From eating too much at dinnertime to dealing with ‘that time of the month,’ stomach cramps come with a wave of pain and tightness that can have you doubling over. To get rid of the discomfort that comes with irritated abdominal muscles, home remedies for stomach cramps can certainly be of some assistance.
Home Remedies for Stomach Cramps
Causes and Symptoms
One of the most common causes of a cramping stomach is gastritis, which is an irritation of the stomach lining. The cramps associated with gastritis usually take place after eating. They can occur anywhere from
between your chest and groin. Other conditions that can cause cramps in the stomach include stomach infections, food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), digestion problems, dehydration, and food poisoning.
Stomach Cramp Home Remedies
When your stomach muscles start to seize and retract, as well as lose their flexibility – cramping usually follows. Whether you are suffering from a case of dehydration or plate of bad nachos, the following home remedies for stomach cramps may help:
a) Dried Rice Heating Pack:
Fill a sock or pillow case with dried rice or corn, and then microwave for 30 to 60 seconds. Position the heating pack on your stomach to treat cramps.
b) Peppermint Tea:
Add fennel to a cup of peppermint tea to soothe stomach cramping associated with digestive woes.
c) Chamomile Tea:
The calming nature of chamomile tea can soothe swollen mucous membranes within the stomach. It is suggested to add lemon juice for better results.
d) Spiked Black Tea:
Sip on hot black tea with one teaspoon of whiskey added to the cup to soothe a cramped stomach. You may also add lemon juice to your cup of tea instead of the whiskey.
e) Heating Pad:
Warming the abdominal region can provide relief for stomach cramps. A heating pad positioned on the stomach can help relax the muscles. Use it while lying flat on your back.
f) Relax:
To prevent a reemergence of stomach cramps, one of the best things to do is relax and rest a bit. Chronic cramping in the stomach is often aggravated by stress.
g) Exercise:
Regular exercise can relieve the muscle tension that can cause stomach cramps. Yoga, massage and other ways of circulating the blood in your body can really make a difference.
h) Herbal Teas:
Teas that help ease the symptoms of stomach cramps include alfalfa, comfrey or red raspberry leaf.
i) Calcium and Magneisum:
When stomach cramps are related to your menstrual cycle, calcium and magnesium offer alkaline base properties that promote the relaxation in your stomach muscles. This could be an effective course of action for patients with indigestion or gastritis.
j) Yogurt:
The acidophilus found in yogurt can help treat cramping that tends to take place after every meal. Try eating yogurt on a daily basis.
k) Maalox and Mylanta:
Cramps that emerge high in the abdomen are often associated with acid reflux or stomach acid and often respond well to antacids, such as Maalox and Mylanta – an item often found in many bathroom cabinets.
l) Smaller Meals:
Stomach cramping can happen when you eat too much food, so smaller portions can help prevent the action from taking place. It is suggested to eat smaller, more frequent meals.
m) Pass on the Caffeine:
Say ‘no’ to drinks with caffeine (like coffee and cola) when you have stomach cramps. Instead, drink water, herbal tea and fruit juices.
n) Sip Cold Drinks:
When drinking cold liquids, sip instead of gulp. Icy cold drinks when consumed too fast can cause temporary painful cramping in the stomach.
o) Parsley:
Steep one teaspoon of fresh or dried parsley in one cup of hot water. After five minutes, strain the contents and then drink the parsley tea slowly.
p) Hot Shower:
Take a hot shower and let the water beat down on your stomach for about 10 to 15 minutes. By the time you dry off, you should feel refreshed and with a less tensioned abdomen region.
q) Pepto-Bismol:
The bismuth subsalicylate in pink digestive treatment products, such as Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate, can provide an effective remedy for stomach cramps that attack the lower abdomen.
r) Ease Back into Foods:
After experiencing an episode of stomach cramping, ease back into your regular food routine by choosing options that are easy on your system. This includes rice, applesauce, dry toast, and soda crackers.
s) Aloe:
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that produces a gel that offers soothing properties for a range of stomach properties. You can break off a leaf from an aloe plant, and press out the juice to drink as an internal remedy.
t) Onion:
After slicing one medium-sized onion, boil the pieces in one cup of milk. Drink the concoction while it is warm to soothe abdominal cramping.
u) Cranberry Juice:
Fresh sweet cranberries are packed with vitamin C, which has been proven to ease cramping and abdominal pain associated with the menstrual cycle. It is suggested to drink the juice two times per day to fight painful cramps. It is important to choose cranberry juice that is 100% natural and without any added preservatives, colors, and sweeteners.
v) Cornmeal:
Do as the American Indians and treat a cramped stomach by pouring one cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of cornmeal. Let the solution sit for five minutes, and then add salt to taste. Drink the concoction slowly.
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