Aciphex, known generically as rabeprazole, is a drug prescribed to reduce the stomach’s production of digestive acids and to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Numerous natural alternatives, including dietary modifications and herbal remedies, are available. However, don’t undertake any regimen of self-treatment until you have consulted with a medical professional.
Chamomile
This herb, often brewed into a tea, has been used by folk medicine practitioners for centuries to treat a wide array of digestive complaints. Joe and Teresa Graedon, authors of “The People’s Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies,” point out that chamomile tea stimulates saliva production, which helps to wash errant stomach acids back into the stomach where they belong. The herb has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is approved in Germany as a treatment for both gastrointestinal inflammation and spasm. Steep a heaping tablespoonful of dried chamomile flowers in a cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink the tea between meals three to four times daily if you’re being bothered by acid reflux or indigestion. The Graedons remind readers that chamomile tea was the remedy given to the fictional Peter Rabbit by his mother after he’d nibbled a bit too much greenery in Mr. McGregor’s garden. Before trying chamomile, check with your doctor to determine if this remedy is appropriate for you.
Angelica
Like chamomile, angelica has anti-inflammatory properties that make it a popular folk medicine for a variety of applications. One such application is the treatment of digestive complaints. German health authorities have also determined that angelica helps to relax the intestinal tract, which lends additional weight to its credentials as a remedy for gastrointestinal ailments. Michael Castleman, author of “The New Healing Herbs,” says that angelica can be taken in a number of forms, including a tea. Steep 1 tsp of powdered angelica seeds or leaves in boiling water for 10 to 20 minutes. Strain and then drink the tea. Don’t use this or any other remedy until you’ve consulted with a medical professional.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a popular remedy for GERD, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulosis and other digestive disorders, according to Ron Kendrick, author of “Peasant Remedies for Acid Reflux.” Its powerful antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and stimulate “the flow of natural digestive juices and bile, thereby assisting health digestion,” he writes. Check with your doctor to see if this remedy makes sense for you.
Papaya
Although some fruits, most notably those in the citrus family, can exacerbate acid reflux and other digestive ailments involving hyperacidity, other fruits actually can facilitate healthy digestion. In “Eating for Acid Reflux,” authors Jill Sklar and Annabel Cohen recommend papaya, which contains an enzyme---papain--that works to break up protein in the stomach, thus aiding in the digestive process.
References
- MedlinePlus: Rabeprazole
- “The People’s Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies”; Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon; 2002.
- “The New Healing Herbs: The Classic Guide to Nature’s Best Medicines”; Michael Castleman; 2001.
- “Peasant Remedies for Acid Reflux”; Ron Kendrick, 2009.
- “Eating for Acid Reflux: A Handbook and Cookbook for Those with Heartburn”; Jill Sklar and Annabel Cohen; 2003.
