Universal Home Remedies for Stomach Virus

While a stomach virus may not be a life-threatening condition in most cases, it can be extremely discomforting and painful. Fortunately, there are some natural home remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of a stomach virus and return you to a better state of health. Instead of turning to medication, try these home remedies for stomach virus first.

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Peppermint
Here is a great natural herb that can treat a stomach virus. Additionally, it has been shown to alleviate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. While you can enjoy the benefits of peppermint by chewing gum that contains real mint, it’s more effective to drink in tea.

To make the tea, add one teaspoon of peppermint leaves, whole and dried, to one cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, before you strain the water and allow it to cool. Drink several times a day up to four cups.

Yogurt
Another good, yet surprising, choice for a stomach virus is yogurt. While it’s true that one should generally avoid dairy products, when fighting a stomach virus, yogurt is the exception to that rule. This is because yogurt contains probiotics (live bacteria), which helps your digestive system restore itself. Only eat yogurt that’s plain and unsweetened.

Ginger
This is one of the most effective natural remedies for treating a stomach bug. In addition to relieving nauseous feelings, ginger also reduces the bloating, stomach cramps, and vomiting that often accompanies a virus of this nature. Although this is effective, individuals with hypertension (high blood pressure), should avoid this treatment.

There are two methods for taking ginger:

1. Bring 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger to a boil in one and a half cups of water. Once it comes to a boil, cover and let it steep for at least 10 minutes, before straining. Drink this tea several times a day.
2. Cut off a small piece from a ginger root and chew on it. Do this several times each day.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another one of the more common home remedies for stomach virus and acts as both an antiviral and an antibacterial agent, which is why it’s so effective at treating a variety of stomach and digestive problems. When added to a warm drink, it can also prove effective in eliminating chills and body aches.

1. Boil one and a half cups of water and stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder. After you let it steep for 10 minutes, strain with a very fine strainer or a cheese cloth. Next, mix in 1 teaspoon of all-natural honey. Drink this solution multiple times throughout the day.
2. Mix half of a teaspoon and a full tablespoon of honey together in a glass of warm water. Again, this solution should be consumed up to four times a day.

Rice Water

We all know that electrolytes help restoring healthy function to our cells and organs, so it’s not surprising that consuming a substance high in electrolytes will reduce the symptoms of a stomach virus. A study shared by The Lancet found that the electrolytes in rice water did more to alleviate diarrhea in infants than a store-bought electrolyte solution. To try this remedy, simply boil brown rice and drink the leftover water.

Apple Cider Vinegar

There are many things apple cider vinegar can treat, including a stomach virus. In addition to combating the virus, apple cider vinegar contains pectin, which is excellent in soothing the inflammation of the stomach. It will also eliminate nausea, vomiting, and gas.

The best way to drink it is by adding one teaspoon to water or to a fruit juice. Drink it like this several times a day, until you feel an alleviation of your symptoms. Alternatively, you can add one tablespoon of honey and one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar together in one cup of warm water. Stir vigorously and drink. You should drink this solution once every few hours, until you feel relief from your symptoms.

Chamomile Tea

While almost any tea might work to soothe your stomach, chamomile has been found to be particularly effective. As it is both an anti-inflammatory and an antispasmodic agent, it works in several ways to alleviate the symptoms of a stomach virus. It’s especially effective in relieving nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, and bloating.

You can either buy prepared chamomile from a grocery store or you can make it homemade. Simply crush up two or three teaspoons of dried chamomile flowers and steep in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes.  After you strain it and allow it to cool, you can add honey or lemon juice to suit your tastes.

Whenever possible, it’s always a good idea to try home remedies for stomach virus, before turning to medications. However, if these remedies don’t work or your symptoms worsen, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. Sometimes, what seems like a stomach virus may be a symptom of a more serious problem.