How to relieve indigestion quickly
“I shouldn’t have taken that last bite.”
We’ve all been there—stuffed, bloated, and full of regret. When your stomach is in rebellion, knowing how to relieve indigestion quickly is more than useful; it’s urgent.
Whether it’s a heavy meal, stress, or a poorly timed snack, indigestion strikes fast and hard. Here are 7 practical methods to ease discomfort and restore balance—straight from traditional wisdom and proven natural remedies.
How to Relieve Indigestion Quickly: Try Melon Stems
In older times, when medicine was scarce, people turned to what they had—like melon stems. Cantaloupe, watermelon, pumpkin, and even cucumber stems were known to induce vomiting and relieve acute indigestion. It may sound old-fashioned, but many swear by its fast-acting effect.
Use Grated Daikon or Radish Juice to Digest Starchy Foods
A common home remedy in East Asia, grated radish (especially daikon) helps break down starchy foods. Ever noticed how noodle shops serve pickled radish? It’s not just for taste. It actually aids digestion. For oily foods, opt for warm teas like roasted barley tea, tangerine peel tea, or kuding tea to flush the fat out.
Herbal Teas: Ginger or Plum for Quick Comfort
A warm cup of ginger tea helps if you’re feeling cold and bloated. It warms the stomach and promotes circulation. If your symptoms stem from acid reflux or sluggish digestion, try plum tea. Its sourness stimulates digestive enzymes and soothes stomach cramps. Just remember—ginger tea isn’t ideal for those with a naturally hot constitution.
Reverse the Flow: Yoga Poses Like Plow or Bow
Changing your posture can change how your stomach functions. The “plow pose” (legs over head while lying on your back) can help reverse pressure and stimulate the digestive tract. Similarly, the “bow pose,” where you lie on your belly and pull your ankles toward your head, helps massage your abdominal organs and kickstart digestion.
Acupressure: Stimulate the Quchi Point
Bend your elbow. That soft hollow between your elbow crease and the bone? That’s the Quchi point. Apply firm pressure for 30 seconds. This pressure point is known to relieve bloating and promote belching, giving quick relief without any medication.
Review Your Medications
If you’re on aspirin or NSAIDs for joint pain, be aware—they can irritate the stomach lining and lead to chronic indigestion. Smoking while on these meds? It makes things worse. If indigestion is frequent, talk to your doctor about switching to acetaminophen, which is gentler on the stomach.
Saltwater Induced Vomiting
This is a last resort for severe discomfort—when the food just won’t move. Take a small gulp of warm saltwater, then induce a gag reflex. It may not sound pretty, but it can bring immediate relief. Ask someone to gently pat your back to assist.
When to See a Doctor
Most cases of indigestion are harmless and pass. But if symptoms recur or become severe, don’t rely on guesswork. Doctors typically prescribe digestive enzymes, acid reducers, or prokinetic agents based on your symptoms. Recurrent issues may point to something more serious like GERD or gastritis.
Final Thought: Prevention Is Still the Best Cure
Understanding how to relieve indigestion quickly is great—but preventing it is even better. Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and listen to your body’s signals. Sometimes, knowing when to stop is the real remedy.