Certain dietary supplements may be helpful in treating your acid reflux. Acid reflux occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter -- a band of circular muscle at the base of your esophagus -- opens spontaneously or does not close properly, allowing your stomach contents to rise up into your esophagus. Before taking supplements to help treat your acid reflux, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Licorice
Licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza glabra, is an herbal supplement that may be helpful in treating your acid reflux. According to the University of Michigan Health System, licorice, a member of the Legume family, has been used to help treat many health problems, including acid reflux, peptic ulcers, canker sores and hepatitis. Licorice is an herbaceous perennial plant native to southern Europe and certain parts of Asia. Licorice has a sweet taste, possesses moistening tendencies and has two principle constituents: glycyrrhizin and flavonoids. The root of the licorice plant is used for medicinal purposes. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that licorice is a demulcent, or a substance that soothes and heals your mucous membranes by forming a protective coating over your irritated or inflamed mucosa. If you have high blood pressure, you should avoid taking supplements containing licorice.
Slippery Elm
Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that slippery elm, also known as Ulmus rubra, is a diuretic, mucilaginous demulcent and anti-inflammatory that is used to help treat ulcers, generalized inflammatory conditions and hiatal hernia. Slippery elm, notes Tilgner, may be particularly effective in soothing mucous membrane irritation throughout your gastrointestinal tract, including inflammation of your mouth, throat, stomach and intestines as well as your bladder and urethra. Slippery elm is a species of elm tree native to eastern North America and belongs to the Elm family. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the inner bark of the tree medicinally. The inner bark of the tree tastes like maple syrup, without the sweetness, and possesses moistening tendencies when consumed with water. If slippery elm is consumed in dry form, it should always be taken with water, states Tilgner.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow, a member of the Mallow family, is a medicinal and ornamental plant native to Africa. Marshmallow, also known as Althea officinalis, has a mucilaginous, nutritious and slightly sweet taste; possesses cooling and moistening tendencies; and has soft and velvety leaves. The leaves, flowers and root of the marshmallow plant are used medicinally. According to Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," marshmallow is best known as a demulcent for treating conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Tilgner states that marshmallow is an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory that soothes mucous membrane irritation in your gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary tracts. Tilgner cautions that oral drugs or other substances taken at the same time as marshmallow may have delayed absorption, due to marshmallow's mucilage content.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What is GERD?
- University of Michigan Health System: Licorice
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Plant Medicine in Practice: Using the Teachings of John Bastyr"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
