Indigestion and Heartburn Remedies

Indigestion and heartburn are quite common and affect many people. The reason for heartburn is the increased acid production combined with increased pressure within the stomach. It can cause severe uneasiness and pain. It is also chronic and needs treatment. There are several natural indigestion and heartburn remedies

Dietary Changes

Some basic changes in your diet and lifestyle are essential to cure heartburn. You should consume smaller quantities of food at intervals. You should also eat slowly. Patients of heartburn should avoid tomatoes, citrus fruits, fatty and spicy foods. Also avoid onion, garlic, chocolate, peppermint and aspirin. You should also reduce the intake of alcohol and carbonated drinks. The changes in diet and lifestyle will help to cure the disease.

Antacids

Antacids help to neutralize the effects of stomach acid and provide relief. Antacids are available in the form of liquid as well as tablets

Wikimedia Commons:H. Zell

Natural Remedies for Indigestion and Heartburn

Papaya

 Papaya contains an enzyme called papain which helps to digest food easily and prevent heartburn. Papaya has to be taken before meals. Pregnant women and people with latex allergy should not take papaya. 

Banana

Banana is a natural antacid. It forms a coating on the stomach which helps to reduce irritation and pain. But only ripe bananas are recommended. Unripe bananas have a high acid content and also starches that have not been converted to sugar. It is difficult to digest an unripe banana.

Ginger

Ginger aids digestion and is also a very good remedy for heartburn. Add a few slices of ginger to water and boil it. Strain the liquid after 15 minutes. Drink it several times at intervals till you get rid of the symptoms. Ginger candy is also very useful. Chew a small piece of ginger candy. If the symptoms persist chew one more.

Licorice Root

Licorice root is a very good remedy for heartburn. It can reduce the inflammation and protect the stomach. But licorice root should not be taken for long periods as it increases blood pressure.

Turmeric

Turmeric can improve digestion and also prevent heartburn. Add half tsp of turmeric to milk and drink it before meals.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera will provide a protective coating on the esophagus and stomach lining. Drink a glass of aloe vera juice before you have food. It can also be mixed with a non-acidic fruits like apple or grapes if you don’t like the taste. Keep drinking the juice till you get rid of all the symptoms.

Vinegar

Even though vinegar is an acid, it helps to neutralize the stomach acid. As vinegar is likely to damage teeth, it should be followed by a glass of water.

Almond Oil

Almond oil can neutralize stomach acids. Drop 2-3 drops of almond oil on your tongue and follow it with a glass of water.

Baking Soda

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) can provide immediate relief. But it can raise blood pressure, if used frequently.

These are some of the indigestion and heartburn remedies.  

Home Remedies for Sore Throat

Methods to Get Rid of Throat Pain    
                                                                                                                                                                         Salt water gargle, apple cider vinegar, ginger and honey are some of the home remedies for sore throat.
                                                                                                                                                               

When you have a sore throat you feel extremely uncomfortable. You experience throat pain and difficulty to swallow. Some of the major causes of sore throat are virus, bacteria or fungus. A variety of illnesses like laryngitis, pharyingitis, and tonsillitis can also cause sore throat. It is a very common problem. Several home remedies for sore throat are available.

Salt Water Gargle

Salt water gargle very common home remedy for sore throat. Add a tbsp of common salt to a glass of warm water. Gargle this once every two hours. Salt is a disinfectant and warm water helps to get rid of phlegm in the throat.

Turmeric and Milk

Turmeric and milk is another good home remedy for sore throat. You can add a tbsp of turmeric and honey to hot water and drink it quickly. The water should be sufficiently hot but should not singe your throat. You can drink this 3-4 times a day.

Licorice Root

Tea made from licorice root has been used as home remedy for sore throat for a long time. Add 5 gm of licorice root to a glass water and boil it. Drink it several times a day. Licorice root helps to soothe the mucous membranes of the throat. It also has the properties of an expectorant and helps ease the symptoms of cough and congestion.

Cinnamon and Milk

Take a glass of milk and add

1 tsp of honey

1 tbsp of sugar

2 pinches of baking soda

Boil the mixture. And drink it when it is hot but not hot enough scald to your throat.

Instead of baking soda Cinnamon can be added to the combination of milk, sugar and honey. It is also very effective in providing relief.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Take a glass of water. Heat it till it become warm. Add

1 tsp Powdered black pepper

2 tsp Honey

2 tsp Apple cider vinegar

You can gargle with this liquid once every 2 hours till you get rid of the sore throat.

Ginger tea

Ginger is a very good remedy for sore throat. Take a glass of water. Add

4 slices of fresh ginger

1 tbsp of honey

1 tsp of lemon juice

Boil the water. You can drink the concoction several times a day or use it for gargling.

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm bark is another good home remedy for sore throat. Slippery elm is a tree that grows in North America. The bark of the tree can be powdered and added to water.  Drinking this liquid helps to soothe the inflammation of the mucous membranes.

All these remedies are quite safe and effective. Avoid smoking when you have sore throat. Also avoid cold food and drinks. You should have plenty of rest which helps to fight infection. Even if you are on antibiotics these home remedies will help to speed up the healing process.

These are some of the home remedies for sore throat. 

Natural Antihistamines Foods for Allergies

Generally antihistamines are a class of drugs. Antihistamines block the release of histamines in the body. But several natural foods and herbs contain antihistamines. These natural antihistamines block the release of histamines without the side effects of drugs. 

 Goldenseal:Source: Wikimedia Commons 

Your body releases histamines when you eat or inhale a substance for which you are allergic. Generally your immune system protects you against harmful foreign substances. But at times the immune system reacts to harmless substances like pollen, dust, insect bites and even against medications. This leads to the production of histamines in the body. This will result in inflammatory response by the body like itching, respiratory problems, sneezing, vomiting and diarrhea.

Herbs with Antihistamines

Some of the following herbs have properties of antihistamines

Goldenseal

Goldenseal is a plant found in North America. The root of the plant has a variety of medicinal uses. It contains a compound called berberine. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It is especially effective against the infection of the mucus membranes. It is also used to treat eczema, heartburn and infections of the throat, urinary tract and stomach. It can be used to cure minor cuts and bruises. It is very effective against chest congestion. But it is advisable to take goldenseal for short periods of not more than three weeks. It might become toxic if it is taken for longer periods.

Green Tea antihistamine

Green tea is a very strong antihistamine. It is particularly helpful to treat  allergic skin reactions. It helps to treat hives. Hives is an allergic reaction which causes itchiness, redness and swelling of skin. Green tea helps to reduce the skin reaction. It is necessary to drink 3-4 cups of green tea every day to reduce hives. Green tea helps to minimize the reaction.

Ginger antihistamine


Ginger is a very good antihistamine. It is very helpful in treating respiratory disorders. It acts as a natural decongestant and expectorant.It helps to fight allergic colds, sinus infections and flu.It can ease breathing by dilating the bronchial tubes. Ginger tea is a very good remedy for hives.

Chamomile antihistamine

Chamomile contains a compound called quercetin. It has antihistamine properties. Chamomile tea can be prepared with the addition of ginger and honey. As all three of them have antihistamine properties and will give good results. Aroma therapists use chamomile tea to massage the skin to cure skin allergies.

Stinging Nettle antihistamine

Stinging nettle is a perennially flowering plant which grows in Europe, Asia and America. It has very good anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce the effects of hay fever and seasonal allergies. But stinging nettle should not be used if you have kidney problem, heart disease or diabetes.

Licorice root

Licorice root is a very effective remedy for bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and hay fever. Drinking licorice root tea is recommended for a variety of diseases. It helps to loosen the phlegm and reduce congestion for bronchial asthma patients. It inhibits the release of histamines and also has expectorant properties. 

These are some of the natural anti histamine foods for allergy