GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a digestive disorder that allows bile and stomach acids to back up into your esophagus. The symptoms are similar to other common digestive disorders, such as dyspepsia and acid indigestion. You may experience heartburn, coughing, sore throat, regurgitation and pain in your chest. Herbs may be helpful for these digestive disorders. Check with your health care practitioner for an accurate diagnosis before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs for common digestive disorders, such as GERD, include demulcents to soothe irritated esophageal tissue and carminatives to improve digestion and prevent reflux. Demulcents contain mucilage, a slimy substance that coats and protects damaged mucous membranes. Carminatives are rich in essential oils that relax the stomach and help reduce or eliminate gas and reflux. Consult a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about safe dosage and preparation of these herbs.
Marshmallow
Marshmallow, or Althaea officinalis, is a tall perennial with pale purple flowers, native to Asia. Herbalists use the roots, leaves and flowers as a demulcent to treat cough, ulcers, dyspepsia, GERD and inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The herb is rich in polysaccharide mucilages that protect and heal irritated membranes. In their 2000 book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, recommend marshmallow to stop heartburn and improve digestion, thereby preventing the reflux of stomach acids into your esophagus. This herb is also a diuretic, so do not combine it with other diuretic medicine.
Caraway
Caraway, or Carum carvi, is an aromatic herb and traditional remedy for many kinds of gastrointestinal disorders, including indigestion, flatulence, GERD, upset stomach and spasms. The essential oil found in the seeds has carminative action. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann recommends a tincture or tea to treat gastrointestinal problems. Chewing a few seeds after a meal may also help relieve reflux. Do not use the seeds if you are nursing.
Chamomile
Chamomile, or Matricaria recutita, has a long history of treating nervous and digestive disorders, even in children. The active ingredients are essential oil components and flavonoids, which have potent carminative properties. Herbalist David Hoffmann recommends chamomile for GERD, and suggests combining it with marshmallow and calendula. Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, advise drinking chamomile tea to relieve indigestion and irritation to your esophagus. Chamomile belongs to the Aster family, so avoid it if you have allergies to these plants.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
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