Vinegar & Honey For Indigestion

Vinegar & Honey for Indigestion

Aug 7, 2011 | By Sadie Bell

Vinegar and honey are a staple combination in the world of home remedies. You can treat infections, relieve eczema and calm colitis with vinegar and honey. However, you can also treat indigestion and relieve various digestive ailments by drinking them. If you have severe symptoms and pain, however, you should forgo the vinegar and honey and see a doctor.

Heartburn

Indigestion can appear as heartburn, or the burning feeling you get when acid from the stomach travels back up into the esophagus. According to "The Healing Powers of Vinegar," by Cal Orey, you can drink vinegar with added honey for taste to relieve heartburn. Contrary to popular opinion, low acid in the stomach is what causes heartburn, says Orey, so drinking vinegar can help to bring your acid levels back up to normal.

Indigestion

General indigestion problems can also be alleviated with vinegar and honey, according to Dr. Earl Mindell, author of "Dr. Earl Mindell's Amazing Apple Cider Vinegar." In fact, the vinegar and honey combination can relieve gas, constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and pain, says Mindell.

Side Effects

Even though vinegar and honey are two very common ingredients, they can cause some side effects. Vinegar is highly acidic and may burn the throat and esophagus, according to "eMedTV." Vinegar and honey may also cause stomach upset or allergic reactions. For organic varieties of vinegar and honey, there is the risk of infection since they aren't pasteurized, says "eMedTV."

Caution

There is the possibility of serious problems when you consume vinegar and honey regularly. According to "eMedTV," drug interactions are possible, especially if you take insulin or diuretics. If you have ulcers, you shouldn't drink vinegar because you may aggravate the ulcers.