Acid reflux or GERD (Gastro-esophageal reflux disease) is a condition where the contents of the stomach leak back into the esophagus. This action irritates the esophagus and leads to heartburn and other symptoms.
This is a common health disorder that can hit almost everyone; however, you need not have to bear these painful symptoms. You can get good relief by using some of the effective herbal remedies for acid reflux.
Chamomile is very soothing as well as comforting to the whole body, therefore, it is used as a herbal remedy for heartburn. It has great calcium content that helps in decreasing the effect of excess stomach acids.
It helps you relax and is an excellent remedy for nighttime heartburn. It is also believed to heal the damaged lining of the esophagus. You can use chamomile as a supplement, but it acts best when consumed as tea. For preparing chamomile tea, add 1 oz. of flowers to a pint of boiling water.
Use the cooled infusion as a tonic for GERD, two to three cups a day. Note that taking herbs in tea form lets your body absorb the herbal properties quickly. Fennel tea is another herb having similar effect.
Ginger is a common herb used in treating various digestive ailments. It has anti-swelling properties which promote natural movement all over the intestines and is a good herbal remedy for heartburn and acid reflux.
It works by absorbing the excess acids inside the stomach. It contains high quantities of digestive enzymes and may even reduce the inflammation associated with GERD.
You can use ginger supplements as tea or take the actual sweet root directly. For making tea, use 2g to 4g of fresh ginger root or directly chew 1/4-oz. of ginger root. Note that large doses of ginger can reverse its effect and cause heartburn, belching or indigestion.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a folk remedy used for heartburn and acid reflux. It contains mucilage, which is believed to coat and soothe the lining of your esophagus.
Generally, herbalists recommend to take marshmallow root in tea form. Add one tablespoon of the dried root to a cup of boiling water, steep for at least 10 minutes and then strain. Drink this tea up to three times a day to get relief from acid reflux.
This is an excellent remedy for acid reflux. The peel of organic grapefruits is well known remedy to reduce the symptoms of GERD. To prepare this medication, grate the skin of the grapefruits and let them dry for a day.
Once dried, store them in a closed glass jar. Whenever you feel the symptoms of acid reflux, chew and eat few of these skins to get instant relief. Note that only organic grapefruits must be used for this remedy.
Aloe vera juice is an excellent herb for healing the intestinal tract and is therefore used for healing digestion as well. Aloe gel contains polysaccharides and glycoproteins.
Glycoproteins help reduce the inflammation and pain, while polysaccharides and glycoproteins together stimulate your immune system. Aloe gel may also soothe your irritated esophagus. Aloe juice can be found in health food stores.
For treating GERD, you can mix the gel found in the leaves of the plant with some water and have it. This juice tastes a bit bitter, so you may add little cranberry, pineapple or pomegranate juice to make it pleasant. Note that aloe juice should not be taken by people suffering from liver or gall bladder disease.
Romaine lettuce is an easy solution to get rid of GERD. This is a vegetable that contains many minerals and has a high alkalinity that neutralizes the acid reflux activity.
For treating acid reflux, mix some fresh and clean lettuce with water and then add little amount of honey for taste. Blend them together and take it every day.
Lavender is a good remedy for evening acid reflux. It is an excellent soothing body aid and stomach aid that reduces acids in the stomach, heals acid-reflux damage and also aids in proper digestion. You can take lavender as tea or as oil (a drop) on a cube of sugar. The best time to take it is before you go to sleep.
Evening Primrose (Tree Primrose, Sun Drop) stimulates the vital functions of your stomach and eases any imbalance of essential fatty acids or immune deficiency.
It works on the alimentary toxins and is proved to be successful in treating gastro-intestinal disorders. For treating GERD, take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the fluid extract every 4-6 hours, as required.
If you are using tincture, you can take 5-40 drops, depending on the severity of your symptoms. This herb also comes as an oil extract capsule that can be used as a vitamin.
Cinnamon is an ancient herb known for its great therapeutic properties. It has antiseptic and antacid properties that control heartburn and acidic stomach. For using cinnamon to treat acid reflux, you can sprinkle some cinnamon powder on toasted bread and eat it slowly.
Herbal tea is a renowned remedy for acid reflux and heartburn. It works by decreasing the quantity of acids in your stomach. For preparing an effective herbal tea, peppermint, aniseed and lavender are used.
Mix equal amounts of all three herbs and make a teaspoon powder of the mixture. Boil it in two and a half cups of water let it steep for five minutes. Filter the tea and add some honey to taste. Drink up to 8 oz. of this tea daily in the morning and evening to get rid of acid reflux.
Chicory root is a great alternative for treating various digestive ailments. The leaves and flowers of this herb also aid in digestion. It contains endive and escarole that have soothing effects and are believed to heal the symptoms of acid reflux.
Chicory is effective as tea. Take one half cup of chicory root and boil it in water for 10 minutes. Cool this tea and drink it to reduce acid reflux.
Slippery elm coats your mouth, throat and stomach and also stimulates the nerve endings in your gastrointestinal tract to secrete mucus. This increased mucus secretion helps protect your gastrointestinal tract from the harmful effects of acids and ulcers.
Therefore, this is a good herbal remedy to treat symptoms of GERD. For treating acid reflux, you can take 400-500 mg of slippery elm capsules 3-4 times daily for 4-8 weeks. Take the capsules with full glass of water.
If you are using the tincture, take 5 ml 3 times per day. For preparing a tea, add 2 tablespoons of powdered slippery elm bark to 2 cups of boiling water and then steep for 3-5 minutes. Drink this tea 3 times daily.
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