The general characteristics of acid reflux disease include burning pains in the chest with accompanying bloating, fullness, burping, sore throat and coughing, according to MayoClinic.com. Conventional medicine provides a variety of prescriptions to alleviate symptoms; however, some people prefer to use alternative methods to lessen the frequency of attacks and reduce pain. Some alternative treatments may cause side effects, especially herbal remedies, and a health practitioner should be consulted before starting new products.
Homeopathic Remedies
Both Arsenicum album and Nux Vomica are remedies that may be used to treat acid reflux, according to Dr. Margaret Tyler in her book, "Homeopathic Drug Pictures."
Arsenicum album may help people who experience burning pains made better by drinking hot drinks. Acid reflux symptoms may begin immediately after eating, and be accompanied by burning diarrhea, belching up stomach digest and general anxiety. The remedy is indicated if the patient is restless, anxious, fearful, chilly and very thirsty for small sips of cold water.
Nux Vomica is indicated for cases of acid reflux where the person may have overindulged in drinking or eating, especially foods and drinks such as coffee, alcohol, hot and spicy food, fatty food and junk food. The individual may feel overly bloated with burning pains in the chest and abdomen; in addition, there may be abdominal cramping, vomiting and diarrhea. The remedy is indicated for people who may be exceptionally chilly, aggressive in their mannerisms or speech, and angry during or preceding the acid reflux attack. The personality traits are the leading symptoms for choosing this remedy.
Homeopathic remedies are available from health food stores and online homeopathic pharmacies for self-treatment. If a particular remedy does not resolve the problem after one or two doses, another remedy may be indicated. A health practitioner should be contacted if symptoms persist or additional guidance is necessary.
Herbal Treatment
Sweet basil and peppermint, both members of the mint family, may be helpful in soothing the pain of acid reflux attacks, according to David Conway in his book, "The Magic of Herbs." Both herbs help relax the muscles of the digestive tract and the lower esophageal sphincter. They produce substances that coat the esophageal lining, protecting it from stomach acid and signaling the stomach to produce less acidity.
Chewing on a raw basil or mint leaf may offer immediate relief. In addition, a tea can be made from the fresh or dried herbs by brewing 1 tsp. of dried herb, or 2 tsp. of fresh herb, in 2 cups boiling water for 15 minutes, then removing the herb and sipping as needed. Honey can be added to sweeten the tea.
Thai basil should not be used for this purpose, as it is spicy and may aggravate acid reflux symptoms. If symptoms persist or become worse, a health practitioner should be contacted for additional treatment.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, helps to alkalize the system, causing the stomach to slow down acid production, which may relieve acid reflux symptoms.
The remedy involves mixing 1/2 tsp. baking soda in a 6- to 8-oz. glass of water and drinking the whole glass at one time. This can be repeated several times throughout the day, up to a total of 4 tsp. maximum of baking soda consumed.
If swelling of the ankles or other areas of the body occurs after using baking soda, this remedy should not be used further. Because it can raise the blood pressure, a health practitioner should be consulted before using any amount of baking soda for this purpose.
References
- Drugs.com: Sodium Bicarbonate (Systemic)
- "Homeopathic Drug Pictures"; Dr. Margaret Tyler; 1987
- "The Magic of Herbs"; David Conway; 1973
- Mayo Clinic: Heartburn
