6 Home Remedies That Get Rid of Indigestion Fast

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a term used to describe stomach upset, especially after eating. Indigestion can cause symptoms like:

• Heartburn

• Stomach pain

• Bloating

• Gassiness

• Feeling overly full after eating

Eating too fast or eating too much food can trigger indigestion. But so can medical conditions, like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Ingestion is uncomfortable, so it's normal to want to get rid of indigestion fast. There's no way to instantly relieve indigestion: It takes a little time for your stomach and the rest of your gut to calm down. But there are home remedies for indigestion that can help ease your symptoms faster. Here are 6 home remedies for quick indigestion relief.

1. Antacids

Antacids are medications that neutralize stomach acids. This can help relieve indigestion symptoms, especially heartburn.

Antacids contain calcium, magnesium, and/or aluminum. There are several brands of antacids available over the counter (OTC), including:

• Tums

• Milk of Magnesia

• Rolaids

• Mylanta

Antacids come in several forms and flavors. You can try chewable tablets, liquids, or effervescent dissolving tablets. Most people notice relief within minutes of taking an antacid.

Each brand has its own dosing instructions. Make sure to read the labels so you know how much to take and how often you can take a dose.

2. Herbal teas

Herbal teas can help soothe indigestion and upset stomachs. The best herbal teas for digestion health include chamomile and peppermint tea.

Peppermint tea contains menthol, which can relax digestive tract muscles. Chamomile tea also relaxes the muscles in the digestive tract. This can help relieve gas, cramps, and bloating.

You can make peppermint or chamomile tea using store-bought tea bags. Just steep the tea bags in hot water for the time recommended on the package. To make peppermint tea, you can also steep fresh peppermint leaves in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.

Let your tea cool slightly and then sip it slowly over 10 to 15 minutes. You should start to feel better within 20 minutes.

3. Baking soda

Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate, which acts as a natural antacid. If you don't have antacids at home, or prefer to avoid medication, baking soda can stand in as an alternative indigestion remedy.

Here's how to try baking soda for indigestion at home:

• Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda with 4 oz (125 mL) of room temperature water until the baking soda is fully dissolved.

• Drink the mixture over about 5 minutes. Don't gulp it down.

• You should start feeling relief within 15 minutes.

Keep in mind: Baking soda can interfere with your body's ability to absorb other medications. Avoid taking any medications within 2 hours of drinking baking soda for indigestion relief.

4. Aloe vera

Aloe vera leaves contain a thick gel that can be used to ease a variety of medical concerns. Aloe vera gel can be mixed with water to make aloe vera juice.

Aloe vera juice is thought to ease indigestion and other gut symptoms by easing inflammation. In one study, people who took aloe vera syrup noted heartburn relief. Aloe vera may also help the gut move and ease constipation. These effects may help lessen your indigestion.

You can buy fresh aloe vera leaves and remove the gel yourself. Then, try mixing the gel with water or in a smoothie. You can also drink pre-made aloe vera juice.

5. Ginger

Ginger root can help fight indigestion symptoms. It's especially good at relieving nausea. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help your overall digestion.

There are many ways to use ginger root to help ease stomach upset:

• Try brewing ginger tea. To do this, grate fresh ginger root into boiling water. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain the tea before drinking.

• You can also use store-bought ginger tea bags.

Some people eat fresh ginger root to fight off nausea. Ginger has a potent flavor that isn't pleasant for everyone. You can try mincing a teaspoon of ginger and mixing it with honey to make it easier to eat the ginger.

6. Fennel

Fennel is an herb. Its seeds contain compounds that may relieve bloating and gas. Fennel seeds have a sweet, licorice-like taste and are often used in cooking.

Fennel seeds are available in most grocery stores. Some people chew a small pinch of fennel seeds for indigestion relief. But it's probably better to make fennel seeds into a tea. To make tea with fennel seeds:

• Crush half a teaspoon of fennel seeds.

• Steep them in hot water for 5 to 10 minutes.

• Strain the tea before drinking.

• You should feel relief in about 30 minutes.

Fennel may be natural, but it isn't safe for everyone. You should avoid fennel if you're pregnant, nursing, or taking certain medicines, such as:

• Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

• Tamoxifen

• Birth control pills

• Hormone replacement therapy

When should you seek care for indigestion?

Talk with your primary care provider if you're experiencing indigestion after most meals and it's not getting better within 2 weeks. This could be a sign of an underlying medical condition that needs more evaluation and treatment.

Seek immediate medical care if you're experiencing indigestion along with any of these symptoms:

• Pain in your chest, jaw, neck, or arm

• Shortness of breath

• Difficulty swallowing or painful swallowing

• Unintentional weight loss

• Vomiting

• Severe pain in your stomach that doesn't go away

These are signs of more serious medical conditions that need urgent treatment.