by Karen Chamchuk

Created on: August 26, 2008

Most of us occasionally eat too much of the wrongs kinds of foods and suffer indigestion or heartburn as a result. Maybe you had third and fourth helpings at your family's thanksgiving dinner. Doctors often recommend taking antacids to help settle the acids in the stomach. Unfortunately, antacids have to be taken after almost every meal to help combat indigestion effectively. Herbal remedies and lifestyle changes are a great alternative to antacids. Whatever the cause of your indigestion, there are a number of natural things you can do to help ease your suffering.

~Peppermint Tea~

The oil in peppermint relieves indigestion by dispersing gas and easing cramps.
Peppermint tea is a great-tasting, aromatic herb tea.

Preparation method:
-Pour one cup boiling water over one Tbsp(or one tea bag)of chopped, dried leaves. Steep, then strain and drink.

~Chammomile Tea~

This herb works by calming gastric spasms and soothing the digestive tract.

Preparation method:
-Pour 2-3 tsp.(or one tea bag) of finely chopped flowers. Let steep, then strain before drinking.

~Gingerroot~

-Use in cooking to help get rid of nausea and aid in digestion. Gingerroot adds a wonderful flavour to beef stews or veggie stir-fries. (The carbonated beverage, gingerale, has small amounts of ginger in it so you would have to drink a lot of it to get any noticeable benefits.)

~Fennel~

-Helps disperse gas from the intestines.

Preparation method:
-Pour one cup boiling water over one tsp crushed, dried seed. Steep, then strain and drink. Note: You can also chew 1 tsp of fennel seeds after a meal.

~Baking soda, lemon juice and water mixture~

Preparation method:
-Add tsp baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice in a half cup of warm water. Drink slowly. NOTE: if your indigestion includes vomiting, leave out the lemon juice.

~Cornstarch and water mixture~

This mixture helps to relieve diarreah.

Preparation method:
-Add a pinch of cornstarch to a small glass of water. Stir to dissolve and drink it immediately. This can be repeated up to three times a day.

Remedies for minor stomach upset and gas:

-Add a clove or two of garlic to your cooking to ease minor stomach upset.
-Chew on candied ginger, fennel, caraway or dills seeds after a meal to relieve minor stomach upset.

PREVENTION:

What causes heartburn in the first place? Heartburn is cause by acid rising from the stomach into the esophagus. To prevent heartburn from happening, eat a low- fat, high fibre diet and drink sparingly during meals. To further reduce your chances of getting

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