.
How does it work?
Simple. Thanks to the vitamin C in limes, your immune system is stimulated to promote more collagen production, which can help repair damaged digestive tissues. Moreover, lime is a mild detoxifier and even balances your stomach acid.
Meanwhile, the menthone in peppermint has anti-inflammatory and mildly analgesic effects, reducing bloating, indigestion, and pain. Not to mention, the flavonoids and tannins in peppermint, which work together to heal mucosal tissues and reduce stress on the digestive tract.
7. Sliced Pear with Cinnamon
Last but not least, pears provide a mild, easily digested remedy that can relieve your upset stomach. Combined with cinnamon, this remedy not only tastes great but also offers anti-inflammatory benefits to keep your gut health in check.
When it comes to pears, the fiber content ensures regular, healthy bowel movements, while the prebiotic content gives healthy gut bacteria what they need. The high water content is also important, as that keeps your digestive tract well hydrated and working efficiently.
Add in the cinnamon, and you get something called cinnamaldehyde, which lowers inflammation and irritation.
In fact, cinnamon is what’s known as a carminative, meaning that it prevents gas from forming, thereby preventing that all-too-uncomfortable bloating feeling.
To get this remedy going, just slice a fresh pear into thin pieces, sprinkle on some ground cinnamon, and enjoy. You can likewise add this to a bowl of yogurt for some additional tastes, textures, and health benefits!
By incorporating the remedies and ‘tonics’ outlined in this article, it’s easy to start addressing your stomach issues today. While none of these items are a cure-all, consider them part of a comprehensive management plan.
Whether you have a sensitive stomach, Crohn’s disease, or some other digestive disorder, natural remedies are a great way to address your problems while also enjoying some much-needed nutrition.
