We have all been there: bloated, sick to our stomachs, doubled over in pain, and ready to take or try just about anything to make it stop. Whether from going overboard indulging in your favorite guilty pleasure or catching that stomach bug that's been going around, there's likely a natural remedy for your tummy troubles. Instead of reaching for the chemical-laden "pink stuff," try these all natural and effective remedies instead.

Ginger

Just call it the miracle root. Ginger is anti-inflammatory, warming, and eases digestion and stomach cramps. An all-natural sparkling ginger soda may soothe an upset tummy, but I recommend the fresh stuff.

Try raw ginger root tea. Simply grate some fresh ginger, add to a cup hot water, add little honey if you'd like, and allow to steep for five to 10 minutes. Sip slowly until your stomach settles. If you're so sick and can't even stomach liquids, try peeling a small piece of raw ginger or crystallized ginger [1] and sucking on it.

Licorice Root and Fennel Seeds

Not to be confused with the candy, licorice root and fennel seed both have that licorice/anise-like flavor, without the sugar rush. Traditionally, both have been used as potent digestives, soothing inflammation and bloating and relieving gas after a heavy or rich meal. Licorice is also a mild and very gentle laxative.

Licorice root and fennel may be sourced in the form of dried teas and taken after a heavy meal to soothe digestive complaints, but whole licorice root sticks [2] and dried fennel seeds may also be purchased, gnawed, and/or chewed. In fact, candied fennel seeds are often served like after-dinner mints in Indian restaurants.

Kombucha and Coconut Water Kefir

These probiotic beverages are popping up everywhere as natural soda alternatives with healthy benefits. Rich with live beneficial bacteria, these beverages help to strengthen the health of your intestinal ecology, and relieve indigestion and bloating from over-eating or rich meals or food poisoning, and ease diarrhea.

Look for raw, unpasteurized kombucha and coconut water kefir with low sugar content for the most benefit to your gut health. For additional benefits, choose an all-natural ginger-flavored kombucha for even more stomach-easing power.

Activated Charcoal

Whether you've got food poisoning, intestinal gas, or even a hangover, activated charcoal pills and tablets are an effective remedy. Charcoal works by soaking up and trapping chemicals and other toxins in millions of charged microscopic pores, preventing their absorption into the bloodstream and safely excreting them through the bowels.

Look for "activated" charcoal pills or tablets and take as directed at the first sign of discomfort. Be sure to drink plenty of water while taking them to ensure efficient removal of toxins and prevent constipation. Today there are many infused charcoal drinks [3] that help to accomplish the same detoxifying results.

Calcium Carbonate and Baking Soda

Next time you have an upset stomach, heartburn, or acid indigestion, don't reach for the antacids — head to your vitamin cabinet! The active ingredient in these chalky pills is simply calcium carbonate. One tablet of Tums contains approximately 750mg of calcium carbonate.

And, instead of the fizzy heartburn-relieving tablets, try sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Simply mix about one teaspoon into a glass of warm water to relieve your symptoms. These compounds are alkalizing in the body and act as acid neutralizers. If you have chronic heartburn or osteoporosis, speak with your doctor about safely supplementing with calcium.