Medicinal Herbs for Heartburn
Herbs for heartburn relief have been used for millennia to treat this painful condition that at some time affects most people. Good heartburn remedies should be gentle in their action and work to relieve the symptoms of reflux while reducing the incidence of this debilitating condition.
The herbs used for heartburn relief ease gastric spasms and stimulate peristalsis, the natural wave like motion that occurs in the digestive tract. In addition, herbs such as meadowsweet and marshmallow work to sooth the inflamed areas affected by the upward movement of acidic digestive juices into the sensitive tissue of the oesophagus.
A good natural remedy for heartburn will aim at restoring digestion while the cause of reflux and heartburn should be examined for food intolerance, allergies, overeating, stress and other more serious gastric disorders with the focus on restoring balance to the digestive tract.
| Herbal Remedy for Heartburn
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 Acid Free-Flux™ By Native Remedies
Natural remedy containing homeopathic ingredients selected to relieve acid reflux and heartburn. It relieves acid reflux after eating, reduces digestive discomfort and soothes lining of the stomach and esophagus.
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Commonly Prescribed Herbs for Heartburn
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
The aerial parts of this herb have been traditionally used for the treatment of gastritis, peptic ulceration and pain associated with reflux; giving it a reputation as the number one herb for digestive upsets. Meadowsweet is an anti-inflammatory, antacid and stimulates digestive activity. The active components include flavenoids, glycosides and an essential oil containing salicylaldehyde. People sensitive to salicylates should use caution in taking this herb.
Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis)
This herb is high in soothing mucilage and is and is specific in the treatment of inflamed and irritated oral and pharyngeal mucosa and reflux and heartburn. It has demonstrated topical anti-inflammatory activity and has been used for centuries to relieve the pain associated with heartburn.
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita/chamomilla or Anthemis nobilis)
Chamomile flowers have been used for hundreds of years to treat dyspepsia (painful digestion), reflux or heartburn, colic, motion sickness and gastritis. A well know anti-spasmodic, Chamomile contains the triterpenoids, bisabolol and azulene; which reduce cramping and inflammation in the gastro intestinal tract. In treating heartburn, azulene will stimulate peristalsis and act to reduce irritation in the gut and has recently gained interest for its anti microbial effects on some gastrointestinal bacteria.
Dill (Anethum graveolins), Caraway(Carum carvi) and Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
These herbs have high concentrations of the essential oil, anethole. Their use stimulates digestion and in addition, these herbs act as anti microbials. All essential oils work to improve digestion by reducing smooth muscle spasms and improve peristalsis; which is the rhythmic wave that is vital to a healthy digestive system. Dill, Caraway and Fennel are also used to treat hiccups, reflux and colic where there is an inflamed gastro intestinal tract. Dill and Fennel are also supportive for breast feeding mothers if their babies have a tendency toward reflux and colic as it will also increase breast milk.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger’s fleshy rhizome has a gentle digestive action that is used to treat disorders such as heartburn and nausea. Ginger’s active agents, the pungent phenols, shogaols and gingerols, give this herb its digestive action, and work by stimulating, while soothing the digestive system. This herb also protects the stomach by reducing its acidity and in turn lowering gastric secretions which reduces the incidence of reflux. Ginger is not indicated in children under two and is contra-indicated if gallstones are present. Ginger can be taken fresh, juiced or in tea with a maximum dose of 2-4 grams daily. Remember, fresh ginger is the ideal form for medicinal purposes as dried Ginger varies greatly in active constituents and heating ginger will decrease gingerol content.
Other natural herbs that have been used for heartburn.
| Natural Supplements for Heartburn
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The Use of Herbal Remedies and Supplements for Heartburn
In addition to these medicinal herbs for heartburn, nutritional support for heartburn is a key area in treating this painful condition. Care should be taken to avoid foods and beverages known to exacerbate heartburn such as coffee, beer, carbonated drinks and most alcohol. Chewing your food slowly, and eating smaller regular meals, will assist in easing the symptoms of heartburn.
With any natural remedy for heartburn it is essential to look at supporting the body to heal itself and a good B Vitamin high in pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) and the cell salt Nat Phos 6x is not only very economical but also a great heartburn remedy. Your digestion is the foundation of your health and heartburn is a wakeup call that all is not well and immediate action is required to get your body back on track.
Leave a Comment or Tips on Herbs for Heartburn
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Name: Lhily
E-mail: webmaster@hercusmonte.de
Date posted: April 21, 2012 - 05:15 am
Message: Taking one tablespoon of a natural apple cider vinegar can be very helpful for any heartburn and acid problems that you are having. Braggs is an especially good product, as it actually contains the neutral base that is called the mother . Braggs products can be found in most supermarkets in the nuatral foods section. It can also be ordered off the Internet through Amazon, if you cannot find it where you reside. It takes some getting used to the taste, and you can stirr it into a glass of water if you cannot get used to taking it straight, but you will quickly see a big difference in the amount of acid reflux and heartburn you will be getting. If it is still too bitter for your taste, you can add a bit of honey to the mix. It sounds a bit counter-intuitive, adding an acid to your diet, but this is a helpful acid. Many of the over the counter tablets or liquids actually shut down the natural acid production in your stomach, which causes your body to be less able to correctly digest the food you are consuming; which can be more upsetting to your body than the heartburn and reflux. I initially learned about it from an older neighbor who was quite well versed in many natural health care products and lived a long and healthy life. It has been quite helpful for my husband and myself and for a few other family members and friends as well. Good luck, I hope you give this a try and hopefully, it will work for you also. Have a good day.
"Mens sana in corpore sano. (Your prayer must be for a sound mind in a sound body.)"
Juvenal
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