What Herbs Should Be Used For Acid Reflux?

 

Acid reflux is caused by a malfunction in the LES (lower esophageal valve) that connects your stomach and esophagus. It usually opens when we consume food and closes once the food enters our stomach. But in the case of acid reflux, it doesn’t close. Most people depend on antacids to get relief from acid reflux. But do you know that they actually worsen the problem?

What Herbs Should Be Used For Acid Reflux?

Papaya (Carica papaya) is an effective fruit for treating acid reflux. Papaya works by stimulating the appetite and by improving the digestive process. The fruit contains the phytochemical known as papain which acts as a digestive enzyme and neutralizes the acid production in the stomach. It is also used to treat heartburn and bowel inflammation.
 Papaya is best consumed raw if ripe or in food preparations if unripe. Snacking on a bowl full of papaya every day maintains gut health. Papaya leaf can be used to make papaya leaf tea. The tea can be prepared by boiling the leaf pieces in water for a few minutes and strained after cooling. Papaya leaf tea preparations are highly beneficial because boiling the leaf helps all the nutrients and vitamins infuse into the water for maximum benefit.

 

What Herbs Should Be Used For Acid Reflux?

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds contain a lot of mucilage which helps sooth gastrointestinal inflammation by coating the lining of the stomach and intestine. For an effective remedy against heartburn or acid reflux, simply sprinkle 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds onto your food. The seeds are a bit bitter so it’s good to toast them first as this mellows the flavor. Another option is to take one teaspoon of seeds and swallow them with water or juice before any meal.

 

What Herbs Should Be Used For Acid Reflux?
Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is often used in combination with chamomile and fenugreek seeds. It is very effective when consumed with milk. Agrimony is beneficial to relieve stomach distress and restore proper GI functioning. Aside from severe chest pain or burning sensation, acid reflux may also be accompanied by diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea and this is where agrimony can be most useful.
Prepare a tea by adding 1 teaspoon of dried agrimony to 1 cup of boiling water, let infuse for several minutes then drink.  Drink twice a day.
What Herbs Should Be Used For Acid Reflux?

 

Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis) treats extreme cases of acid reflux. This herb helps in calming the nerves lining the stomach cavity and reducing spasms responsible for heartburn caused by the reflux of acid in the esophagus. Wood betony is used with fenugreek seed to decrease the secretion of acid in the stomach.

Prepare a tea by adding 1 teaspoon of dried betony to 1 cup of boiling water, cover and let infuse for several minutes. Strain and pour the prepared tea in a cup and add some honey for taste. Drink twice a day.

 

 

What Herbs Should Be Used For Acid Reflux?
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)is antiseptic, antispasmodic and carminative making it very useful in treating acid reflux. Chamomile reduces inflammation of the stomach lining caused by excess production of acid thereby preventing heartburn. The herb provides an immediate soothing and calming effect to the stomach tissues and helps the person to relax by stimulating better digestion. Chamomile tea taken before each meal is very beneficial in overcoming the problem of heartburn and indigestion in adults.
To prepare a tea, boil 1 cup of water and then let it simmer. Add 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers. Cover and let infuse for 1 minute then drink. Strain and pour the prepared tea in a cup and add some honey for taste. Drink this tea about ½ – 1 hour before going to sleep.
What Herbs Should Be Used For Acid Reflux?

Hyssop ( Hyssopus officinalis ) protects the stomach lining reducing acid reflux and heartburn symptoms. This herb helps in protecting the stomach from excess acid produced by the gall bladder for digestion. Hyssop is very beneficial in providing relief against other stomach problems like indigestion and gas. It is anti-spasmodic which provides in calming the stomach spasms responsible for heartburn providing a cooling and soothing effect to the lining of the stomach. Herbal tea made using hyssop provides instant relief from cases of severe heartburn.

To prepare a tea, boil 1 cup of water and then let it simmer. Add 1 teaspoon of dried hyssop leaves. Cover and let infuse for 1 minute then drink. Strain and pour the prepared tea in a cup and add some honey for taste.

 

What Herbs Should Be Used For Acid Reflux?
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root treats acid reflux by helping to treat inflammation and ulceration in the digestive and gastrointestinal tract. The herb has polysaccharides that form a protective layer over any inflamed tissue in the body. Marshmallow is very rich in mucilage which is very slippery in nature. This mucilage forms a protective covering over the lining of the esophagus and stomach protecting these areas from stomach acid.
To prepare marshmallow root take 4 cups of water and add 2 tablespoons of dried root to it. Let it sit overnight, the next morning remove the roots and drink the solution 2 times a day.

 

What Herbs Should Be Used For Acid Reflux?

 

Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slippery thick gel when mixed with water. This mucilage coats the lining of the esophagus and the stomach protecting it from excess acid produced by the gall bladder. This gel helps soothe and calm the irritated walls of the stomach by reducing inflammation and irritation of the tissues caused by bile juice providing relief from heartburn.

To prepare mix 2 cups of hot water and 2 tablespoons of powdered slippery elm bark in a pan. Steep for 5 minutes and drink 3x a day.

Herbs are such a safer alternative to over the counter medications. The side effects of prescriptions are huge and cause more problems than good. The herbs listed here are a much better alternative. Check with your health care provider to make sure they don’t affect other medications you’re taking. 

This post may contain affiliate/referral links. Read my full Disclosure/Disclaimer Policy.