Nobody knows why, but chicken soup soothes stomach and abdominal cramps and cleans out the digestive system. If you have diarrhea or lactose intolerance, you'll find that milk and other dairy products such as cheese and milk are hard to digest and often cause cramping. So until your cramps subside, go easy on the white stuff, says Dr. Filer. Swallow some peppermint oil . If you have bowel spasms or trapped gas, peppermint oil stops the aching, says Tori Hudson, a naturopathic physician and professor at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon.
Peppermint oil is available in capsule form in health food stores.
Or check out herbal teas. The information given here is designed to help you make informed decisions about your health. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment that may have been prescribed by your doctor. If you suspect that you have a medical problem, we urge you to seek competent medical help. Rodale Inc. All rights reserved.