Acid reflux, also known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux, is a common health complaint among Americans. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that acid reflux is a burning sensation in your chest or throat caused by the movement of stomach acid into your esophagus. Natural treatments for acid reflux include the use of herbal remedies. Before taking herbal remedies to treat your acid reflux, visit your physician to discuss all treatment options and their associated risks.
Acid Reflux
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, acid indigestion, or heartburn, occurs when refluxed stomach acid contacts the sensitive lining of your esophagus, inflaming mucus membranes and causing a painful burning sensation in your chest or throat. Certain risk factors can elevate your risk of developing acid reflux, including smoking, being obese and being pregnant. Foods that may worsen your reflux symptoms include spicy food, fried foods and citrus fruits. Caffeinated or alcoholic beverages can also worsen your acid reflux.
Herbs For Acid Reflux
Several natural herbal remedies have been used to treat acid reflux. Most herbal remedies used to treat heartburn have demulcent action, or the ability to form a protective coating over your irritated and painful mucus membranes. Dr. William Mitchell, Jr., an expert in botanical medicine, naturopathic physician and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," notes that demulcents are herbal medicines that help reduce mucus membrane inflammation and soothe irritated tissue. Commonly used demulcents include colt's foot, round-leaved mallow, goldthread, slippery elm, marshmallow and ghatti gum.
Most Popular Herb
Marshmallow, or Althea officinalis, is one of the most popular natural herbal remedies for acid reflux, or heartburn. According to Mitchell, marshmallow is a powerful demulcent and contains mucilage. Marshmallow has been used to treat acid reflux, gastroenteritis and intestinal disorders such as colitis. The medicinal parts of the marshmallow plant include its leaves, flowers and roots. Marshmallow is a plant species indigenous to Africa and is used both medicinally and ornamentally. Marshmallow also has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action.
Precautions
You should exercise caution when taking natural herbal remedies, as some herbs can cause negative side effects if not taken properly. Some herbs are applied topically and are toxic when taken internally. If you are pregnant you should avoid certain herbs and use other herbs only under the supervision of a qualified health care professional. Consider visiting a botanically-trained health care practitioner for the most detailed information about herbs and their possible risks and benefits.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gastroesphageal Reflux Disease
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: What is GERD?
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
