Natural substitute for indigestion?

[Minner77]

Hello!

I'm wondering if anyone has any natural cures for indigestion -- other than peppermint, which I'm not allowed to take because it causes relaxes the esophogeal sphincter, and I have significant problems with my esophagus (read: everything comes right back up!).

I already take twice the normal daily dose of Nexium (as in 80 mg a day), keep a close eye on what I eat and drink, elevate my torso when I sleep, etc. etc. -- yet still significant trouble. I still take too many Tums, Pepto B, and such, and would love to find something else -- esp. something inexpensive. Ginger, BTW, doesn't seem to help me much...

... Nothing really does, unfortunately! I'm also a chronic migraneur and insomniac. I'll bother y'all later about those, but this was an easier one to start with. (And, I just downed a couple more Tums --- and Excedrin Migraine and Ultracet [doctor strictly limits the Excedrin; causes rebounds, but tomorrow's Easter and I'm desperate and having a pity party... help??? Pretty please????)

Blessings,
Mary

[Englishlady]

I have always found a good strong cup of Fennell herbal tea works very well! ( I put 2 bags in each cup and let brew for five mins).

This is also a winner for those with trapped gas :smile:

Licorice Herbal tea is also very good too as it soothes the mucous membranes, it is also very tasty!( again I always use 2 bags)
Yogi Brand is available in the US and if not in a local shop I am sure you could get it on line.............
I hope that helps?

[MandiDawn]

I have pretty bad problems with my stomach - to much acid produced combined with IBS and I'm always constipated with bouts of horrible direhha (sp). Not to mention really bad gas - I watch what I eat, (and drink - coffee is a big no-no) and I take protonix. It's been a lifesaver. While it dosen't cure it, It has allowed me to function again - go to work normally, go out for an evening, have friends again. Ask your doctor if you can try it, you need a prescription, but it might help you.
Sorry you have to go thru this, I also have bad headaches from sinuses, and I hope for a day when I can just feel normal again. I evny people who just get up and live their lives, without any thought of sickness or problems. sigh.
It's ok to have a pity party sometimes, we all need it.

[Vannie]

My dad used to drink about an ounce of apple cide vinegar for his heartburn (I am assuming that is also called indigestion?) Sometimes my mom would mix the vinegar with a little honey if we had it.

I hope you had no problems today.

[Minner77]

Thanks, you guys! Always glad to try new things.

So sorry, Mandi, that you share the headaches, too... I'm hoping for a "normL day, as well!

Mary

[ama]

let us know if any of these things help -- i'm curious too!

[leezza]

Minner,

Vannie's idea is very good, (this idea is also in the book "Dead doctors don't lie).

leezza idea: at the health food store they have Papaya pills that you chew after you eat your meals, (make sure to get some that have a bit a sweetner for taste). My sister got these for me and they really helped alot!

leezza

[Libby]

Wow papaya pills? Are they pricey? After all they are found in a health food store

I've done the cider vinegar trick for my allergies. I use 2 tsp in ice cold water - 1 cup (250 ml) and took it each nite after dinner before bed. For added variety I'd use boiled water with 1/2 tsp of honey. Thats VERY soothing - home remedy version of Neo Citran. Zonks me right out!

I know the vinegar trick has helped me with my allergies to get it under control, Im less sensitive to dust etc. Helped settle my stomach after dinner - gas, bloating and nausea even LOL Not all the time but it does sooth most of the time. And it clears up any mucous (sp?) so it just coughs right up as opposed to clinging to your insides.

Overall I'd reccomend trying it. I think you can mix honey and cider vinegar to make a cough suppressant too. But the mixture of the two taken daily for almost 2 months has actually kept me relatively healthy. Im very prone to germs and falling ill...if you were to be sick with a cold and look my way - I'd catch it. So far so good - knock on wood!

[Nutter]

Try boldo.. its well known for indigestion

Nut

[staceyy]

A lot of people use baking soda and water. My grandmother used to mix, water, apple cider vinegar, honey and baking soda together.

[Minner77]

Wow, you guys! I've been too swamped to check back for a little while (any natural cure for surviving teenagers? mine went skitching - riding a skateboard while holding onto the side mirror of a car -- and got badly hurt - and I've not had time to check in.

I can't wait to try these, esp. the vinegar one, because I can do that tonight without a trip to town (an hour round trip). I like the papaya tip, because, while I sure can't remember it now, I recall that it has other benefits. About the licorice: isn't it hard to find in pure form? I live in a fairly small town, but we do have a dandy health store with a fantastic manager.

Thanks a bunch, really. I already had severe indigestion before the new stress.

NOT happy about the coffee thing. I do know better, but I already really limit my diet, and as I tell my doctor, I don't drink, don't smoke, don't swear, and go to Mass regularly. I need a vice! So I told him that if he made me give up coffee, I was going to take up smoking. Sigh. I sleep with my head elevated and everything.... (oh, and I'm drinkin coffee now... my modification is to add cream to cut the tannic acid; I prefer it black as I'm a true fan!). I try to drink tea and green tea to lessen it a tad and add some antioxidants, and when DH is gone I no longer drink the whole pot by myself anymore just because. Waahhhhh!!!

Okay... I digress. Back to my original thank you......

Blessings,
Mary

[santoria]

ginger works for me....

[Scattymum]

bread soda mixed with a little water, tastes revolting but does the job! I had pretty horrible heartburn with both pg and this really helped

I think what we call bread soda you may call baking soda?

[miss_thrifty]

1 tsp baking soda in glass of water will get those bubbles coming right up., only thing that i used when I was pregnant.

[krisathome]

Another baking soda and water user here. It works most everytime for me and I don't feel like I am using so many OTC products.