Acid reflux and heartburn are often related to diet, stress and lifestyle. To sort out the problem for good, these issues need to be addressed; but in the meantime a number of natural remedies for acid reflux will bring relief from its symptoms.
Herbal powders
Marshmallow, liquorice and ginger root herbal powders or capsules are very effective in dealing with acid reflux and heartburn. You can buy them from natural health food shops or herbal suppliers.
For an almost instantaneous relief take marshmallow root powder when you experience symptoms. Mix one teaspoon of the powder with some warm water to create a thick liquid. Swallow this and wash down with some more water. If you are also taking conventional medication, do not take the two at the same time. Leave a gap of half an hour.
Alternatively, take liquorice root powder as described above. People with high blood pressure, heart, kidney or liver problems or suffering from water retention or low potassium should avoid it. Use with caution if pregnant or elderly.
Ginger root will absorb stomach acid. Take a ginger root capsule immediately after dinner.
Liquid remedies
Increase your daily water intake. This will help to dilute the acids in the stomach and minimise the symptoms. Drink one or two glasses of water after you have eaten and also in between meals.
Apple cider vinegar is known to be an effective natural cure for acid reflux. Use organic apple cider vinegar and shake it well. There should be a pulpy substance floating within it. This is actually what you need to consume. This substance contains enzymes that will break down the stomach acid. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and drink this mix shortly before or after a meal three times a day.
Potato juice can also help to eliminate an acid condition in the stomach. For such treatment, use the juice of mature red potatoes. Wash the potatoes and let them dry out. Then grate and squeeze them. The juice should be consumed as soon as is it made.
Remedies for chewing
Selected seeds and fruits also make great natural remedies for acid reflux.
Take half a teaspoon of fennel seeds and chew them slowly after your meals. Fennel seed is known to suppress spasms of the stomach or gastrointestinal tract.
Almonds are another great way to eliminate the effects of acid reflux. Chew on a few almonds after each meal. Chew them very well, the longer the better.
Eating an apple after a meal will also keep your symptoms at bay. Organically grown apples chewed slowly and well can reduce the acid in the stomach, thus eliminating the acid reflux.
Alternatively, eat a portion of papaya. It contains digestive enzymes that speed up the digestive process. Papaya chewable tablets can be purchase in health stores.
Chewing gum may seem an unusual remedy for acid reflux but it is actually quite effective. By stimulating the production of saliva it dilutes stomach acids and minimises the symptoms. Avoid mint flavoured chewing gums as mint is known to worsen acid reflux in many people.
Herbal teas
A range of herbal teas will also reduce the amount of acid in your stomach and relieve the symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn.
Make an aniseed and lavender tea. Mix together equal amounts of each herb. Boil 300 ml water and pour over two teaspoons of the herbal mixture. Leave to infuse for 3 to 5 minutes, then strain the herbs. You can add honey as a sweetener if you wish. Sip one or two cups of this tea in the morning and evening.
Slowly drink 1-3 cups of meadowsweet or marshmallow leaf tea a day or lemon balm tea if your heartburn is related to stress. Fennel or chamomile tea are also good.
Conventional medication like antacids and acid blockers have unwanted side effects including headache, diarrhoea, dizziness, constipation, nausea and vomiting. Learning how to use natural cures for acid reflux for managing this condition will help you live a healthier and acid reflux free life.
