Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a condition that causes pain in the chest area commonly known as heartburn. The condition occurs when the lower area of the esophagus that connects to the stomach weakens, allowing acid from the stomach to irritate the tissue in the esophagus. GERD is a painful condition, but it can be alleviated using some herbal treatments.
Licorice
Licorice is a sweet-flavored plant native to Asia. It can be used to treat GERD symptoms and relieve heartburn. The herb is also included as a flavoring in some candies. Those suffering from GERD should chew licorce an hour before and after eating to reduce the chance of heartburn pain. Glycyrrhizin is an active compound found in natural licorice that interacts with pharmaceutical drugs. Therefore, vitamin shops and grocery stores have DGL-licorice, which is a form of the plant with the glycyrrhizin removed.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a plant that produces a calming, soothing effect in humans. The plant is commonly used as a spice for candy and gum or as an extract for food flavoring. Peppermint soothes the stomach and esophagus, relieving symptoms of GERD including indigestion and heartburn pain. Peppermint is also used to help treat peptic ulcers, which are painful sores in the lining of the stomach.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is also a soothing plant used to treat burns, wounds, ulcers, psoriasis and heartburn. Aloe vera is available in several forms and in over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Aloe vera is also used in cosmetics as a moisturizer. The plant is native to northern Africa and the Canary Islands. The active ingredients in aloe vera include polysaccharides, lectins and anthraquinones. For ingestion, the plant is used in gelatin or bottled extracts sold in vitamin shops or grocery stores.
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