Take herbs for ama. If you’ve ever eaten in an Indian restaurant, you may have noticed a bowl of seeds sitting by the door. They are fennel seeds, the Ayurvedic version of after-dinner mints.
Ayurvedic physicians believe that undigested food, or ama, is the cause of indigestion. To treat the condition, they prescribe an array of stomach-soothing herbs, according to David Frawley, O.M.D. Some of these herbs are no doubt familiar to you: fennel, cinnamon, licorice, and cardamom. You can make a tea by adding 1 teaspoon of
crushed or powdered herb (or a blend of herbs) to 1 cup of boiled water. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain.
Certain Ayurvedic herbs also relieve indigestion. These include amalaki, shatavari, trikatu, triphala, vidanga, and trivrit. If you’d like to try one of these herbs, you need to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner.
Peel a banana. Bananas are a favorite Ayurvedic remedy for indigestion. In one study, three-quarters of those treated with dried banana powder reported relief. You may be able to get the same benefit by eating a fresh, ripe banana.
Naturopathy
Take digestive aids. Naturopaths often treat indigestion with supplemental stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Dr. Pizzorno suggests taking one of the following with meals: 250 to 500 milligrams of bromelain; or two to four tablets of 4X potency or one or two tablets of 8X potency pancreatin, an enzyme secreted by the pancreas. You can buy these supplements in most health food stores.
Medical Measures
For particularly persistent indigestion, mainstream M.D.’s usually recommend prescription-strength antacids and h2 blockers. Keep in mind that some medication – especially aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs -can actually cause indigestion.e talking a prescription or over-the-counter medicine and you’re bothered by persistent abdominal distress, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to recommend another drug that doesn’t have indigestion as a side effect.
Red Flags
If you experience any of the following, see your doctor immediately.
- You have a dull ache in your chest or abdomen that’s accompanied by nausea or sweating.
- Your pain begins as a dull ache around your entire midsection, then localizes in your lower right abdomen within a few hours.
- Your abdominal pain is accompanied by vomiting; black, blood-tinged, or bloody stools; or fever and vaginal discharge.
- Your abdominal pain keeps getting worse.
- Your abdominal pain persists after 2 weeks of self-care.