Acid reflux, the flow of stomach acids back into the esophagus, occurs when the band of muscle between the stomach and esophagus relaxes too often or for too long. This condition can affect anyone at any age. Symptoms include heartburn, belching and a sour taste in the mouth. Physicians may recommend dietary changes to avoid acid reflux triggers, medications to prevent it or surgery to correct it. There are also a variety of herbs that may help to relieve acid reflux.
Ginger
Taking ginger may help relieve acid reflux. This commonly used root helps the stomach shift its contents forward, preventing stomach acid and other materials from flowing back into the esophagus, according to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health website. The dosage for a ginger supplement is 250 mg four times per day; however, other forms of ginger will produce effective results, including fresh ginger, dried ginger, tea made from ginger and candied ginger. Eating smaller meals more frequently, ensuring there will be food in the stomach at any particular time, can help relieve acid reflux, so acid reflux sufferers may consider including ginger in these smaller meals. The University of Maryland Medical Center website warns taking excessive ginger can cause heartburn.
Licorice
Licorice, an herb long in use as a home remedy to treat a range of maladies from colds to liver disease, commonly finds use to relieve acid reflux. Physicians may recommend deglycyrrhizinated licorice, a variety without any serious side effects, in supplement form. This herbal supplement is taken three times per day before meals in one to two 280 mg tablets. Acid reflux sufferers may also take licorice as a dried root infused into water or boiled in water three times daily; or as an extract three times each day; as well as ingest licorice in soft drinks and candies.
The University of Maryland Medical Center website cautions acid reflux sufferers using licorice to relief symptoms that large doses of licorice may result in serious side effects. Be sure to consult a physician.
Peppermint
Including the herb peppermint in the daily diet of an acid reflux sufferer may help relieve symptoms. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database reports that peppermint serves as a possibly effective remedy for reducing severe cases of acid reflux. The United States Food and Drug Administration banned sales of peppermint to treat digestive problems like acid reflux in 1990, but peppermint in the form of dietary supplements is still available. Peppermint may also be eaten dried or fresh or made into tea. Medline Plus warns that peppermint may cause heartburn and can interact with some medications.
References
- Children's Hospital Boston: Gastroesophageal Reflux
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ginger
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Licorice
- Medline Plus: Peppermint
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesophageal reflux disease
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