What is Good for Heartburn and Stomach Pain? Practical Solutions at Home

Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen (a condition called dyspepsia), burning, and heartburn. Anyone who has not experienced any of these ailments raises their hand. They’re common after overeating or drinking, eating too quickly, or when something is “not going well” in the stomach, they’re not always a cause for concern. They can sometimes be treated with natural and homemade remedies.

But be careful: If symptoms—which can include weakness, nausea, vomiting, and bloating—are frequent and intense, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible and not to self-medicate, even with seemingly harmless solutions.

Espheira Santa Claus tea

Maytenus Maytenus, popularly known as the Santa this thorn, is one of the most used herbs in cases of gastrointestinal disorders. It has active principles that help reduce gastric juice production and protect the gastric mucosa, according to naturopath Daniel Alan Costa, coordinator of the postgraduate course in Naturopathy at Unip (Universidade Paulista) and director of Ebran (Brazilian School of Naturopathy).

The effects of the species were even demonstrated in studies – for example. They confirmed significant improvements in heartburn and pain symptoms.

The expert recommends consuming Espheira-Santa tea three times a day. Its preparation should be done as follows:

1. Add about 4 grams of leaves of the species into a pot of water and put it on the fire.
2. Boil for 3 to 5 minutes, cover, and let stand for another 5 minutes.
3. Strain it.

Banana Tea

Indicated for stomach aches and poor digestion, the medicinal herb of plantain, whose scientific name is Plantago major, works by stimulating the digestive system. “It has astringent, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and healing properties,” says the naturopath, who is also a member of the WFCMS (World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies).

Put a handful of herb leaves in boiling water to prepare the tea and suffocate for about 5 to 8 minutes. Then strain it. Just like the beverage made with the Pinheiro-Santa plant, the banana drink can be taken up to three times a day.

Fennel tea

Popular fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), known in some locales as fennel, is used around the world to treat a number of issues, including stomach issues. Studies show that it is effective against indigestion, burning, and heartburn, as it contributes to digestion and stimulates gastric acid secretion.

The most common form of consumption is tea – but it is also possible to use it as a condiment and spice. Boil the water and then add a handful of herbs (seeds or leaves) to make the drink. Soak for about 5 minutes and finally strain. Costa advises that the intake should not exceed three glasses a day.

Pineapple juice with papaya

When this feeling of bloating or abdominal discomfort occurs, Elaine Moreira Ferreira, a gastroenterologist at the EndoVitta Institute and member of the FGB’s (Brazilian Gastroenterology Federation) FBG Women’s Commission, recommends pineapple and papaya juice.

“Pineapple has bromelain, an enzyme that aids digestion and papaya contains papain, a substance that increases the peristaltic movement of the gut and also contributes to the digestive process,” explains the doctor. Consuming a 200 ml glass made with a slice of each fruit, preferably without sugar, is enough to relax you in uncomfortable situations.

Raw Potato Juice

Raw potato juice, usually made from English, is another alternative to relieve stomachaches, burning, and heartburn. Because it is alkaline, the tubercle neutralizes the acidity of the stomach and acts as a type of antacid, reducing discomfort.

It is prepared as follows: peel a large potato and cut it into slices or grate it; then squeeze until the liquid comes out – it’s easier to put it in a clean cloth. Ideally, it should be taken on an empty stomach or about 30 minutes before the main meals (lunch and dinner).

Lemon juice and a pinch of baking soda

Despite being a sour fruit, lemon helps relieve various stomach complaints when squeezed into the water and added with baking soda. Studies show that the preparation produces carbonic acid, which reduces gas and indigestion and improves liver secretion and intestinal motility.

It is worth noting that lemon also fights stomach acidity. This is because when it comes into contact with the acids of the organ, it makes its pH more alkaline, promoting the neutralization of the medium.

The ideal recipe, according to Costa, is to squeeze up to three lemons into a 250ml glass of water at room temperature, add a pinch of baking soda and drink on an empty stomach.

Ginger

The root is widely used in digestive system problems with its anti-inflammatory power, especially abdominal pain. “Ginger is great for these conditions, but as long as the patient doesn’t have any contraindications,” says the gastroenterologist.

Various studies show that consuming ginger, especially after meals, helps reduce nausea and upset stomach when things go wrong and speed up stomach contractions, which causes foods that cause discomfort to move faster.

Apart from that, it stimulates the secretion of gastric juices and protects the mucous membranes that protect the digestive system. People who suffer from stomach pain and discomfort from eating can add the root to the dish or make a tea with it – the way of preparation and healthy consumption is the same as that of Espheira-Santa tea.

Additional indications to natural remedies

And it’s not just home remedies and natural remedies to relieve stomach pain, burning, and heartburn. In these cases, it’s important to avoid consuming fatty, processed, spicy, and peppery foods that are slower to digest, says Tomazo Antonio Prince Franzini, endoscopist and Sobed (Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy) board member.

“What I recommend is to eat a lighter and healthier diet with fiber-rich elements, reduce the intervals between meals, not drink while eating, and not drink beverages that attack the gastric mucosa, such as alcohol, coffee, chocolate, soda, energy drink, “advises the doctor.

Also important is to avoid going to bed when you have some of the mentioned symptoms. Because when lying in a horizontal position, stomach acid is more likely to go up to the esophagus and cause discomfort.