Home Remedies for Indigestion

Simple home steps often ease mild, occasional indigestion. They do not replace a medical check for persistent symptoms.

What may help

• Eat smaller meals, slowly, and chew well.
• Sit upright during and after meals. Do not lie down for 2 to 3 hours.
• Sip warm water.
• A short, gentle walk after meals.
• Ginger tea or a few slices of fresh ginger in warm water.
• Fennel seeds (saunf) or ajwain after meals, in small amounts, if they suit you.
• Try buttermilk or plain curd if tolerated.

Triggers to cut back on

• Spicy, fried and very oily foods
• Fizzy drinks, alcohol and too much tea or coffee
• Chewing gum and smoking
• Late, heavy dinners

Comfort

• Loosen tight clothes.
• Raise the head of the bed if symptoms occur at night.
• Rest, and manage stress with slow breathing.

What to avoid

• Do not use painkillers like ibuprofen for the discomfort, as they irritate the stomach.
• Do not use baking soda regularly, as it can upset the body's salt balance.
• Avoid home remedies for black stools, vomiting blood, severe pain or chest pain. Seek care.

Children and infants

• Do not give herbal remedies to infants unless a paediatrician advises it.
• Never give honey to a baby under 12 months.

Key point

See a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 weeks, or any alarm sign appears.

Before your appointment

Note when symptoms started, how they relate to meals, and what makes them better or worse. List all medicines, especially painkillers, and any herbal products. Mention weight loss, vomiting, black stools, trouble swallowing, family history of stomach problems, smoking and alcohol. Ask about tests such as an H. pylori test or endoscopy, and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.