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Updated: Oct 1, 2024

Acid Reflux: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

herbal remedies for acid-reflux

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing heartburn, discomfort, and potential damage to the esophagus.

This occurs when the ring of muscle at the end of the esophagus, called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), relaxes or becomes weakened, allowing stomach acid to flow back up. Causes of acid reflux include overeating, lying down after eating, consuming spicy or fatty foods, and certain medications.

If left untreated, acid reflux can lead to complications such as esophagitis, strictures, and even esophageal cancer. To alleviate acid reflux, herbal remedies such as slippery elm, licorice root, and ginger can be used. These herbs can be consumed as teas, capsules, or added to food.

However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications, as they can interact with other treatments and exacerbate health issues.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of acid reflux, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of acid reflux?

The main causes of acid reflux are often attributed to a combination of lifestyle, dietary, and anatomical factors.

Overeating or consuming large, heavy meals can put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), causing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus. Additionally, obesity, which is often associated with increased abdominal pressure, is a significant risk factor for acid reflux. Other contributing factors include smoking, which can relax the LES and reduce saliva production, and eating trigger foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and chocolate, which can irritate the esophagus and worsen symptoms.

Furthermore, certain medical conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia, can also contribute to acid reflux by disrupting the normal functioning of the LES.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for acid reflux?

The main medicinal herbs used for acid reflux are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Foeniculum vulgare, Aloe barbadensis, Mentha x piperita, Zanthoxylum bungeanum, Curcuma longa, Ginkgo biloba, Cinchona officinalis, Cinnamomum verum.

Glycyrrhiza glabra's licorice root has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the esophagus and reduce inflammation. Zingiber officinale's ginger exhibits anti-inflammatory compounds that help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux by inhibiting prostaglandin production and improving digestion. Foeniculum vulgare's fennel seeds have carminative effects that relieve bloating and gas, while Aloe barbadensis's aloe vera gel has mucilaginous properties that protect the esophagus from acid damage.

Additionally, Curcuma longa's turmeric contains curcumin that reduces inflammation and promotes healing, while Cinchona officinalis's cinchona bark reduces gastric acid production and alleviates acid reflux symptoms.

medicinal plants for acid-reflux

What are the main herbal preparations used for acid reflux?

The main herbal preparations used for acid reflux are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Gel, Lozenge, Suppository, Salve, Powder, Licorice Root Capsules, Ointment.

Decoction is a liquid herbal extract made by boiling herbs in water, useful for soothing stomach inflammation and reducing acid production, often using herbs like Licorice root, Ginger, and Fennel. Tincture is a concentrated liquid extract made from herbs like Aloe Vera and Slippery Elm, taken internally to calm inflammation and protect the esophageal mucosa. Capsules and Licorice Root Capsules are oral dosages of dried and powdered herbs, providing anti-inflammatory properties and soothing the esophageal mucosa.

Ointments and Salves can be applied topically to the chest to relieve heartburn symptoms, while Gels and Lozenges can be used to neutralize stomach acid and provide quick relief from symptoms, and Suppositories can be inserted to provide targeted relief to the affected area, reducing acid reflux.

herbal preparations for acid-reflux