How to Get Rid of Indigestion Fast: 19 Home Remedies

Stomach problems are a nuisance. Plus, if the problem persists, then life becomes miserable.

Indigestion is one such stomach problem that makes life complicated.

This article will teach you how to eliminate indigestion using some easy home remedies.

The more formal and medical name of indigestion is dyspepsia. [1]

Indigestion is not a disease. However, its symptoms may indicate an underlying medical condition [2].

Different types of medical problems can give rise to indigestion, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), stomach ulcers, and stomach cancer [3].

Several other factors may trigger indigestion as well.

These generally include habits associated with your daily life. For example, such practices include excessive consumption of alcohol, intake of greasy and spicy foods, overeating, stress, anxiety, and tobacco smoking [4].

We have come up with the following simple but effective home remedies for indigestion.

Related: 9 Natural Ways to Cure Muscle Spasms in Stomach & Reasons

19 Simple Remedies for Relieving Indigestion

1. Ginger

Ginger is widely consumed in the form of ginger ale and ginger sticks [5].

Many rely on it for motion sickness and gastric ailments such as indigestion, bloating, belching, and nausea [5, 6].

Traditional healers from Saudi Arabia recognize it for its carminative, stomachic, and anti-emetic properties [7].

Meanwhile, in Chinese medicine, its stimulating mechanism is used to treat dyspepsia [7].

The use of ginger in ancient times as a digestive aid has gained approval in scientific research [5].

If you’re prone to indigestion, include ginger in your cooking, chew on dried ginger, or extract the juice and drink it.

There are various ways to use this as a remedy for this common gastrointestinal problem.

How you may use ginger for indigestion

Add 2 teaspoons of ginger juice, a teaspoon of lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. You may drink this solution one hour before each meal. Alternatively, mix chopped ginger with honey. Consume this mixture in the morning before eating your breakfast.

Related: 20 Great Ways Of Using Ginger To Fight Your Acne

2. Peppermint Tea

One of the most popular herbal teas in the world is peppermint tea [8].

Scientific evidence points out that many of its health benefits are due to flavonoids, phenolic acids, and volatile compounds such as menthol [8].

Peppermint tea also works excellent as a digestive aid.

Data gathered from animal studies show that it has a “relaxation effect on the gastrointestinal tissue” [8].

It allows the digestive tract muscles to relax and smoothen to digest the food you eat more efficiently.

As a carminative and stimulant, peppermint tea can alleviate symptoms of indigestion, including flatulence, nausea, and cramping [9, 10].

When you get these unpleasant feelings out of the way, it will be easier for you to function optimally and perform productively.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon of peppermint leaves
• 1 cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Recommended Directions:

1. Boil water in a pot.
2. Add peppermint leaves to the water.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Cover and steep for 15 minutes.
5. Strain the leaves.
6. Stir in honey.
7. Drink tea before eating a heavy meal.

Related: 16 Spearmint Tea Benefits for the Health You Should Know

3. Chamomile Tea

A plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, chamomile has been widely used in cosmetics or culinary and in complementary and alternative medicine [11].

One of its many uses is a “multipurpose digestive aid” that can relieve gut-related complaints such as indigestion, gas, and vomiting [12].

It is also used for treating gastrointestinal spasms and inflammatory conditions involving the gastrointestinal tract [12].

A 2010 study on Wistar rats revealed that chamomile tea has potent gastroprotective properties [13].

Moreover, when you’re prone to indigestion, eating becomes a stressful activity.

Instead of enjoying your meal, you’re worried that you will not feel well after eating.

You can eliminate these negative thoughts with chamomile tea, which is a proven digestive aid and an efficient way to relax and calm your mind.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon of chamomile
• 1 cup of water

Recommended Directions:

1. In a pot, bring water to a boil.
2. Add chamomile to the pool of water.
3. Remove from heat.
4. Transfer to a cup.
5. Let it steep for 15 minutes.
6. Strain the leaves.
7. Drink chamomile tea in the morning on an empty stomach.

Related: 14 Health Benefits of Chamomile Tea (Backed by Science)

4. Dill Seeds

 

Known for its aroma and therapeutic value, dill has been used since ancient times as a culinary spice and medicinal herb [14].

Its seeds have been recognized for their carminative and stomachic actions [14].

This means that dill seeds can help boost digestion and prevent dyspepsia [14].

Oil extracted from the seeds is often used for relieving abdominal discomfort and intestinal spasm, as well as improving appetite [14].

So if you feel ill after a meal, make it a habit to chew on roasted dill seeds before eating anything, especially greasy and fatty foods.

It’s not a surprise that dill seeds are a popular household remedy for various digestive problems [15].

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon of dill seeds

Recommended Directions:

1. Dry roast the dill seeds.
2. Grind to turn sources into powder.
3. Take one-half teaspoon of powder.
4. Drink water.
5. Do this remedy half an hour before each meal.

5. Carom Seeds

Carom is a plant native to Egypt but is also widely cultivated in India, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan [16].

In India, it is traditionally used as a relief for dyspepsia and indigestion, along with many other gastric problems [17].

Oil derived from carom seeds has been found to possess thymol, which contributes to its ability to heal gastrointestinal disorders [16].

With its carminative, stimulant, stomachic, and antispasmodic properties, carom seeds are an effective “remedial agent” for symptoms caused by indigestion [16].

Aiding digestion is just one of the many benefits you can enjoy from eating carom seeds.

Since these seeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals, you’ll be doing your health a big favor by including this in your daily diet.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 tablespoon of carom seeds

Recommended Directions:

1. Chew on carom seeds before and after each meal.

6. Black Pepper

Chronic indigestion is one of the many ailments that can be resolved with the help of black pepper [17].

This plant, native to India, has been celebrated for its numerous health benefits since its early years [17].

It contains a pungent alkaloid called piperine, which contributes to its pharmacological activities, and is absorbed very quickly in the intestines [17].

A study published in the Life Sciences Journal reported that piperine in black pepper stimulated secretion in the intestine, which helps improve digestion [18].

And because it is immediately absorbed, you can expect immediate efficacy after using this remedy.

Black pepper is the perfect solution if you’d like quick relief from indigestion.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon of black pepper powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon of ginger powder
• 2 cups of hot water

Recommended Directions:

1. Add all ingredients to hot water.
2. Mix and cover.
3. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Strain the mixture.
5. Drink it twice a day before eating lunch and dinner.

7. Basil

For thousands of years, basil has been a widely used therapeutic herb with positive effects on the digestive and nervous systems [19].

Its essential oil, for example, has been used to treat ulcers, diarrhea, and depression, among others [20].

With its stomachic activity, it can also help resolve the issue of indigestion [19].

Because it is a proven antinociceptive, it can also relieve the pain and abdominal discomfort caused by this digestive problem [21, 22].

As you know, most of the time, indigestion comes with abdominal pain.

And basil works not just by promoting digestion but also by alleviating unpleasant symptoms.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon of basil leaves
• 1 cup of hot water

Recommended Directions:

1. Pour hot water into a cup.
2. Add basil leaves.
3. Let it steep for 10 minutes.
4. Drink three times a day to facilitate digestion.

8. Cinnamon

For many Americans, cinnamon is nothing but a way to flavor dishes. Still, herbalists from China have used this for years to treat various ailments, including flu, parasitic infection, diarrhea, and many others [23].

Cinnamon, which comes from the bark of an evergreen tree commonly grown in Southeast Asia, can be consumed in various forms—powder, oil, and extract [23].

In Germany, it has been approved by Commission E to boost appetite and treat indigestion [23].

It is a well-known carminative, serving as a digestive aid and curbing stomach pain and other gastrointestinal symptoms [24].

A 2012 study by Egypt researchers revealed that cinnamon preparations reduced dyspepsia symptoms significantly without resulting in any adverse effects [25].

Even if you use this remedy for a long time, you don’t have to worry about any dangers or side effects.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
• 1 glass of water

Recommended Directions:

1. Add cinnamon powder to water.
2. Drink the mixture one hour before each meal.

9. Cumin

A member of the Apiaceae plant family, cumin is one of the earliest grown plants in Europe, Africa, and Asia [26].

Traditional Arabic medicine is acknowledged for its carminative, stimulant, and cooling effects, which is why it is commonly prescribed for problems such as dyspepsia and diarrhea [26].

Several research bodies have mentioned its role as a digestive aid [27, 28].

According to a 2008 study, cumin extract increased the activities of digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, protease, and phytase [29].

These enzymes are responsible for carrying out the proper process of digestion.

When they are more active, it’s easier for the body to break down the food you’ve consumed and absorb its nutrients.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon of powdered cumin seed
• 1 glass of water

Recommended Directions:

1. Stir in powdered cumin seed in water.
2. Drink the solution once a day in the morning.

10. Coriander

Coriander is one of the most highly prized medicinal plants.

It has been utilized as an herbal remedy for various ailments, including colds, fever, nausea, vomiting, parasites, joint pains, and rheumatism [30].

Many of its healing benefits are due to its high phytonutrients [30].

It is also a highly effective digestive aid, relieving gut disorders such as indigestion, dyspepsia, and flatulence [31].

One study reported that coriander extract possessed “gut stimulatory activity” that promoted the function of the digestive system [31].

Consider using this remedy if you’re prone to indigestion or about to eat heavy or greasy meals, which, as you know, can be more challenging to digest.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 teaspoon of coriander seed powder
• 1 glass of buttermilk

Recommended Directions:

1. Add coriander seed powder to buttermilk.
2. Mix well.
3. Consume mixture in the morning and the evening.

11. Fennel

If you love eating spicy dishes or fatty foods but worried that you’ll feel bloated afterward, make use of this remedy.

Fennel seeds have long been acknowledged for their ability to control and relieve indigestion.

In fact, for many centuries, traditional healers have relied on these seeds for various gastrointestinal problems such as flatulence, colic pain, abdominal discomfort, and many more [32].

The high concentration of volatile oils in fennel contributes to these beneficial effects.

Fennel seeds are also packed with phytochemicals that work against harmful bacteria that disrupt the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract [32].

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon of water
• 2 teaspoons of crushed fennel seeds
• 1 cup of water

Recommended Directions:

1. Put fennel seeds in a roasting pan.
2. Dry roast and grind until the seeds turn into powder.
3. Get a one-half teaspoon of fennel powder and mix with one-half teaspoon of water.
4. Consume this mixture twice a day.
5. Boil one cup of water in a pot.
6. Add crushed fennel seeds.
7. Remove from heat.
8. Steep the tea for 15 minutes.
9. Drink the tea once a day.

Related: 14 Benefits of Fennel Tea You Don’t Want to Miss Out on

12. Baking Soda

Some experts explain that indigestion occurs when there’s too much acid in the stomach.

As a natural antacid, baking soda can help promote digestion by reducing the number of stomach acids.

An animal trial conducted by Mexican researchers in 2007 shows that intake of baking soda increase digestion in the stomach [33].

Although more studies should be done on human subjects to prove the efficacy and safety of baking soda as a digestive aid, this is a good enough reason for you to try this remedy.

What You’ll Need:

• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1/2 glass of water

Recommended Directions:

1. Add baking soda to a glass of water.
2. Drink the solution to tone down the acid in your stomach after a meal.

Related: Baking Soda for Acne: 12 Easy Ways You Can Use

13. A Pint of Beer

Don’t get all surprised after hearing this. Yes, even a pint of beer can help treat indigestion at home.

One of the primary ingredients of beer other than malted barley, water, and yeast; is hops. [34]

Hops are cone-shaped, green flowers from the Humulus lupulus plant.

Throughout history, brewing companies have added this key ingredient while brewing beer.

Hops add the popular beverage’s bitter, citrusy, and zesty flavor. Balls are rich in alpha acids.

This critical component imparts the bitter taste to the beer balancing the sweetness of grain. Thus, your pint of beer has a depth and spicy taste. [34]

Researchers have confirmed that hops in beers help with the digestion process.

All the credit goes to the alpha- acids that hop adds to the beer.

A study has shown positive results of consuming beer post esomeprazole medication in patients with gastroesophageal reflux or GERD. [35]

The 16 GERD patients took 20mg. Of esomeprazole for a week. They consumed 500 ml. of beer each after taking medicine.

Esomeprazole worked in reducing 93% of the gas caused by indigestion and acid reflux. [35]

What You’ll Need:

• 150 ml. or ¼ glass of bitter beer

Recommended Directions:

1. Gulp in a few sips of beer when you are suffering from indigestion.
2. Within 30 minutes, the drink will work on the acidity and gas in the stomach.

Note: Don’t cross the limit and overdrink. Too much alcohol may worsen gastroesophageal reflux or indigestion.

14. Apple Cider Vinegar

 

Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV, is a pale amber-colored vinegar made from apple must.

It is a combination of fermented apple juice and acetic acid. [36] Like all other vinegar, ACV has a strong smell and sour taste.

For centuries ACV has been used for various purposes. It is a potent cure for flu, sores, diabetes, and even cardiac problems.

No wonder why people consider ACV as a panacea in the home remedy. [36]

One of the critical ingredients in ACV is acetic acid.

This component is antibacterial and can help digest foods faster and reduce gas and sour acidity in the stomach. [36]

What You’ll Need:

• 1 tablespoon of raw ACV
• 1 cup of warm water
• 1 teaspoon of organic honey

Recommended Directions:

1. Add ACV to the lukewarm water.
2. Now pour the honey into the solution and mix well.
3. Drink this potion 3-4 times a day when you are suffering from indigestion.
4. Alternatively, mix 1-2 teaspoons of ACV with warm water.
5. Drink it before meals or sip it instead of plain water.
6. A moderate amount of ACV can boost digestion and reduce the risk of indigestion.

Related: Apple Cider Vinegar for UTI Treatment: 8 Practical Ways

15. Warm Water

Here’s the most straightforward home remedy for indigestion: warm water. But, of course, you already know that some of the significant causes of indigestion are overeating, eating fatty food items such as lard, red meat, fried, oily, spicy foods, etc.

Your stomach has a tough time breaking these food items. Hence, you may end up with indigestion and acidity.

Warm water can help boost the digestion process. Moreover, water can lower the acidity level in the stomach and relieve discomfort. [37]

What You’ll Need:

• 2 glasses of warm water

Recommended Directions:

1. Consume 2 glasses of warm water and have a light walk.
2. The process may kick-start the digestion process and relieve acidity.
3. Follow the golden rule: drink warm water before, during, and after meals.
4. Warm water can reduce the chances of acidity, indigestion, etc and it has a host of other benefits.

Note: Never grab a carbonated drink such as coca cola, sprite, etc in the hope of relieving indigestion. They further worsen the acidity in the stomach.

16. Diet for Indigestion

You are likely to shudder at the thought of food when down with indigestion symptoms.

However, not eating at all may further increase the acid reflux and gas in the gut.

In this case, you must know what you can eat and all the food items you should avoid.

Recommended Directions:

1. Eat low-fat, plain foods when you are suffering from indigestion.
2. Watery rice stew is the best food to suit your stomach during this challenging time.
3. Mild and soft foods are easy to get digested.
4. You may intake probiotics such as yogurt to boost digestion.
5. Consume hot water frequently. [37]
6. Avoid all fatty and mouthwatering spicy foods.
7. Put a complete ban on alcohol and cigarette to relieve indigestion faster.

17. Honey

Honey is not just a natural sweetener but also a superfood. Raw honey contains numerous health and beneficial nutrients that may help your digestive system.

Especially the anti-inflammatory properties and potassium in honey can lower the acidity level in your stomach and relieve indigestion and related symptoms. (38)

What You Will Need:

• 1 teaspoon of raw honey
• 1 glass of warm water

Recommended Directions:

1. Mix honey with warm water.
2. Consume the potion one hour before every meal and possibly before you hit the bed.
3. Do this treatment whenever you need to get rid of acid indigestion and gas.

Related: 10 Health Benefits of Honey (Backed by Science)

18. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe Vera is a wonder plant. The succulent aloe vera leaves contain vital nutrients such as vitamins and minerals that can cure several skins, hair, and stomach disorders.

The amino acids in aloe vera gel can detoxify the body and reduce inflammations or acidity in the stomach. Thus aloe vera is an effective home remedy for indigestion.

What You Will Need:

• 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice
• 1 cup of warm water

Recommended Directions:

1. Add aloe vera juice to mildly warm water.
2. Consume the solution twice daily before meals.
3. Repeat the process, and you’ll experience relief from indigestion fast.

Related: 11+ Health Benefits of Aloe Vera Oil (Backed by Scientific Evidence)

19. Buttermilk

Buttermilk is the liquid that is left on top of fermented milk. This dairy drink is a popular home remedy in the East and Middle Eastern countries to relieve indigestion. A cup of cool buttermilk can provide a refreshing feel after a heavy meal or during a sultry day.

Buttermilk comes out of fermented milk. Hence buttermilk contains lactic acid, which can help balance the pH level or acidity in the stomach. Thus, buttermilk can inhibit stomach inflammations of every sort and cure indigestion.

What You Will Need:

• 1 cup of buttermilk
• Fresh peppermint leaves or fennel powder

Recommended Directions:

1. Mix fennel powder or peppermint leaves with buttermilk.
2. Consume the cool dairy drink before every meal.
3. The simple home remedy will treat indigestion quickly.

Some Q&A About Indigestion

When should I consult a physician if I have indigestion?

Usually, indigestion has many different symptoms. They can be burning pain or upset stomach and just like that. However, it is known that indigestion is the underlying cause of other medical complications. So, the following symptoms are the cause of worry:

• Persistent vomiting
• Blood in your vomit
• Sudden weight loss
• A loss of appetite
• Black colored stools
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Feeling breathless
• Sweating or feeling pain around the jaw, neck, or arm

If any of these symptoms or other symptoms last more than two weeks. Then, you should go to the doctor straight away!

What are some self-help techniques for me to reduce indigestion in my life?

Some self-help techniques if you are suffering from indigestion include:

• Losing weight if you weigh more than you should.
• Eating fewer foods and drinks that may heighten your symptoms. These may include any type of food.
• Keep a food diary to keep check on what food you eat.
• Quitting smoking or smoking significantly less
• We are drinking less or entirely giving up alcohol.
• You are sleeping in a more upright position, with your head raised by blocks of wood or bricks.
• Not eating anything during the three hours before you go to bed.
• Trying to eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Trying to eat at regular intervals of the day.
• Worrying less to reduce stress levels.

Bottom Line

Whenever you’re feeling bloated or uncomfortable after a meal, get immediate relief using these scientifically proven remedies that you can put together at home. With these natural remedies in your hands, you can quickly get rid of indigestion.

We hope this article came to your help; if you have any questions or confusion regarding it, feel free to ask us.

Also, don’t forget to share your experience with us by leaving your comments below.

Read More: Baking Soda for Constipation Relief: 4 Quick Remedies