Ginger. The ginger plant is another well-known herbal aid. It has been used for centuries as a folk remedy for heartburn.
Licorice. Licorice is said to increase the mucous coating of the esophageal lining, helping it resist the irritating effects of stomach acid. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, is available in pill or liquid form.
Other natural remedies. Many other remedies have been used to treat heartburn over the centuries, but there is little scientific evidence to confirm their effectiveness. Catnip, fennel, marshmallow root, and papaya tea have all been said to aid in digestion and stop heartburn. Some people eat fresh papaya as a digestive aid. Others swear by raw potato juice three times a day. Naturopathic followers also tout a homeopathic remedy with the unappetizing name of vomit nut as a heartburn fix.
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ginger
- Aloe vera juice
- Bananas
- Turmeric
- DGL licorice
- D-limonene
- Honey
- Marshmallow
- Slippery elm
Herbal remedies do not undergo testing for safety and effectiveness by the federal government. They are not approved by the FDA, and do not have to meet the same standards for manufacturing and packaging that drugs do.
Avoid Your Trigger Foods
You may have already discovered that certain foods can trigger your heartburn and reflux symptoms. Try keeping a food and symptom diary to help you identify foods that worsen your reflux, and steer clear of them. Here are some common food triggers:
- Coffee and tea
- Chocolate
- Spicy food
- Beer, wine, and other forms of alcohol
- Fried or greasy foods
- Mint
- Tomatoes and tomato-based foods
Aim for Healthy Weight
Losing weight may help to reduce some heartburn symptoms. Speak with a healthcare professional about an eating and an exercise plan that can help you reach a healthy weight.
Summary
Changing your diet and lifestyle alone may be enough to keep your heartburn at bay. While modifications in diet or lifestyle may help soothe heartburn-related pain, it’s important to seek medical advice if you experience regular or severe heartburn.
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
