What to Take For Stomach Pain: Natural Remedies & Medications

To help relieve stomach pain, you can try natural remedies like fennel tea, turmeric tea, or boldo tea. These have anti-inflammatory, digestive, and pain-relieving properties that can ease discomfort and burning sensations in the stomach.

Stomach pain can have many causes. It may be related to diet, certain medical conditions, or even emotional factors such as anxiety or stress.

If the pain doesn’t go away or comes with symptoms like frequent vomiting, dizziness, or fainting, it’s important to see a gastroenterologist. The doctor can determine the cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include medications such as omeprazole, magnesium hydroxide, or clarithromycin.

Doctor reviewing results with patient

Home remedies

Some home remedies can help relieve stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, and discomfort, and may be used alongside medical treatment.

1. Fennel tea

Fennel tea has pain-relieving and antispasmodic properties. Drinking 2 cups per day can help ease indigestion, gastritis, and abdominal bloating.

2. Raw potato juice

Raw potato juice, made by grating, pressing, and straining a raw potato, can help neutralize stomach acid and relieve pain caused by acid reflux, heartburn, or gastritis.

3. Turmeric tea

Turmeric tea contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can help with gas, indigestion, and bloating. It can be consumed 2 to 3 times per day to complement medical treatment for stomach pain.

4. Chamomile tea

Chamomile tea can be used as a natural remedy to relieve stomach pain. It has calming and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the stomach lining and reduce discomfort caused by gastritis or acid reflux.

5. Boldo tea

Boldo tea has digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic effects that help improve digestion, lower acidity, and promote fat breakdown. It can relieve stomach pain caused by indigestion or gastritis. Boldo tea can be made with dried or fresh leaves and consumed 2 to 3 times daily.

Pharmacy medicines

The main pharmacy medicines a gastroenterologist may recommend for stomach pain include:

1. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be prescribed to relieve stomach pain due to its pain-relieving effects. It’s available in tablet or liquid form and should be used only under medical supervision.

2. Sucralfate

Sucralfate is a stomach-protective medication that helps relieve pain and burning sensations caused by chronic gastritis or stomach ulcers. It works by forming a protective barrier that prevents stomach acid from damaging the lining of the stomach and esophagus. Another option a doctor may prescribe is bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol).

3. Magnesium hydroxide

Magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) is an antacid that helps neutralize stomach acid and relieve pain, heartburn, and burning sensations caused by indigestion, gastritis, reflux, or ulcers. Other antacids that may be prescribed include calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate.

4. Omeprazole

Omeprazole, as well as pantoprazole and lansoprazole, are proton pump inhibitors that reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. These medications help relieve pain and discomfort caused by ulcers, reflux, or gastritis.

5. Clarithromycin

Clarithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat stomach pain caused by gastritis or ulcers due to Helicobacter pylori infection. It’s usually prescribed with other antibiotics such as amoxicillin and metronidazole and should be taken only under medical supervision.

Prevention tips

To prevent stomach pain, it’s recommended to:

  • Avoid fatty foods such as fried items, chips, and ice cream

  • Avoid alcoholic beverages such as wine and beer

  • Avoid sodas and carbonated drinks

  • Avoid sweets like cakes, candies, chocolate, and ice cream

  • Avoid smoking

  • Eat healthy foods like fresh fruits, whole grains, salads, vegetables, legumes, and lean meats

  • Manage stress and anxiety

  • Exercise regularly

These lifestyle changes are essential to help reduce stomach acidity, one of the main causes of stomach pain.