9 Remedies for Fast Indigestion Relief
Natural and Over-the-Counter Options
Published on January 24, 2023
Medically reviewed by Suzanne Fisher, MS, RD, LDN
Table of Contents
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is a term used to describe a burning sensation or pain in your upper abdomen. Symptoms, such as bloating, nausea, burping, and gas, often occur after eating or drinking.1
Treatment of indigestion usually includes lifestyle and dietary modifications, as well as taking over-the-counter (OTC) antacids. Other remedies, such as drinking a baking soda solution, can help ease your symptoms.
This article will discuss nine home remedies that can quickly relieve indigestion.
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9 Ways to Get Rid of Indigestion
Most people experience indigestion at some point in their lives. Some may have it once in a while, while others endure it daily. Thankfully, lifestyle changes can control symptoms, including eating small, frequent meals, avoiding late-night snacking, and exercising. Certain medications and home remedies can also ease your symptoms.
Here are nine ways to get rid of indigestion.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a safe, effective way to neutralize the acid in your stomach and relieve acid indigestion, gas, bloating, and heartburn after a meal.2
To use baking soda at home as an antacid, dissolve one-half teaspoon of baking soda in 4 ounces of water. Drink the solution within one to two hours after a meal. You can repeat every two hours as needed until your symptoms improve.3
Studies suggest adults should not exceed seven one-half teaspoon doses within 24 hours, and adults over 60 should consume no more than three one-half teaspoons. Baking soda should not be taken for more than two weeks.3
Children under age 12 should avoid taking baking soda unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider.2
Over-the-Counter Antacids
Several different OTC medications can effectively relieve your symptoms.
Antacids, such as Tums and Alka-Seltzer, work to neutralize indigestion, causing fast relief to your stomach.4
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as Prilosec (omeprazole) and Prevacid (lansoprazole), can also help provide quick indigestion relief. These medications work by blocking acid production in your stomach.1
Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as Motrin, Advil (ibuprofen), aspirin, and Aleve (naproxen), to control your symptoms. These medications are not considered to be helpful and may make symptoms worse.4
Chamomile Tea
Although additional studies are needed to verify its effectiveness, a warm cup of chamomile tea may help ease indigestion.
One review of studies found that chamomile can help ease an upset stomach, gas, and gastrointestinal (GI) irritation. It can also help relax the digestive muscles that move food through the intestines, which can help keep the digestive system moving and reduce bloating.5
Chamomile contains coumarin, a blood-thinning agent. If you take a blood thinner, such as warfarin, consult your healthcare provider before drinking chamomile tea.6
Peppermint Oil and Caraway Oil
Preliminary studies suggest that a combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil can help relax the stomach muscles and improve symptoms of indigestion.
One 2019 review of studies that included 350 participants found that people treated with peppermint and caraway oil were significantly more likely to have an overall improvement in indigestion symptoms than those who received the placebo (a control with no therapeutic effect).7
Most studies have used an enteric-coated capsule containing 50 milligrams (mg) of caraway oil and 90 mg of peppermint oil.8
Ginger
Ginger is well known for its ability to improve nausea. Studies suggest ginger can also help ease symptoms of indigestion by speeding up stomach contractions and allowing food to move faster through the GI tract. This can help reduce gas, bloating, and feelings of fullness.9
One 2021 study found that ginger supplements may improve symptoms of indigestion by 35% to 73% in those with dyspepsia caused by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that can infect your stomach.10
Although more high-quality studies are needed to determine dosing and effectiveness, some experts recommend taking 1.2 grams of ginger root powder to treat indigestion.11
You can also drink a warm cup of ginger tea, suck on ginger candies, or boil fresh ginger in hot water.
Most studies note that ginger's maximum recommended daily intake is 4 grams.12
Apple Cider Vinegar
Although little research exists to support its effectiveness, some people with indigestion may find relief after drinking a mixture containing apple cider vinegar (ACV).
Indigestion can occur if a person does not have enough acid in their stomach to digest food properly. If this is true for you, you may benefit from sipping on apple cider vinegar to help increase the acid content in your stomach.13
For relief, you can dilute 1–2 tablespoons of raw, unpasteurized apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water. Avoid drinking apple cider vinegar in excess because too much can cause tooth enamel erosion and throat irritation.
Aloe Vera Juice
Recent research suggests that aloe vera may be effective at easing indigestion.
For example, one study found that aloe vera juice effectively relieved heartburn, belching, nausea, and gas. No significant side effects were reported in the study. Aloe vera is believed to work by decreasing inflammation and reducing acid production in the stomach.14
Natural Ways to Fight Inflammation
Licorice Root
Licorice root has been used for years to treat digestive conditions, including gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining), ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).15
In one study, 50 adults with indigestion were given a placebo (inactive sugar pill) or treated with a 75 mg licorice extract capsule for 30 days. Those who took the licorice extract reported significant improvement in symptoms compared to those in the control group.16
Although generally considered safe, consuming large amounts of licorice root can decrease potassium levels and cause high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure and kidney disease should avoid licorice root unless otherwise instructed by their healthcare provider.1718
Fennel Seed
Fennel is a well-known digestive aid commonly used to treat indigestion, gas, bloating, and constipation.19
Studies suggest fennel essential oil works by relaxing intestinal muscles and reducing gas. It can also help reduce feelings of fullness.20
You can make fennel tea by adding one-half to 1 teaspoon of crushed fennel seeds to boiling water and letting it steep for five to 10 minutes. Alternatively, add one or two drops of fennel essential oil to a cup of chamomile or peppermint tea.
Emergency Symptoms to Not Ignore
If you experience indigestion along with the following symptoms, you may have a more serious condition, and you should seek medical attention right away:21
Bloody vomit
Trouble swallowing
Painful swallowing
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Severe, constant abdominal pain
Unintentional weight loss
Chronic vomiting
Is It Heartburn or a Heart Attack?
Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish between heartburn and a heart attack. If you are concerned about chest pain, you should go to your local hospital or call 911 immediately.
Summary
Indigestion can cause unpleasant symptoms, such as heartburn, bloating, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. It is typically treated using over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as Tums or Alka-Seltzer, that can weaken or reduce stomach acid.
You may also talk to your healthcare provider about trying alternative remedies to improve your symptoms, such as baking soda, ginger, or chamomile tea.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are natural indigestion relievers?
Baking soda, licorice root, fennel seed, and ginger can all help relieve indigestion.
Learn More: Natural Remedies to Soothe Indigestion
What does water do for indigestion?
Water can help keep the digestive system moving. One study found that drinking hydrogen carbonate-rich mineral water can help reduce the severity and frequency of heartburn.22
Is milk good or bad for indigestion?
Milk, especially full-fat milk, is high in fat, which may worsen symptoms such as heartburn.
Learn More: Does Milk Help Heartburn?
Does indigestion last for hours?
Mild symptoms of indigestion often last for a few hours and resolve on their own without medical treatment.