Stomach aches can be painful and get in the way of your – or your child’s – daily routine. There are some medications that can help, but there are also many natural remedies to help soothe tummy aches.
“Depending on the nature of the abdominal pain, some natural remedies can be just as effective as medications,” saidR博士ussell Horton, a pediatrician at the Banner Health Center in Queen Creek.
Dr. Horton says some natural remedies that help with stomachaches include tea, ginger or soda. For indigestion, he suggests eating a bland diet.
5 natural stomach ache remedies
Tea— Chamomile, peppermint and ginger teas are great options to help calm a restless stomach. Add a little honey, and kids will be more likely to take a sip.
Heat— Drawing a warm bath for kids when they have an upset stomach is another solution. The warmth of the water helps relax them and eases their discomfort.
Essential oils —Essential oils can help relieve many day-to-day discomforts, tummies included. Peppermint oil or ginger oils work well. Lavender and cinnamon oils are also good options.
Fiber— Chronic stomachaches might be a result of constipation. Adjust the diet by eliminating dairy and increasing high-fiber vegetables. Items like prunes, raisins and apricots help people “go” easier. And don’t forget to make sure you or your kiddos are drinking lots of water!
BRAT— Conversely, if you don’t suspect constipation, the BRAT diet can help with symptoms of nausea or diarrhea. BRAT stands for banana, rice, applesauce and toast. All of these foods are low in fiber but high binding, making them especially helpful when a child is making many trips to the restroom or when eating, in general, sounds unappetizing.
Dr. Horton cautions that natural remedies might not be the right long-term treatment depending on where the pain is coming from. Before taking over-the-counter supplements or naturopathic remedies, he encourages patients to talk with their doctor to review the options before starting anything.
“The tried-and-true home remedies that have been around for generations can often be very helpful,” said Dr. Horton. “But, if there is ever concern or worries, parents are always welcome to review the treatment with their physician to make sure they are doing the best possible treatment.”
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