Honey is one natural folk remedy for the symptoms associated with acid reflux, say Jordan Rubin and Joseph Brasco in their book, "The Great Physician's RX for Heartburn and Acid Reflux." Acid reflux symptoms appear when the lower esophageal sphincter opens or fails to close properly and stomach contents rise into the esophagus along with digestive juices, or acids. Occasional acid reflux is common, and persistent reflux that happens more than twice weekly is classified as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
Significance
When refluxed stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus, it can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest or throat, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC. Untreated, chronic GERD can lead to complications, including an inflamed esophagus due to refluxed stomach acid, damage to the lining of the esophagus, and bleeding or ulcers, or esophagitis. People use lifestyle changes, such as eating less food, medications and folk remedies to treat acid reflux.
Theories/Speculation
There are no studies that support honey for use in acid reflux. However, it's easy to see how the theory behind using honey for these conditions is derived. Honey has significant antibacterial activity against pathogens that are commonly implicated in gastric and skin ulcers. Honey also reduces healing time and limits infections in the healing of burns, according to Australia's Office of Complementary Medicines. However, the chemical composition of honey varies, depending on season, plant source and production methods.
Time Frame
Rubin and Brasco recommend using raw, organic honey to treat acid reflux symptoms as a folk remedy. The authors claim honey soothes and protects the esophagus. Timing is key with honey---consume a spoonful 20 minutes before eating or bedtime. Do not drink any liquids between taking the honey and eating, the "The Great Physician's RX for Heartburn and Acid Reflux" authors recommend.
Features
Folk remedies often call for mixing honey with apple cider vinegar, which is purported to help you digest your food better. Rubin and Brasco recommend drinking a daily concoction of 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar and 2 tsp. honey with 8 oz. warm water. Apple cider vinegar has a strong foothold in home- and natural-remedy circles as an acid reflux cure, notes the Washington Post--although, like honey, no scientific studies support its use.
Potential
Honey helps one GERD symptom---a chronic cough. In fact, honey is an effective cough suppressant that can be just as effective as the over-the-counter medicine dextromethorphan, according to the Mayo Clinic. GERD can lead to a chronic dry cough, notes the National Institutes of Health. In fact, you may suffer GERD without heartburn. Instead, your symptoms could include the cough, trouble swallowing or asthma symptoms, according to the NDDIC. If nothing else, honey may help your throat feel better. The experts at the Mayo Clinic note that drinking warm lemon water mixed with honey is a time-honored sore-throat soother. The National Institutes of Health also points to honey as a sore-throat soother.
References
- "The Great Physician's RX for Heartburn and Acid Reflux;" Jordan Rubin and Joseph Brasco; 2007
- The Washington Post: The Cider Vinegar Heartburn Cure?; Jennifer LaRue Huget; November 4, 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Honey--An Effective Cough Remedy?
- Australia Office of Complementary Medicines: Honey Scientific Report; December 1998
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
