Herbal Remedies for GERD

14 May, 2009 No Comment

Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a serious condition marked by frequent heartburn and regurgitation of the stomach contents into the esophagus and sometimes even into the throat and mouth.

Because stomach contents are highly acidic, the repeated regurgitation can result in the erosion of the esophagus, leading to esophageal cancer. Chronic GERD can cause chest pain, coughing, wheezing, sleep disorders, bad breath, choking and a bitter taste. Among the more common causes of GERD are eating too much too fast, eating before going to bed, smoking, alcohol consumption, eating too much oily or salty food, stress and pregnancy (because of hormonal changes).

Home remedies are often effective in treating GERD. However, if you respond to none of these remedies, be sure to see your doctor.

Drink aloe vera juice it will help heal the intestinal tract. Drinking Chamomile tea can provide relief for an irritated esophagus. Eating papaya will reduce heartburn and improve digestion. Wash two potatoes and without peeling them, grind in a blender to make potato juice. Add other juice to improve taste if you prefer.

Drink plenty of water when heartburn begins. This dilutes stomach acid and reduces or eliminates heartburn. Eat ginger slices dipped in honey to treat heartburn. Drink chilled milk after every two hours on the onset of heartburn. Drink water with cumin seeds added to prevent intestinal gas.

Eating cloves, almonds and lemon is also helpful in treating GERD. Soak almonds in water overnight and then peel and eat. Eating one cup of vanilla ice cream can relieve heartburn. Eat one banana for an upset stomach. This also will relieve diarrhea resulting from excess stomach acid.

Consume a simple diet with lots of vegetables and fruits and very little spicy and oily food. Include vegetable soups and salads, but avoid onion, garlic, citrus food, and tomato sauce, as these can aggravate GERD symptoms.

Eating one apple after every meal will improve digestion and reduce acid formation. Avoid smoking and alcohol, as these relax the esophageal sphincter and allow stomach contents to be regurgitated into the esophagus.