Home Remedies and Herbs for Heartburn

Heartburn is a common condition that occurs when there is a burning sensation that starts in the stomach and builds through the esophagus. As it builds, heartburn often affects the chest area behind or below the breastbone. When left untreated, the burning sensation may rise into the throat and neck and build up to create more pain or discomfort.¹ It may also come and go in waves of heat, warmth and pain accompanied by a sour or bile-like taste in the back of the throat and mouth.^2.

What Causes Heartburn?

• Eating highly acidic or spicy foods like coffee, citrus, chocolate, garlic and more
• An improper closing of the valve between the the stomach and esophagus
• Obesity or frequent physical activity that puts pressure on the stomach
• Heartburn pregnancy from added pressure in the abdomen
• Alcohol and tobacco consumption
• Certain prescription medications
• Stress and emotional trauma causing acid reflux
• Hiatal hernia in the stomach that pushes through the diaphragm

Heartburn Symptoms

For most patients, heartburn symptoms include non-cardiac chest pain such as:^1,3

• Burning feeling in the chest
• Warmth rising from the abdomen to the chest and throat
• Tightness and burning after eating or during emotional stress
• Waves of warmth and pain in the throat and neck
• A sour or acidic taste in the back of the mouth

Heartburn symptoms may vary depending on the types of heartburn causes in question and the history of acid reflux in the individual patient.

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Heartburn

Though there are many prescription or over-the-counter drugs available for heartburn relief, there are plenty of natural ways to alleviate acid reflux. Some of the best natural heartburn remedies include:

• Apple - To reduce burning sensations in the throat and chest eat one raw and fresh apple as symptoms occur or before eating a meal to prevent heartburn symptoms.
• Mustard -Classic yellow mustard contains a certain concentration of vinegar which can help subdue acid production.
• Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar is a natural way to suppress acid reflux. Drink apple cider vinegar diluted in water when symptoms start.
• Milk - Drinking milk can help coat the throat and stomach lining to soothe symptoms of burning and prevent further acid production.
• Baking soda - Consuming baking soda dissolved into water can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce heartburn symptoms.
• Honey - Consuming one teaspoon of natural honey can help to soothe burning by helping to coat the throat and stomach lining.

If you are prone to heartburn symptoms, try eliminating or reducing your consumption of acidic and spicy foods in order to prevent further symptoms.

References

1. https://medicine.georgetown.edu/divisions/gastroenterology/knowledge/heartburn
2. http://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hrtbn
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heartburn/basics/symptoms/con-20019545