Treating acid reflux and chronic heartburn with medicines only provide temporary relief by masking the symptoms. Learn about a number of herbal remedies that heal GERD.
15 Herbs for GERD
It is well known fact that GERD drugs only mask symptoms; however, natural herbal heartburn remedies are one of few actual ways to cure heartburn.
Some of the herbs that can help stop acid reflux and heal the inflammation previously caused.
1. Ginger: Ginger has a long history of use for over 2000 years in relieving numerous digestive problems such as nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness, morning sickness, stomach upset, gas, vomiting, and pain. The root (rhizome) of the ginger plant can be consumed fresh, juice, dried, powdered or in oil form. Gingerol is the major bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for its medicinal properties such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
2. Aloe Vera: Aloe can cleanse toxins from the digestive system and colon, allowing the digestive tract to work efficiently to break down food and absorb nutrients. It helps with acid/alkaline balance of the digestive system and possesses anti-fungal/yeast and anti-bacterial properties. Yeast overgrowth in gut causes fermentation leads to an increase in intra-abdominal pressure. The aloe gel stimulates bile production, which in-turn help break down fats. Enzymes in the aloe stimulate the metabolic rate of the liver, thus the body burning more energy from food.
3. Fennel: Fennel is useful for numerous digestive complaints such as heartburn, intestinal gas, bloating, loss of appetite, and colic. Additionally, useful for upper respiratory tract infections and visual problems. In India, dried fennel seeds are popular as a digestive aid; small amount of this seeds chewed after a meal to freshen breath and stimulate digestion. Its volatile oil has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, relaxes intestinal muscles and allow trapped gas to dissipate.
4. Fenugreek seed: Fenugreek is useful for various digestive complains such as loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation, hernia, and inflammation of the stomach (gastritis). Additionally, it is useful for hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and for high blood cholesterol levels and triglycerides.
5. Parsley: Parsley's high enzyme content contributes in improving overall digestion, and the effective elimination of waste. Parsley stimulates digestion and the kidneys, and helps eliminate toxins and kidney stones. It relieves water retention, bloating (by preventing gas formation), expel gas, indigestion and flatulence. Additionally, parsley contains iron, potassium, calcium, manganese, folic acid, beta-carotene, flavonoids, chlorophyll, B-vitamins, A, C, E and K vitamins.
6. Papaya leaves: Papaya Leaves are great way to get rid of invading bacteria causing upset stomach problems. Papaya leaf contains enzymes papain, protease, and amylase; they breaks down proteins, carbs, and sooth the GI tract and helps with acid reflux. Additionally, papaya leaves reduces inflammation of the stomach lining and heal gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori bacteria may be by killing it.
7. Chamomile: taken as tea and sip a cup prior to bed sweetened with raw honey reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and supports its healthy function.
8. Licorice: contain semisweet compound known as glycyrrhizin, has the ability to form a mucous lining in the stomach. Thus, it can block the burning sensation associated with excess acid production. Additionally, it reduce excess pepsin production when taken after a meal.
9. Slippery elm: has an active ingredient, mucilage. When taken with water, this mucilage forms a protective coat within the mouth, throat, and stomach, which products from acid reflux attack.
10. Marshmallow: similar to slippery elm, it form much thicker jelly coat that blocks acid reflux and heartburn associated with GERD.
11. Turmeric: has been in use for variety of ailments, including heartburn (dyspepsia), stomach pain, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, appetite loss, jaundice, liver problems and gallbladder disorders. Turmeric possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
12. Milk thistle: help rebuild the liver, enhance liver-enzyme production, and regulate liver function.
13. Catnip relaxes the digestive system, reducing spasms and reduce/eliminate acid reflux.
14. Calendula: has been in use in Europe as a culinary plant. Taken internally helps heartburn (gastritis).
15. Cumin: is extremely good for gastro digestive tract; relieves gas troubles, improves digestion, and appetite. It activates salivary glands, stimulates secretion of acids, bile and enzymes responsible for proper digestion.