Alternative medicine

Alternative and complementary treatments have been used for many years to ease indigestion, although their effectiveness varies among different individuals. These treatments include:

• Herbal therapies, including plain peppermint, or a combination of peppermint and caraway oils and the Japanese herbal formula Rikkunshito.
• STW 5 (Iberogast), a liquid supplement containing extracts of nine herbs, may work by reducing the production of gastric acid.
• Acupuncture, which may work by blocking the pathways of nerves that carry sensations of pain to the brain.
• Psychological treatment, including behavior modification, relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy and hypnotherapy are often very helpful.

Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements to be sure you're taking a safe dose and that the supplement won't adversely interact with any other medications you're taking.