3 Belly-Soothing Herbs that Are Must-Haves for Upset Stomaches

Few things spoil a day, like an upset stomach. Stomachaches are uncomfortable and irritating. Plus, they often cause other unfortunate side effects, such as cramping, acid reflux, bloating, and even headaches from stress! 

Nobody wants to deal with that, but stomachaches are almost inevitable at one point or another, so it’s good to have a remedy on hand to nip the problem in the bud. I’m sharing three of the best belly-soothing herbs to keep on hand so you’re not left dealing with a stomachache — and what current scientific research shares about these traditional herbal remedies. 

Lemon Balm 

This member of the mint family is considered a soothing herb. Traditionally, lemon balm has been used to strengthen the heart, stomach, and nervous system. It might even help to loosen hardened mucous in your digestive tract and soothe the mucus membrane. In addition, it’s a common recommendation for those struggling with anxiety, nervous tension, or depression. 

An interesting study on “functional dyspepsia,” a fancy term for recurring upset stomach symptoms with no obvious cause, found that lemon balm may positively affect digestion. The participants in this study were divided into two groups. One group ate a cold dessert with no added herbs, while the other ate a cold dessert with lemon balm. 

The participants who ate the dessert with lemon balm experienced fewer symptoms, and their symptoms were less severe, demonstrating that lemon balm may help prevent or reduce the severity of these symptoms. 

Try these lemon balm remedies for easing tension, anxiety, and stomach upset: 

• Lemon Balm (Melissa) Capsules: These pure lemon balm capsules promote healthy digestion and a relaxed mind and body. If you suffer from stomachaches related to stress, tension, migraines, or depression, this is an excellent choice because lemon balm has long been used to strengthen the nervous system. It’s also touted for its soothing properties for both the stomach and mind because it may relieve tension or ease digestive tract spasms. 
• Lemon Balm Tea: A fantastic tea for easing stomachs and tension! If you struggle with stomachaches at night, this superb tea encourages relaxation and acts as a supportive digestive aid. Lemon balm tea has a delicate taste that mixes fresh, lemony, earthy, and minty flavors in a perfect, soft blend that is sure to soothe your mind as you enjoy a relaxing evening. 
• After Dinner Tea: Struggle with post-meal stomachaches, stomach tightness, or nausea? This tea promotes healthy digestion, nutrient absorption, and mental alertness, so you’re not left curled up on the couch feeling sluggish after a yummy meal. This tea combines ginger root, lemon balm, cardamom, pineapple fruit, papaya leaf, and other encouraging herbs to give you the ultimate digestive support after a meal. 

Chamomile 

When we think of chamomile, we often think of relaxation, like a calming cup of tea before bed. But chamomile has many benefits, including encouraging a relaxed stomach. 

Recent research has shown that chamomile may be used to treat a wide range of gastrointestinal disturbances, such as indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, flatulence, motion sickness, and vomiting. It may even help with stomach cramps and back pain. 

An animal study found that chamomile has powerful antidiarrheal and antioxidant properties, backing chamomile’s use in traditional medicine for stomach upsets. 

According to Mount Sinai, chamomile helps relax muscle contractions, especially the smooth muscles in the intestines. While further research is needed, Mount Sinai notes that peppermint, iberis, and chamomile were found to soothe indigestion.  

Here are just a few of our favorite chamomile remedies for supporting your digestive system: 

• Chamomile Tea: The perfect beverage for soothing the digestive system and unwinding before bed. If you struggle with nerves or stress, this is an ideal tea for encouraging relaxed, healthy digestion and a calmer mind. Its soft taste is pleasant to most, too, making this a great tea for almost everyone. 
• German Chamomile Essential Oil: This essential oil is incredibly versatile, with some clients using it for everything from skincare to anti-inflammatory support to relaxation. Whether you need support for tension headaches, nervous digestive upset, or insomnia, this herbaceous essential oil is a soothing option for adding to your favorite carrier oil or lotion. 
• Tummy Soothe Roll-On: Our Tummy Soothe Roll-On contains relaxing essential oils like chamomile, ginger, fennel, and lemon to support healthy digestive function. Rub and massage a small amount on the abdomen or bottom of your feet for extra support. 

Slippery Elm

Slippery elm has long been used to soothe and coat the digestive system, encouraging relief from gastrointestinal and bowel irritation. 

According to Mount Sinai, slippery elm contains mucilage, an ingredient that becomes a slick gel when combined with water. When consumed, it coats and soothes the throat, stomach, mouth, and intestines. Slippery elm also has antioxidants that may soothe and relieve inflammatory bowel conditions and gastrointestinal upset. For example, it may increase mucus production, protecting your stomach from ulcers and excess acidity. 

A study published in Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics shares that slippery elm could be a novel therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. The study shared that slippery elm likely contains multiple biologically active antioxidant compounds, which may help patients with inflammatory bowel disease or other chronic inflammatory conditions. 

Lastly, a 2010 study published in The Journal of Alternative and Contemporary Medicine reported that their herbal formula, which contained slippery elm, licorice root, and other supportive herbs curated to normalize stool frequency and consistency, was successful. 

The participants who consumed the herbal formula had a small but significant improvement in bowel movement frequency, with reduced bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, and other IBS symptoms. 

Interested in slippery elm? Look into these slippery elm remedies: 

• Belly Soother Capsules: The ultimate formula for soothing an inflamed or irritated digestive tract. If you struggle with stomachaches, ulcers, IBS, or other digestive upsets, this is a strong contender. Not only does it contain slippery elm, but it has potent ingredients like marshmallow root, yucca root, lemon balm, and ginger. 
• Calm Digestion Capsules: If you need support for occasional acid indigestion, our Calm Digestion Capsules are specifically curated to soothe mild cases of gastroesophageal reflux disease, digestive problems, or acid reflux. Basil, peppermint, fennel, and slippery elm are combined in this formula to soothe and neutralize acid in the digestive system. 

For more stomach-supporting herbs, read our previous article on herbal remedies for stomachaches featuring ginger, marshmallow root, and turmeric. 

Well Wishes, 

Herbalist Natalie