Hyperacidity: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Hyperacidity, or excessive stomach acid production, is a condition where the stomach lining produces more acid than needed, leading to digestive discomfort, heartburn, and other related health issues.

Typically caused by eating spicy or acidic foods, stress, and certain lifestyle choices, hyperacidity can also be a result of underlying medical conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. If left untreated, it can cause complications such as tooth erosion, digestive issues, and even respiratory problems. To alleviate hyperacidity, herbal remedies like licorice root, slippery elm, and aloe vera can be effective, available in teas, tinctures, or capsules.

However, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, as they may interact with other treatments or have adverse effects.

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

The main causes of hyperacidity are primarily related to lifestyle and dietary habits, with 70-80% of cases attributed to consuming excessive amounts of citrus fruits, tomatoes, and other acidic foods.

Additionally, the widespread use of antibiotics has disrupted the gut microbiome, leading to an overproduction of stomach acid and increased acidity. Other contributing factors include stress, which stimulates the release of gastrin, a hormone that increases acid secretion, and obesity, which can lead to increased acid production due to inflammation in the stomach. Furthermore, certain medical conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, and peptic ulcers can also cause hyperacidity.

The consumption of spicy foods, caffeine, and carbonated beverages can also exacerbate the condition by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter and allowing stomach acid to flow up into the esophagus.

• Fatty diet: A diet rich in fatty foods can lead to hyperacidity as the body's increased demand for digestive enzymes can strain the digestive system and lead to the overproduction of stomach acid.
• Stress: Chronic stress can cause hyperacidity by stimulating the release of cortisol, a hormone that can increase the production of stomach acid, as well as slow down digestion, allowing stomach acid to build up.
• Smoking: Smoking can cause hyperacidity as the chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the lining of the stomach, allowing stomach acid to flow more easily and potentially leading to an increase in acid production.
• Genetic predisposition: Some people may be born with a genetic predisposition to hyperacidity, which can be caused by inherited traits that affect the functioning of the digestive system and the regulation of stomach acid production.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which the stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing hyperacidity, and is often caused by a weakened lower esophageal sphincter or other abnormalities in the digestive system.
• H. pylori infection: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection can cause hyperacidity by damaging the lining of the stomach and increasing the production of stomach acid, leading to inflammation and other digestive problems.
• Spicy foods: Consuming spicy foods can cause hyperacidity as the capsaicin in chili peppers can stimulate the release of stomach acid, potentially leading to an increase in acid production and digestive discomfort.
• Caffeine: Consuming high amounts of caffeine can cause hyperacidity as it can stimulate the release of stomach acid, potentially leading to an increase in acid production and digestive discomfort.
• Food allergies: Consuming foods to which an individual is allergic can cause hyperacidity as the body's immune response to the allergen can lead to inflammation and increased stomach acid production.
• Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin deficiencies, particularly a lack of vitamin B12, can cause hyperacidity as the body's inability to properly regulate stomach acid production can lead to an increase in acid production and digestive problems.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroids, can cause hyperacidity as they can damage the lining of the stomach and increase the production of stomach acid.
• Age: As people age, the risk of developing hyperacidity increases, potentially due to a decline in the functioning of the digestive system and the regulation of stomach acid production.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, particularly during pregnancy and menopause, can cause hyperacidity as the fluctuations in hormone levels can affect the functioning of the digestive system and the regulation of stomach acid production.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for hyperacidity?

The main medicinal herbs used for hyperacidity are Zingiber officinale, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Curcuma longa, Aloe vera, Foeniculum vulgare, Aloe barbadensis, Terminalia chebula, Cassia auriculata, Cinnamomum verum, Mentha x piperita.

Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of hyperacidity. Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice root, neutralizes stomach acid and protects the mucous membranes from acid damage. Curcuma longa, turmeric, contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the digestive system.

Other herbs, such as Aloe vera, Foeniculum vulgare, Aloe barbadensis, Terminalia chebula, Cassia auriculata, Cinnamomum verum, and Mentha x piperita, also exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help alleviate symptoms of hyperacidity and promote digestive health.

• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, contains compounds like gingerols and shogaols which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of hyperacidity.
• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice root, contains glycyrrhizin which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps soothe the mucous membranes in the stomach, reducing inflammation and hyperacidity.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, contains curcumin which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of hyperacidity.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera contains aloin and aloe-emodin which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of hyperacidity.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare, commonly known as fennel, contains anethole which has a carminative effect, helping to reduce gas and alleviate symptoms of hyperacidity.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis, also known as aloe vera, contains aloin and aloe-emodin which have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of hyperacidity.
• Terminalia chebula: Terminalia chebula, commonly known as haritaki, contains chebulic acid which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of hyperacidity.
• Cassia auriculata: Cassia auriculata, also known as the golden cassia, contains auriculatin which has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and alleviate symptoms of hyperacidity.
• Cinnamomum verum: Cinnamomum verum, commonly known as cinnamon, contains cinnamaldehyde which has a carminative effect, helping to reduce gas and alleviate symptoms of hyperacidity.
• Mentha x piperita: Mentha x piperita, commonly known as peppermint, contains menthol which has a calming effect on the digestive tract and helps reduce inflammation, alleviating symptoms of hyperacidity.

What are the main herbal preparations used for hyperacidity?

The main herbal preparations used for hyperacidity are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Suppository, Ointment, Powder, Cream, Poultice, Ghee, Salve.

Decoction involves boiling herbs in water to extract their active compounds, making it a convenient method for treating hyperacidity, as seen in the use of Ulmus rubra for its antacid properties. Tincture, on the other hand, involves soaking herbs in a solvent like ethanol to create a concentrated extract, which can be taken orally to alleviate hyperacidity symptoms, as seen in the use of Aloe barbadensis. Capsules, containing powdered herbs like Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), are another common preparation method for treating hyperacidity, as they allow for standardized dosing and bioavailability.

Additionally, topical preparations like Suppository, Ointment, Powder, Cream, Poultice, Ghee, and Salve, containing herbs like Cetraria islandica, can be used to soothe and protect the mucous membranes in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing hyperacidity symptoms.

• Decoction: A decoction of herbs such as Ulmus rubra or Rhus glabra can help alleviate hyperacidity by reducing inflammation in the stomach and intestines due to their anti-inflammatory properties, while also providing antioxidant effects to protect against oxidative stress.
• Tincture: A tincture of herbs like Zingiber officinale or Piper nigrum can help mitigate hyperacidity by reducing inflammation and relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby facilitating easier digestion and reducing symptoms of acid reflux.
• Capsule: A capsule containing powdered herbs like Aloe barbadensis or Plantago major can help alleviate hyperacidity by reducing inflammation and soothing the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, thereby reducing irritation and discomfort associated with acid reflux.
• Suppository: A suppository of herbs like Symphytum officinale or Calendula officinalis can help alleviate hyperacidity by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of ulcers in the digestive tract, thereby reducing symptoms of acid reflux and promoting overall digestive health.
• Ointment: An ointment of herbs like Calendula officinalis or Plantago major can help alleviate hyperacidity by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of ulcers in the digestive tract, thereby reducing symptoms of acid reflux and promoting overall digestive health when applied topically to the abdomen.
• Powder: A powder of herbs like Zingiber officinale or Foeniculum vulgare can help alleviate hyperacidity by reducing inflammation and relaxing the muscles in the digestive tract, thereby facilitating easier digestion and reducing symptoms of acid reflux when mixed with water or other liquids.
• Cream: A cream of herbs like Aloe barbadensis or Symphytum officinale can help alleviate hyperacidity by reducing inflammation and soothing the mucous membranes in the digestive tract, thereby reducing irritation and discomfort associated with acid reflux when applied topically to the abdomen.
• Poultice: A poultice of herbs like Calendula officinalis or Plantago major can help alleviate hyperacidity by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of ulcers in the digestive tract, thereby reducing symptoms of acid reflux and promoting overall digestive health when applied topically to the abdomen.
• Ghee: Ghee made from the milk of cows grazing on herbs like Trifolium pratense or Medicago sativa can help alleviate hyperacidity by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of ulcers in the digestive tract, thereby reducing symptoms of acid reflux and promoting overall digestive health.
• Salve: A salve of herbs like Calendula officinalis or Plantago major can help alleviate hyperacidity by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of ulcers in the digestive tract, thereby reducing symptoms of acid reflux and promoting overall digestive health when applied topically to the abdomen.