Stomach pain is one of the most common complaints among children and a leading reason parents visit a paediatrician. In fact, abdominal pain is reported as a frequent reason for emergency department visits and outpatient paediatric consults [1]. While most tummy aches are harmless and temporary, they can cause discomfort in young children who struggle to express what they’re feeling.
From gas and indigestion to constipation and food sensitivities, several everyday triggers can lead to abdominal pain in children. This blog explores the common causes of stomach pain in kids and shares safe and effective natural home remedies to provide relief, right from your kitchen.
Common Causes of Stomach Discomfort in Children
Many factors may cause your little one to complain of stomach or abdominal pain:
- Overeating or Excessive Feeding: Leading to temporary indigestion or gastric discomfort.
- Dietary Factors: Junk, fried foods, or foods high in fat; Intolerance or allergy to specific foods (e.g., milk); Lactose intolerance, a condition in which a person is unable to digest dairy products.
- Gas-Forming Foods: Vegetables that cause bloating (e.g., cauliflower, radish, cabbage, beans, broccoli) can lead to gas.
- Infections: Infestation of worms (highly common in children), viral gastroenteritis (“stomach flu”) [2], or dysentery.
- Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
- Poor Hygiene: Consuming contaminated water or unhygienically prepared food [1].
Natural Home Remedies for Soothing Kids’ Stomach Aches
1. Use a Warm Compress to Soothe Discomfort
A warm compress can help relieve mild stomach discomfort by improving circulation and relaxing the abdominal muscles, which may reduce pressure and cramping [3]. It is a safe, non-invasive home remedy that can provide soothing relief in many cases. You can use a heating pad or wrap a warm water bottle in a cloth. Remember to use warm compresses, not hot ones, to prevent skin irritation or burns.
2. Apply Hing (Asafoetida) Paste for Gas Relief
According to traditional Ayurvedic and folk medicine, Asafoetida or Hing is believed to relieve stomach pain in children by releasing trapped gases due to its carminative and anti-flatulent properties [4]. Apply a paste of hing powder mixed with water (or a carrier oil like olive oil) to the child’s belly button area. Gently massaging the area for a few minutes after application may enhance relief. This remedy is based on traditional use and is generally considered safe for external application.
3. Jeera (Cumin) Concoction with Water
Studies suggest that jeera (cumin) may help reduce abdominal bloating, flatulence, belching, constipation, and diarrhoea, likely due to its ability to stimulate digestive enzyme secretion [3]. It is safe for children to consume and can relieve stomach aches caused by digestive trouble.
How to prepare jeera water?
Add two teaspoons of cumin seeds to one litre of water. Heat it and strain the liquid into a bottle. Ensure the child sips this jeera water throughout the day.
4. Maintain Adequate Hydration
Proper hydration is essential when your child has a stomachache, especially if they are experiencing vomiting or diarrhoea [2]. Encourage them to sip on water throughout the day and consider offering clear fluids or unsweetened herbal teas like mint or ginger. These teas can help soothe the digestive system, relax stomach muscles, and ease discomfort. You can make a simple herbal tea for children over two by soaking freshly chopped ginger in warm water or brewing mint leaves. Mint and ginger have been traditionally used to aid digestion and help with nausea [6]. If your child is experiencing vomiting, it is crucial to seek a doctor’s consultation immediately to prevent dehydration. It helps to avoid solid foods and switch to a light, liquid diet until symptoms subside. Also, avoid dairy and oily foods during recovery, as they can be harder to digest and may aggravate the stomach. Remember: Always consult your paediatrician before trying any herbal remedy, especially in younger children or infants.
5. Comforting Foods and Probiotics
Yoghurt is a probiotic food that contains beneficial bacteria, which help support gut health. It may help ease mild nausea or diarrhoea by restoring the balance of healthy bacteria in the digestive system. For children over 1 year of age, small portions of plain yoghurt can be offered. The addition of fenugreek is a traditional practice; however, it’s best to introduce only bland, non-spicy comfort meals like rice, khichdi, or toast during an upset stomach. While preliminary investigation states that probiotics may reduce stomach pain or related gastric issues, the exact mechanism is still unclear. More research is needed in this regard.
6. Castor Oil and Betel Leaf
Castor oil has traditionally been used as a strong laxative to help relieve severe constipation by promoting bowel movement. However, due to its potent action and high risk of causing severe stomach cramps, dehydration, or potential for improper dosing in children, it is strongly advised that Castor Oil should ONLY be used for children under strict medical supervision and on the direct recommendation of a paediatrician.
How to use it?
As an external application, a spoonful of castor oil can be warmed to lukewarm and gently massaged onto the tummy. Covering it with a betel leaf is a practice rooted in traditional folk medicine, and there is no strong scientific evidence to support its efficacy for pain relief.
7. Try Reflexology on Your Kid’s Feet
Reflexology is a complementary health approach where pressure is applied to specific points on the feet or hands, which are believed to correspond to certain organs and body parts [5].
- Hold your child’s left foot with the palm of your right hand.
- Apply consistent pressure with your thumb under the ball of his foot with your left hand.
- Apply pressure to his left foot’s central arch for a minute and then repeat 4-5 times.
This technique is best viewed as a supportive, non-medical comfort measure to help your child relax.
Takeaway: When to Consult a Doctor
While most stomach pain in kids is mild and resolves on its own with simple home remedies, always monitor your child’s symptoms closely.
Seek medical attention immediately if your child has:
- Pain that is severe or rapidly worsening.
- Persistent pain lasting more than 24 hours [1].
- High fever, persistent vomiting, or severe diarrhoea.
- Blood in stool or vomit.
- Severe bloating, swelling, or a rigid, firm abdomen.
- Inability to eat or drink or signs of dehydration (e.g., dry mouth, crying without tears, decreased urination) [2].
Listening to your child, maintaining a balanced diet, and practising good hygiene can go a long way in preventing tummy troubles.
Expert Quote:
“Most stomach aches in children are caused by issues like gas, indigestion, or infection. While home remedies may be effective, they should be used as supportive therapy. If other symptoms like fever or vomiting accompany your child’s stomach pain, consult their paediatrician as soon as possible.”
Dr Lakshmi Vaswani
References
[1] Abdominal pain – children under age 12: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (2023, July 1). MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007504.htm
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2024, May 14). Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) – Symptoms & causes. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/viral-gastroenteritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378847
[3] Metropolis Healthcare. (n.d.). Jeera Water Benefits: Side Effects & More. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/preventive-healthcare/harnessing-the-power-of-jeera-water-exploring-its-health-benefits
[4] Amalraj, A., & Gopi, S. (2017). Biological activities and medicinal properties of Asafoetida: A review. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 7(3), 347–359. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.11.004
[5] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2020, January). Reflexology. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/reflexology
[6] Coast Pediatrics. (2019, April 13). Natural Remedies for Gastrointestinal Problems. Retrieved October 31, 2025, from https://www.coastpediatrics.com/natural-remedies-for-gastrointestinal-problems/
Leave a Reply