What to know about acid reflux before treating it with medicinal herbs

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing burning sensations in the chest and throat.

It can have significant negative impacts on daily life, including difficulty sleeping, social isolation, and reduced quality of life. Causes of acid reflux include poor diet, obesity, and certain medications.

Medicinal herbs such as licorice root, slippery elm, and ginger can provide relief. Licorice root tea or tincture may help soothe the esophagus, while slippery elm tea or capsules can coat and protect it. Ginger tea or supplements can also aid in digestion and reduce inflammation.

However, when using herbs medicinally for acid reflux, precautions should be taken to ensure interactions with other medications and potential allergic reactions are minimized.

This article explains in detail what acid reflux is, how it affects your life and what are its causes. Then, it lists what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results. Lastly, it revals what other natural remedies to use in conjunction with herbal medicine to aid with this problem.

What is acid reflux and how it affects your life?

Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition characterized by the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as burning sensations in the chest and throat, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation of food, and a sour taste in the mouth.

This debilitating condition can wreak havoc on one's daily life, making simple tasks feel like monumental struggles. Imagine waking up multiple times a night to alleviate excruciating heartburn, only to be left feeling groggy and exhausted for the rest of the day.

Picture being unable to enjoy your favorite foods, from spicy curries to rich pasta dishes, due to the constant fear of triggering an episode. Envision being forced to alter your wardrobe, opting for loose-fitting clothes to accommodate the chronic discomfort that comes with acid reflux. Or imagine feeling self-conscious about social gatherings, hesitant to try new foods or drinks lest you embarrass yourself with an unexpected burp or hiccup.

Acid reflux is a constant companion, always lurking in the background, making even the most mundane moments a battleground of pain and frustration.

What are the main causes of acid reflux?

The main causes of acid reflux are a combination of lifestyle and anatomical factors.

One of the most common culprits is poor diet, which can exacerbate acid reflux by increasing the production of stomach acid and relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing acidic stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus. Overeating, consuming spicy or fatty foods, and drinking carbonated beverages can all contribute to this issue. Another major factor is anatomical problems, such as a hiatal hernia, where the stomach bulges up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm, putting pressure on the LES and allowing acid to flow back up.

Additionally, being overweight or obese can also increase the risk of acid reflux by pushing the stomach contents upwards and adding extra pressure on the LES.

The most common causes of acid reflux are listed below.

• Eating Too Much at One Time: Consuming large meals can put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), causing it to relax and allow stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
• Poor Digestion: Inadequate digestion of food, especially fatty or greasy foods, can lead to a slow movement of food through the digestive system, allowing more time for stomach acid to reflux upwards.
• Eating Trigger Foods: Certain foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, spicy dishes, and fried foods can stimulate the production of stomach acid and relax the LES, leading to acid reflux symptoms.
• Smoking: Smoking weakens the muscle that separates the esophagus and stomach, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
• Being Overweight or Obese: Excess weight puts additional pressure on the stomach, which can push stomach acid upwards towards the esophagus.
• Eating Late at Night: Eating close to bedtime can cause lying down and digestion to occur simultaneously, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux symptoms.
• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause can relax the LES and increase stomach acid production, leading to acid reflux.
• Aging: As people age, the LES becomes weaker, allowing it to open more frequently and allow stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
• Lying Down After Eating: Lying down immediately after eating can cause stomach contents to flow upwards, increasing pressure on the LES and causing acid reflux symptoms.
• Genetics: Some people may be more prone to acid reflux due to their genetic makeup, as it can run in families.

What are the best medicinal herbs for acid reflux?

The best medicinal herbs for acid reflux are those that help soothe and calm the digestive system.

Peppermint oil and lemon balm have a relaxing effect on the stomach muscles, reducing inflammation and easing symptoms. Ceylon cinnamon has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in the esophagus, while fennel's carminative properties help eliminate gas and bloating. Ginger's digestive enzymes also aid in breaking down food more efficiently, preventing acid reflux from occurring in the first place.

These herbs work together to provide a triple-threat approach to alleviating acid reflux symptoms.

The most effective medicinal herbs that help with acid reflux are listed below.

• Peppermint: Soothes the digestive tract, reduces inflammation, and relieves symptoms of acid reflux by relaxing the esophageal sphincter.
• Lemon balm: Has a calming effect on the stomach, reducing stress and anxiety that can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.
• Ceylon cinnamon: Stimulates digestion, helps to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, and regulates blood sugar levels which can contribute to acid reflux.
• Fennel: Soothes the stomach lining, reduces inflammation, and relieves bloating and discomfort associated with acid reflux.
• Ginger: Reduces inflammation, relaxes the esophageal sphincter, and has natural anti-inflammatory compounds that help to alleviate acid reflux symptoms.
• Wormwood: Has anti-inflammatory properties, can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, and may help to reduce symptoms of acid reflux.
• Yarrow: Stimulates digestion, reduces inflammation, and helps to soothe the stomach lining which can alleviate acid reflux symptoms.
• Licorice: Soothes the mucous membranes in the stomach and intestines, reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of acid reflux.
• Milk thistle: Helps to soothe and protect the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of acid reflux.
• Chamomile: Has a calming effect on the digestive system, reduces stress and anxiety which can exacerbate acid reflux symptoms, and helps to regulate digestion.

What are the most effective herbal preparations for acid reflux?

The most effective herbal preparations for acid reflux are teas, decoctions, tinctures, gels, and capsules.

Teas help soothe the esophagus and calm inflammation, while decoctions provide a more concentrated dose of active compounds to target heartburn symptoms. Tinctures, when taken sublingually or added to water, rapidly release their bioactive compounds into the bloodstream to quickly neutralize stomach acid. Gels, applied topically to the chest and abdomen, offer localized relief from inflammation and discomfort.

Capsules, containing powdered herb extracts, provide a steady release of beneficial compounds over several hours to support digestive health and reduce symptoms of acid reflux.

The most used herbal preparations that help with acid reflux are listed below.

• Teas: Soothes and calms the esophageal mucosa, reducing inflammation and discomfort caused by acid reflux, while also promoting relaxation and digestion to alleviate symptoms.
• Decoctions: Releases bioactive compounds that help to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus and alleviating heartburn symptoms.
• Tinctures: Provides a concentrated dose of active ingredients that can quickly calm the digestive system, reducing inflammation and acid production to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.
• Gels: Forms a physical barrier on the mucous membrane lining the esophagus, protecting it from stomach acid and reducing irritation caused by acid reflux.
• Capsules: Releases slow-acting compounds that promote the growth of beneficial gut flora, which helps to regulate digestion and reduce symptoms of acid reflux.
• Ointments: Reduces inflammation and discomfort in the esophageal mucosa, promoting healing and alleviating pain associated with acid reflux.
• Creams: Provides a localized anti-inflammatory effect on the esophagus, reducing irritation and discomfort caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus.
• Tablets: Releases compounds that help to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus and alleviating heartburn symptoms.
• Syrups: Provides a soothing effect on the esophagus, reducing inflammation and discomfort caused by acid reflux, while also promoting relaxation and digestion to alleviate symptoms.
• Salves: Forms a physical barrier on the mucous membrane lining the esophagus, protecting it from stomach acid and reducing irritation caused by acid reflux.

What precautions to take when using herbal remedies for acid reflux?

When using herbal remedies to alleviate acid reflux symptoms, it's essential to exercise caution and follow certain precautions.

Some herbs, such as ginger, licorice root, and slippery elm, may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, so consult with a healthcare provider before using them. Additionally, be aware of potential allergic reactions or sensitivities to individual herbs, and start with small doses to gauge tolerance.

It's also crucial to ensure the herbal remedies are sourced from reputable suppliers and meet good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to minimize the risk of contamination or adulteration. Furthermore, if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescription medications, be particularly cautious when using herbal remedies for acid reflux, as they may pose additional risks or interact with other substances in your body.

By taking these precautions, you can safely explore the potential benefits of herbal remedies to alleviate acid reflux symptoms while minimizing potential risks.

The most important precautions to take when using herbal remedies for acid reflux are listed below.

• Identify any potential allergens before consuming herbal remedies, especially if you have a history of allergies or sensitivities.
• Research and choose reputable sources for your herbal supplements to ensure they are pure and free from contaminants.
• Consult with a healthcare provider before taking new herbal remedies, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or take prescription medications.
• Start with small doses and gradually increase as needed and directed, to minimize potential side effects and interactions.
• Monitor and adjust your diet and lifestyle habits while using herbal remedies for acid reflux, as some herbs may interact with other foods and substances.
• Be aware of the potential for herbal remedies to interact with medications you are taking, including antacids and PPIs.
• Consider the risk-benefit ratio before using herbal remedies, especially if you have severe or chronic acid reflux.
• Keep track of your symptoms and response to herbal remedies, and report any changes or concerns to your healthcare provider.
• Store herbal supplements in a secure location and out of reach of children and pets.
• Avoid self-diagnosing or treating yourself for acid reflux with herbal remedies if you have a history of esophagitis, ulcers, or other digestive tract disorders.