10 Best Herbal Decoctions For Heartburn

Herbal decoctions for heartburn are a natural remedy made by steeping herbs in hot water to create a soothing, effective treatment for acid reflux and indigestion.

These herbal blends help to neutralize stomach acid, calm inflammation, and promote digestive health, providing relief from the discomfort of heartburn. Examples include chamomile, licorice root, and slippery elm decoctions, which can be sipped warm before meals or at bedtime to alleviate symptoms.

By using herbal decoctions for heartburn, individuals can enjoy improved digestion, reduced discomfort, and increased confidence in their daily lives.

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The following article describes in detail the most important decoctions for heartburn, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Licorice decoctions helps with heartburn because they contain compounds that have a soothing effect on the digestive tract.

The flavonoids and polyphenols present in licorice root help to reduce inflammation and irritation in the esophagus, which can alleviate symptoms of heartburn such as burning sensations and discomfort.

Additionally, licorice decoctions may also help to neutralize stomach acid, providing relief from frequent regurgitation and belching that often accompany heartburn.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra decoctions that help with heartburn.

• Glycyrrhizin: Helps with heartburn by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and stomach, and also has a protective effect on the mucous membranes.
• Licoricidin: Helps with heartburn by reducing acid production in the stomach and protecting the stomach lining from damage.
• Licopyrones: Helps with heartburn by soothing and protecting the mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach, reducing inflammation and irritation.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make decoctions for heartburn.

• Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are commonly used to make decoctions for heartburn due to their high glycyrrhizin content, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make decoctions for heartburn as they contain flavonoids and saponins that help soothe and calm the digestive system.
• Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make decoctions for heartburn as they contain antioxidants and flavonoids that help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of heartburn.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for heartburn.

1. Gather 30 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots and rinse them with cold water for 10 minutes.
2. Steep the dried roots in 1 liter of boiling water for 15 to 30 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
4. Discard the solids and let the decoction cool to room temperature in 30 minutes.
5. Store the cooled decoction in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Mentha x piperita

Peppermint decoctions helps with heartburn because of its natural relaxing properties, which ease digestion and reduce inflammation in the esophagus.

The menthol content in peppermint also helps to neutralize stomach acid and alleviate symptoms such as bloating, discomfort, and burning sensations associated with heartburn.

Additionally, peppermint's anti-inflammatory compounds help to soothe the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, providing relief from irritation and discomfort caused by heartburn.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Mentha x piperita decoctions that help with heartburn.

• Monoterpenes: These volatile compounds help alleviate heartburn by reducing gastric acid secretion and improving digestion, thereby providing relief from symptoms.
• Rosmarinic acid: This polyphenolic compound exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe the mucous membranes in the esophagus and reduce inflammation associated with heartburn.
• Menthol: This terpene acts as a natural relaxant, helping to reduce muscle spasms and alleviate symptoms of heartburn by promoting smooth muscle relaxation and facilitating the passage of food through the digestive system.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of peppermint used to make decoctions for heartburn.

• Leaves: Mint leaves are commonly used for heartburn decoctions due to their high concentration of menthol and menthone, which can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
• Roots: The roots of Mentha x piperita are used for their digestive properties, which can help soothe the digestive system and reduce heartburn.
• Stems: The stems of Mentha x piperita contain a higher concentration of menthol and menthone compared to leaves, making them a popular choice for heartburn decoctions.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic peppermint for heartburn.

1. Harvest fresh leaves and flowers of the plant in the morning for optimal potency and flavor.
2. Clean the plant material by rinsing it with cold water to remove dirt and debris.
3. Chop the plant material into small pieces to increase its surface area for infusion.
4. Combine one teaspoon of the chopped plant material with 250 milliliters of boiling water to create a decoction.
5. Steep the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the active compounds to infuse into the water.

3. Zingiber officinale

Ginger decoctions helps with heartburn because its active compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, have natural anti-inflammatory and acid-reducing properties.

When consumed as a warm drink, these compounds can help soothe the esophagus and reduce inflammation caused by stomach acid flowing back up into the esophagus.

Additionally, ginger has been shown to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing stomach acid from entering the esophagus and reducing symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Zingiber officinale decoctions that help with heartburn.

• Gingerols: These iridoid compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help alleviate heartburn symptoms by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and decreasing the production of stomach acid.
• Shogaols: Similar to gingerols, shogaols are bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help mitigate heartburn by protecting the esophageal lining and reducing the severity of acid reflux.
• 6-gingerol: This specific gingerol has been shown to have a direct effect on the stomach muscles, reducing their contractions and thereby alleviating heartburn symptoms.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of ginger used to make decoctions for heartburn.

• Rhyzomes: They are most commonly used due to their high concentration of gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and digestive properties that help alleviate heartburn symptoms.
• Roots: The roots of the plant are also widely used, as they contain similar compounds to the rhyzomes and can help soothe digestive issues associated with heartburn.
• Stems: The stems of the ginger plant, although less commonly used, may also be used to make decoctions for heartburn, although their effectiveness may be less compared to the rhyzomes and roots.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginger for heartburn.

1. Weigh and dry 2-4 grams of zingiber officinale roots in a low-temperature oven for 2 hours.
2. Crush the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
3. Combine 1-2 teaspoons of the powder with 250 milliliters of boiling water in a heat-resistant container.
4. Steep the mixture for 5-7 minutes then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve.
5. Discard the solids and store the decoction in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

4. Passiflora incarnata

Maypop decoctions helps with heartburn because they contain a natural compound called mucilage, which soothes and protects the mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach.

This coating action reduces inflammation and irritation caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus, providing quick relief from heartburn symptoms such as burning sensations and discomfort.

Additionally, maypop's anti-inflammatory properties help to calm the digestive tract, further reducing inflammation and alleviating symptoms of heartburn.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata decoctions that help with heartburn.

• Flavonoids: They help with heartburn by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and alleviating symptoms of acid reflux.
• Isovitexin: It has a protective effect on the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, providing a barrier against stomach acid and reducing irritation.
• Harman alkaloids: They have a relaxing effect on the muscles in the digestive tract, reducing contractions that can cause stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus and alleviate heartburn symptoms.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make decoctions for heartburn.

• Leaves: The leaves are used because they contain flavonoids and alkaloids that have a soothing effect on the digestive system.
• Stems: The stems are used because they contain a similar combination of flavonoids and alkaloids as the leaves, providing a similar therapeutic effect.
• Roots: The roots are used because they contain a higher concentration of these compounds, making them a more potent remedy for heartburn.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maypop for heartburn.

1. Gather 1-2 ounces of dried passiflora incarnata flowers and leaves from a trusted herbal supplier or your garden.
2. Combine the dried herbs with 1 quart of boiling water and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
3. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove solids.
4. Bring the decoction to a simmer and reduce it to 1-2 cups over the next 15-30 minutes.
5. Store the cooled decoction in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and consume 1/4 to 1/2 cup as needed.

5. Althaea officinalis

Marshmallow decoctions helps with heartburn because they form a soothing protective barrier in the esophagus, reducing inflammation and irritation.

The mucilages present in marshmallows gel when they come into contact with stomach acid, creating a thick layer that prevents digestive enzymes from entering the esophageal lining.

This coating also helps to neutralize stomach acid, providing relief from burning sensations and discomfort associated with heartburn.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis decoctions that help with heartburn.

• Mucilage: It helps protect the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach, providing a physical barrier against stomach acid and reducing inflammation, which in turn alleviates heartburn symptoms.
• Phenolics: It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and irritation in the esophagus and stomach, providing relief from heartburn.
• Flavonoids: It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help reduce inflammation and protect the mucous membranes from damage, alleviating heartburn symptoms.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make decoctions for heartburn.

• Roots: They are rich in mucilage, a thick, protective substance that soothes and protects the digestive tract from irritation.
• Leaves: They contain a similar composition to the roots, including mucilage, which helps to calm heartburn symptoms.
• Stems: They also contain mucilage, making them a useful addition to decoctions for heartburn relief.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for heartburn.

1. Harvest clean and dry 50-100 grams of althaea officinalis roots in late summer or early fall.
2. Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
3. Combine 250 milliliters of water with 10-15 grams of the powdered root in a saucepan.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.

6. Taraxacum officinale

Dandelion decoctions helps with heartburn because its bitter compounds, such as taraxinic acid, stimulate digestion and improve liver function.

This enhances the body's natural ability to process and eliminate excess stomach acid, reducing symptoms of heartburn. Additionally, dandelion's anti-inflammatory properties help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach, further alleviating discomfort and inflammation associated with heartburn.

By supporting digestive health and reducing inflammation, dandelion decoctions provide a natural remedy for managing frequent and persistent heartburn episodes.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Taraxacum officinale decoctions that help with heartburn.

• Taraxasterol: This triterpenoid saponin may help with heartburn by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and protecting against acid reflux.
• Quercetin: This flavonoid phenolic compound has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate heartburn symptoms by protecting the esophageal lining and reducing inflammation.
• Taraxeryl acetate: This triterpenoid saponin may help with heartburn by inhibiting the production of stomach acid and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of dandelion used to make decoctions for heartburn.

• Roots: They are used for heartburn decoctions due to their high inulin content, which helps to soothe and calm the digestive system.
• Leaves: They are used for heartburn decoctions due to their anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate heartburn symptoms.
• Flowers: They are used for heartburn decoctions due to their bitter compounds, which can stimulate digestion and relieve heartburn symptoms.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dandelion for heartburn.

1. Harvest 25 to 30 taraxacum officinale roots with a diameter of 0.5 to 2 cm in late summer or early fall.
2. Wash the roots thoroughly with cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
3. Dry the roots in a single layer at 30 to 40°c for 24 hours to reduce moisture content.
4. Grind 5 to 10 grams of the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
5. Steep 2 to 5 grams of the powder in 250 milliliters of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes.

7. Petasites hybridus

Butterbur decoctions helps with heartburn because they possess anti-inflammatory and antacid properties that soothe the digestive tract and neutralize stomach acid.

The herb's flavonoids and terpenoids work together to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, reducing acid reflux and preventing heartburn symptoms from occurring. Additionally, butterbur decoctions help stimulate digestion and relieve inflammation in the esophagus, allowing for easier passage of food and reducing discomfort associated with heartburn.

This natural remedy provides effective relief from chronic heartburn without resorting to pharmaceutical medications.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Petasites hybridus decoctions that help with heartburn.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help reduce inflammation and spasms in the esophagus and stomach, alleviating symptoms of heartburn.
• Alkaloids: Specifically, the alkaloids present in Petasites hybridus, such as petasine and pseudopetasine, have anti-inflammatory properties that help soothe and calm the digestive tract, reducing heartburn discomfort.
• Flavonoids: These compounds, including kaempferol and quercetin, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the esophagus and stomach from acid damage and inflammation, which contributes to heartburn.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of butterbur used to make decoctions for heartburn.

• Leaves: They contain various bioactive compounds, including sesquiterpene lactones, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate heartburn symptoms.
• Roots: The roots contain iridoid glycosides, which have been shown to relax smooth muscles and reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, providing relief from heartburn.
• Buds: Petasites hybridus buds are often used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal issues, including heartburn, due to their ability to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the digestive tract.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic butterbur for heartburn.

1. Harvest fresh petasites hybridus leaves and roots in the spring or fall season for optimal potency.
2. Chop 2-4 grams of the harvested petasites hybridus plant material into small pieces.
3. Combine the chopped plant material with 200ml of water in a saucepan and bring to boil.
4. Reduce heat to simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the active compounds to infuse.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine mesh into a clean container.

8. Aloe vera

Aloe decoctions helps with heartburn because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and calm the digestive tract.

The aloe vera gel contained in the decoction forms a protective barrier that reduces irritation and inflammation in the esophagus, providing relief from the burning sensation caused by acid reflux.

Additionally, aloe's natural antioxidants help to neutralize stomach acid, reducing its ability to flow back up into the esophagus and trigger heartburn symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Aloe vera decoctions that help with heartburn.

• Anthraquinones: These glycosidic compounds help reduce inflammation and soothe the digestive tract, providing relief from heartburn symptoms.
• Phenolic acids: These antioxidants help protect the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, reduce inflammation, and prevent acid reflux, thus alleviating heartburn.
• Glycoproteins: These complex molecules help soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, reducing inflammation and irritation that can cause heartburn.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of aloe used to make decoctions for heartburn.

• Leaves: The leaves contain a gel that helps to neutralize stomach acid and soothe heartburn symptoms.
• Barks: The barks may be used to make decoctions that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the esophagus.
• Roots: The roots can be used to make decoctions that may help to stimulate digestion and alleviate symptoms of heartburn.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic aloe for heartburn.

1. Harvest 5 large aloe vera leaves with thick green skin and store them in a cool dark place.
2. Peel the skin from the leaves and chop the gel into small pieces weighing about 30 grams.
3. Combine the chopped gel with 500 milliliters of distilled water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or until it reduces to half.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth into a clean glass bottle and store it in the refrigerator.

9. Sambucus nigra

Elder decoctions helps with heartburn because of its natural antacid properties, which help to neutralize stomach acid and reduce inflammation in the esophagus.

The plant's anthocyanins and flavonoids work together to relax the lower esophageal sphincter, preventing stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.

Additionally, elder decoctions have been shown to soothe and protect the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract, further alleviating heartburn symptoms and promoting overall digestive health.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Sambucus nigra decoctions that help with heartburn.

• Phenolic acids: Help with heartburn by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and stomach, thereby alleviating symptoms of acid reflux.
• Flavonoids: Act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals that can exacerbate heartburn, and also have anti-inflammatory properties to soothe the digestive tract.
• Triterpenoids: Exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing the production of stomach acid and alleviating symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of elder used to make decoctions for heartburn.

• Flowers: The flowers are used due to their high content of flavonoids and other compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antacid properties.
• Leaves: The leaves are used due to their ability to reduce inflammation and soothe the digestive tract, providing relief from heartburn symptoms.
• Stems: The stems are used due to their flavonoid content, which helps to reduce inflammation and alleviate heartburn symptoms.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic elder for heartburn.

1. Gather 25-50 grams of dried sambucus nigra flowers and leaves for the decoction.
2. Combine the sambucus nigra material with 500 milliliters of boiling water in a saucepan.
3. Allow the mixture to steep for 5-10 minutes to release the bioactive compounds.
4. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container.
5. Discard the solids and store the decoction in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

10. Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn decoctions helps with heartburn because of its natural anti-inflammatory properties, which soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the esophagus and stomach.

The flavonoids present in hawthorn also relax the esophageal sphincter, preventing acid reflux and reducing symptoms of heartburn.

Additionally, hawthorn's cardiotonic effects help to strengthen the heart and improve blood flow, which can alleviate pressure on the digestive system and reduce inflammation associated with heartburn.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Crataegus monogyna decoctions that help with heartburn.

• Flavonoids: These compounds help alleviate heartburn by reducing inflammation in the esophagus and promoting the healing of gastric ulcers.
• Triterpenoids: These compounds have been shown to inhibit the production of stomach acid, which can contribute to heartburn symptoms.
• Phenolic acids: These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help soothe the esophageal mucosa and reduce inflammation associated with heartburn.

Plant's Parts

The list below shows the primary parts of hawthorn used to make decoctions for heartburn.

• Fruits: Used due to their high content of flavonoids and other compounds that may help alleviate digestive issues, including heartburn.
• Leaves: Used due to their astringent properties, which may help reduce inflammation and soothe digestive issues like heartburn.
• Buds: Used due to their high content of flavonoids and other compounds that may help alleviate digestive issues, including heartburn.

Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic hawthorn for heartburn.

1. Collect 30-60 grams of dried crataegus monogyna leaves and flowers for herbal decoction preparation.
2. Grind the collected dried leaves and flowers into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
3. Combine the ground herbal powder with 1 liter of boiling water in a heat-resistant container.
4. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes over low heat to release the herbal compounds.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a separate container for consumption.

What is the best combination of herbal decoctions to use for heartburn?

The best combination of herbal decoctions that help with heartburn is a blend of licorice root, ginger, and slippery elm.

Licorice root soothes the stomach lining, reducing inflammation and pain. Ginger calms digestive issues and alleviates nausea.

Slippery elm, rich in mucilage, coats and protects the esophagus from acid damage. Together, these herbs work synergistically to neutralize stomach acid, reduce symptoms of heartburn, and promote a healthy digestive system.

This combination can be consumed as a tea, decoction, or added to meals for relief.