1. Using Herbal Remedies
There are many herbs that can benefit your digestive tract, but a category of herbs referred to as demulcents is considered the best for treating acid reflux. Demulcents are plants which act to soothe and coat mucous linings in your body. If you're suffering from acid reflux, you can coat the tissue of your esophagus, protecting it from stomach acid. You can also use herbs with anti-inflammatory properties to soothe irritated tissues in your body. Herbs can be used individually, or in combination with others and can be consumed in several forms, including tincture, tea and capsules.
2. Meadowsweet
The Meadowsweet plant has long been used as a digestive remedy. It is a beautiful, aromatic herb with a delicate almond fragrance. First popularized as air freshener, it is now used for colds and flu, muscle aches and a variety of digestive ailments. Many of meadowsweet's benefits come from the salicylates it contains. Salicylates are like natural aspirin, with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Meadowsweet protects and soothes the mucous membranes of your digestive tract while reducing acidity in your stomach. To make an infusion, use 1 to 2 tsp. of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep it for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain it. You can drink up to 3 cups a day.
3. Marshmallow
Marshmallow is another very soothing herb which acts to protect mucous membranes throughout your body. Before there were marshmallow candies, there were marshmallow plants. The roots, leaves and flowers of marshmallow plants can all be used for medicinal purposes. A spongy fiber found in the roots called mucilage protects the digestive tract from acidic stomach content. Marshmallow is best prepared as a decoction. To make a decoction, gently boil 1 tsp. of chopped marshmallow root in 1 cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain.
4. Chamomile
You're probably already familiar with chamomile, but probably more as a flower than a digestive remedy. However, you can use chamomile for gastrointestinal spasms and inflammatory diseases. If you have acid reflux, you may benefit from chamomile's anti-inflammatory action. The gentle quality of chamomile and its pleasant, aromatic taste make it a suitable remedy for children and can even be given to babies. To make chamomile tea, use 2 tsp. of the flowers per cup of boiling water. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes and strain.
5. Slippery Elm
Slippery elm is another herb you can use to treat acid reflux. The bark of the slippery elm tree contains a heavy concentration of mucilage, which is ground up into a powder and consumed. As with other mucilaginous herbs, slippery elm soothes and coats the stomach lining and can bring almost instant relief from acid reflux. You can prepare slippery elm either as an infusion or a decoction. For a decoction, use 1 to 2 tsp. of the powdered herb per cup of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 15 minutes. To make an infusion, use 1 to 2 tsp. of the powdered herb per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes and drink up to 3 cups a day.
