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Ancient Cures for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn or indigestion, is a frequent burning sensation in the esophagus. It is caused by a weak lower esophageal sphincter muscle that allows acidic stomach contents to back up into the esophagus. Although acid reflux is a painful condition associated with modern diets heavy in grease, fat and carbonated liquids, it has existed for centuries, along with a variety of ancient cures.

  1. Ancient Egyptians

    • According to the World Research Foundation, the ancient Egyptians followed religious rites and ceremonies in which they appealed to the gods for miracles and cures. They were also well-practiced in medicine and surgery and had an advanced understanding of anatomy because of their mummification practices. The ancient Egyptian remedy for heartburn, fennel, is still used today. The herb can be brewed into tea or chewed.

      Minnesota State University notes another ancient Egyptian cure for heartburn, "Crush a hog's tooth and put it inside of four sugar cakes. Eat for four days." (See Reference 3)

    Chinese

    • Traditional Chinese medicine has been used to treat indigestion for thousands of years. Acupuncture, the use of needles on the body's pressure points, is thought to relieve the pressure on the esophagus and acid reflux symptoms.

    Native Americans

    • Native Americans passed down several natural remedies for heartburn, including chewing on fennel seeds, sucking on peppermint and eating rhubarb. Today, peppermint is thought to provide quick relief but can actually contribute to acid reflux symptoms.

      The University of Maryland Medical Center observes that Native Americans also used slippery elm tree bark in tea to relieve acid reflux. Although little scientific research has been done, this remedy is commonly used today.

    Other Cultures

    • Indigestionaid.com's list of heartburn cures from around the globe includes the use of ginger and mango tree sap in the Congo to make Tangawisi juice. Cinnamon has also been recommended for thousands of years in many countries, including China, Egypt and Brazil.

    Summary

    • People in ancient cultures were typically not overweight and did not eat the fatty, processed diets that exist today, but indigestion and remedies for it are well-documented. In light of the fact that digestion was not truly understood until the mid-1900s, it might come as a surprise that many of these ancient natural cures for acid reflux are still respected and used today.

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