Herbal Remedies for Acid Reflux

There are several common herbal remedies for acid reflux. That is fortunate, because acid reflux is a common upper gastrointestinal disorder. Millions of people suffer from it in varying degrees. After a brief overview of what is going on in your body, I will discuss several herbal options available to you.

What Is Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as gastro-esophageal reflux, is a common condition that affects many people. It is the most common cause of indigestion and heartburn. The sphincter, a ring of muscle, becomes abnormally relaxed, allowing the acidic contents of the stomach to flow back, reflux, into the throat.

Common Causes for Acid Reflux

There are three main lifestyle choices that increase the chance of acid reflux: eating large, rich meals that have a high fat content, drinking alcohol, and smoking. Occasional bouts can be brought on by body position (lying down), lifting heavy objects, or straining at stool.

Herbal Remedies for Acid Reflux

The first step is to change any lifestyle choices you have made that are listed above. Then there are the remedies below:

Combine 10g of Mu Xiang(costus root), 5g of Sha Ren(cardamon), 12g of Bai Zhu(white atractylodes rhizome), 15g of Shan Yao(Chinese yam), 12g of Fa Ban Xia(pinella rhizome), 30g of Dai Zhe Shi(hemitite), 12g of LianQiao(forsythia fruit) and 3g of Gan Cao(licorice) in a ceramic pot. Add 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 30 minutes before straining the liquid into a container. One course of treatment is to drink 1 cup twice a day for 10 days. Take 3 to 5 courses of the treatment.

Another idea is to lick haritaki and raw honey or to ingest haritaki and draksha. Aloe vera, musta, chirayata, and mahasurdarshan can also be used. It is also possible to drink cold water to soothe the acid reflux if you are unable to get to your herbs.

Digestive Enzymes and Acid Reflux

Still another common cause of acid reflux and indigestion is a lack of the proper amount of digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract. This imbalance of digestive enzymes can happen when the beneficial bacteria in the stomach and intestines is destroyed along with harmful bacteria after you take an antibiotic. To prevent this imbalance from happening, be sure to take a probiotic such as acidophilus after you have taken antibiotics.

If symptoms of acid reflux persist, they can often be cleared up by taking digestive enzymes as a dietary supplement. This is one of the most effective herbal remedies for acid reflux that I can personally attest to.

Whichever method you want to try, nothing will be accomplished over the long term without lifestyle changes. As always be sure to see an herbalist with a good reputation. No herbal remedy for acid reflux can be effective if the herbs are sub-par or fake.

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