Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a condition associated with the backward flow of stomach contents into your esophagus. This condition can irritate your esophagus and cause a burning sensation in your chest as well as several other symptoms. Herbal preparations for acid reflux attempt to treat both the cause and the symptoms of this health problem. Discuss herb-related information -- including dosage and side effects -- with your health care provider before using herbs.
Acid Reflux Information
According to the Cleveland Clinic, recurrent acid reflux affects about 10 percent of American adults. Certain factors may cause acid reflux, including your body position following meals, the size of your meals and the type of foods you eat. Some of the more common symptoms associated with recurrent acid reflux include the sensation of food trapped in your chest, burning chest pain, chest pain that is made worse by bending, lying down or eating, and nausea after meals. In some cases, you may also experience swallowing problems, speech difficulties and food regurgitation.
Herbal Preparations
Herbal preparations that contain certain herbs have long been used to help treat acid reflux. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant, nutrition researcher and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," aloe vera juice helps heal an irritated gastrointestinal tract, while other herbs help stop heartburn. These include catnip, fennel, ginger, marshmallow root and papaya juice. Chamomile tea helps relieve esophageal irritation, and licorice effectively treats both heartburn and stomach and esophageal ulcers.
A Powerful Herb
One of the most powerful herbs for treating acid reflux is licorice. Licorice effectively treats numerous conditions, including stomach ulcers, sore throat, viral infections and bronchitis. Balch notes that licorice has been used to treat numerous ailments, including acid reflux, muscle spasms, allergies, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, emphysema, enlarged prostate, hypoglycemia, inflammatory bowel conditions and upper respiratory infections.
Additional Information
There are several long-term complications associated with recurrent acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, including irritation and spasm of your airways, hoarseness, chronic cough, dental problems, ulcers and narrowing of your esophagus caused by inflammation-induced scarring. If you are experiencing the symptoms of acid reflux, visit your doctor at your earliest possible convenience to get properly diagnosed and treated. Although some herbal preparations may effectively treat your condition, other herbs may cause undesired side effects. Talk with your doctor to determine what herbs that are best for you.
References
- National Center for Biotechnology Information: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- Cleveland Clinic: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Licorice Root
