Acid reflux is also known as GERD when it happens regularly. It stands for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. It causes immense pain and irritation starts happening in the esophagus. Inflammation, heartburn, chest pain, sour taste in mouth and ulceration are the common symptoms of this disease. It can be a result of overeating or Candidiasis (Infection from yeasts). Consuming alcohol and caffeine in excess amount can also be the reasons for getting affected with GERD.
One should consult the doctor for medication otherwise it may result in cancer. Severe cases may lead for the case to be treated by surgery. It is a very unpleasant disease causing stomach pain and heartburn. A glass of water after the meal is beneficial. At least 2 litres of water consumed per day is good for health. One should also avoid using carbonated soft drinks. There are large numbers of medicinal herbs available for treating GERD naturally. Herbal remedies should be used after consulting the doctor as they may have serious side effects.
Herbal Remedies for GERD
Aloe Vera
Juice prepared from aloe vera helps in digestion and is useful for treating inflammation. It reduces irritation caused during acid reflux. It contains substances like polysaccharides and glycoproteins that stimulate the immune system. While polysaccharide helps in repairing skin, glycoproteins help in reducing pain and inflammation.
Aloe gel can be consumed before meals. Tea or juice can be combined with the gel for better taste. Pregnant women should avoid its usage. Aloe vera juice contains a number of vitamins, minerals and enzymes that are helpful for immune system. It contains fibers that are helpful for regulating bowel movement and reducing constipation as well.
Herbal Licorice
It coats the stomach with a gel that protects it from inflammation. It is available in tincture form or tea. It forms mucous lining in the stomach and provides relief from heartburn. Licorice root is one of the ingredients found in tea, pills etc. It should be consumed after consultation with doctor as the ingredient named glycyrrhiza can cause serious side effects.
It can also cause high blood pressure and make the blood thinner. Chewable DGL is another form of licorice that can have side effects. It should be mixed with saliva and is not effective in capsule form. 250-500 mg of DGL for 3 times per day can be chewed for 1 or 2 hour before having the meal.
Angelica
Angelica is a medicinal plant of which root, fruit and seed are used for medicinal purposes. It is used in combination with 5 other medicinal herbs and is very effective in removing the symptoms of acid flux. 1 ml of this mixture is consumed 3 times a day. Angelica juice mixed with juices of garlic, carrot, fennel etc. has a number of benefits in reducing the acid flux symptoms.
Caraway
Caraway is a medicinal herb used for healing purposes. Its fruit, seed and oil are used for the treatment of heartburn. It also relieves from constipation and kills bacteria inside the body. It helps in digestion and provides relief from stomach and intestine ailments.
It is also used in combination with other medicinal herbs for treating heartburn. Caraway seeds are very helpful in treating upset stomach, irritation in bowel syndrome, colic and indigestion. 0.05 to 2 ml dose of the essential oil can be taken 3 times per day.
German Chamomile
The flower head of this herb is used to prepare medicine. The chemicals contained in this plant are helpful in reducing inflammation. The combination of this herb along with other medicinal herbs is used to treat severe cases of acid flux. It takes around 4 weeks for getting positive results with this treatment. Up to 50 drops of its tincture form can be consumed for 3 times per day. The chemicals contained in this herb have anti-inflammatory and relaxant properties. Its long term usage can cause allergic reactions.
Marsh Mellow
It is a medicinal herb that provides relief from acid reflux pain. It contains mucilage which is responsible for creating a protective layer across the lining of esophagus. Tea prepared from marsh mellow root is recommended in cases of acid reflux.
1 tablespoon of marsh mellow dried root can be added to a cup of boiling water, soak for 10 minutes and then strain it. Drinking 3 cups of this liquid per day is very useful. Pregnant women and those suffering with diabetes should not use it.
Bladderwrack
5-10 mg of bladderwrack in capsule form can be used for 3 times per day. Bladderwrack has a side effect associated with it that it can cause iodine toxicity. It is helpful for digestive tract, constipation and healing the digestive system. It is very effective in curing the symptoms of GERD. It can be consumed in the form of tea prepared from bladderwrack soaked for at least 10 mins.
Greater Celandine
Roots and underground stems of this herb are used for medicinal purposes. 1 ml of a combination of this herb along with other herbs can be consumed for up to 4 weeks. It is beneficial for indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and cough. Celandine tea is helpful for stomach and intestinal tract. It also provides relief from abdominal pain.
Lemon balm
It is a natural herb useful for treating bloating, intestinal gas, upset stomach etc. It is used with other medicinal herbs as a combination for treating GERD and removing symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting etc. Lemon balm has no side effects but when used with other herbs, it may cause some side effects like rashes, itching etc.
Peppermint
The enteric coated peppermint tablet can be consumed as 1 tablet for 2-3 times per day. It would provide relief from peptic ulcer and its symptoms. The tablet also contains 0.2 ml of peppermint oil.
Clown’s Mustard Plant
Leaves, seeds, roots and stems of this herb can be used for medicinal purposes. It is used to treat heartburn and associated problems like irritable bowel syndrome and stomach discomfort.
Milk Thistle
Milk can provide relief from heartburn temporarily. It stimulates acid production inside stomach. It is good for acid reflux as it contains large amount of calcium. But it should not be drunken for more than 8 ounces of milk.
Photo Credit: http://www.jeffersonhospital.org/diseases-conditions/gerd-heartburn.aspx?disease=8cb26343-f21c-497f-a366-c52897d83575
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
