Meta-analysis support for functional dyspepsia

Why it may be relevant

Acupuncture works on the gut-brain connection, a good fit when stress or tension drives your digestive symptoms, and pooled trial evidence supports its use for indigestion.

Why try it

A meta-analysis of randomized trials found that acupuncture probably improves functional dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life compared with sham treatment, with few side effects.

Dose or use

Seek a licensed acupuncturist; typically a course of weekly sessions.

Time to results

Typically 4–8 weeks of regular sessions

Key study

Systematic Review (2026, PMID 41737400): an updated meta-analysis of 23 randomized trials (2,454 participants) found high-to-moderate-certainty evidence that acupuncture improves functional dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life versus sham acupuncture, without an increase in adverse events.

Caution

Seek a licensed acupuncturist; mention any blood-thinning medications.

Eased dyspepsia symptoms in a randomized trial

Why it may be relevant

Curcumin fits the after-meal fullness, bloating, and upper-abdominal discomfort of indigestion, where a randomized trial found it eased symptoms.

Why try it

In a randomized, double-blind trial in people with functional dyspepsia, curcumin taken on its own improved dyspepsia symptom scores over 4-8 weeks, about as much as a standard acid-reducing medication.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 2–6 weeks

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2023, PMID 37696679): curcumin alone, omeprazole alone, or both were compared in patients with functional dyspepsia; the curcumin-alone group showed significant improvement in Severity of Dyspepsia Assessment scores at days 28 and 56, comparable to omeprazole.

Caution

May interact with blood thinners; use cautiously if you have gallbladder issues.

Low niacin can show up as early indigestion

Why it may be relevant

If your after-meal discomfort comes with fatigue and low appetite, it is worth knowing that indigestion is one of the early signs of low vitamin B3 (niacin).

Why try it

This is educational: niacin deficiency is uncommon on a varied diet, but recognizing it can help you and your clinician rule out a simple, correctable cause.

Dose or use

Not a product to take, but a prompt to consider dietary niacin (poultry, fish, peanuts, whole grains) and to ask your clinician if you suspect a deficiency.

Time to results

Varies; discuss testing with your clinician

Key study

Educational entry: the library notes fatigue, indigestion, and loss of appetite as early symptoms of niacin deficiency. This is not a treatment claim.

Caution

Do not self-treat with high-dose niacin, which can cause flushing and liver strain; confirm any deficiency with a clinician first.

Meta-analysis support for functional dyspepsia

Why it may be relevant

Acupuncture works on the gut-brain connection, a good fit when stress or tension drives your digestive symptoms, and pooled trial evidence supports its use for indigestion.

Why try it

A meta-analysis of randomized trials found that acupuncture probably improves functional dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life compared with sham treatment, with few side effects.

Dose or use

Seek a licensed acupuncturist; typically a course of weekly sessions.

Time to results

Typically 4–8 weeks of regular sessions

Key study

Systematic Review (2026, PMID 41737400): an updated meta-analysis of 23 randomized trials (2,454 participants) found high-to-moderate-certainty evidence that acupuncture improves functional dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life versus sham acupuncture, without an increase in adverse events.

Caution

Seek a licensed acupuncturist; mention any blood-thinning medications.

Wrist point traditionally used for nausea & tension

Why it may be relevant

When stress winds up your stomach, this inner-wrist point is a traditional go-to for calming nausea and the tension-linked queasiness that stress can bring on.

Why try it

Neiguan (PC6) is one of the best-known points for nausea and is traditionally used to calm the stomach and ease stress-related upset.

Dose or use

Press the inner forearm about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons, for 2-3 min each side, as needed.

Time to results

Often felt within minutes

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Avoid pressing over broken or irritated skin; ease off if it feels sharp or numb.

Traditionally eases tension-related stomach discomfort

Why it may be relevant

Acupressure offers an at-home way to address stress-triggered indigestion by stimulating digestive and calming pressure points.

Why try it

Traditionally used to relieve nausea and stomach discomfort by pressing points such as PC6 (inner wrist) and ST36 (below the knee).

Dose or use

Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily.

Time to results

Typically days to weeks with consistent use

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.

Studied in clinical trials for post-meal dyspepsia symptoms

Why it may be relevant

This traditional herbal formula is best suited for the classic after-meal heaviness, bloating, and nausea pattern of functional dyspepsia.

Why try it

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests this herbal formula may help ease functional dyspepsia symptoms, though many of the included trials were small and of mixed quality.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 2–6 weeks

Key study

Systematic review and meta-analysis (2023, PMID 37274096) pooled randomized trials of Banxia-xiexin tang for functional dyspepsia and reported symptom improvement, while noting that the included trials were small and of limited methodological quality.

Caution

Consult a practitioner if pregnant, on medications, or if symptoms persist.

Improved indigestion scores in a randomized trial

Why it may be relevant

If nausea, heaviness, and after-meal fullness are your main symptoms, ginger is a well-known stomach-settler, and a randomized trial found a standardized ginger extract eased indigestion.

Why try it

Ginger is long used for nausea and digestion, and a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a standardized steamed-ginger extract found it improved indigestion and other gut-symptom scores over 12 weeks.

Dose or use

As a tea, fresh root, or capsules with or after meals; follow product labeling and consult a practitioner.

Time to results

Often within an hour for nausea

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2025, PMID 40878144): a standardized steamed ginger extract (480 mg/day) significantly improved Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale scores, including the indigestion sub-score, versus placebo in adults with mild-to-moderate functional dyspepsia.

Caution

May interact with blood thinners; large amounts can aggravate heartburn in some people.

Soothing herb traditionally used for indigestion

Why it may be relevant

When bloating and an unsettled stomach follow meals, peppermint is a long-standing herbal choice for calming that queasy, gassy, over-full feeling.

Why try it

Peppermint has a long tradition of use for indigestion, stomach aches, and bloating, and is often taken as a tea or in enteric-coated oil capsules.

Dose or use

As a tea after meals, or enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules per the product label; consult a practitioner.

Time to results

Often within an hour for acute symptoms

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Can worsen heartburn or reflux in some people; avoid if you have significant GERD or a hiatal hernia.

Belly point traditionally eased after-meal bloating

Why it may be relevant

When heaviness and bloating settle in after meals, this midline-abdomen point sits right over the stomach and is a traditional go-to for that full, distended feeling.

Why try it

In traditional Chinese medicine, Zhongwan (REN12) is one of the main points used for bloating, indigestion, and stomach discomfort.

Dose or use

Press gently on the midline of your upper belly, halfway between navel and breastbone, for 2-3 min, 1-2x daily.

Time to results

Often felt within minutes; best with regular use

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Avoid firm pressure if pregnant or over broken or tender skin; ease off if it feels sharp.

Classic stomach-meridian point for digestion

Why it may be relevant

For that sluggish, heavy feeling after eating, this point below the knee is one of the most-used digestive points and is traditionally worked to settle the stomach.

Why try it

Zusanli (ST36) is a classic Stomach-meridian point traditionally used for bloating, indigestion, and nausea and to support healthy digestion.

Dose or use

Find the point about four finger-widths below the kneecap, just outside the shinbone; press firmly 2-3 min on each leg, 1-2x daily.

Time to results

Often felt within minutes; best with regular use

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Skip firm pressure during pregnancy; avoid pressing over injured or inflamed skin.

Studied in clinical trials for post-meal dyspepsia symptoms

Why it may be relevant

This traditional herbal formula is best suited for the classic after-meal heaviness, bloating, and nausea pattern of functional dyspepsia.

Why try it

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests this herbal formula may help ease functional dyspepsia symptoms, though many of the included trials were small and of mixed quality.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 2–6 weeks

Key study

Systematic review and meta-analysis (2023, PMID 37274096) pooled randomized trials of Banxia-xiexin tang for functional dyspepsia and reported symptom improvement, while noting that the included trials were small and of limited methodological quality.

Caution

Consult a practitioner if pregnant, on medications, or if symptoms persist.

Improved indigestion scores in a randomized trial

Why it may be relevant

If nausea, heaviness, and after-meal fullness are your main symptoms, ginger is a well-known stomach-settler, and a randomized trial found a standardized ginger extract eased indigestion.

Why try it

Ginger is long used for nausea and digestion, and a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a standardized steamed-ginger extract found it improved indigestion and other gut-symptom scores over 12 weeks.

Dose or use

As a tea, fresh root, or capsules with or after meals; follow product labeling and consult a practitioner.

Time to results

Often within an hour for nausea

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2025, PMID 40878144): a standardized steamed ginger extract (480 mg/day) significantly improved Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale scores, including the indigestion sub-score, versus placebo in adults with mild-to-moderate functional dyspepsia.

Caution

May interact with blood thinners; large amounts can aggravate heartburn in some people.

Wrist point traditionally used for nausea & tension

Why it may be relevant

When stress winds up your stomach, this inner-wrist point is a traditional go-to for calming nausea and the tension-linked queasiness that stress can bring on.

Why try it

Neiguan (PC6) is one of the best-known points for nausea and is traditionally used to calm the stomach and ease stress-related upset.

Dose or use

Press the inner forearm about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons, for 2-3 min each side, as needed.

Time to results

Often felt within minutes

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Avoid pressing over broken or irritated skin; ease off if it feels sharp or numb.

Soothing herb traditionally used for indigestion

Why it may be relevant

When bloating and an unsettled stomach follow meals, peppermint is a long-standing herbal choice for calming that queasy, gassy, over-full feeling.

Why try it

Peppermint has a long tradition of use for indigestion, stomach aches, and bloating, and is often taken as a tea or in enteric-coated oil capsules.

Dose or use

As a tea after meals, or enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules per the product label; consult a practitioner.

Time to results

Often within an hour for acute symptoms

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Can worsen heartburn or reflux in some people; avoid if you have significant GERD or a hiatal hernia.

Eased dyspepsia symptoms in a randomized trial

Why it may be relevant

For fullness and sluggish digestion after richer, fattier meals, artichoke supports bile flow, and a randomized trial found artichoke leaf extract eased dyspepsia symptoms.

Why try it

Artichoke leaf extract is used for indigestion and works by supporting bile production; a randomized, placebo-controlled trial found it significantly improved dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life over 6 weeks.

Dose or use

Standardized artichoke leaf extract per the product label, usually with meals; consult a practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 2-4 weeks of regular use

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2003, PMID 14653829): in 244 patients with functional dyspepsia, artichoke leaf extract significantly improved overall dyspeptic symptom scores and disease-specific quality of life compared with placebo over 6 weeks.

Caution

Avoid if you have gallstones or a bile-duct blockage; check with your clinician first.

Eased dyspepsia symptoms in a randomized trial

Why it may be relevant

Curcumin fits the after-meal fullness, bloating, and upper-abdominal discomfort of indigestion, where a randomized trial found it eased symptoms.

Why try it

In a randomized, double-blind trial in people with functional dyspepsia, curcumin taken on its own improved dyspepsia symptom scores over 4-8 weeks, about as much as a standard acid-reducing medication.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 2–6 weeks

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2023, PMID 37696679): curcumin alone, omeprazole alone, or both were compared in patients with functional dyspepsia; the curcumin-alone group showed significant improvement in Severity of Dyspepsia Assessment scores at days 28 and 56, comparable to omeprazole.

Caution

May interact with blood thinners; use cautiously if you have gallbladder issues.

Classic stomach-meridian point for digestion

Why it may be relevant

For that sluggish, heavy feeling after eating, this point below the knee is one of the most-used digestive points and is traditionally worked to settle the stomach.

Why try it

Zusanli (ST36) is a classic Stomach-meridian point traditionally used for bloating, indigestion, and nausea and to support healthy digestion.

Dose or use

Find the point about four finger-widths below the kneecap, just outside the shinbone; press firmly 2-3 min on each leg, 1-2x daily.

Time to results

Often felt within minutes; best with regular use

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Skip firm pressure during pregnancy; avoid pressing over injured or inflamed skin.

Meta-analysis support for functional dyspepsia

Why it may be relevant

Acupuncture works on the gut-brain connection, a good fit when stress or tension drives your digestive symptoms, and pooled trial evidence supports its use for indigestion.

Why try it

A meta-analysis of randomized trials found that acupuncture probably improves functional dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life compared with sham treatment, with few side effects.

Dose or use

Seek a licensed acupuncturist; typically a course of weekly sessions.

Time to results

Typically 4–8 weeks of regular sessions

Key study

Systematic Review (2026, PMID 41737400): an updated meta-analysis of 23 randomized trials (2,454 participants) found high-to-moderate-certainty evidence that acupuncture improves functional dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life versus sham acupuncture, without an increase in adverse events.

Caution

Seek a licensed acupuncturist; mention any blood-thinning medications.

Studied in clinical trials for post-meal dyspepsia symptoms

Why it may be relevant

This traditional herbal formula is best suited for the classic after-meal heaviness, bloating, and nausea pattern of functional dyspepsia.

Why try it

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests this herbal formula may help ease functional dyspepsia symptoms, though many of the included trials were small and of mixed quality.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 2–6 weeks

Key study

Systematic review and meta-analysis (2023, PMID 37274096) pooled randomized trials of Banxia-xiexin tang for functional dyspepsia and reported symptom improvement, while noting that the included trials were small and of limited methodological quality.

Caution

Consult a practitioner if pregnant, on medications, or if symptoms persist.

Low niacin can show up as early indigestion

Why it may be relevant

If your after-meal discomfort comes with fatigue and low appetite, it is worth knowing that indigestion is one of the early signs of low vitamin B3 (niacin).

Why try it

This is educational: niacin deficiency is uncommon on a varied diet, but recognizing it can help you and your clinician rule out a simple, correctable cause.

Dose or use

Not a product to take, but a prompt to consider dietary niacin (poultry, fish, peanuts, whole grains) and to ask your clinician if you suspect a deficiency.

Time to results

Varies; discuss testing with your clinician

Key study

Educational entry: the library notes fatigue, indigestion, and loss of appetite as early symptoms of niacin deficiency. This is not a treatment claim.

Caution

Do not self-treat with high-dose niacin, which can cause flushing and liver strain; confirm any deficiency with a clinician first.

Studied in clinical trials for post-meal dyspepsia symptoms

Why it may be relevant

This traditional herbal formula is best suited for the classic after-meal heaviness, bloating, and nausea pattern of functional dyspepsia.

Why try it

A systematic review and meta-analysis suggests this herbal formula may help ease functional dyspepsia symptoms, though many of the included trials were small and of mixed quality.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 2–6 weeks

Key study

Systematic review and meta-analysis (2023, PMID 37274096) pooled randomized trials of Banxia-xiexin tang for functional dyspepsia and reported symptom improvement, while noting that the included trials were small and of limited methodological quality.

Caution

Consult a practitioner if pregnant, on medications, or if symptoms persist.

Eased dyspepsia symptoms in a randomized trial

Why it may be relevant

For fullness and sluggish digestion after richer, fattier meals, artichoke supports bile flow, and a randomized trial found artichoke leaf extract eased dyspepsia symptoms.

Why try it

Artichoke leaf extract is used for indigestion and works by supporting bile production; a randomized, placebo-controlled trial found it significantly improved dyspepsia symptoms and quality of life over 6 weeks.

Dose or use

Standardized artichoke leaf extract per the product label, usually with meals; consult a practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 2-4 weeks of regular use

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2003, PMID 14653829): in 244 patients with functional dyspepsia, artichoke leaf extract significantly improved overall dyspeptic symptom scores and disease-specific quality of life compared with placebo over 6 weeks.

Caution

Avoid if you have gallstones or a bile-duct blockage; check with your clinician first.

Improved indigestion scores in a randomized trial

Why it may be relevant

If nausea, heaviness, and after-meal fullness are your main symptoms, ginger is a well-known stomach-settler, and a randomized trial found a standardized ginger extract eased indigestion.

Why try it

Ginger is long used for nausea and digestion, and a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a standardized steamed-ginger extract found it improved indigestion and other gut-symptom scores over 12 weeks.

Dose or use

As a tea, fresh root, or capsules with or after meals; follow product labeling and consult a practitioner.

Time to results

Often within an hour for nausea

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2025, PMID 40878144): a standardized steamed ginger extract (480 mg/day) significantly improved Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale scores, including the indigestion sub-score, versus placebo in adults with mild-to-moderate functional dyspepsia.

Caution

May interact with blood thinners; large amounts can aggravate heartburn in some people.

Eased dyspepsia symptoms in a randomized trial

Why it may be relevant

Curcumin fits the after-meal fullness, bloating, and upper-abdominal discomfort of indigestion, where a randomized trial found it eased symptoms.

Why try it

In a randomized, double-blind trial in people with functional dyspepsia, curcumin taken on its own improved dyspepsia symptom scores over 4-8 weeks, about as much as a standard acid-reducing medication.

Dose or use

Follow product labeling; consult a healthcare practitioner.

Time to results

Typically 2–6 weeks

Key study

Randomized Controlled Trial (2023, PMID 37696679): curcumin alone, omeprazole alone, or both were compared in patients with functional dyspepsia; the curcumin-alone group showed significant improvement in Severity of Dyspepsia Assessment scores at days 28 and 56, comparable to omeprazole.

Caution

May interact with blood thinners; use cautiously if you have gallbladder issues.

Soothing herb traditionally used for indigestion

Why it may be relevant

When bloating and an unsettled stomach follow meals, peppermint is a long-standing herbal choice for calming that queasy, gassy, over-full feeling.

Why try it

Peppermint has a long tradition of use for indigestion, stomach aches, and bloating, and is often taken as a tea or in enteric-coated oil capsules.

Dose or use

As a tea after meals, or enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules per the product label; consult a practitioner.

Time to results

Often within an hour for acute symptoms

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Can worsen heartburn or reflux in some people; avoid if you have significant GERD or a hiatal hernia.

Wrist point traditionally used for nausea & tension

Why it may be relevant

When stress winds up your stomach, this inner-wrist point is a traditional go-to for calming nausea and the tension-linked queasiness that stress can bring on.

Why try it

Neiguan (PC6) is one of the best-known points for nausea and is traditionally used to calm the stomach and ease stress-related upset.

Dose or use

Press the inner forearm about three finger-widths above the wrist crease, between the tendons, for 2-3 min each side, as needed.

Time to results

Often felt within minutes

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Avoid pressing over broken or irritated skin; ease off if it feels sharp or numb.

Belly point traditionally eased after-meal bloating

Why it may be relevant

When heaviness and bloating settle in after meals, this midline-abdomen point sits right over the stomach and is a traditional go-to for that full, distended feeling.

Why try it

In traditional Chinese medicine, Zhongwan (REN12) is one of the main points used for bloating, indigestion, and stomach discomfort.

Dose or use

Press gently on the midline of your upper belly, halfway between navel and breastbone, for 2-3 min, 1-2x daily.

Time to results

Often felt within minutes; best with regular use

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Avoid firm pressure if pregnant or over broken or tender skin; ease off if it feels sharp.

Classic stomach-meridian point for digestion

Why it may be relevant

For that sluggish, heavy feeling after eating, this point below the knee is one of the most-used digestive points and is traditionally worked to settle the stomach.

Why try it

Zusanli (ST36) is a classic Stomach-meridian point traditionally used for bloating, indigestion, and nausea and to support healthy digestion.

Dose or use

Find the point about four finger-widths below the kneecap, just outside the shinbone; press firmly 2-3 min on each leg, 1-2x daily.

Time to results

Often felt within minutes; best with regular use

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Skip firm pressure during pregnancy; avoid pressing over injured or inflamed skin.

Traditionally eases tension-related stomach discomfort

Why it may be relevant

Acupressure offers an at-home way to address stress-triggered indigestion by stimulating digestive and calming pressure points.

Why try it

Traditionally used to relieve nausea and stomach discomfort by pressing points such as PC6 (inner wrist) and ST36 (below the knee).

Dose or use

Press firmly 2–3 min, both sides, 1–2x daily.

Time to results

Typically days to weeks with consistent use

Key study

Traditionally used for this condition; this specific use has not been confirmed in controlled clinical trials.

Caution

Check with your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take prescription medication, or manage a chronic condition.