Have you ever had just one too many helpings at the dinner table and regretted it later? It’s certainly understandable - sometimes mom’s cooking is just too good to pass up! Perhaps you’ve been out to eat and the dessert menu is just calling out to you “pick me, pick me” and even though you’re stuffed to the brim you order a piece of cheesecake. It may have sounded like a good idea at the time, but in an hour’s time you may have been cursing your decision when you feel full and bloated, and maybe even a bit nauseous.

It’s no secret that what you’re experiencing is indigestion. But you may be at a loss as to how to relieve it!

Luckily, there are ways to treat, and even prevent, indigestion in a natural way. Take a look . . .

What is Indigestion?

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is characterized by pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen. Symptoms can include a feeling of fullness or bloating in the upper abdominal area, an early feeling of fullness when eating, a burning sensation, belching, nausea and vomiting.

Over 25 percent of adults suffer from indigestion at one time or another, accounting for three percent of all trips to the doctor for help. Bouts of indigestion can be brought on by overindulgence or intolerance to high-fat foods or coffee, but can also be symptomatic of gastro-esophageal reflux or peptic ulcer disease.

Indigestion Help

Many sufferers seek relief from antacids and over-the-counter medications such as Zantac. However, if you’re popping several antacids a day and still don’t feel any relief or are suffering from side effects (including constipation and diarrhea), it’s time to consider herbal remedies that can help to relieve symptoms when taken individually or combined together.

Research published in the medical journal Digestion indicates that herbal preparations containing a variety of extracts relieved the symptoms of indigestion when taken over a four-week period. Their findings included the use of Peppermint Leaves, a beloved folk remedy for a host of stomach and digestive diseases. Peppermint specifically aids digestion by moving painful gas produced during the digestive process out of the body.  

Another herbal option with healing properties is Catnip. Commonly used as a meat tenderizer or a stimulating treat for cats, catnip, when taken with fennel seeds, has been shown to soothe digestive cramps and is gentle on the stomach—making it ideal for use in children or adults with sensitive systems and chronic symptoms requiring frequent use.

Papaya Leaves contain powerful enzymes (papains) that help to break proteins down so that the body can digest them more easily—making it ideal for indigestion brought about by overeating and relieving discomfort caused by bloating.

Chamomile Flowers, long praised for their aromatic properties, are ideal for reliving digestive discomfort brought on by stress, tension and nervousness.

Ginger Root, popular for centuries in Asian and Indian cultures as both a culinary spice and a medicine, neutralizes the harmful effects of toxins and free radicals can help relieve indigestion-related nausea and diarrhea.

If attempts to try combining these naturally-beneficial ingredients fail to relieve your indigestion, your symptoms may be the result of a more serious condition. Keep a written record of when and how you experience symptoms and what you’ve taken, and bring that along to your next doctor’s visit.

And maybe next time, get the dessert to go!