By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 03, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Gerd
Herbal tinctures for GERD are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants, which help alleviate symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux.
These natural remedies work by soothing the esophageal lining, reducing inflammation, and regulating digestion. Examples of herbal tinctures that help with GERD include marshmallow root, licorice root, and ginger.
By using these tinctures, individuals can experience reduced discomfort and improved sleep quality, allowing them to enjoy a more comfortable daily life.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for gerd, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Gentiana lutea
- 2. Zingiber officinale
- 3. Aloe vera
- 4. Boswellia serrata
- 5. Piper methysticum
- 6. Cuminum cyminum
- 7. Mentha x piperita
- 8. Althaea officinalis
- 9. Matricaria chamomilla
- 10. Silybum marianum
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for gerd?
- What ailments similar to gerd are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Gentiana lutea
Yellow gentian tinctures helps with GERD because it has a natural ability to calm and soothe the digestive system.
The herb's bitter properties help stimulate digestion, reducing inflammation in the esophagus and stomach lining. This alleviates symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, and regurgitation, providing relief for those suffering from chronic GERD.
By promoting healthy digestion and reducing discomfort, yellow gentian tinctures can bring welcome relief to those struggling with this common condition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Gentiana lutea tinctures that help with gerd.
- Amorfrutins: Amorfrutins, a type of iridoid glycoside, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the esophagus and alleviate symptoms of GERD.
- Gentianine: Gentianine, an alkaloid compound, has been found to have a protective effect on the mucous membrane lining the esophagus, which can help prevent acid reflux and reduce the risk of GERD.
- Gentianoside: Gentianoside, a type of iridoid glycoside, has been shown to have a relaxing effect on the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which can help prevent acid reflux and alleviate symptoms of GERD.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of yellow gentian used to make tinctures for gerd.
- Roots: They contain gentiopicroside and gentiin, compounds believed to have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the digestive system.
- Leaves: They are rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, which may help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with GERD.
- Barks: The barks of the plant contain gentiopicroside and other compounds that may help to soothe and protect the digestive tract, alleviating GERD symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic yellow gentian for gerd.
- Harvest 25-30 grams of dried root and rhizome of gentiana lutea in late summer or early fall.
- Clean and chop the gentiana lutea root and rhizome into small pieces with a sharp knife.
- Combine the chopped root and rhizome with 75-100 milliliters of 95 percent ethanol in a glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a separate container and discard the solids.
2. Zingiber officinale
Ginger tinctures helps with GERD because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and calm the digestive tract.
The bioactive compounds in ginger, such as gingerol and shogaol, have been shown to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in the esophagus, thereby reducing symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.
Additionally, ginger's carminative effects help to neutralize stomach acid and prevent it from flowing back up into the esophagus, providing relief for those suffering with GERD.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale tinctures that help with gerd.
- Gingerols: Gingerols are a group of phenolic compounds found in Zingiber officinale, which help alleviate GERD symptoms by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and stomach, thereby alleviating acid reflux and heartburn.
- Shogaols: Shogaols are another group of phenolic compounds present in Zingiber officinale, which possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help protect the esophageal lining from acid damage, reducing the risk of complications associated with GERD.
- 6-gingerol: 6-Gingerol is a specific type of gingerol that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce acid production in the stomach, alleviate inflammation in the esophagus, and alleviate symptoms of GERD.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make tinctures for gerd.
- Rhyzomes: The most used part of Zingiber officinale for tinctures to help with GERD is its ability to reduce inflammation and alleviate digestive issues.
- Roots: The root of Zingiber officinale is also commonly used to make tinctures for GERD due to its antispasmodic properties, which can help relax the muscles in the digestive tract.
- Rhyzomes: The rhizome is often used to make tinctures for GERD because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe and protect the digestive tract from acid damage.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for gerd.
- Harvest 1 part of fresh zingiber officinale rhizomes and clean them thoroughly with cold water.
- Chop 1 part of zingiber officinale rhizomes into small pieces and soak them in 2 parts of 80-proof vodka.
- Allow the zingiber officinale pieces to steep in the vodka for 2-4 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the vodka mixture through a cheesecloth into a glass jar to separate the liquid from the solids.
- Store the resulting tincture in a dark glass bottle with a dropper lid at room temperature.
3. Aloe vera
Aloe tinctures helps with GERD because of its natural soothing properties that calm the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and irritation.
The anti-inflammatory compounds in aloe vera, such as aloin and aloe-emodin, help to neutralize stomach acid and reduce the production of excessive mucus, which can exacerbate symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux.
By coating the esophagus with a protective layer, aloe tinctures also aid in the healing process, reducing discomfort and alleviating symptoms associated with GERD.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera tinctures that help with gerd.
- Aloe-emodin: Aloe-emodin is a phenolic compound that has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the esophagus and alleviate symptoms of GERD.
- Aloe-ane: Aloe-ane is an anthraquinone glycoside that has been shown to relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), thereby reducing reflux and alleviating symptoms of GERD.
- Saponins: Saponins are a group of triterpenoid glycosides that have been found to have a protective effect on the mucous membranes of the esophagus, reducing inflammation and protecting against acid damage.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make tinctures for gerd.
- Leaves: Aloe vera leaves are rich in compounds like aloin and aloe-emodin, which have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate GERD symptoms.
- Rhyzomes: Aloe vera rhyzomes contain a high concentration of aloe-emodin, a compound that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with GERD.
- Stems: Aloe vera stems also contain aloe-emodin, as well as other compounds that can help soothe and calm the digestive system, reducing GERD symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for gerd.
- Harvest fresh aloe vera leaves when they are young and the gel is most potent and abundant.
- Clean and slice the aloe vera leaves into thin pieces to release their medicinal properties immediately.
- Combine the sliced aloe vera with 80 proof vodka in a glass jar in a 1:5 ratio by weight.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids.
4. Boswellia serrata
Frankincense tinctures helps with GERD because of its unique properties that soothe and calm the digestive system.
The resin's active compounds, such as boswellic acid, have been shown to reduce inflammation in the esophagus and stomach lining, alleviating symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation.
Additionally, frankincense has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help heal and protect the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, providing long-term relief from GERD symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Boswellia serrata tinctures that help with gerd.
- Terpenes: These terpenes help alleviate GERD symptoms by reducing inflammation and relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter, thereby preventing stomach acid reflux.
- Lignans: Lignans, such as bosellic acid, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the esophagus and alleviate GERD symptoms.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids like ferulic acid may help protect the esophagus from acid damage by increasing the production of mucus and promoting the healing of esophageal mucosa.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of frankincense used to make tinctures for gerd.
- Roots: They are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of boswellic acids, which help in reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of GERD.
- Rhyzomes: They contain a high amount of boswellic acids, similar to the roots, making them another popular choice for treating GERD symptoms.
- Barks: They also contain boswellic acids and are sometimes used to make tinctures for GERD due to their potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic frankincense for gerd.
- Harvest 500 grams of boswellia serrata bark and roots, dried to 10 moisture content for optimal potency.
- Grind 250 grams of the dried boswellia serrata material into fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Combine the ground boswellia serrata with 1250 ml of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 weeks, shaking the jar every day to enhance extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into another clean glass bottle, discarding the solids.
5. Piper methysticum
Kava tinctures helps with GERD because of its unique ability to relax the muscles in the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing for more efficient digestion and reducing symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn.
Additionally, kava's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the esophagus and stomach lining, further alleviating discomfort associated with GERD.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Piper methysticum tinctures that help with gerd.
- Kavain: A pyrone derivative, kavain has been shown to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in the digestive tract, which may help alleviate symptoms of GERD.
- Yasokavain: A phenylpyrone derivative, yasokavain has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation and damage to the esophagus and stomach lining.
- Kavalactones: A group of lactone compounds, kavalactones, including yangonin and dihydrokavain, may help reduce inflammation and spasms in the digestive tract, thereby alleviating symptoms of GERD.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of kava used to make tinctures for gerd.
- Roots: They are often used due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Leaves: They are commonly used for their ability to reduce inflammation and ease digestive discomfort, making them a potential remedy for GERD symptoms.
- Buds: They may be used due to their high content of flavonoids and alkaloids, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that could help alleviate GERD symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic kava for gerd.
- Harvest 1 part of dried root material in the morning after the plant has reached maturity.
- Chop the harvested root material into small pieces to increase its surface area.
- Combine the chopped root material with 2 parts of high-proof ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks with occasional shaking.
- Strain the tincture through cheesecloth into a separate container and discard the solids.
6. Cuminum cyminum
Cumin tinctures helps with GERD because its natural compounds have a soothing effect on the digestive system.
The antacid properties of cumin help to neutralize stomach acid and reduce inflammation, providing relief from heartburn and acid reflux symptoms. Additionally, cumin's anti-inflammatory properties can also help to heal and protect the esophageal lining, reducing the risk of further irritation and discomfort.
By taking an herbal cumin tincture regularly, individuals may experience a significant reduction in GERD symptoms and improved overall digestive health.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cuminum cyminum tinctures that help with gerd.
- Cuminaldehyde: This phenolic compound has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the esophagus and alleviate symptoms of GERD.
- Limonene: A terpene found in Cuminum cyminum, limonene has been demonstrated to have gastroprotective effects, potentially helping to prevent acid reflux and reduce stomach irritation.
- Cuminumol: A phenolic compound with antioxidant properties, cuminumol may help neutralize free radicals in the stomach, reducing oxidative stress and potentially alleviating symptoms of GERD.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of cumin used to make tinctures for gerd.
- Seeds: They are commonly used to make tinctures due to their high carminative and anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate GERD symptoms.
- Seeds: They also contain compounds that help relax the muscles in the stomach, reducing heartburn and discomfort associated with GERD.
- Seeds: The seeds' essential oils and other bioactive compounds aid in reducing inflammation and promoting digestive health, further supporting their use in GERD tinctures.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic cumin for gerd.
- Harvest cuminum cyminum seeds from mature plants when they are fully dry and free from any moisture.
- Cleanse and dry the cuminum cyminum seeds by spreading them out in a single layer for at least 2 days.
- Grind the dried seeds into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle to increase surface area.
- Combine the ground cuminum cyminum powder with 80 percent high proof vodka and 20 percent distilled water in a ratio of 1 part herb to 2 parts liquid.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking the container every week.
7. Mentha x piperita
Peppermint tinctures helps with GERD because it has a natural calming effect on the esophageal muscles, reducing inflammation and relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter.
This allows stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus more easily, relieving symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. Additionally, peppermint's anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce esophagitis, a common complication of GERD, by soothing the mucous membranes in the esophagus and reducing inflammation.
As a result, herbal peppermint tinctures can provide fast and effective relief from GERD symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita tinctures that help with gerd.
- Menthol: Menthol helps with GERD by providing a protective coating to the esophageal mucosa, reducing inflammation and irritation, and facilitating the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter.
- Piperitone: Piperitone has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the esophagus and stomach, alleviating symptoms of GERD such as heartburn and acid reflux.
- Rosmarinic acid: Rosmarinic acid has a soothing effect on the stomach lining, reducing inflammation and protecting against gastric acid damage, thereby helping to alleviate symptoms of GERD.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make tinctures for gerd.
- Leaves: Leaves are the most commonly used part of Mentha x piperita for tinctures, as they contain the highest concentration of menthol and menthone, which help to relax the muscles in the esophagus and reduce GERD symptoms.
- Stems: Stems are also used to make tinctures, as they contain a lower concentration of menthol and menthone than leaves, but still provide some relief from GERD symptoms.
- (optional) buds: Buds can be used to make tinctures, as they contain a higher concentration of menthone than leaves, which can help to reduce inflammation and relax the muscles in the esophagus.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for gerd.
- Harvest 1 pound of fresh mentha x piperita leaves and flowers on a dry sunny morning.
- Chop the harvested plant material into small pieces to increase surface area for extraction.
- Combine the chopped plant material with 80 proof vodka in a 1:5 ratio by weight.
- Store the mixture in a glass jar for 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle.
8. Althaea officinalis
Marshmallow tinctures helps with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) because its mucilaginous properties soothe and protect the esophagus and stomach lining, reducing inflammation and discomfort.
The herb's anti-inflammatory compounds, such as saponins, also help to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing acid reflux and allowing food to pass more easily through the digestive system.
Additionally, marshmallow tinctures can help to neutralize stomach acidity, providing relief from symptoms like heartburn and bloating.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis tinctures that help with gerd.
- Mucilages: Mucilages help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with GERD.
- Glycoproteins: Glycoproteins, particularly those like rhamnose and galactose, exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce acid reflux and inflammation in the esophagus.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as ferulic and sinapic acids, demonstrate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which may help alleviate symptoms of GERD, including heartburn and acid reflux.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make tinctures for gerd.
- Roots: The roots of Althaea officinalis are used to make tinctures for GERD because they contain mucilages that help soothe and protect the digestive tract.
- Leaves: The leaves of Althaea officinalis are used to make tinctures for GERD because they possess anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Barks: The barks of Althaea officinalis are used to make tinctures for GERD because they contain glycosides that can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the digestive tract.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for gerd.
- Harvest 1 part of the root of the medicinal plant by hand when it is in flower.
- Clean and dry the harvested root material in a well-ventilated area for at least 2 weeks.
- Chop 1 part of the dried root material into small pieces and combine it with 2 parts of high-proof spirit.
- Steep the mixture of chopped root material and high-proof spirit in a glass container for 4 to 6 weeks.
- Filter the resulting liquid mixture through a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle and discard the solids.
9. Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile tinctures helps with GERD because of its natural soothing properties that calm digestive issues.
The anti-inflammatory compounds in chamomile reduce inflammation in the esophagus and stomach, which alleviates symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux. Additionally, chamomile's antispasmodic effects relax the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.
By reducing inflammation and relaxing the digestive tract, herbal chamomile tinctures provide a natural solution for managing GERD symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla tinctures that help with gerd.
- Apigenin: Acts as an antispasmodic, helping to relax the lower esophageal sphincter and reduce inflammation in the esophagus, which can alleviate GERD symptoms.
- Luteolin: Exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing inflammation in the esophagus and protecting against oxidative stress, which can contribute to GERD development.
- Α-bisabolol: Demonstrates gastroprotective effects, reducing inflammation and preventing gastric mucosal damage, which can help alleviate symptoms of GERD and promote healing of the esophagus.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make tinctures for gerd.
- Flowers: They are used due to their high concentration of apigenin and luteolin, flavonoids with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help soothe the digestive system.
- Leaves: They are used because they contain similar flavonoids as the flowers and can help reduce inflammation and spasms in the digestive tract.
- Seeds: They are used due to their potential to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of Gerd through their rich content of sesquiterpenes and flavonoids.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for gerd.
- Harvest 20 to 30 fresh flower heads of matricaria chamomilla on a dry sunny morning after dew has evaporated.
- Chop the harvested flowers into small pieces using scissors to release their medicinal properties within 5 minutes.
- Combine 1 part chopped flowers with 2 parts 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar for tincture making.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks shaking the jar daily to enhance extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into another clean glass container discarding the solids and store the tincture in a cool dark place.
10. Silybum marianum
Milk thistle tinctures helps with GERD because it has been shown to soothe and protect the esophageal lining, reducing inflammation and discomfort.
The herb's flavonoids and silymarin compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm acid reflux and alleviate symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation.
Additionally, milk thistle tinctures may also help strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus and causing discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Silybum marianum tinctures that help with gerd.
- Flavolignans: This mixture of flavonoids helps protect the esophageal mucosa from acid reflux and inflammation, reducing symptoms of GERD.
- Sesquiterpene lactones: These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, which help reduce inflammation and irritation in the esophagus, alleviating GERD symptoms.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, particularly Ferulic acid, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help protect the esophagus from acid damage and reduce inflammation associated with GERD.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of milk thistle used to make tinctures for gerd.
- Seeds: The seeds of Silybum marianum are commonly used to make tinctures for GERD as they are rich in silymarin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Leaves: The leaves of Silybum marianum are also used to make tinctures for GERD due to their ability to soothe and protect the digestive tract.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic milk thistle for gerd.
- Harvest fresh or dried flowers and leaves of the plant at the peak of potency when they are in full bloom.
- Chop the plant material into small pieces using scissors or a sharp knife to increase the surface area.
- Combine 1 part of the chopped plant material with 2 parts of 80% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-6 weeks shaking the jar every day or two.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for gerd?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with GERD is a blend of Licorice root, Dandelion, and Aloe vera.
Licorice root soothes the mucous membranes and reduces inflammation, while Dandelion supports digestion and reduces acidity. Aloe vera calms heartburn and reduces irritation in the esophagus. Taking these tinctures in combination can provide relief from GERD symptoms such as heartburn, bloating, and digestive discomfort.
Consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
What ailments similar to gerd are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to Gerd that are treated with herbal tinctures are digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bloating, and dyspepsia.
Herbal tinctures like peppermint, ginger, and licorice root can help soothe the stomach, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms of indigestion and heartburn.
Additionally, tinctures made from herbs like marshmallow root and slippery elm may provide relief for inflammatory bowel conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.