Acid reflux is a digestive disorder in which your oesophagus becomes inflamed due to stomach acid coming up into your throat. This causes heartburn, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, regurgitation and nausea. This article explains some quick ways to relieve acid reflux with natural remedies.
Do you have acid reflux?
The symptoms of acid reflux include a painful burning sensation in the chest area, known as heartburn. Sometimes people also have a sour taste in their mouth and an irritated or sore throat caused by stomach acid.
Acid reflux is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD or GERD) and it may be due to a combination of factors. These factors include stress, poor diet, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, lack of sleep, certain foods, infections and prescription medications.
Common heartburn trigger foods include spicy or fatty foods and acidic foods such as lemon juice. But you might also find healthy, high-fibre food choices, such as vegetables or fruits can also cause bouts of heartburn.
Heartburn, the most common symptom of reflux may be very uncomfortable. But, if you regularly have the symptoms of GORD, it is important to find out why so that you can prevent a recurrence and potential complications. But if you are struggling with heartburn symptoms right now, here are four of the alternative treatments that can help you to find quick relief naturally yourself.
Demulcent liquorice lozenges
Liquorice root is a natural remedy that is often used to treat coughs, colds and sore throats. It is also very effective as a heartburn remedy. Liquorice has soothing demulcent properties that can help to reduce the discomfort of acidic stomach contents. Liquorice tea may help but sucking a liquorice lozenge can be a better option. These lozenges help by stimulating the flow of saliva and the mucilaginous liquorice can coat the throat and oesophagus.
Soothing carminative herbal tea
Burning pain and a feeling of pressure in the stomach area are typical acid reflux symptoms. A soothing herbal tea can help to reduce the pressure and provide some relief. Herbal tea is quick and easy to make if you have dried herbs on hand.
Try combining some or all of the following home remedies: dried chamomile flowers, dried flowers of yarrow, dried rosemary, some whole fennel seeds (crushed), cardamom seeds (crushed) and some finely sliced ginger. Steep 1 tablespoon of the herbal tea mixture per cup of hot water, for ten minutes in a covered pot, and drink the tea freely.
Try an astringent herbal tincture
Astringent herbs such as witch hazel provide anti-inflammatory and healing effects. A bottle of witch hazel tincture is easy to have on hand and a quick remedy to prepare. All you need to do is add the tincture to water and drink. Use the dosage provided on the bottle.
Sip some sodium bicarbonate solution
While sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, can neutralise stomach acid it has none of the healing effects of the herbal remedies above. Nevertheless, it is a good standby to have, just in case and it can sometimes provide instant relief. Dissolve a half teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate powder in a half glass of water. You can drink this dose every couple of hours, but no more than 7 doses in 24 hours.
While these remedies can help to calm the burning feeling, if you have recurring problems with heartburn or acid reflux then it is important to find the reason why. If you have an underlying condition that is perpetuating frequent heartburn this can lead to a chronic condition. Chronic acid reflux can lead to further health conditions or complications that can be hard to resolve.
Relieve acid reflux naturally during pregnancy
Heartburn is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms. But, I do not recommend that you use herbal remedies to relieve acid reflux naturally if you are pregnant, without professional advice.
For mild heartburn or the occasional bout of heartburn or indigestion during pregnancy, avoid the common food triggers that I mentioned above. In addition, there are some other natural remedies for heartburn relief that you can try. Some women find that having regular sips of warm water, chewing sugar-free chewing gum, eating smaller, more frequent meals or deep breathing exercises can help. For persistent symptoms, it is advisable to seek professional, personalised healthcare advice.
If you need help to discover the underlying cause of your acid reflux, I offer a free, no-obligation chat so that I can explain how I might be able to help your digestive health. I can provide lab testing, dietary advice, herbal remedies and lifestyle or stress management options as needed, following a full consultation.
As a qualified medical herbalist, I know how to use herbs and nutritional supplements safely alongside prescription medicines from your doctor.
You might also like my article Home remedies for heartburn.
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