Herbs for Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Both acid reflux and heartburn conditions can either be major hindrances or minor annoyances to a person’s life.

That is why this article is not only going to educate you about the two, but also inform you on the various easily available herbal remedies that can help in alleviating the conditions while healing other affected tissues and body internal organs in the process.

It is crucial to note that both conditions are interrelated in a way; hence you may come across natural herbs that alleviate both of them at a go.

We will show you the best herbs for acid reflux these are all herbal antacids.

Heartburn which is also known by the scientific names “cardialgia, acid indigestion, or pyrosis” is a burning sensation experienced in the chest particularly behind the epigastrium or the breastbone. This relatively painful sensation may radiate further to the throat, neck or angle of the jaw.

Acid reflux on the other hand is also referred to as ” gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastric reflux disease or simply as reflux in young children and babies.” It is a mucosal damage, chronic condition that is caused by stomach acid that travels into the esophagus. Occasional acid reflux can result in heartburns.

Herbal Cures For Acid Reflux

Discussed below are some of the major natural herbs that can help alleviate heartburn and acid reflux as well as heal any damage that has been done to the human digestive system as a result of excessive production of stomach acid.

Chewable Licorice (DGL)

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root which can be simply referred to by the acronym “DGL” is basically a chewable unique licorice supplement that has had the relatively harmful glycyrrhizin component removed. The Glycyrrhizin component usually makes the licorice herb unsafe for people with high blood pressure or those who are prone to water retention and bloating.

Removing this component thus makes licorice safe for use by all. Apart from being an effective, natural solution for ulcers among other ailments, DGL can also be beneficial in alleviating both acid reflux and heartburn conditions.

DGL users are encouraged to only use its chewable extract version in the form of DGL tablets as the homeopathic remedy can only be effective after mixing with saliva. Chewing a couple of deglycyrrhizinated tablets when one is experiencing acid reflux or heartburns can help not only in decreasing stomach inflammation, but also in soothing ulcer conditions as well as protecting the stomach lining.

Chewable Licorice which is readily available in various online and physical food and drug stores can also help in greatly boosting the production of enzymes, resulting in quicker and easier digestion together with the improved absorption of essential nutrients.

Ginger Root

Ginger which is an easily available and popular herb has been found to have various beneficial gastroprotective properties due to its incredible ability to suppress Helicobacter pylori and block stomach acid.

The wonder herb has been traditionally used in treating various gastric disturbances among other medical conditions since the ancient time.

A scientific study¹ that was carried out in the year 2007 revealed that ginger was far superior to “lansoprazole” in preventing the formation of ulcers in the stomach.

The natural herb exhibited six-to-eight fold astonishingly greater potency over the lansoprazole drug. Ginger root is thus able to ease quite a number of stomach woes; including ulcers, acid reflux, and nausea just to name a few. Sipping a cup of fresh ginger root tea approximately twenty minutes before any meal can help in calming down your tummy significantly while acting as a reliable acid buffer.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric, which is an excellent digestive system tonic, works best in relieving pain through contact. That is why most herbal specialists recommend turmeric users to use the herbal remedy as a gargle for heartburns, mouth sores and sore throats.

The natural herb which is considered to be a “panacea” of the extensive herbal world and known for its beneficial anti-inflammatory properties can lessen inflammation and turn off pain. The undeniable fact that turmeric is a digestive bitter with reliable pain relieving qualities makes it an ideal choice for alleviating acid reflux when used in small doses.

Turmeric can also support healthy secretions as well as heal tissue damages and inflammation caused by acid reflux. Ardent herbal users should try to use the herbal remedy less often as using a lot of turmeric for extended periods of time may end up causing serious stomach distress.

Pregnant women and those trying to become pregnant should refrain from using the homeopathic remedy as well as those individuals with congestive heart failure.

Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis)

The Marshmallow root contains mucilage which is a relatively sticky mucous like substance that helps in coating both the stomach and oesophagus lining, creating a reliable protective barrier against relatively harmful stomach acid. The herbal extract can be taken either as a cold infusion or in its capsule form.

Apart from the Marshmallow root, treating heartburns and acid reflux, it can also help in healing the damage made by excess stomach acids. Although Marshmallow is an absolutely non-toxic and safe herb, its unique mucilaginous properties can interfere with the absorption of other conventional medications hence should be used on its own.

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera which is mainly used in many cosmetic products including shower gels and shampoos can also be consumed in its juice form. The Aloe Vera plant has been long used to soothe burns, but can actually do more than that. Just as one applies Aloe Vera on the skin to help soothe sunburns you can also effectively soothe the burning sensation in your skin as a result of acid reflux or heartburn using the Aloe Vera juice. The Aloe Vera juice naturally helps in reducing inflammation thus can easily alleviate heartburn.

Chamomile

Drinking chamomile herbal tea about one hour before going to sleep can balance the stomach acidity levels as well as reduce inflammation in the stomach. The natural herbal remedy can also work wonders in relieving stress, which is a major acid reflux trigger improving your sleep patterns throughout the night.

You can easily make your own chamomile tea using very easily available herbal recipes or purchase instant chamomile tea for consumption. Drinking chamomile tea some few minutes before planning to sleep gives the herb enough time to stop the stomach acid from travelling up when you sleep.

CONCLUSION

Natural herbal remedies have various beneficial components and properties that can help in alleviating various medical conditions including acid and heartburns. The homeopathic remedies also provide an effective yet safe way to treat diseases while maintaining a healthy body system. Try them today for guaranteed results.