How to manage heartburn and acid reflux using herbal medicine

Heartburn is the result of acid reflux. It is that uncomfortable post-meal sensation, often regularly. This is caused by the expulsion of stomach contents back into the esophagus. The acidity of the fluid burns the esophageal lining causing a burning, painful sensation in the chest. Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can severely affect a person’s appetite and may damage the digestive system. Since the digestive system is mainly responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients taken from food, acid reflux can worsen the overall health of the body if nutrient absorption is lessened.

There are over-the-counter and prescription medications to treat heartburn and acid reflux, but they can be expensive and come with a cost of short and long-term side effects. Even the heartburn medication Nexium, which is a preferred medicine for gastrointestinal problems, has been linked with cases of patients developing the side-effects due to long-term use and dependency on this medication. The possible side effects include headache, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bone fracture, and allergic reactions. Some studies and lawsuits have shown that this drug can contribute to the risk of developing kidney diseases. For additional information on this case, see more on this page.

Heartburn is often associated with acid reflux.

Causes, side effects, and treatment of acid reflux and heartburn

Acid reflux is characterized by the frequent backwash of stomach acids up the esophagus and is often followed by heartburn and may sometimes result in other illnesses such as laryngitis, chronic cough, and asthma. Finding and treating the root cause of this condition is important, rather than just managing symptoms. Several factors can serve as the root cause of acid reflux, such as weakening lower esophageal sphincter (LES), low stomach acid, certain medications, and lifestyle. Addressing these factors can help eliminate or reduce the occurrence and persistence of acid reflux.

As with any condition, acid reflux can be treated by taking medicine that eases the effects and reduces the production of acids and enzymes of the stomach. Medicines that contain foaming agents are commonly used to counteract heartburn since these have chemicals that add a protective lining to the esophagus, thus reducing the burning sensation of heartburn. Some medicines contain H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that decrease the production rate of stomach acids. The treatment for acid reflux can be done effectively in a short period, with the help of regular exercise and a proper diet.

Still, long-term use of these classes of medicines (PPIs) can cause adverse side effects to the patients. Because the production of gastric acids is reduced, there is an interference in the absorption of calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamin B12, which are all important nutrients for muscular and skeletal growth. This can also add to further risks of developing bone fractures and muscle spasms. Because of this, more people are looking for alternative treatments and are leaning towards herbal medicines.

7 common herbal treatment for acid reflux and heartburn

Since there are so many risks associated with medications for acid reflux, there is always an alternative for dealing with these conditions and that is through herbal medication. Herbal medicine has always been the first step in treating diseases before medical science has made the advancements it has today. Certain compounds that are naturally occurring in several plants can help treat gastrointestinal diseases and acid reflux. Here are some examples of medicinal plants that can be used to cure the effects of acid reflux and heartburn:

1. Carob

Carob is a fruit-bearing tree that produces bean-like pods that contain locust bean gums which are used as a thickening agent for food. Due to the thickening agent present in the fruit, it is a natural remedy for easing the pain caused by heartburn as it reduces acid reflux and helps in protecting the linings of the esophagus for irritation caused by stomach acids.

2. Rikkunshito

Rikkunshito is a plant that is endemic in Japan and has been used in Kampo, the study and adaptation of Chinese medicine in Japanese culture. Several studies have shown that the ingestion of this plant causes an orexigenic effect which increases the body’s metabolism. Since slow body metabolism is one of the causes of acid reflux, ingesting this plant can help reduce the risk of acid reflux.

3. Common Myrtle

The common myrtle is a plant that can be used to produce syrup that is loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants are also important inhibitors of gastric acid production and they can be used to lower the amount of acid reflux. 

4. Quince Fruit

The quince fruit is also turned into a syrup before ingestion. This fruit is a popular choice for treating heartburn because it reduces the symptoms such as gastrointestinal pain, vomiting, burping, and food aversion. It is said that taking this syrup causes a soothing effect on the digestive tract.

5. Ginger

Ginger is a popular antacid and it can be easily made into tea. Most experts would also recommend ginger tea for acidic people because it can be easily prepared. Ginger can also be added to several food dishes and can easily be incorporated into any diet program.

6. Chamomile 

The chamomile plant is as popular as tea and is also considered a remedy for stomach ulcers. Since it acts as an inhibitor of acids when treating stomach ulcers, it can also be used for reducing acid production that causes acid reflux.

7. Licorice

Licorice is a plant that contains chemicals that aid in digestion by increasing mucous production in the esophagus. By increasing the mucous lining in the digestive tract, food can go down easily to the stomach. The increased mucous production also helps protect the lining of the oesophagus from irritation caused by acid reflux.