Top 6 Herbs And Supplements To Use As Natural Acid Reflux Cures

Looking for herbs and supplements that are useful as natural acid reflux cures?

You are on the right path

Your search for natural remedies for acid reflux is one of the smartest things you can do to help take control of the symptoms and discomfort you might be experiencing.

This is because while there are many over-the-counter drugs you can use to manage this gastroesophageal problem, in almost all cases, they might bring about side effects (e.g. interference with digestion and proper absorption of nutrients) in the long run.

Since natural cures for acid reflux can be quite effective and easy to adopt, you might be far better off using these natural methods instead. Very often, these holistic methods have the added benefit of promoting overall better health.

And using whole herbs and natural supplements are one of the natural ways of dealing with your acid reflux symptoms, effectively and relatively simply.

Below are the top 6 herbs and natural supplements you can consider if you are suffering from acid reflux.

Aloe vera

One of the popular natural acid reflux cures is aloe vera [3]. According to James Balch, M.D., a physician in Trophy Club, Texas, aloe vera helps to protect and heal the lining of the esophagus [1].

To use this food-herb for dealing with acid reflux, you can juice it. Or peel the aloe vera, add it to water, and mix in the blender. Alternatively, you can cut the fruit into cubes and drop them in honey water for better taste. Many people have found this to be an effective treatment for their acid reflux.

You can also take this herb in capsule (600mg), liquid (2 tablespoons) or powdered food (2 teaspoon) before each meal, three times a day. Use version of aloe vera with the bitter latex removed unless you have constipation problems [2]

Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can be used for many ailments, including the relief of acid reflux symptoms. Read more about how apple cider vinegar helps in acid reflux.

To use it to treat acid reflux, mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water and drink it 3 times per day. If you are experiencing problems directly after a meal is eaten, then make the concoction a little stronger by adding an extra teaspoon of vinegar and drink it right after the meal.

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice root (DGL)

This herbal extract has anti-inflammatory and soothing effects on the lining of the esophagus and stomach, without causing problems of high blood pressure. And many practitioners have found it helpful for addressing acid reflux issues brought about by excessive acidity in the stomach and esophagus. [2, 3]

To use it as a natural acid reflux cure, chew one to two 400mg tables 3 times daily, about 20 minutes before each meal. [2]

Ginger root

Ginger root is an herb that has many healing properties. And it can be used to treat acid reflux. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine have used this herb for centuries to deal with digestive issues.

Ginger root can be taken in its fresh form as a food, or in capsule form purchased from most health food stores. You can take this food-herb during or after every meal to help digestion and curb your reflux symptoms.

Supplements for proper digestion

For some sufferers of acid reflux, their symptoms may be a result of deficiency in stomach acids. Such deficiency, brought about by aging or long term use of antacids, interfere with proper digestion, and can lead to symptoms (eg. nausea, bloating, belching and heartburns) very similar to instances when there is excess stomach acid. [1, 3]

Hydrochloric acid

If you are uncertain if you have too much or too little acid in your stomach, try taking a supplement containing hydrochloric acid just before a meal. If your stomach is indeed lacking in digestive acids, you should experience a relief in your acid reflux condition right away. [1]

However, if your stomach already has too much acid, you will experience a mild burning sensation. You can stop this sensation quickly by drinking a glass of milk or a mixture of baking soda (1/4 teaspoon) and water. [1]

To aid in your digestion, you could also take B vitamins (about 50mg of each of the major B vitamins 3 times daily), papaya tablets (as directed on the label), as well as supplementations of pancreatin plus bromelain (80mg daily, in divided doses, taken with meals).

Slippery elm bark

Slippery elm bark has been used by Native Americans for a long time as one of the natural acid reflux cures. It is known to help sooth inflamed mucous membranes and the mucilage it contains acts as a barrier against the damaging effect of the stomach acids on the esophagus [2, 3] And since inflamed mucous membranes are a major issue when you have acid reflux, slippery elm can be very helpful for your injured esophagus and throat membranes. This herb also contains a lot of antioxidants.

As one of the natural remedies for acid reflux, it can be taken as a tea, sweetened with honey. Alternatively, it can be taken in lozenges or capsule form. Dr Jeanne Pamela Sky, N.D., a naturopathic doctor in Gresham, Oregon recommends taking a capsule of the herb before each meal. [1]

Beyond the top 6 herbs and supplements

Beside the above top 6 herbs and supplements for acid reflux relief, there are also other useful herbs and supplements like barley grass, orange peel extract etc that you can try out as natural acid reflux cures.

In addition to using herbs and supplements, it is also important for you to make changes to your diet, by avoiding the foods that trigger acid reflux symptoms in you, as well as include more foods that are beneficial for your condition.

You can also consider adopting healthy eating habits as well as other lifestyle changes to deal with your condition.

For example, you should quit or cut down on smoking if you are a smoker. You should also lose some weight if you are obese. Read more about the lifestyle changes you can make to help alleviate your acid reflux issues.

Usually gastroesophageal reflux problems respond well to the self-help remedies mentioned above. This means that your symptoms should clear up relatively quickly. However, if they don't, your condition might be rather serious and you might need to seek the help of a qualified practitioner in the holistic and natural healing fields to deal with your problem.

Do not ignore your GERD symptoms. Beside the discomfort and pain it may bring, acid reflux issues can also cause serious health problems in the long run.

If your heartburn symptoms are accompanied by chest pain (especially pain that radiates to the jaw, neck or arm) as well as symptoms like cold sweat, nausea, you should see your doctor immediately, to eliminate the possibility that you might just had or are going to have a heart attack. [1]

Read More: More on Acid Reflux | Natural Health Remedies for Various Ailments and Conditions | Home Page | Site Search

Need relief from acid reflux? Read the Reflux Remedy Report, where you can learn to overcome reflux using 3 common grocery items, or get a free acid reflux analysis by a medical doctor. You could also learn about a holistic system for helping you overcome acid reflux, heartburn, chest pain and discomfort, as well as other digestive disorders. You could also use natural, herbal and homeopathic remedies for acid reflux.

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References

[1] Gottlieb, Bill. Alternative Cures: The Most Effective Natural Home Remedies for 160 Health Problems. Rodale, 2000. Print.

[2] Balch, James F., MD, Stengler, Mark, ND, and Balch, Robin Young, ND. Prescription for Drug Alternatives: All-Natural Options for Better Health without the Side Effects. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2008. Print.

[3] Gaby, Alan R., MD. The Natural Pharmacy: Complete A-Z Reference to Natural Treatments for Common Health Conditions. 3rd ed. New York, NY: Three Rivers Press, 2006. Print.

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