Herbal medicine is an effective complimentary therapy that may benefit acid reflux conditions when coupled with other actions such as a change in diet, quitting smoking or increased exercise. Please read on for more information.
What is Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is also commonly referred to as heartburn, gastric reflux and gastroesophageal reflux. It's felt as a burning, painful sensation that occurs when gastric acid backflows from the stomach into the throat. The pain is normally located just behind the breastbone, in the esophagus and often radiates to the throat, neck and jaw.
Others symptoms may include:
- Chest pain
- Dental erosion
- Asthma
- Hoarseness of the voice
- Food regurgitation
- Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
Causes of Acid Reflux
Physiologically speaking, acid reflux is caused by a dysfunctional lower esophageal sphincter in the stomach that allows for acid to backflow into the esophagus. Whilst science is still deciding, there are number of reasons thought to cause the sphincter to be faulty in the first place. Some of these include:
- Pregnancy
- Large meals and overeating
- Certain food triggers
- Bending forward
- Hiatus hernia
- Peptic Ulcers
- Insufficient amounts of digestive enzymes in the stomach
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Asthma
What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicine employs the use of medicinal plants and herbs to treat conditions such as acid reflux, to relieve its symptoms and to assist the individual in reaching an optimum state of health. Herbs may be taken in tea, tincture, tablet or capsule form.
How Does Herbal Medicine benefit Acid reflux conditions?
Herbal medicine aims to treat acid reflux conditions by using herbs that:
- Alkalise the body, specifically by neutralizing acids in the digestive system.
- Reduce stomach acid production.
- Soothe stomach irritations and nausea.
- Incite a salivary response that enhances digestion.
- Stimulate the production of mucilage in the body, which lines the stomach, protecting the esophagus and intestinal lining.
- Counteract the stress response and strengthen the adrenal glands.
- Promote feelings of relaxation.
- Promote good digestion and absorption.
Herbs for Acid Reflux
- Angelica root
- Aloe Vera
- Cancer bush
- Catnip
- Chamomile
- Dandelion root
- Fennel
- Gentian root
- Ginger root
- Licorice
- Meadowsweet
- Slippery elm
Caution
If you are interested in trying herbs to relieve symptoms of acid reflux, please first speak with your doctor as some herbs may interact and inhibit the effectiveness of other medications you may be taking for it. Once you have been cleared for usage, please speak to a professional herbalist or TCM practitioner for more information on which herbs may best suit you personally. Find out about other effective natural acid reflux treatments.
Originally published on Oct 12, 2010
