6 Most Effective Home Remedies For Food Poisoning

Most of us have suffered through food poisoning at one time or another. It generally refers to a foodborne illness or infectious condition that stems from consuming food or drinking fluids that have been contaminated by certain bacteria, viruses, parasites, or chemicals (toxins).

The process of contamination can occur at any stage of production or processing. Furthermore, if the food is improperly stored, handled, or prepared, it becomes increasingly susceptible to getting polluted by various infectious pathogens and toxins. While these contaminants cannot be eradicated from the food chain altogether, they can be kept in check by following proper and hygienic handling, cooking, and storage of food.

# Ginger

Ginger is an excellent home remedy for curing almost all types of digestive problems, including those caused by food poisoning.[2][3] Given its antimicrobial attributes, ginger helps fend off foodborne pathogens and helps in the absorption of essential nutrients from the food, thus promoting healthy digestion.

- Drink one cup of ginger tea after eating lunch or dinner to stop heartburn, nausea, and other symptoms associated with food poisoning. To make ginger tea, boil 1 teaspoon grated ginger in 1 cup of water for a few minutes. Add a little sugar or honey, and your tea is ready.
- Another option is to add a few drops of ginger juice to 1 teaspoon of honey. Swallow this mixture several times a day to reduce the inflammation and pain.
- You can also eat raw ginger slices.

# Oregano Essential Oil

The two active compounds found in oregano essential oil, namely, carvacrol and thymol, boast potent antimicrobial properties that help eradicate some of the prime culprits of food poisoning – foodborne pathogens. Furthermore, oregano oil is also emerging as an effective food preservative that prevents food from going bad.

You can also use other essential oils such as thyme oil or lemon essential oil, which are equally effective against tummy bugs.

- Only use 100 percent pure food-grade oregano oil.
- Prepare a concoction by adding 1 drop of wild oil of oregano to a few drops of olive oil. Consume this thrice a day with a meal for two days. Be sure not to exceed the dosage.

# Apple Cider Vinegar

Although acidic in nature, apple cider vinegar has an alkaline effect due to the way it is metabolized in the body. It is precisely this mechanism at play that helps soothe the inflammation of the gastrointestinal lining, which is often associated with food poisoning. Moreover, it is effective against E. coli and other disease-causing bacteria due to its antibacterial properties.

A 2007 study published in the Journal of Food Protection found that vinegar and aqueous extracts of virgin olive oil showed the strongest bactericidal activity against all strains of foodborne pathogens.

- Just mix 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of warm water and drink this solution before eating your food.
- Alternatively, you can drink 2 to 3 teaspoons of undiluted apple cider vinegar.

# Fenugreek Seeds and Yogurt

Yogurt has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help fight the bacteria at the root of your food poisoning. Plus, fenugreek seeds go a long way in palliating abdominal discomfort.

- The recommended amount to take is 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds along with 1 tablespoon of yogurt.
- You just need to swallow the seeds and need not chew them.
- The combining effect of fenugreek seeds and yogurt will give you immediate relief from stomach pain and vomiting.

# Lemon Juice

The anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacterial properties of lemons can help speed up your recovery from a bout of food poisoning. The acid in lemons helps kill bacteria that cause food poisoning, and it is a renowned digestive aid as well.

A 2016 study published in Food Science and Nutrition found that lemon and lime juice concentrates exhibit good inhibitory and bactericidal activities against Staphylococcus aureus, which is one of the most common bacteria implicated in food poisoning.

- Just add a pinch of sugar to 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and drink this juice two to three times a day.

- You can also sip on warm water with lemon juice to clean out your system.

# Basil

Basil is an excellent herb to soothe the abdominal discomfort caused by food poisoning. It also has antimicrobial properties that help fight the microorganisms responsible for the problem.

You can get the benefits from basil in several ways.

- Drink basil juice extracted from a few basil leaves with 1 tablespoon of honey several times a day. You can also add some fresh coriander juice to it.
- Put a few drops of basil oil in 4 cups of drinking water. Drink it slowly throughout the day to kill bacteria causing the stomach pain and other problems.
- Add basil leaves, some sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper to 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt. Eat this mixture three to four times a day until your symptoms subside.