Numerous herbs may be helpful in treating acid indigestion, or heartburn. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, acid indigestion is a burning pain in the lower part of your chest, behind your sternum, or breastbone. Acid indigestion is the principal symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, although you do not have to have GERD to experience acid indigestion. Before taking herbs for your acid indigestion, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Licorice
Licorice is an herb that may be helpful in treating your acid indigestion. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is grown in Greece, Turkey and parts of Asia. One of the active constituents in licorice is a substance called glycyrrhizin, or glycyrrhizic acid. Licorice has been used both in Eastern and Western healing traditions to treat numerous health problems, including acid indigestion. The root of the plant is used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that licorice is a demulcent, or a substance that soothes and heals your tissues by forming a protective coating over the irritated or inflamed parts of that tissue. Before taking licorice to help treat your acid indigestion, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow is an herb that may be beneficial in treating your acid indigestion. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that marshmallow, also known as Althea officinalis, has been used for centuries as a food and a medicine. The root of the plant has been used medicinally to treat numerous health problems, including acid indigestion, stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel diseases, skin inflammation and various respiratory ailments. Marshmallow has a mucilaginous and slightly sweet taste. According to Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," marshmallow is best known for its ability to reduce inflammation and irritation of the mucus membranes in your gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary tracts. Before taking marshmallow to help treat your acid indigestion, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is an herb that may be effective in treating your acid indigestion. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, slippery elm, also known as Ulmus rubra or Ulmus fulva, has been used to treat many health conditions, including inflammation, peptic ulcers, sore throat and skin ulcers. Slippery elm tastes similar to maple syrup, without the sweetness. The inner bark of the tree is used medicinally. Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that slippery elm is a soothing herb for irritated tissue in most types of gastrointestinal diseases. Slippery elm is a mucilaginous demulcent, diuretic and anti-inflammatory. When consuming this herb in dry form, it should always be taken with a glass of water. Before taking slippery elm to help treat your acid indigestion, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
