Herbal Remedies for Heartburn

Heartburn is a major symptom of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. It is also known as acid indigestion. It presents itself as a burning sensation in the chest and the upper portion of the abdomen. The pain may radiate to the neck, throat, and angle of the jaw.

Heartburn results when gastric acid in the stomach goes up and over reaching the lower portion of the esophagus. Heartburn is then perceived as chest pain. Because of this, Patients with heartburn are sometimes mistaken to have heart attack.

Some people with heartburn are already tired of taking medicines. They want to try some herbs and natural remedies. Here are some herbal and natural treatments for heartburn:

Chamomile. A cup of chamomile tea may have a soothing effect on the stomach.

Ginger. Ginger is used as folk remedy for heartburn for many centuries. Aside from the commercial and imported ginger and lemon tea, you may want to try the local “salabat.”

Licorice. Many studies claim that licorice increases the mucous coating of the esophageal lining, helping it resist the irritating effects of stomach acid. Deglycirrhizinated licorice or DGL is available in tablet form.

Other natural remedies include fennel, marshmallow root, papaya tea, and catnip. There are some people who eat fresh papaya as a digestive aid. Others swear by raw potato juice three times a day.

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) contains probiotics that aid in digestion. Homeopathic practitioners advise 2 teaspoons of ACV in ¼ cup of water that is taken as a drink, every five minutes until heartburn subsides.

Some heartburn patients brag about the effective use of organic lemon juice. The organic lemon is juice into a glass and is taken as a drink. Some want to add ¼ cup of water and take the lemon juice as a shot.

Betaine HCL and calcium tablets are natural supplements that can prevent heartburn. Seek the advice of a health professional or physician before taking Betaine HCL and calcium on a daily basis.

Before you decide to take any herbal remedy or supplement for your heartburn, discuss it with your doctor. Some supplements can have side effects and some may interfere with medicines you are already taking.