Treatment of indigestion
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Historical and Modern Approaches to Indigestion Treatment
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, has been treated with a wide range of remedies throughout history. Early treatments included natural substances like coral powder, milk, and various herbs, as well as more extreme measures such as silver nitrate and leeches. By the late 1800s, milk and antacids became standard treatments, with regimens like the Sippy diet (milk and antacids) dominating for decades due to their acid-neutralizing effects 1.
Herbal and Phytotherapeutic Remedies for Indigestion
Herbal medicine remains a popular and effective approach for managing indigestion. Traditional herbal remedies, such as those found in Ayurveda and other systems, use plants with specific phytochemicals that support digestion and relieve symptoms like bloating, nausea, and fullness. These remedies are considered safe and have been used across cultures for centuries 3. Specific herbal formulations, such as Pancha Harithakadi Churna—a blend of ginger, fennel, myrobalan, senna, and pink rock salt—have shown promising digestive enzyme activity, supporting their use in treating constipation and bloating associated with indigestion 4. Additionally, herbal digestive tablets developed from Ayurvedic recipes have demonstrated good tolerability and antioxidant properties, making them suitable for large-scale use 8.
Caraway (Carum carvi) is another medicinal plant traditionally used for indigestion. Its essential oil, especially when combined with peppermint oil, has been shown in clinical studies to relieve symptoms of functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 10.
Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes in Indigestion Management
Recent studies highlight the effectiveness of combining probiotics with digestive enzymes for treating indigestion, particularly in older adults. Bacillus coagulans, when administered with digestive enzymes, significantly improved symptoms such as abdominal pain and flatulence, and was well tolerated without major side effects 5.
Acupuncture and Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture has also been found effective for functional dyspepsia, reducing upper abdominal pain, burning, nausea, and belching. Specific acupuncture points have been validated in clinical trials for their ability to alleviate indigestion symptoms when no organic cause is found 2.
Ayurvedic Perspectives and Interventions
Ayurveda attributes indigestion (Ajirna) to impaired digestive fire (Agni) and the accumulation of metabolic toxins (Ama). Management focuses on restoring digestive function through dietary and lifestyle changes, fasting, appetite-stimulating herbs, digestive aids, and therapies to regulate gut movement. Panchakarma and other detoxification therapies are also recommended 67. Clinical observations suggest that Ayurvedic protocols can improve symptoms, reduce weight, and support liver health, possibly by enhancing digestive enzyme activity and hormone regulation 6.
Efficacy and Safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Xiaoyao-san (XYS), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been shown in meta-analyses to be effective and safe for functional dyspepsia. XYS improves overall symptom scores, especially for abdominal pain and distension, and has fewer adverse effects compared to conventional Western medicines 9.
Conclusion
The treatment of indigestion encompasses a broad spectrum of approaches, from historical antacids and milk to modern herbal, probiotic, and alternative therapies. Herbal remedies, probiotics with digestive enzymes, acupuncture, and traditional systems like Ayurveda and Chinese medicine all offer effective and generally safe options for managing indigestion. Integrating these therapies, with attention to individual needs and underlying causes, can provide comprehensive relief for those suffering from digestive discomfort 12345678+2 MORE.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic