Medical Today

Prevention

Common stomachaches can be prevented by avoiding the following: overeating, excessive alcohol consumption, problem foods, and smoking.

Stomachaches may be prevented by enhancing digestion by taking fresh ginger or Draksha (Ayurvedic herbal wine) before meals.

Ginger or bay leaf tea or lassi (yogurt with cumin and ginger powders in water) taken after meals can aid digestion and prevent stomachaches.

Drinking warm drinks during meals aids digestion as does chewing food thoroughly.

Persons should eat only when hungry and leave space in the stomach for proper digestion. Obesity can increase problems like reflux, and a 2001 study found a strong connection between obesity and severity of reflux.

Alternative Treatment

Alternative remedies can be effective in treating stomachache and associated digestive symptoms. Persons who experience chronic, unexplained stomach pain should consult a physician.

Herbals

The following herbal remedies help treat stomachaches:

• agave (Agave americana) tincture

• asafoetida (Ferula asafoetida) tincture

• cumin (Cumin cyminum) seed poultice

When gas is the reason for discomfort, these herbals can be used:

• angelica (Angelica archangelica) infusion

• anise (Pimpinella anisum) infusion

• catnip (Nepeta cataria) tea

• oatstraw (Avena sativa) tea

Indigestion accompanied by gas or due to increased stomach acid production can be soothed by the following herbals:

• arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) infusion

• calendula (Calendula officinalis) and comfrey root tea

• cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) powder

• fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) infusion

• galbanum (Ferula gummosa) infusion: acid indigestion

• Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica) infusion

• marsh mallow (Althaea officinalis) tea

• meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) tea

• slippery elm (Ulmus fulva) powder or tea

Other disorders causing stomach pain and discomfort can be relieved with these herbals:

• Asian red ginseng (Panax ginseng) tea or tincture: stomach pain and bloating

• chamomile (Chamomilla recutita) tea: upset stomach, gas, and stomach spasm

• crab apple (flower remedy): stomachaches caused by bad food

• crampbark (Viburnum opulus) infusion: stomach spasm

• dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root tea or tincture: heartburn, stomachache, and gas

• elderberry (Sambucus nigra) tea: stomach pain

• ginger (Zingiber officinale) raw or tea

• lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) tea: stomach spasm, gas, and bloating

• licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root tea or tincture: heartburn and acid reflux

• peppermint (Mentha piperita) tea: upset stomach, gas, and stomach spasm

• thyme (Thymus vulgaris) tea: upset stomach

Homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies are chosen based upon the specific set of symptoms displayed by the patient. Bryonia is indicated for stomach pain that is worsened by motion. Colocynthis or Magnesia phosphorica is recommended for pain that is relieved by doubling up. Cuprum is indicated for violent, cramping pain. Dioscorea is chosen for pain that is lessened by standing up and worsened by doubling up. Lycopodium is indicated for persons who get bloated after eating or whose pain is worsened by pressure. Magnesia phosphorica is recommended for pain that is relieved by pressure. Nux vomica is indicated for stomach pain that occurs after eating rich or spicy foods or too much alcohol. Pulsatilla is chosen for persons who experience digestive symptoms after eating fatty foods.

Chinese medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treats stomachaches with acupuncture, ear acupuncture, cupping, herbs, and patent medicines. Common syndromes that cause abdominal pain include: Damp-heat stagnation, retention of cold, retention of food, deficiency and coldness of Zang Fu, and stagnation of qi and blood.

Abdominal pain caused by deficiency and cold is treated with Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan (prepared Aconite pill to regulate the middle). Abdominal pain caused by cold is treated with Liang Fu Wan (Galagal and Cyperus pill). All causes of abdominal pain (except damp-heat) may be treated with a mixture of Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma corydalis), Chen Xiang (Lignum aquilariae resinatum), and Rou Gui (Cortex cinnamomi).

Ayurveda

Ayurvedic practitioners believe that indigestion is due to weak or insufficient agni (digestive fire). To enhance digestion, the patient can take fresh ginger; a mixture of garlic powder (one quarter teaspoon), trikatu (one half teaspoon), and rock salt (pinch); or a mixture of garlic (one clove), cumin powder (one quarter teaspoon), rocksalt (pinch), trikatu (pinch), and lime juice (one teaspoon) before meals. Bay leaf tea drunk after meals can enliven agni. Digestion may be enhanced with Shatavari or Teak tree (Tectona grandis) wood or bark.

Chronic indigestion and stomachaches may be relieved by taking a mixture of trikatu (one part), chitrak (two parts), and kutki (one part) with honey and ginger juice before meals. Common stomachaches may be relieved by taking a shankavati or lasunadivati pill twice daily; ajwan (one half teaspoon) and baking soda (one quarter teaspoon) in water; a mixture of cumin powder (one third teaspoon), asafetida (pinch), and rock salt (pinch) in water; or chewing one half teaspoon of roasted fennel, cumin, and coriander seeds.

Other treatments

Other treatments for stomachaches are:

• Acupressure. Pressing both Sp 16 points (located below the bottom of the rib cage) can relieve stomachaches.

• Aromatherapy. Sucking on a sugar cube containing one drop of the essential oil of peppermint can ease stomachaches.

Taking honey containing one drop of essential oil of tarragon, marjoram, or rosemary reduces digestive tract spasms.

• Hydrotherapy. Stomachache can be relieved by drinking water containing activated charcoal powder. A hot water bottle or hot compress placed over the abdomen can help relieve stomach pains.

• Juice therapy. Digestion can be improved and gas dispelled by drinking fresh apple juice with mint, fennel, and ginger.