10 Natural Home Remedies for Acidity

An excess or imbalance of digestive acids produced by the stomach can cause a stomach ache, gas, nausea, bad breath and other symptoms. It is a common problem that affects people of all ages.

Those who suffer frequently from acidity problems may refer to having an “acid stomach.” Eating spicy foods, lack of exercise, irregular eating habits, stress, or drinking alcohol frequently can lead to acidity problems.

Some simple natural remedies can be used to treat stomach acidity. For instance, simply drinking a little water will help neutralize and flush out excess acid from your stomach.

If you frequently suffer from acidity, drink a glass of lukewarm water every day before going to sleep and immediately after waking up in the morning. Do not drink water during or immediately after a meal though, as it can lead to improper digestion that can contribute to acidity.

There are many more simple ingredients available in your kitchen or refrigerator that can be used to get relief from stomach acidity.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for acidity.

1. Basil Leaves

The soothing and carminative properties of basil leaves can give you instant relief from acidity, gas and nausea.

• Simply eat some basil leaves at the first sign of acid upset. Be sure to chew them thoroughly.
• Another option is to boil three to five basil leaves in a cup of water and then let it simmer for a few minutes. You can sweeten this basil tea with honey. Do not add milk, though. Sip it frequently.

2. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is good for your digestive health. It works as a natural antacid and helps dispel stomach gas.

1. Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of water.
2. Bring it to a boil and then allow it to steep for a few minutes.
3. Drink this cinnamon tea two to three times a day.

You can also add cinnamon powder to your soup or salad.

3. Buttermilk

Another simple home remedy for acidity is buttermilk. It contains lactic acid that normalizes the acidity in the stomach. You can buy buttermilk or make it yourself.

• Grind half to one teaspoon of fenugreek seeds with a little water to make a paste. Mix it in a glass of plain buttermilk, also called chaas, and consume it to relieve stomach ache caused by acidity.
• Or, you can simply drink plain buttermilk several times a day until you get relief. Mix in a little black pepper or one teaspoon of ground coriander leaves for best results.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Though acidic in nature, apple cider vinegar has an alkalizing effect. Thus, it helps treat stomach acidity.

• Simply mix one or two teaspoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a cup of water.
• Drink it once or twice a day. You can also drink it before meals.

5. Cloves

Cloves can help alleviate acidity and dispel gas due to their carminative effect that increases hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Contrary to the popular belief, acidity can be caused due to low stomach acid too.

• Chew two to three cloves thoroughly so that the juices are released into your system.
• Eating crushed cloves and cardamom mixed in equal amounts can help minimize acid trouble and freshen bad breath that often accompanies this problem.

6. Cumin Seeds

Cumin seeds can also be used to treat acidity as cumin works as a great acid neutralizer. Also, it aids in digestion and relieves stomach pain.

• Slightly crush some roasted cumin seeds and stir it into a glass of water. Drink it after every meal.
• You can also boil one teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of water, strain it and then drink the water after your meal.
• Another option is to mix one teaspoon each of coriander seed powder, cumin seed powder, fennel seed powder and some sugar in one-half cup of water. Drink it on an empty stomach.

7. Ginger

The anti-inflammatory properties in ginger help treat acidity. Ginger juice can also neutralize stomach acids.

• During acidity just chew a slice of fresh ginger.
• You can also put some fresh ginger slices in a cup of boiling water, let it steep for a few minutes and then drink it.
• Even a spoonful of ginger juice taken two to three times a day can provide relief from acidity.

8. Jaggery

Ever wondered why our elders finish a meal with gur? “Due to its high magnesium content, jaggery helps boost intestinal strength”, says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Fortis Hospital, New Delhi. It aids digestion and makes your digestive system more alkaline in nature, thus reducing stomach acidity. Suck on a small piece of gur after a meal, and reap the benefits. Since jaggery also helps maintain normal body temperature, cooling the stomach – experts recommend drinking Gur Sharbat (jaggery soaked in ice cold water) during the summer.

9. Cold Milk

Milk can help stabilize gastric acids in the stomach and give you relief from acidity. Milk is rich in calcium, which prevents build-up of stomach acid. Simply drink a glass of cold milk  to prevent or soothe acidity problems.

Next time you suffer from acidity, try these remedies. If you do not get relief within a day or two, consult a doctor.

10. Fennel

You can also “chew sauf after meals, to prevent acidity”, advises Nutritionist Anshul Jaibharat. “For its multitude of gastrointestinal benefits, fennel tea is sure to help the digestive tract be healthy and happy. The tea is considered very useful to help indigestion and bloating because of the oils found in these seeds”, according to Shilpa Arora ND, a renowned Health Practitioner, Nutritionist and certified Macrobiotic Health Coach.

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