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Home Remedies Index
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Natural Home Remedies for Dyspepsia (Indigestion)
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Home Remedies for Dyspepsia (Indigestion).
Dyspepsia is a word of Greek origin meaning indigestion
or difficulty in digestion. It is a common ailment and
results from dietetic errors.
Abdominal pain, a feeling of undue fullness after eating,
heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, and
flatulence or gas are the usual symptoms of Indigestion.
Vomiting usually provides relief. What is vomited is
intensely sour to the taste. Other symptoms are a foul
taste in the mouth, coated tongue, and foul breath. At
times a sensation of strangling in the throat is
experienced. In most cases of indigestion, the patient
suffers from constipation.
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The main causes of Indigestion are overeating, eating wrong food combinations, eating too rapidly, and
neglecting proper mastication and salivation of food. Overeating makes the work of the stomach, liver, kidneys,
and bowels harder. When the food putrefies, its poisons are absorbed into the blood and, consequently, the
whole system is poisoned. Certain foods, especially if they are not properly cooked, cause dyspepsia. Other
causes are intake of fried food, rich and spicy foods; excessive smoking; intake of alcohol; constipation; habit of
eating and drinking together; insomnia; emotions such as jealousy, fear, and anger; and lack of exercise.
Lemon:
The use of fruits in general is beneficial in the treatment of Indigestion. They flush out the undigested food
residue and accumulated faeces, and re-establish health to perfect order. The best fruit for die treatment of
Indigestion is lemon. Its juice reaches die stomach and attacks die bacteria, inhibiting die formation of acids.
Lemon juice removes indigestion by dislodging this acid and other harmful substances from the stomach, thereby
strengthening and promoting a healthy appetite. The juice of one lemon, diluted with water, can be taken twice
daily before each principal meal.
Pineapple:
Another fruit useful in Indigestion is pineapple. It acts as a tonic and relieves much of die digestive disorders of
die dyspeptics. Half a glass of pineapple juice should be taken after one meal in treating this condition.
Pomegranate: One tablespoon of pomegranate juice, mixed with a tablespoon of honey, is valuable in
indigestion accompanied by giddiness. This dose may be taken twice daily. The seeds of this fruit act as a
stomach tonic when mixed with a little rock salt and Mack pepper powder.
Buttermilk:
A very simple remedy for indigestion is a glass of thin buttermilk mixed with a quarter teaspoon of pepper
powder. For better results an equal quantity of cumin powder may be added to the buttermilk.
Aniseed:
The use of aniseed is also beneficial in the treatment of indigestion. An infusion can be prepared by mixing a
teaspoon of aniseed in a cup of boiling water and leaving it covered overnight The clear fluid can then be
decanted and taken with honey.
Carrot:
Carrots are valuable in Indigestion. Chewing of tins vegetable increases saliva and quickens digestion by
supplying die necessary enzymes, minerals, and vitamins. Half a glass of carrot juice, diluted with an equal
quantity of water, can be taken once daily to treat this disorder.
Fenugreek:
Fenugreek leaves are beneficial in dyspepsia. About fifty grams of leaves, boiled and fried in butter, are valuable
in allaying biliousness. The seeds can also be used beneficially in the treatment of dyspepsia.
Grapes:
The use of grapes is another effective remedy for Indigestion. This fruit is a light food and removes indigestion
and irritation of die stomach in a short time. About 250 gm can be taken daily.
Mint:
Mint is also very useful in correcting Indigestion because of its digestive properties. Mint juice is a good
appetizer. One teaspoon of mint juice, mixed with an equal amount of honey and lemon juice, forms a very
effective remedy for indigestion and gaseous distension of the stomach.
he ideal time to take this tonic is 10 to 20 minutes before a meal. Place one dropperful (about 30 drops) directly
on your tongue or dilute the same dosage (about one-half teaspoon) in a small amount of warm water.
Remember that to get your digestive juices flowing, the bitter taste needs to come into direct contact with your
tongue.
The ideal time to take this tonic is 10 to 20 minutes before a meal. Place one dropperful (about 30 drops) directly
on your tongue or dilute the same dosage (about one-half teaspoon) in a small amount of warm water.
Remember that to get your digestive juices flowing, the bitter taste needs to come into direct contact with your
tongue.
Mild herbal teas that improve digestion include chamomile, peppermint, and fennel, all of which help to stimulate
digestion and relieve gas. Try sipping the following tea after meals as a digestive aid.
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Herbal Digestive Tonic
1/2 ounce dandelion root
1/4 ounce gentian root
1/4 ounce licorice root
1/4 ounce fennel seeds
1/4 ounce dried ginger root
1/4 ounce dried organic orange peel
1/4 ounce cardamom pods
vodka
- Using dried herbs, grind the herbs in a blender. Place in a glass jar and add
enough vodka to cover the herbs, plus 2 inches. Close the jar tightly.
- Place in a warm, dark place, and give the jar a gentle shake every day or
two to keep the herbs from settling.
- After 3 weeks, strain the liquid from the herbs through a strainer lined with
several layers of cheesecloth, reserving the liquid. Squeeze the herbs to
strain out all the liquid.
- Funnel your bitters tonic into a dark-glass container, and store in a cool,
dark place.
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Herbal Digestive Tea
1 teaspoon chamomile
1/2 teaspoon peppermint
1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
1 cup water
Pour 1 cup boiling water over herbs. Cover, and let steep for 10 minutes.
Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink while warm.
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Simple tips to Improve Digestion
- Chew your food well. This may sound simplistic, but your stomach doesn't have teeth, and
the more thoroughly you chew, the easier it is for your body to access nutrients from the
foods that you eat. A good rule of thumb is to chew every mouthful of food until it is
thoroughly pulverized.
- Drinking large amounts of fluids with meals can interfere with digestion and cause bloating,
but sipping a small amount of liquid with your meal can enhance digestive function.
- Avoid eating when you are emotionally tense, because stress shuts down digestive
processes.
- Make it a habit to take a couple of minutes to relax and slow down before eating.
- Take a couple of deep breaths, give your full attention to the food you are about to eat,
and express your gratitude in whatever way feels comfortable to you for the nourishment
you are about to receive.
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