Most people have experienced that uncomfortable feeling when stomach acid enters your esophagus. They usually feel a burning sensation in the chest or throat that often occurs after overeating. If you don't regularly suffer from heartburn or acid reflux, you may find yourself reaching for a home remedy when the occasional bout occurs.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is one way you can safely treat your heartburn with this effective antacid, according to the Arm and Hammer website. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, which will naturally neutralize the acids giving you discomfort. All you need is 1/2 tsp. of baking soda to 4 oz. of water. Relief usually comes quickly.
Aloe Vera
A 2007 study published in the journal, "Burns," supported the use of aloe vera for treating burns, and it seems that aloe vera may do the same thing for your irritated stomach. According to Whole Health MD, evidence suggests that it is effective in studies with mice and rats. The site suggests drinking 2 oz. of aloe vera juice to relieve heartburn symptoms. You should not take aloe vera if you are currently on corticosteroids or digitalis heart medication.
Calendula
Like aloe vera, calendula is also used for treating and soothing burns. A 1981 study published in the Bulgarian journal, "Vutreshni Bolesti," found that calendula used in conjunction with antacid provide effective relief from the symptoms of ulcers and gastroduodenitis, inflammation of the stomach and small intestine. Calendula is relatively safe; however, if you are medication that causes drowsiness, the effects may be enhanced if you take calendula at the same time.
Licorice
Licorice may help relieve your sour stomach symptoms by helping to protect the internal lining of your stomach and esophagus. A 2004 study in the journal, "Digestion," verified these claims. There are several factors to bear in mind before you use licorice as a home remedy. First, you must take licorice in the form of a supplement rather than the candy, which only contains minute amounts of the effective ingredient. Second, if you are on blood pressure medication diuretics, you should not take licorice because of possible drug interactions.
Milk
Some people swear by drinking milk as an effective home antacid remedy. Milk contains calcium, which is a common ingredient is some over-the-counter antacids. It coats the stomach and may help neutralize and dilute the stomach acids giving you discomfort.
References
- Arm and Hammer®: The Magic of Arm and Hamme® Baking Soda
- Whole Health MD: Aloe Vera
- "Burns"; The Efficacy of Aloe Vera; R. Maenthaisong, N. Chaiyakunapruk, S. Niruntraporn, and C. Kongkaew; September 2007
- "Vutreshni Bolesti"; Treatment of Duodenal Ulcers and Gastroduodenitis with a Herbal Combination of Symphitum officinalis and Calendula officinalis with and without Antacids; I. Chakurski, M. Matev, G. Stefanov, A. Koichev, and I. Angelova
- "Digestion"; Treatment of functional dyspepsia with a herbal preparation. A double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled, multicenter trial; A. Madisch, G. Holtmann, G. Mayr, B. Vinson, and J. Hotz; January 2004
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