Heartburn occurs when stomach acid seeps right back into the oesophagus or food pipe. This occurs due to improper functioning of the valve that keeps the acid in the stomach.Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation in your chest accompanied by an acidic taste in your mouth. Check out these highly effective herbal remedies for heartburn.
Best Herbal Remedies For Heartburn
Lemon Balm Extract
This is a soothing herb with antispasmodic properties. Lemon balm relaxes stomach muscle spasms and soothes the digestive tract during heartburn. Taking 300 mg capsules of lemon balm extract, thrice a day helps in curing heartburn.
Meadowsweet Tea
This aromatic, medicinal herb reduces acid buildup during heartburn. Meadowsweet soothes the digestive tract and relieves stomach pain. Drink a cup of tea brewed by boiling dried meadowsweet herb in a cup of water. This is a very effective herbal remedy for heartburn and hyper acidity.
Peppermint Tea
This herb is an effective digestive aid that cures flatulence and heartburn. Boil 1 tsp. of dried peppermint leaves in 1 cup of water. Allow this to cool. Drink a cup of this warm tea to get relief from heartburn. Do note that peppermint must not be taken if you are suffering from GERD.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel contains glycine, a naturally occurring amino acid that regulates acid production in the stomach. This herb is used in commercial antacids. Chewing ½ tsp of fennel seeds after meals, provides relief from all the symptoms of heartburn.
Marshmallow Root Tea
This herb has anti-inflammatory properties. Marshmallow root absorbs excessive stomach acid and prepares a protective coating over the lining of the throat and digestive tract. This provides relief from the burning sensation in your food pipe. Prepare a tea made by steeping marshmallow root tea bags in a cup of boiling water. Allow the tea to cool. Drink this warm tea to relieve heartburn.
Aloe Vera Juice
This adds a protective coat to the inner lining of the food pipe, providing instant relief from burning sensation in the chest. Drink half a cup of aloe vera juice between meals to combat heartburn. Aloe juice is available at local health food stores.
Licorice Root Extract
This is a natural antacid. Licorice contains flavonoids that inhibit stomach acid secretion. It reduces inflammation of the oesophagus caused by acid buildup during heartburn. Licorice extract is available in the form of chewable tablets.
Barberry Extract Capsules
This herb has an alkaloid called berberine that has an anti-inflammatory effect on the inner lining of your intestinal tract. It relaxes your smooth stomach muscle tissues, aids digestion and reduces heartburn. Consume barberry herb extract thrice a day, in the form of capsules.
Catnip Leaf Tea
This herb soothes your digestive tract muscles preventing spasms. This in turn stops stomach acids from entering your oesophagus. Prepare catnip leaf tea by boiling a few leaves in 1 cup of water. Allow this to cool slightly. Drink a cup of this warm tea before meals.
Slippery Elm Bark Powder
The bark of slippery elm is highly effective in combating heartburn. Slippery elm bark has gelatinous mucilage that absorbs excessive stomach acid during a bout of heartburn. Add 1 tsp. of slippery elm bark powder to 1 cup of boiling water to make tea. Drink this warm tea to alleviate the symptoms of heartburn. Make sure you do not take this herb with other prescribed medications as it may hamper absorption of other medicines.
Always consult your medical practitioner if your symptoms do not subside in spite of taking these herbal remedies.
