Herbal Remedies for Acid Reflux

One of the yummier ways to deal with Acid Reflux is called licorice.   One of the yuckiest ways to deal with Acid Reflux is called Slippery Elm.

Licorice and Slippery Elm are both demulcent herbs.   Demulcent herbs are important in curing Acid Reflux - why?   Well let's look at what Acid Reflux is first.

Acid Reflux is a fairly common condition, but that doesn't mean it's not extremely uncomfortable.   The symptoms include a burning sensation in the chest (and as you get older you worry that it might be something more serious, which is never good) followed by a vile, sour taste in your mouth.

Acid Reflux is basically caused when the sphincter doesn't work properly.   The sphincter is located at the lower end of the throat and is supposed to close after swallowing.   When the sphincter doesn't close properly it allows acidic contents from the stomach to flow back into the throat.

It is the acid that causes the warm sensation as well as the sour taste you can experience.

Most anti-acid tablets that people take work by reducing the amount of acid that your body produces, but remember it's not really the acid's fault it's the sphincters!   By reducing the amount of acid your body makes it can make it hard for your body to digest certain foods.

Dietary changes can help to both prevent and relieve the symptoms of Acid Reflux, but I'm just going to look at the herbal remedies here.

There are three types of herbs that are traditionally used to help acid reflux and these are:

• demulcent herbs
• anti-inflammatory herbs
• anxiolytic herbs

So how do these types of herbs work?

Demulcent herbs work by coating the mucous membranes and soothing and protecting them.

Anti-inflammatory herbs help the damaged tissue to heal.

Anxiolytic herbs are used to relax a patient as stress and anxiety has been linked to acid reflux.

So now how do you know which demulcent/anti-inflammatory etc herbs to take?   That's where I come in as I recommend Slippery Elm, Marshmallow, Licorice, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Passionflower and Hops.

Why these particular herbs?   Keep reading and I'll explain.

Slippery Elm is a fantastic demulcent herb. To take it you need to put 1 to 2 tbsp of Slippery Elm powder into a glass of water and stir, it appears quite “gluggy” until it is stirred in well.

It is definitely what I call an acquired taste, but it is fast acting and does a really good job.   If you don't suffer with Acid Reflux very often then try Slippery Elm because as I've already said it is very fast acting.

Marshmallow is another demulcent herb that is often recommended for Acid Reflux. Marshmallow has been used for centuries and has a great reputation for being a very soothing and healing herb. Marshmallow's ability to soothe and heal the muccous membranes is what makes it invaluable in helping to relieve the symptoms of Acid Reflux.

Marshmallow tea also has a pleasant and very mellow taste and it should be drunk throughout the day. Capsules are available, but are not as effective as drinking the tea which should be available from your health food store.   If you suffer from Acid Reflux quite often you may prefer the flavor of Marshmallow tea.

Licorice is another herb that has demulcent properties and you can now buy chewable tablets of Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice. Simply by chewing two tablets between meals and at bedtime you will be able to get relief from acid reflux.

Licorice is a sweet herb, so the taste of the tablets are not unpleasant (unlike the slippery elm powder!), nor do they have the chalky taste that some commercial antacids have.

Licorice tablets or lozenges (depending on how they are marketed) are probably the easiest form to keep on hand in your bag, first aid kit and desk drawer at work!

Chamomile is an excellent anti-inflammatory herb, it also helps with Acid Reflux because it is also an Anxiolytic herb.

Chamomile tea is widely available and should be drunk three times a day.

Whilst you’re drinking your Chamomile or Marshmallow teas feel free to eat cinnamon toast.

Cinnamon, yes I know it's really a spice and not a herb, is an excellent natural antacid and is one of the oldest natural remedies for Acid Reflux.

A yummy way to eat your cinnamon is to toast and butter some raisin bread and then sprinkle cinnamon on the top, eat slowly, chewing well. A bonus is that cinnamon toast is also yummy!

One of the reasons why Anxiolytic herbs are supposed to be good is because there is a connection between stress and Acid Reflux.

If you're already drinking Chamomile tea during the day then you may find that you don't need any other herbs to help with your stress levels.

After managing a large health shop for over 10 years the feedback I have found with Anxiolytic herbs for stress and anxiety is that herbal combinations that contain Passionflower and Hops seem to work best.

Remember to look at your lifestyle in general when trying to cure any ailment, herbs are very handy to cure symptoms, but dietary changes may help to prevent those symptoms from occurring in the first place.