Gerd: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition in which the stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and pain.

Caused by factors such as a weakened lower esophageal sphincter, obesity, and certain foods, GERD can lead to inflammation, scarring, and even cancer. If left untreated, it can cause digestive issues, respiratory problems, and affect overall health. To alleviate GERD symptoms, herbal remedies like aloe vera, licorice root, and slippery elm can be used in teas, capsules, or tinctures.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with medications or worsen underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of gerd, 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 gerd?

The main causes of GERD are primarily related to the dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is a ring-like muscle that separates the esophagus and stomach.

When the LES relaxes improperly or becomes weakened, stomach acid can flow back up into the esophagus, causing symptoms of GERD. Other contributing factors include obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and certain medications such as sedatives, antidepressants, and antihistamines, which can relax the LES and worsen symptoms. Additionally, eating habits like consuming large or heavy meals, lying down after eating, and drinking citrus juices or coffee can also trigger GERD episodes.

Furthermore, certain medical conditions like hiatal hernia, gastroparesis, and Sjögren's syndrome can increase the risk of developing GERD due to their effects on the LES and stomach function.

• Overweight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of GERD due to the excess fat tissue around the stomach, which can put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and cause stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
• Eating habits: Consuming large or heavy meals, lying down after eating, and eating foods that can trigger GERD symptoms, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, and spicy foods, can all contribute to the development of GERD.
• Hiatal hernia: A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach bulges up into the chest through an opening in the diaphragm, which can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to become weakened and allow stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy can cause the muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus, and the growing uterus can also put pressure on the stomach and lower esophageal sphincter.
• Smoking: Smoking can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter and reduce saliva production, which can lead to acid reflux and GERD symptoms.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during menopause or other conditions can cause the muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
• Certain medications: Certain medications, such as sedatives, antidepressants, and antihistamines, can relax the muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter and cause stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
• Stress: Chronic stress can cause the muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter to relax and allow stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.
• Genetic predisposition: Some people may be born with a genetic predisposition to GERD, which can be triggered by a combination of factors, including diet, lifestyle, and other medical conditions.
• Gastric outlet obstruction: A gastric outlet obstruction occurs when the flow of food out of the stomach is blocked, causing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus and leading to GERD symptoms.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for gerd?

The main medicinal herbs used for gerd are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Foeniculum vulgare, Aloe vera, Mentha x piperita, Aloe barbadensis, Cinchona officinalis, Cinnamomum verum, Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba.

Glycyrrhiza glabra contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce gastric acid secretion, providing relief from heartburn and acid reflux. Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has natural anti-inflammatory compounds like gingerols and shogaols that help alleviate nausea and stomach discomfort associated with gerd. Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, has a natural relaxant effect on the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing acid reflux and reducing symptoms of gerd.

Aloe vera, Panax ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Aloe barbadensis, Mentha x piperita and Cinchona officinalis, Cinnamomum verum have various other beneficial effects such as soothing digestive issues, improving circulation and reducing inflammation, helping to alleviate gerd symptoms.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with GERD by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and stomach due to its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, may help with GERD by reducing inflammation and relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus due to its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, may help with GERD by reducing inflammation and relaxing the smooth muscles in the digestive tract, allowing food to pass more easily and reducing symptoms of acid reflux due to its anethole and limonene compounds.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera may help with GERD by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the esophagus and stomach lining due to its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as aloin and aloe-emodin.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, may help with GERD by relaxing the smooth muscles in the digestive tract, allowing food to pass more easily and reducing symptoms of acid reflux due to its menthol and menthone compounds.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, may help with GERD by reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the esophagus and stomach lining due to its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as aloin and aloe-emodin.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, or cinchona, may help with GERD by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation of the digestive tract muscles due to its quinine and quinidine compounds.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, or cinnamon, may help with GERD by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation of the digestive tract muscles due to its cinnamaldehyde and cinnamyl acetate compounds.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng, or Asian ginseng, may help with GERD by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation of the digestive tract muscles due to its ginsenosides and saponins compounds.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba, or maidenhair tree, may help with GERD by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation of the digestive tract muscles due to its flavonoids and terpenoids compounds.

What are the main herbal preparations used for gerd?

The main herbal preparations used for GERD are Tincture, Decoction, Capsules, Gel, Ointment, Suppository, Lozenges, Powder, Cream, Liquid Extract.

Tincture of licorice root is used for its anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation and protect the mucous membranes of the esophagus. Decoction of ginger and slippery elm is used to soothe and protect the mucous membranes, while Capsules of Iberogast, a herbal blend of peppermint, chamomile, and licorice root, are used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Gel and Ointment of aloe vera are used to soothe and calm the mucous membranes, while Suppository of slippery elm is used to protect and soothe the esophagus.

Lozenges of licorice root, Powder of slippery elm, Cream of aloe vera, and Liquid Extract of ginger are used for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to alleviate GERD symptoms.

• Tincture: A tincture prepared from the leaves of the Plantago lanceolata (Plantain) helps with GERD by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and stomach due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Decoction: A decoction made from the bark of the Alnus glutinosa (Black Alder) helps with GERD by reducing acid production in the stomach and alleviating symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
• Capsules: Capsules filled with the dried and powdered root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice Root) help with GERD by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and stomach and stabilizing the stomach lining.
• Gel: A gel prepared from the leaves of the Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) helps with GERD by soothing and protecting the mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the roots of the Iberis amara (Wild Candytuft) helps with GERD by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach.
• Suppository: Suppositories prepared from the dried and powdered root of the Zingiber officinale (Ginger) help with GERD by reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms of heartburn and indigestion through localized application.
• Lozenges: Lozenges made from the leaves of the Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) help with GERD by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach, while also providing a soothing effect.
• Powder: A powder prepared from the dried and powdered root of the Trifolium pratense (Red Clover) helps with GERD by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach.
• Cream: A cream made from the flowers of the Calendula officinalis (Calendula) helps with GERD by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach, while also providing a soothing effect.
• Liquid Extract: A liquid extract prepared from the leaves of the Lippia alba (Mexican Oregano) helps with GERD by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach, while also providing a soothing effect.