Herbal Remedies for Heartburn
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 soothe the inflamed areas affected by the upward movement of acidic digestive juices into the sensitive tissue of the esophagus.
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.
Commonly Prescribed Medicinal 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 flavonoids, 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 microbial. 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 of breastfeeding 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 reduce 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.
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