Acidic Herb Remedies

Acidic Herb Remedies
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Your body has a biological clock and antenna. This antenna comes in the form of pH, or a balance of acidity and alkalinity that must be fine tuned everyday to keep your programming running as it should. When the antenna leans toward acidity, your picture can become fuzzy with illness and health issues. Acid reflux is one of the more minor results of high acidity and can usually be treated through dietary adjustments and herbal supplements. Talk with your doctor before taking any herbs to reduce acidity.

Huang Lian, Lu Gen & Zhi Mu

In Traditional Chinese Medicine acid reflux -- called stomach fire -- is thought to be due to imbalances that cause excessive heat to flow into the stomach. The Chinese herbs huang lian, lu gen and zhi mu are often prescribed by doctors in conjunction with acupuncture treatments that target acid build-up in abdomen, wrist and knee meridians. These herbs are thought to cool and draw heat from the stomach where the bulk of acid typically resides.

Coriander, Cardamom & Black Pepper

Pitta body types may experience acidic conditions when their dosha -- or biological personality -- is out of balance, according to Ayurvedic principles. HolisticOnline.com say this is due to the fiery and intense personality characteristics of pitta types that can start a war within the body during stress. Pitta dosha's need cooling foods and herbs to remove heat from the body, specifically the digestive tract. Coriander, cardamom and black pepper are cooing herbs that can be added to meals or preferably cool to lukewarm teas.

Slippery Elm Bark

This herb is a common prescription by herbalists to those suffering with digestive or respiratory problems. Botanical.com states that slippery elm bark stifles acid with mucilage, a slippery substance that forms a protective coating over digestive tracts. The mucilage in slippery elm bark is set to work by only an ounce of water that swells into a thick jelly. This nutrient-rich jelly forms a protective barrier on stomach and esophagus linings rendering the sharp and burning pain of acid reflux ineffective.

References

Article reviewed by Jessica Lyons Last updated on: Nov 15, 2010

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