Herbs That Restrict Production of Stomach Acid

Stomach acid is normally released into the stomach during food consumption. It is produced and released by the stomach's parietal cells, which are located in the stomach lining. The acid helps digestion by breaking down the food's protein structures and components to release its vitamins and nutrients into the stomach. Stomach acid levels are normally regulated and kept in balance. However, when overproduction occurs, there are herbs that can restrict the production of stomach acid.

Identification

• Increased stomach acid is known as Acid Peptic Disease (APD) and may be caused by excess foods or irregular eating habits, drinking alcohol, use of some prescription drugs and even decreased blood circulation to the stomach. This condition can lead to peptic, duodenal and gastric ulcers, acid reflux, heartburn and dyspepsia. Use the herbs to support the stomach as you change your eating habits, reduce your stress levels or work with your doctor to find alternatives to the prescription drugs that can cause APD.

Beneficial Herbs

• Licorice root is a beneficial herb for digestion. It is used to reduce the levels of acid in the stomach and to help ulcers heal. Licorice also helps with indigestion, heartburn and inflammation and irritation of the digestive system.

  Chamomile soothes the stomach and digestive system by reducing inflammation and relaxing stomach muscles. This helps to reduce heartburn, nausea and gas. Chamomile is used to treat gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular conditions.

  Meadowsweet reduces acidity in the stomach. It also provides relief from heartburn, peptic ulcers and gastritis. It helps to relieve acid-related conditions in the rest of the body, such as joint pain and cystitis. Meadowsweet has cleansing properties and it adds tone to the lining of the digestive tract. It also helps to relieve diarrhea and stomach discomfort.

  Although lemons are acidic, after consumption they quickly increase the alkalinity levels in the digestive tract. Lemons provide relief to increased stomach acid, and eating lemons will help to ease ulcers, improve appetite and improve liver and pancreatic health, as well.

  Indian gooseberry is a fruit that can help to reduce stomach acid secretion. It can also help to protect the stomach lining, as it prevents ulcers from forming. This is what makes Indian gooseberry effective in the treatment of indigestion and peptic ulcers.

Taking the Herbs

• There are two common ways that your health care provider may recommend taking these herbs to restrict stomach acid: infusion or tincture. The infusion method is to steep the dried herbs in cold or hot water for a period of time. Cold water will preserve as much of the herbs' healing properties as possible, but it will take longer for the herbal properties to become infused in the water. Hot water will produce faster infusion.

  Your health care provider may also prescribe herbal tinctures. They are available for purchase or you can make your own. Tinctures are made with alcohol (not rubbing alcohol), distilled water, vinegar or glycerol as a base. The dried herbs are placed in a jar containing one of these bases, and then are allowed to sit for at least two weeks in a dark and dry location. The tincture is shaken every 24 hours to help the release process.