Upset Tummy? Top Pain Relievers in Your Kitchen Cupboard

I had an Upset Tummy!

I woke up last night with tummy cramps. It felt as though my stomach might just explode. And I then spent the rest of the night tossing and turning.

Been there? Yes, most of us have.

And when the Holiday Season is upon us, we may well go there again.

So, how my story goes: A second night of roast orange glazed-duck, organic mashed root veggies and a delicious Valpolicella had taken their toll. I was cooking outside my comfort zone, and it was fabulous! But my sensitive tum decided ‘enough is enough’.

As I stumbled around my kitchen in the depth of night, it occurred to me that it would be a great idea for me to share my home remedies for tummy upsets.

If you don’t know, I started out my career in Holistic Health Care as a Traditional Herbalist, a Nutritional Nazi (bit strong you say…you haven’t had me boss you around in the Grocery Store…put down that rubbish and get yourself some nice veggies) along with Reiki and Reflexology. Bringing my kids up in this happy and healthy environment, I’ve lots of simple ‘go-to’ information for self help.

So, with the Holidays on the way, here are my go-to, in the kitchen natural tummy pain relievers:

1.  Apple Cider Vinegar

Not the clear, filtered stuff. But the good stuff! Unfiltered, with the ‘vinegar mother’ still in it. Not sure what I mean? Just go get Bragg’s Apple Cider Vinegar and keep it in your kitchen cupboard.

This is my first go-to for upset stomach and heart-burn. Put about a Tablespoon full into a small glass (about 3/4 cup is good) warm water. Add a teaspoon of honey. Stir. Drink.

It may sound counter intuitive to put vinegar into an acidic body, which is what is happening when you get heartburn. But it has a lovely chemical reaction in the body and turns it alkaline. Heart burn eases and tummy starts to settle down … instantly. Yes, instantly.

(Disclaimer: in the rare case that there is something else going on, you could actually feel worse. Then it’s time for a trip to the Medical Doctor or Naturopath.)

2. Chamomile Tea

Now, how easy it that? Get some chamomile tea and make yourself a cup. Sip, enjoy and your tummy settles down. It takes about 4 minutes to steep and you can always buy Chamomile Teabags and keep them on hand.

Bonus: you can keep your damp teabag and once it has cooled down, pop it on your closed eyes. Hmmm…better make two cups. Chamomile tea bags reduce the puffiness that often comes from partying a little too much on the holidays. Yes, it will take down the puffy and blood shot eyes from drinking too much alcohol. 20 minutes with your eyes closed and you’ll be looking fab again.

Oh, splendid story…Peter Rabbit was given chamomile tea by his mum in the Beatrix Potter books. After getting out into the farmer’s field and gorging himself on cabbage he was sent to bed with chamomile tea to soothe his tum!

3. Ginger

Another thing I always have around is a nub of ginger root. I used to make ‘clean out the fridge soup’ when I had the girls at home. Every couple of weeks all the leftover veggies would end up in a soup pot and it always tasted of ginger, because…I always have a nub of ginger root to hand.

Peel, slice, pop in a teapot. Cover with boiling water and let it steep for around 10 minutes. Strain and sip. Lovely, warm and comforting. Fresh ginger isn’t really spicy, more warming. If it’s a little too much for you, try adding some lovely local honey to your tea. Mmmm…

Don’t drink ginger ale and think that will do instead. It’s made with lots of sugar, which can upset the tummy. The bubbles are definitely something you don’t need. No more gas please! And then there’s the icky chemicals it’s made with. Just have a nub of ginger handy…you can always keep it in the freezer, wrap in tinfoil and voila, you’ve always got some ginger.

4. Heat

My fave relief for an upset tummy is definitely a cloth soaked in castor oil and a heating pad on the top. But honestly, do I bother in the middle of the night? Nope.

But I will grab my trusty hot water bottle. Remember those from your childhood? Yes, I still have one. Wrap it in a towel or knit yourself a nice cover. I haven’t knit one for me, but I have for grand-daughter Violet.

Lie down with the hot water bottle on your tummy for 20 to 30 minutes. Rest and let the warmth soothe your tummy.

5. Peppermint

I use peppermint in two ways. The first, you’ve probably guessed by now, is TEA! Make, steep, sip. Ahhh…

The other way is to use essential oil of peppermint in a rub for my upset tummy. I put about a teaspoon of olive oil in the palm of my hand and add 2 to 4 drops of peppermint e/o.

Rub gently on tummy, in the direction of the colon. (That’s starting at the right side of the lower abdomen and circling around up and over the belly button and down the left side of the tummy.) Work in a circular motion and let the peppermint and the gentle massage do it’s work. Did I say ‘toot, toot’ … yes!

6. Holistic Foot Reflexology

Lucky for me, I’m an expert Reflexologist. Foot Reflexology has been proven in clinical trials to help the body normalize and alleviate stomach upsets.

If you can reach your feet, you can help yourself. And you can certainly help others very easily. (Go here to learn how you can become an expert in the Fairbrass Reflexology Method too!)

There are lots more home-remedies for upset tums. If you have a favorite you’d like to share, pop it into the comments below.

And of course, let me know if I can help you with your health and wellness. Got questions? I’ve got answers.

Cheers to Happy Holidays and Healthy Tummies!