Herbal Cure for Reflux

Acid reflux or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) occurs when food or liquid flows backward from the stomach into the esophagus or throat. This mixture is highly acidic and causes heartburn, sore throat and more serious conditions such as ulcers. Acid reflux is most commonly caused by consuming fatty foods, alcohol and caffeine. Herbal cures are generally cheaper and safer than prescription medications.

Reflux Symptoms

• Acid reflux symptoms are easy to sort out, especially if you experience them for more than a few days at a time. Chronic heartburn, belching, regurgitation of food and a hoarse voice are signs that you have acid reflux. You may even be rudely awakened by acid reflux burning your esophagus or throat in the middle of the night.

  Once you see a pattern of acid reflux symptoms, see your doctor right away. Along with your doctor, determine which foods may be causing your acid reflux and quit consuming them. Your doctor may make dietary suggestions such as eating earlier in the evening. She may also suggest over the counter medications such as Prilosec --- which can cost up to $1,500 per year --- or Pepto Bismol. Let your doctor know you would like to try herbal treatments first.

Herbal Reflux Cures

• Herbal reflux cures can be found at most local health food stores and sometimes in your grocer's pharmacy section. Peppermint oil neutralizes stomach acid to prevent the symptoms of acid reflux. Do not take peppermint oil alone, but rather mix a few drops in with a cup of tea in the early evening along with your dinner or shortly afterward.

  Keep a stock of ginger handy. Ginger can be consumed alone or mixed in with other foods to help alleviate your acid reflux. Ginger helps the stomach form more mucus, adding to the protective coating of the stomach and throat, counteracting the acid reflux.

Licorice Reflux Cure

• Licorice reflux cures may seem like a long shot, but the primary ingredient called DGL (De-Glycerrhizinated Licorice) helps build up your natural defenses --- stomach mucus --- against excessive stomach acid.

  Simply chew a piece of licorice or ingest a half gram (500mg) of a DGL licorice supplement before meals each day. Licorice can cause high blood pressure, so consult your doctor before taking licorice regularly. DGL licorice supplements are more often recommended because DGL supplements lack the ingredients of normal licorice, which cause your blood pressure to rise.