By: Douglas Black,

Imagine how you would feel if everything you ate brought about pain and discomfort. For those with chronic indigestion, this is the everyday way of life.

When you have chronic indigestion, taking medication on a daily basis becomes tedious. Wouldn’t you rather be able to control your indigestion while reducing your medication intake? There are many natural remedies that you can try, each offering to reduce the effects of acid reflux, heartburn and indigestion. It can be the natural alternative you need.

Medicated antacids can have nasty side effects, and the high aluminum content is some of these medications may even be attributed to senility and Alzheimer’s disease. Using natural remedies, on the other hand, can bring non-medicated relief.

Aniseed or Anise: This powerful herb that is known to sooth the discomfort of digestive conditions, while providing other healthy benefits to your body. There is more than one type of anise, and it’s important to take the right one. Ask your health food store for the ash-colored varieties of anise, commonly known as green, sweet or European anise. Other types such as star anise and caraway, though popular in cooking, should not be used to aid in digestion.

Natural Chicory Root: A bitter herb that contains both escarole and endive. You can make a chicory tea by boiling one and a half cups of water with chicory root for five to ten minutes. Allow the tea to cool, and drink it to sooth your heartburn, indigestion and acid reflux. Chicory root can also be added to your salad to aid in digestion.

Cinnamon: Soups, stews, baking and more. Cinnamon is a welcome addition to all kinds of foods, and it’s a tasty way to combat stomach discomfort. Cinnamon has an antiseptic effect, and may be able to settle acidic stomachs. Many people choose cinnamon as it gives food a unique flavor, while offering soothing relief.

Grapefruit Zest: Eating a whole grapefruit can cause digestive distress, but some people swear by grapefruit peel as a helpful remedy. Grate the entire outer skin of a grapefruit, and then allow the shavings, or “zest”, to dry. Once fully dried, the zest can be stored safely. When indigestion strikes, try chewing the dried peel as a remedy to help settle your stomach. All you need is a nibble, so be careful not to overdo this.

Sweet Lavender: A sweet-smelling herb that is also highly respected for its many soothing properties. Used by many to treat both internal and external conditions, lavender can relieve stomach discomforts and reduce the amount of acid in your stomach.

Natural Papaya: A delicious tropical fruit that naturally contains papain, a digestive enzyme. This enzyme is excellent for protein digestion, and can be taken with every meal. Some sources suggest taking 500 mg or more of papaya enzymes per meal, but you must determine the best dosage for you. Speak with your health practitioner or natural health advisor.

Tried-and True Peppermint: There’s a reason that so many restaurants offer peppermints on the check tray. It’s one of the most popular and time-tested natural remedies for indigestion. Peppermint is a natural digestive aid that brings welcome relief from cramps, gas, ulcers and other stomach problems. This is why restaurants have traditionally served peppermints on the check tray.

Pineapple: These fruits are rich in a number of naturally occurring enzymes including bromelain, which reduces protein. This natural wonder may help to support digestion, reduce the inflammation caused by digestion, and even support the healing of damaged esophagus tissues. Fresh pineapple juice has a high level of enzymes that can help put an end to your indigestion. You can also choose to purchase bromelain in capsule form, and take 200 to 500mg per meal. Again, ask an expert before taking any dietary supplements.

If you suffer from chronic indigestion, there are many natural remedies that may bring about the relief you need. Many people choose natural remedies over medicated treatments to avoid side effects and potentially hazardous long-term effects. Speak with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the natural alternatives that are best suited to your condition and your lifestyle.

Essayist Joelle Applebe is a freelancer for several web sites, on life fitness and home health care topics.

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