Homemade stomach ache cures

If you're already uncomfortable, don't pop a pill right away — your sensitive stomach is likely to react just as well to nature's much gentler medications.

It's an unfortunate fact of life that many of the foods we like best, our stomach likes the least. Eating too much at once can also leave you with a tummy ache, since your stomach has trouble handling the extra volume. But if you drink plenty of mineral water and unsweetened herbal teas (preferably at least two litres, or eight cups, per day), eat a healthy diet and don't feast too often, your stomach will thank you.

• Sip fennel, chamomile, lemon balm or peppermint tea with and in between meals.
• Eat a small piece of fresh or pickled ginger for nausea. Or if you prefer, grate roughly 10 millilitres (two teaspoons) of fresh ginger and let it steep in 250 millilitres (one cup) of water for about 10 minutes before drinking.
• All those cultures that value the after-meal burp have been right all along. Bubbly water or soda can aid you in your endeavour.
• Prepare an anti-inflammatory tea from five grams (one teaspoon) of licorice root and five grams (one teaspoon) of valerian: pour 250 millilitres (one cup) of boiling water over the ingredients, cover and let steep for 10 minutes. Strain and sip one cup slowly at mealtimes. Note: do not use during pregnancy.
• Chamomile tea can help ease cramps.
• As granny could have told you, a steaming bowl of oatmeal is good for an upset stomach — it's mild-tasting, warm and soothing, and carries a load of vitamins and minerals, as well as fibre.
• Vitamin A helps rebuild damaged mucus membranes in your stomach lining. Good sources include carrots, green cabbage, mache, spinach, bell peppers, apricots and honeydew melon.
• The medicinal use of licorice dates back several thousand years. At least 14 studies indicate that taking licorice extract can stimulate the body's defense systems against ulcers, rebuild damaged mucus membranes in the stomach, increase intestinal health and inhibit ulcer-causing heliobacter pylori.
• Massage your stomach in gentle, circular motions with 15 millilitres (one tablespoon) of almond oil mixed with three to four drops of chamomile oil.

Sometimes your stomach rebels against rich, highly spicy or fried foods, especially when you gobble them down too quickly. The result can be heartburn, which is a burning sensation just under your ribcage, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness, nausea and stomach pain. In addition to traditional home remedies such as peppermint and fennel tea, a change in your eating habits and other gentle, natural solutions may help put out the fire.

• Nux vomica is a homeopathic remedy for relieving heartburn. You'll find it at your local health food store.
• Sip a cup of tea made from elder blossoms, linden blossoms and peppermint (mixed in equal proportions) to relieve cramps and calm your stomach. To prepare, pour 250 millilitres (one cup) of boiling water over five millilitres (one teaspoon) of the mixture.
• Black tea with a pinch of salt and a soda cracker calms the stomach.
• A gentle stomach massage in a circular motion with chamomile or lavender essential oil (three to four drops mixed with 15 millilitres or one tablespoon of almond oil) alleviates pain.
• Coffee, alcohol and spicy or fried foods may be "repeat offenders." Watch your diet and avoid food triggers.
• Eat smaller meals more frequently, and take your last meal at least three hours before bedtime.