Gas and acidity are common digestive issues in Pakistan, often triggered by spicy foods, heavy meals, carbonated drinks, and irregular eating habits. Whether it’s post-iftar bloating, discomfort after a paratha breakfast, or acidity from late-night chai and fried snacks, finding relief is essential. While medications can help, natural home remedies offer effective, long-term solutions without side effects.
If you’re looking for ways to relieve gas, bloating, and acidity naturally, here’s a comprehensive guide to the best home remedies used in Pakistani households.
1. Saunf (Fennel Seeds) – The Digestive Soother
Fennel seeds, commonly used as mukhwas (mouth freshener) in Pakistan, are excellent for gas relief and acidity. Saunf contains compounds that help relax stomach muscles, ease bloating, and reduce acidity.
How to Use
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Chew a teaspoon of fennel seeds after meals.
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Make fennel tea by boiling a teaspoon of saunf in a cup of water for 5 minutes. Strain and drink warm.
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Add saunf powder to lassi or yogurt for a cooling effect.
2. Ajwain (Carom Seeds) – Instant Relief for Gas
Ajwain is a powerful natural remedy for indigestion, acidity, and bloating. It contains thymol, which helps in the breakdown of food and reduces excessive gas formation.
How to Use
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Swallow ½ teaspoon of ajwain with warm water after heavy meals.
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Make ajwain water by soaking a teaspoon of carom seeds in water overnight and drinking it in the morning.
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For acidity relief, mix ajwain with black salt and take it with water.
3. Zeera (Cumin Seeds) – The Gut Healer
Cumin seeds (zeera) improve digestion, reduce bloating, and help neutralize stomach acid. It’s a staple in Pakistani cooking and a well-known remedy for gas and acidity.
How to Use
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Make zeera water by boiling a teaspoon of cumin seeds in water, then drinking it warm.
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Chew roasted cumin seeds after meals to aid digestion.
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Mix zeera powder with yogurt and consume it after meals for better gut health.
4. Ginger – The Natural Antacid
Ginger is widely used in Pakistani chai and curries, but it’s also an excellent remedy for acidity, gas, and bloating. It helps stimulate digestion and neutralize stomach acid.
How to Use
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Chew a small piece of fresh ginger before meals.
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Make ginger tea by boiling a few slices in water and drinking it warm.
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Add grated ginger to lemon water and drink it before meals to prevent acidity.
5. Lemon & Honey – The Alkalizing Drink
Lemon, despite being acidic in nature, helps neutralize stomach acid when mixed with warm water. Honey adds a soothing effect, making this a great remedy for gas and acidity.
How to Use
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Squeeze half a lemon into warm water and drink it on an empty stomach.
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Add honey for extra digestive benefits.
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Mix lemon juice with ajwain and black salt for faster relief.
6. Yogurt & Lassi – Cooling Relief for Acidity
Dahi (yogurt) and lassi are widely consumed in Pakistan, especially during summer, for their cooling and probiotic benefits. Yogurt contains healthy bacteria that promote digestion and prevent acidity.
How to Use
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Drink plain lassi after spicy or oily meals.
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Have a bowl of yogurt with a pinch of black salt and cumin powder.
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Mix yogurt with water and a little mint for an easy, digestion-friendly drink.
7. Mint (Pudina) – The Natural Stomach Soother
Mint has cooling properties that help reduce acidity and gas buildup. It’s also great for relieving indigestion and bloating.
How to Use
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Chew fresh mint leaves after meals.
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Make mint tea by boiling leaves in water.
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Add mint leaves to lemon water for a refreshing digestive boost.
8. Cloves – The Quick Fix for Acidity
Cloves improve digestion and reduce gas formation. They help prevent excessive acid production and provide relief from heartburn.
How to Use
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Suck on a whole clove after meals for instant relief.
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Mix clove powder with honey and consume for acidity relief.
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Add cloves to green tea for better digestion.
9. Baking Soda – Instant Acid Neutralizer
Baking soda is one of the fastest ways to relieve acidity as it neutralizes stomach acid instantly. However, it should be used sparingly.
How to Use
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Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it for quick relief.
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Do not use frequently, as overuse can disrupt stomach pH balance.
10. Hing (Asafoetida) – Ayurvedic Remedy for Gas
Hing has been used in South Asian households for centuries to relieve bloating and indigestion. It helps reduce gas formation and stomach cramps.
How to Use
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Mix a pinch of hing in warm water and drink it after meals.
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Apply a paste of hing and water on your belly for bloating relief.
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Add hing to daal and curries to prevent gas formation.
Final Thoughts
Gas and acidity are common problems in Pakistan, often triggered by heavy meals, oily foods, and dairy intolerance. While medications offer quick relief, natural home remedies provide long-term benefits without side effects. Simple lifestyle changes like eating slowly, reducing carbonated drinks, and using digestive-friendly ingredients can significantly improve digestion.
If gas and acidity become frequent or severe, it may indicate a digestive health issue like acid reflux, IBS, or food intolerances. In such cases, consulting a doctor is recommended. For daily digestive support, enzyme-based supplements like Oh My Gut can also help reduce bloating, acidity, and discomfort after meals.
By making small adjustments to diet and incorporating these home remedies, you can enjoy better digestion and a healthier gut naturally.
