Stomach aches, also broadly called "abdominal pain," are tricky things to find remedies for unless you know the cause. Ranging from indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome to gastritis and GERD, an aching tummy can stem from many things. Assuming you are dealing with an uncomplicated stomach ache, these remedies can help bring relief from the pain and discomfort that’s making you miserable.

1. Look Closely At Your Diet
Pay close attention to the foods that you eat so you can determine exactly which ones, if any, may be causing stomach pain. One good way to do this is to create a food journal. A food journal allows you to keep track of everything that you eat as well as any symptoms that you may experience as a result of those foods.

In your food journal, be sure to include the foods that you eat, the time that you eat them, any discomfort that you experience after eating a particular food and how long after you ate the discomfort developed. Also include the length of time that the symptom was present for. Include any remedies your tried or foods your ate that brought you relief.

2. Stay Hydrated
It is very important that you stay hydrated. Dehydration is a contributing factor in upset stomachs. This is especially true when suffering from a stomach virus. Individuals who have a stomach bug usually have no desire to eat or drink and may even have an extremely difficult time keeping any foods or liquids in their system at all. It is important to force yourself to consume liquids, as dehydration can lead to a worsening of stomach discomfort and can lead to more vomiting.

Ginger

An effective way to ensure you are getting enough liquids is to sip only a small amount at a time. Start by drinking one tablespoon of clear liquid every 15 minutes. Once you can tolerate that amount, increase it to 2 tablespoons and so on. It may not do much to quench your thirst, but it will keep you hydrated which will lessen the severity of the upset stomach and will speed recovery. In addition, drinking an average of 6 to 8 glasses of water can help keep your intestines functioning better, which will help flush out toxins and virus particles. Other fluids that can help keep you properly hydrated include:
Fruit juices, Clear broths, Caffeine-free tea, Sparkling water, Sports drinks, Gelatin.

3. Stock Up On Ginger
Ginger has a long history of use in relieving stomach pain and helping to ease an upset stomach. Ginger has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, which can help reduce inflammation in the stomach and intestines. It is a digestive aid that helps transport food effectively through the digestive tract. Ginger can be chewed raw or made into a tea.
While there are several ginger tea varieties available, fresh ginger in its pure state is the most potent and therefore the most effective at relieving stomach pain. You can make a fresh cup of ginger tea by first peeling and grating the ginger, then placing ? teaspoon in a cup of hot water. Allow it to sit for up to 3 minutes then strain out the ginger and drink the tea. You can also try natural ginger ale (stay away from sweetened varieties and those that contain high fructose corn syrup) and ginger candy.

4. Make Herbal Tea
Ginger and seeds are not the only effective teas for treating stomach pain. Many herbal tea remedies can help ease discomfort and reduce stomach pain. Health food stores carry a large variety of pre-made herbal teas specifically made to treat stomach problems. Generally considered more effective than store bought herbal teas, homemade teas can be made from fresh herbs and spices. Common herbal tea ingredients that aid in digestion and ease stomach discomfort include: Cinnamon, Mint, Thyme, Lemon balm, Lavender.

Fresh mint tea can be made by simply adding some sprigs of fresh mint to a cup of boiling water. Thyme tea can be made by mixing 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves with boiling water and allowing it to sit, covered, for up to 10 minutes. Chamomile tea can help take away stomach cramps and aches and has a beneficial calming effect.