Herbal GERD Relief

GERD, an acronym for the condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when digestive fluids reflux, or splash, up from the stomach and into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest, sour taste in the mouth and nausea; in severe cases, this condition can damage the esophagus. If you have frequent heartburn, see your doctor to avoid damage. If you are looking for an alternative way to control your GERD symptoms, an herbal practitioner can provide natural relief.

Herbal Approach

• In contrast to conventional medical physicians, herbal practitioners typically view the person as a whole. An herbal course of treatment for GERD uses herbal medicines and lifestyle changes to restore balance to the digestive system and promote healthy, gentle and effective breakdown of food. Your herbal practitioner will probably advise you to follow a healthier diet, including eating more multigrain breads and high-fiber foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, while avoiding caffeine, alcohol and spicy or fatty foods. She may recommend that you add probiotics to your diet by eating yogurt with acidophilus, which has a beneficial effect on the digestive system. She might also address possible food allergies, which can contribute to digestive disorders, and prescribe herbal medicines to support a healthy digestive system.

Digestive Herbs

• Chamomile---a strong weapon in the herbal arsenal used to treat digestive disorders---is a member of the aster family, valued by herbalists for its therapeutic qualities. According to HomeRemediesWeb.com, the active ingredient in chamomile essential oil, bisabolol, gives this herb its natural anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, and anti-microbial qualities. It also has anti-emetic qualities to help relieve nausea caused by GERD.

  Your herbalist may also prescribe an astringent herb, such as meadowsweet, raspberry or lemon balm. According to medical herbalist Katolen Yardley, astringent herbs have a binding action on mucous membranes that helps soothe inflamed tissues and creates a barrier against infection, as well as reducing secretions. Fresh ginger---another astringent herb---increases the production of saliva, which aids in reducing acid indigestion. Ginger can also help relieve GERD-related nausea. Your herbalist may also prescribe a mucilaginous herb, such as slippery elm, which has demulcent (soothing and coating) properties to heal mucous membranes of the digestive tract, while decreasing stomach and esophagus sensitivity to gastric enzymes and acids.

Tips and Precautions

• Herbal medicine is complementary therapy, not a replacement for conventional medical treatment. Don't stop or reduce your prescription medication unless recommended by your doctor. Consult your doctor before embarking on any herbal regimen, as some herbs can interfere with prescription medications.