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Mild or moderate abdominal pain can usually be managed at home with the help of some handy natural remedies. These remedies have mostly been used for centuries in different cultures and may save you a trip to the doctor’s office.
Read on to learn more about the most effective and common remedies for abdominal pain.
Home Remedies for Abdominal Pain
Given below are some natural remedies to get rid of lower abdominal pain.
1. Maintain proper hydration
Keeping yourself hydrated can be an easy and effective way to get rid of abdominal pain. Water helps flush out toxins from the body and also prevents and treats the symptoms of urinary infections.
A recent study showed that drinking electrolyzed hydrogen water helps decrease colon inflammation, reduces abdominal pain, and acts as an antioxidant in the body. (1)
2. Use a heating pad
A hot water bottle or heating pad can help decrease inflammation and release muscle cramps by increasing blood flow to the area. This helps get rid of pain due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and muscle cramps.
Use a heating pad on your lower abdomen, or take a hot shower to achieve similar effects. (2)
3. Follow a bland diet
Follow the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast) to manage pain caused by acid reflux, bloating, or trapped gas.
Many doctors recommend this diet to patients suffering from gastrointestinal problems as it is an easily digestible diet that does not burden your stomach and intestines. (3)
4. Take probiotics
Probiotics encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut and help fight against pathogens. Natural probiotics include yogurt and kombucha. (4)
5. Drink fennel water
Fennel seeds are an ancient Indian remedy for stomach pain. They have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
Fennel seeds help relax the muscles and release trapped gas to reduce pain. They are also a remedy for constipation. (5)
Boil a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of water. Drink this fennel water when it is lukewarm.
6. Consume ginger tea
Ginger contains an active compound called gingerol, which has potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. It can help relieve muscle cramps and is also used in the treatment of IBS.
Grate a piece of ginger and boil it in a cup of water to make ginger tea. Add a teaspoon of honey to the drink, and consume it. (6)
7. Consume chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is known for its relaxing properties. It has antispasmodic effects and can provide quick relief from menstrual cramps or stomach cramps.
Boil a teaspoon or two of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of water to make chamomile tea. (7)
Caution: Do not take chamomile if you are pregnant or taking birth control pills or blood-thinning medicine.
8. Drink water with baking soda
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is highly basic in nature and can act as an antacid in the body.
However, this remedy should not be tried by patients with heart disease or hypertension as the high sodium levels in baking soda can be bad for the heart. (8)
How to use:
Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to half a cup of water, and drink it.
9. Try peppermint
Peppermint has relaxing effects on the muscles and can help relieve pain. It also contains menthol, which acts as a natural painkiller and can reduce abdominal pain.
Research suggests that peppermint oil capsules can be an effective natural remedy for pain caused by IBS.
You can also chew peppermint leaves or make peppermint tea by boiling a teaspoon of peppermint leaves in one cup of water. (9)(10)
Additional Tips to Deal With Lower Abdominal Pain
Here are a few additional tips to prevent or treat pain in the abdomen:
- Consume lots of natural fibers, such as those in fruits and vegetables, to improve your gut health and prevent constipation or diarrhea.
- Have frequent, small meals instead of large meals.
- Exercise for at least half an hour every day to improve blood circulation.
- Do not sleep or lie down for at least two hours after a meal.
Foods to Avoid During a Bout of Abdominal Pain
Refrain from consuming the following foods when you are experiencing abdominal pain as they can further irritate your gastrointestinal system or can be hard to digest:
Final Word
Acute abdominal pain is usually mild and can resolve on its own in a couple of days. Follow a soft, bland diet, consume lots of water, and take some rest till you feel better.
Try the natural remedies given above to reduce pain and inflammation. However, if the pain persists, visit a doctor for a proper examination and diagnosis.
Continue ReadingLower Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and More
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