Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is a digestive disorder that occurs when bile or stomach acids back up into your esophagus. You may experience heartburn, cough, regurgitation and sore throat. If left untreated, GERD can lead to esophageal ulcers or cancer. Conventional treatment may include drugs to block acid formation, but they do not work for everyone. Common garden herbs may be helpful in relieving acid reflux. Consult a health care professional before starting herbal therapy.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for GERD will help decrease reflux and heal the damage to your esophagus. Herbs known as demulcents and vulneraries will coat the lining of your esophagus to protect it from acids, thus aiding the healing process. Carminative herbs will help normalize your digestion, and anti-inflammatories will help stabilize the mucous lining of your esophagus. It also may be helpful to avoid alcohol, cigarettes and overeating during the healing process. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner for herbal dosage and usage instructions.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow, or Althaea officinalis, is a tall perennial herb with delicate pink flowers that can grow in almost any climate as long as it has sun or partial shade. Herbalists use the roots, leaves and flowers to treat digestive problems like aid reflux and peptic ulcers. Marshmallow is a demulcent, meaning that it's rich in mucilage --- polysaccharides that form a protective coating over damaged mucous membranes. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink recommend marshmallow teas and extracts to soothe irritated and inflamed tissue of the digestive tract. Check with your doctor before taking this herb if you have diabetes or are taking medicine to lower your blood sugar, as marshmallow may enhance this effect.
Chamomile
Chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, is a common garden herb with daisy-like flowers and feathery leaves. The aerial parts are rich in volatile oil and flavonoids, and the herb has a long history of use as a digestive aid. In his 2003 book "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann states that chamomile teas and tinctures are useful for reflux because of their anti-inflammatory and relaxing effect on the digestive tract. Do not use chamomile if you are allergic to plants in the Aster family.
Marigold
Marigold, or Calendula officinalis, is a bright yellow-orange flower popular in gardens throughout the world. The dried flower heads contain volatile oil, mucilage and flavonoids, and herbalists use them to treat digestive disorders like reflux. Marigold is a vulverary, an herb that heals internal or external ulcers and lesions. Herbalist David Hoffmann advises using marigold for GERD because it has an anti-inflammatory effect on the digestive system and may help heal any ulcerations caused by acid reflux. You can use marigold alone or combine it with marshmallow and chamomile tinctures or teas. Avoid this herb if you have allergies to plants in the Aster family.
References
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
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