Almost everyone has had a stomach ache at some point that uncomfortable feeling in your belly that makes you restless, nauseous, or even scared to eat. For kids, it can mean hours of crying and loss of appetite. For adults, it can ruin a whole day of productivity.
The truth is, most stomach aches are not serious. They’re often caused by gas, indigestion, overeating, mild infections, or stress. And in most cases, they can be treated safely at home without running to the pharmacy.
Nature has provided plenty of safe and effective ways to soothe an upset stomach. From herbs like ginger and peppermint to simple tricks like warm compresses and fluids, your kitchen can easily turn into your mini-pharmacy.
In this article, we’ll cover 15 natural remedies for stomach aches that work for both kids and adults, how to prepare them, and when to use caution.
15 Natural Remedies for Stomach Aches
1. Ginger
Ginger is one of the best and most studied natural treatments for stomach problems. It’s known for reducing nausea, improving digestion, and calming cramps. Ginger contains a compound called gingerol that fights inflammation and helps food move through the digestive system more smoothly.
How to use:
Peel and slice about 1–2 inches of fresh ginger. Add it to a cup of boiling water and simmer for 5–10 minutes to make ginger tea. Strain, let it cool slightly, and drink warm. You can add a teaspoon of honey or lemon to improve the taste (avoid honey for babies under 1 year).
If you’re traveling or don’t have fresh ginger, ginger candies or ginger chews also help.
For children: Give a mild dose — a small knotted slice or ½ teaspoon of grated ginger in warm water.
Avoid: Giving ginger on an empty stomach to very young kids, as it can cause mild irritation.
2. Peppermint
Peppermint is another powerful herb for stomach relief. It contains menthol, which helps muscles in the digestive tract relax, reducing cramps and gas. It’s especially useful for people with indigestion or irritable bowel symptoms.
How to use:
Brew a peppermint or spearmint tea bag in hot water for about 5–10 minutes. Sip slowly and enjoy the soothing aroma. Kids can also suck on peppermint candies or chew a small fresh leaf after meals.
Extra tip: You can inhale peppermint oil steam (add a few drops to hot water) to calm nausea.
Caution: Avoid peppermint for infants with reflux because it can relax the muscle that keeps acid from rising into the throat.
3. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is gentle and calming, perfect for both adults and kids with stomach aches caused by stress or cramping. It reduces inflammation and relaxes the digestive muscles.
How to use:
Steep one chamomile tea bag or 1–2 teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Drink warm, and you can add a little honey if desired.
Why it works: Chamomile contains natural compounds that ease bloating and smooth out digestion.
Caution: Avoid chamomile if you’re allergic to ragweed, daisies, or similar plants.
4. Fennel Seeds
If your stomach ache is caused by gas or bloating, fennel seeds can be a lifesaver. They contain oils that relax the intestinal muscles and prevent gas buildup.
How to use:
Crush ½ to 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds and steep them in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Strain and drink warm. You can also chew a pinch of fennel seeds after meals — a common practice in many Asian and African homes.
Safe for: Toddlers and older children (in small amounts).
Note: Overusing fennel can cause mild nausea, so keep it moderate.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) supports digestion by balancing stomach acid levels and encouraging enzyme production. It’s especially helpful when indigestion or bloating is the problem.
How to use:
Mix 1 tablespoon of raw ACV in a cup of warm water and drink slowly. You can add a teaspoon of honey or lemon for flavor.
Caution: Always dilute ACV — undiluted vinegar can burn your throat and damage teeth. Avoid it for babies and people with severe acid reflux.
6. The BRAT Diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast)
When you or your child has nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting, the stomach needs rest. That’s where the BRAT diet comes in — it consists of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast.
Each food is gentle, bland, and easy to digest:
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Bananas: Replenish potassium and energy.
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Rice: Helps bind the stomach and reduce loose stools.
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Applesauce: Adds pectin, which firms stool and soothes the gut.
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Toast or crackers: Neutralize acid and calm hunger.
Start small and reintroduce normal food once the stomach settles. The BRAT diet is ideal for both kids and adults recovering from mild stomach bugs.
7. Stay Hydrated
When you’re dealing with vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach flu, staying hydrated is critical. Dehydration worsens cramps and delays recovery.
How to stay hydrated:
Sip water throughout the day. Try herbal teas like peppermint or ginger, clear soups, or electrolyte drinks. Coconut water and diluted fruit juice are also good options.
Tip for kids: Give small sips or ice chips every few minutes instead of large gulps to avoid triggering nausea.
Avoid: Sugary sodas, coffee, and energy drinks — they can irritate the stomach further.
8. Warm Compress or Heat Therapy
Applying heat can quickly reduce pain from stomach cramps or bloating. Heat helps muscles relax and improves blood flow in the abdominal area.
How to use:
Use a warm (not hot) heating pad, water bottle, or towel on the stomach for 10–15 minutes. For children, always test the temperature first to avoid burns.
Alternative: A warm bath can also bring relief and relaxation.
9. Baking Soda
Baking soda is one of the oldest home remedies for acid-related stomach pain. It neutralizes excess acid, relieving heartburn and indigestion.
How to use:
Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda in ½ cup of water and drink slowly.
Caution: Don’t use this regularly, as too much can disturb the body’s salt balance. Avoid for infants and people with high blood pressure.
10. Basil
Basil leaves are not just for cooking — they’re also great for digestion. Basil contains compounds that fight gas, inflammation, and stomach spasms.
How to use:
Crush a few fresh basil leaves and steep them in hot water for 5 minutes. Drink warm, or chew the leaves after meals.
It’s safe and mild enough for children too.
11. Licorice Root Tea
Licorice root is known for coating and soothing the stomach lining, making it ideal for people with ulcers or acid irritation.
How to use:
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root or powder in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Strain and drink warm.
Caution: Too much licorice can raise blood pressure and lower potassium levels. Use it sparingly — one or two cups a day is enough.
For kids, go for deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) — a safer version that doesn’t affect blood pressure.
12. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera juice is often used to cool acid reflux and mild stomach irritation. The juice from the inner gel of the aloe plant helps soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.
How to use:
Drink 1–2 ounces of pure aloe vera juice before or after meals. Choose a product labeled “for internal use.”
Caution: Too much can act as a laxative and cause diarrhea. Start with small doses.
13. Fiber-Rich Foods (Figs, Prunes, Flaxseed)
If your stomach pain is caused by constipation, fiber can help relieve it. Fiber softens stools and promotes regular bowel movement.
How to use:
Eat 2–3 dried figs or prunes a day. You can also soak them overnight in water and drink the liquid in the morning. Add ground flaxseed to your smoothie or oatmeal.
Tip: Increase fiber gradually and drink plenty of water to avoid bloating.
Avoid: High-fiber foods during diarrhea — they can worsen symptoms.
14. Cumin (Jeera) Water
Cumin seeds are commonly used in traditional medicine to ease bloating, gas, and indigestion. They’re safe, natural, and gentle on the stomach.
How to use:
Roast or boil 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water. Let it steep for 5–10 minutes, strain, and drink warm.
Extra benefit: Cumin water improves digestion after heavy meals. You can also chew a few cumin seeds directly after eating.
15. Probiotic Yogurt
Your gut health depends on the balance between good and bad bacteria. When this balance is off, you may experience stomach pain, bloating, or diarrhea.
Probiotic yogurt helps restore healthy gut bacteria and improves digestion.
How to use:
Eat a small bowl of plain, unsweetened yogurt with live cultures once or twice daily. Avoid sugary flavored yogurts — they can worsen stomach issues.
For kids: Full-fat plain yogurt works well. It’s easy to digest and supports gut health after antibiotic use or a stomach bug.
When to See a Doctor
Home remedies can treat most mild stomach aches. However, seek medical help if you notice:
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Sharp or persistent pain that lasts more than two days
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Vomiting blood or dark material
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Blood in the stool
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High fever or dehydration
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Severe bloating or pain after eating certain foods regularly
These could signal ulcers, gallstones, infections, or other serious conditions.
Final Thoughts
You don’t always need medicine to handle a stomach ache. Many of the best solutions are natural and already in your kitchen — ginger, mint, fennel, yogurt, or even warm water.
For kids, always start with gentle remedies like chamomile tea, hydration, or the BRAT diet. For adults, combine herbal teas, light meals, and rest to help your stomach recover.
The key is to listen to your body. If your stomach pain keeps coming back, don’t ignore it. A simple change in diet, stress, or hydration can make a big difference.
Taking care of your digestion naturally helps your body heal faster and keeps your gut strong — for both you and your family.