Heartburn: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest and throat area, is typically caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus, often triggered by overeating, consuming spicy or fatty foods, and stress.

The chronic condition can lead to complications such as esophagitis, tooth erosion, and difficulty swallowing. To alleviate symptoms, herbal remedies like ginger, peppermint, and chamomile have been used to soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.

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

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

The main causes of heartburn are primarily related to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus.

This sphincter is normally a tight ring of muscle that separates the esophagus and stomach, but it can relax due to various factors. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is often caused by hormonal changes, obesity, and eating habits that put pressure on the stomach, leading to the backflow of acid. Additionally, other risk factors include consuming trigger foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, and spicy or fatty foods, as well as lying down after eating and smoking.

Furthermore, pregnancy, hiatal hernia, and certain medications like antidepressants and antihistamines can also contribute to heartburn.

• Overeating: Overeating is a common cause of heartburn because it leads to increased intra-abdominal pressure, which forces stomach acid up into the esophagus, causing the characteristic burning sensation.
• Obesity: Obesity is a major risk factor for heartburn because excess body fat can put pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus, and also because being overweight can lead to other health conditions that contribute to heartburn.
• Smoking: Smoking is a cause of heartburn because it relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus, and also because smoking can damage the lining of the esophagus, making it more susceptible to acid reflux.
• Hernia: Hernia is a cause of heartburn because it can put pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus, and also because hernias can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid reflux to occur.
• Diabetes: Diabetes is a cause of heartburn because high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves that control the muscles in the esophagus, leading to a decrease in the lower esophageal sphincter's ability to prevent stomach acid from flowing up into the esophagus.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a cause of heartburn because it can lead to a decrease in the production of stomach acid, which can cause stomach contents to flow up into the esophagus, and also because hypothyroidism can cause fatigue, which can lead to eating larger meals and lying down after eating, both of which can exacerbate heartburn.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy is a cause of heartburn because the growing uterus can put pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus, and also because pregnancy hormones can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid reflux to occur.
• Stress: Stress is a cause of heartburn because it can lead to changes in eating habits, such as eating more quickly or eating large meals, which can put pressure on the stomach and cause stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus.
• Food Triggers: Food triggers are a cause of heartburn because certain foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, and spicy foods, can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and increase the production of stomach acid, leading to acid reflux.
• Sleep Position: Sleep position is a cause of heartburn because lying down after eating can cause stomach contents to flow up into the esophagus, and also because sleeping with the head and torso elevated can worsen acid reflux.
• Caffeine: Caffeine is a cause of heartburn because it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and increase the production of stomach acid, leading to acid reflux.
• Carbonated Drinks: Carbonated drinks are a cause of heartburn because they can lead to swallowing air, which can put pressure on the stomach and cause stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus.
• Lying Down: Lying down is a cause of heartburn because it can cause stomach contents to flow up into the esophagus, and also because lying down can worsen acid reflux by allowing stomach acid to flow more easily up into the esophagus.
• Age: Age is a cause of heartburn because the muscles in the esophagus and lower esophageal sphincter weaken with age, making it more difficult for the esophagus to prevent stomach acid from flowing up into the esophagus.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for heartburn?

The main medicinal herbs used for heartburn are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Foeniculum vulgare, Aloe barbadensis, Cinchona officinalis, Mentha x piperita, Zanthoxylum bungeanum, Ginkgo biloba, Aloe vera, Gardenia jasminoides.

Glycyrrhiza glabra has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation in the esophagus and alleviate heartburn symptoms. Zingiber officinale and Foeniculum vulgare possess carminative properties that help ease digestion and relieve symptoms of heartburn. Aloe barbadensis, Aloe vera, and Gardenia jasminoides have soothing effects on the mucous membranes, reducing irritation and inflammation in the esophagus.

Cinchona officinalis and Ginkgo biloba have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the esophagus and prevent further irritation.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, helps with heartburn by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and stomach lining due to its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as glycyrrhizin and flavonoids, which soothe and protect the mucous membranes.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, or ginger, helps with heartburn by reducing inflammation and soothing the digestive tract with its bioactive compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, or fennel, helps with heartburn by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract and reducing inflammation with its essential oils, such as anethole and fenchone, which have carminative properties that ease digestion and alleviate symptoms of heartburn.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, or aloe vera, helps with heartburn by soothing and protecting the mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach lining with its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as aloin and aloe-emodin, which reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of heartburn.
• Cinchona officinalis: Cinchona officinalis, or cinchona, does not have a direct proven link to alleviating heartburn symptoms, however, its alkaloids, such as quinine, may have anti-inflammatory properties that could contribute to its potential use in digestive issues, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, or peppermint, helps with heartburn by relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract and reducing inflammation with its essential oils, such as menthol and menthone, which have carminative and anti-inflammatory properties that ease digestion and alleviate symptoms of heartburn.
• Zanthoxylum bungeanum: Zanthoxylum bungeanum, or Sichuan pepper, helps with heartburn by stimulating digestion and reducing inflammation with its bioactive compounds, such as hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, which have carminative and anti-inflammatory properties that alleviate symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba does not have a direct proven link to alleviating heartburn symptoms, however, its flavonoids and terpenoids may have anti-inflammatory properties that could contribute to its potential use in digestive issues, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera, or Aloe barbadensis, helps with heartburn by soothing and protecting the mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach lining with its anti-inflammatory compounds, such as aloin and aloe-emodin, which reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of heartburn.
• Gardenia jasminoides: Gardenia jasminoides does not have a direct proven link to alleviating heartburn symptoms, however, its flavonoids and alkaloids may have anti-inflammatory properties that could contribute to its potential use in digestive issues, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

What are the main herbal preparations used for heartburn?

The main herbal preparations used for heartburn are Decoction, Tincture, Capsules, Lozenges, Gel, Ointment, Tea, Cream, Suppository, Powder.

Decoction is a liquid extract made by boiling herbs like licorice root and chamomile to treat heartburn. Tincture, a concentrated liquid made from herbs like peppermint and ginger, is often used to calm the digestive system. Capsules and Lozenges containing herbs like slippery elm and marshmallow root provide quick relief from heartburn symptoms.

Other preparations, such as Gel, Ointment, Tea, Cream, Suppository and Powder, made from herbs like aloe vera and meadowsweet, can also help alleviate heartburn by soothing the esophagus and reducing inflammation.

• Decoction: A decoction of the dried roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra or other anti-inflammatory herbs helps with heartburn by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and increasing the production of mucus to protect the mucous membranes from acid reflux.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of Melissa officinalis or other antispasmodic herbs helps with heartburn by relaxing the muscles in the esophagus and reducing the frequency of acid reflux episodes.
• Capsules: Capsules containing the powdered seeds of Trachyspermum ammi or other carminative herbs help with heartburn by reducing the production of stomach acid and improving digestion, thereby alleviating symptoms of acid reflux.
• Lozenges: Lozenges made from the dried roots of Althaea officinalis or other demulcent herbs help with heartburn by coating the mucous membranes in the esophagus with a protective layer, reducing inflammation and discomfort caused by acid reflux.
• Gel: A gel made from the leaves of Plantago major or other anti-inflammatory herbs helps with heartburn by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and providing a protective barrier against acid reflux.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the dried roots of Withania somnifera or other antispasmodic herbs helps with heartburn by relaxing the muscles in the esophagus and reducing the frequency of acid reflux episodes.
• Tea: A tea made from the leaves of Ilex guayusa or other antispasmodic herbs helps with heartburn by relaxing the muscles in the esophagus and reducing the frequency of acid reflux episodes.
• Cream: A cream made from the dried roots of Aloe barbadensis or other demulcent herbs helps with heartburn by coating the mucous membranes in the esophagus with a protective layer, reducing inflammation and discomfort caused by acid reflux.
• Suppository: A suppository made from the dried roots of Asimina triloba or other antispasmodic herbs helps with heartburn by relaxing the muscles in the esophagus and reducing the frequency of acid reflux episodes.
• Powder: A powder made from the seeds of Foeniculum vulgare or other carminative herbs helps with heartburn by reducing the production of stomach acid and improving digestion, thereby alleviating symptoms of acid reflux.