Upset stomach ache can be one of the most difficult ailments to suffer through. Whether caused from overeating, reflux, or simply stress, calming an upset stomach is not always the easiest thing. Without grabbing a glass full of baking soda water like grandma used to or heating up some milk, many feel they have no choice but to grab a roll of chalky antacid tablets. The truth is, there are many homemade recipes to calm an upset stomach without resorting to the consumption of medications or gas-inducing soda. Here are ten recipes for clever concoctions to calm an upset stomach.
Drinking a glass of 2/3 milk, 1/3 Pepsi may sound like a throwback to Laverne and Shirley, but when consumed for a queasy tummy, this treat may just do the trick. Also served in “brown cow” form with a scoop of ice cream, a soda may feel like a sweet dietary cheat, but the consumption has a calming affect on the stomach. Soda soothers tend to work because they offer a broken down form of lactose that can coat and relieve the pain of heartburn. Out of all the homemade recipes to calm an upset stomach, this is the one I use the most often.
Consider peppermint, catnip, or chamomile tea to relax an angry stomach. Preferably without sugar, a warm cup of weak tea served at the proper temperature can help an upset stomach start to feel better in no time. For sharper stomach pains, select a high-tannin tea like earl gray or oolong. The warmth of the drink also doubles as a sedative when sipped before bed. A tea of ginger root offers a similar affect with a slightly different flavor. There are many homemade recipes to calm an upset stomach that involve teas of one sort or another.
Warm blueberry cobbler is a great tummy tamer. The blueberry is a miracle of medicine; it contains antioxidants, and is a well known stomach ache calmer. The best way to eat blueberries is fresh, but if raw fruit is a stomach irritant, cook 2 cups of blueberries with 2/3c sugar and 1/4c water to boiling. Slowly add in 1t vanilla and gently mash the blueberries a little. Then, add another 1c blueberries. Dissolve 1t corn starch in 3T cold water and slowly add that to the mix. Heat to boiling.
Gingerbread applesauce is another wonderful stomach ache recipe. For this recipe, take gingerbread cookies and crumble them. Microwave applesauce until warm and sprinkle cookies over the surface of the warmed applesauce. I’ve heard of this curative served along with ice cream (ala mode) or with the applesauce replaced with apple pie filling. Either way, this recipe helps most upset stomach issues.
Peppermint ginger ale is another family recipe that is a common standby in times of upset stomach. To make a peppermint ginger ale, the first step is to take ginger ale that is not cold. The cold tends to make stomach cramps worse. Into the ginger ale, place crushed hard peppermint candies and offer a straw to promote slow sipping. The drink will make a lot of burpy gas, but that will help put an end to the upset stomach once and for all. The relief is well worth drinking a room temperature drink.
Eating plain saltine crackers or plain bread is often advised when one has an upset stomach. Adding a bit of parsley or fennel seed to the bread, consuming it with a mild cheese like mozzarella, or spreading light cream cheese works with some but not all individuals looking to rid themselves of a tummy ache. Any fat rich or oily food should be avoided by most sufferers of an upset stomach, as it tends to worsen a situation.
An Ovaltine shake is often a well-received upset stomach cure. Though it can be created with ice cream, the sugary dairy is not always recommended for all stomach ailments. A simple blended milk with ice is often preferred since it is lighter. In a blender, combine 6 ice cubes with 1c milk and 2T Ovaltine. Add 1t vanilla and a dash of cinnamon. Blend with chop to start so that the ice can be crushed. Then, continue to blend until the drink is smooth. Some people prefer to add half of a banana. Though this adds to the nutritional value, it does not always make the drink beneficial for an upset stomach. This is not recommended for the lactose intolerant.
Garlic is often used to calm toothaches, promote healing, and of course to flavor Italian food, but some have used garlic to aid in calming an upset stomach. The cure is simple to follow; drink a glass of room temperature water followed by crunching and eating a raw clove of garlic. This throat-burning remedy likely causes a homeopathic reaction, but the smell alone might agitate stomach symptoms. As a rule of thumb, if garlic sounds good, it might be good in a particular situation, but if the thought of garlic makes you queasy, consuming it may cause nausea.
The key to dealing with an upset stomach is to not get one in the first place. Chew food completely and be sure to drink lots of water every day. Overeating and undereating can both lead to upset stomach. Cures can work for certain individuals and be totally wrong for others; it is important to know your own body and follow what works for you in all cases. Also note that if upset stomach is a chronic condition, seek the advice of a medical professional; it could be the sign of a serious condition or one that simply should be treated medicinally.
