Acid Reflux Causes, Medicinal Herbs And Herbal Preparations
Acid reflux is a condition where the stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and discomfort in the chest and throat.
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat acid reflux due to their natural anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, providing a safer alternative to conventional medications.
Certain herbs like licorice root, slippery elm, and aloe vera help to soothe and protect the esophagus, while others such as ginger, chamomile, and dill seed aid in reducing inflammation and promoting digestion.
Herbal preparations like teas, tinctures, and capsules can be used to treat acid reflux, with examples including licorice root tea to calm the digestive system, ginger tincture to reduce inflammation, and slippery elm capsules to protect the esophagus lining.
What causes acid reflux?
The primary causes of acid reflux are the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and an overproduction of stomach acid, which allows stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus.
Secondary causes can include obesity, smoking, and certain medications such as sedatives and antidepressants, as these can weaken the LES or increase stomach pressure.
Lifestyles that increase the chances of developing acid reflux include consuming large or heavy meals, lying down after eating, and wearing tight clothing that puts pressure on the stomach, as these can also put pressure on the LES.
Additionally, pregnancy and hormonal changes can also contribute to acid reflux, as the hormone progesterone can relax the LES and allow stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus.
What herbs heal acid reflux?
The medicinal herbs used to treat acid reflux are rich in bioactive compounds that help alleviate symptoms.
For example, licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, which exhibits anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, while gentian root has iridoid glycosides that increase digestive enzyme production and improve gut motility.
Another example is slippery elm, which has mucilages that form a protective barrier in the digestive tract, reducing acid exposure and preventing irritation.
Additionally, meadowsweet contains salicylic acid, a natural anti-inflammatory that helps to neutralize stomach acid and reduce heartburn.
What preparations treat acid reflux?
The herbal preparations used to treat acid reflux are teas, infusions, and tinctures that help to soothe and calm the digestive system.
Drinking a warm tea or infusion made from a specific root that has anti-inflammatory properties can reduce inflammation in the esophagus and alleviate symptoms.
A tincture made from a certain leafy plant that has a natural antacid effect can help neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief.
Additionally, drinking a cool infusion made from a type of flower that has a calming effect can help relax the muscles in the digestive tract and prevent acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.
The articles in the following links discuss in detail the best herbal preparation used to treat acid reflux.