Natural Herbs For Treating Acid Reflux & Heartburn

Acid reflux occurs when undigested food and stomach acid back up into the esophagus, causing pain and discomfort. Several factors contribute to creating this condition; however, overeating and eating foods that are not properly digested are the primary causes of heartburn. Several herbs may help relieve symptoms, soothing the burning pain, gas, bloating and coughing that result from acid reflux disease. Herbs can produce side effects, so consult your health care practitioner before taking any herb or herbal supplement.

Mint

Herbs in the mint family, including basil, spearmint and peppermint may relieve symptoms of acid reflux, heartburn and even from peptic ulcers, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). You can use any of the mints, which are available as fresh or dried herbs, to make tea. In addition, peppermint can be found in pharmacies and health food stores as an enteric-coated tablet. While the mint family herbs may relieve symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn in some people, they can relax the lower esophageal sphincter in others, allowing food to continue to reflux. If this occurs and your symptoms worsen, stop using all forms of mint.

Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is an extract of licorice root that has been treated to remove the chemical glycyrrhizin, which may cause drug interactions and side effects, according to UMMC. You can chew DGL either an hour before or two hours after a meal to protect your stomach lining. In addition to using DGL, you might want to try making licorice root tea from the actual herb, or buying licorice root tea bags, which are already prepared. Licorice root and DGL create mucilage, a thin film of mucous-like substance that coats the lining of the stomach and the esophagus, preventing damage from stomach acids and acid reflux. Licorice root tea may raise your blood pressure, so if you take medicines for hypertension, be sure to discuss this herb with your health care practitioner before using it.

Green Tea

Green tea has been touted for a number of medicinal treatments and may protect your esophagus against cancer due to its high concentration of natural antioxidants called polyphenols, explains the Life Extension website. There are many kinds of green tea, all possessing healing properties. The best green teas to use are those in their most natural state, according to "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook;" in other words, use the loose tea leaves in a tea ball or strainer. Green tea is naturally caffeinated and may produce symptoms such as heart palpitations, anxiety, nervousness and sleeplessness. If unwanted symptoms develop, switch to decaffeinated green tea, which still has most of its healing properties present. Consult with your health practitioner or an herbalist for the best sources and directions for use. Do not consume green tea while pregnant or nursing.