Known Natural Remedies for Heartburn

Heartburn may be a misleading term for a problem in the digestive tract. However, this condition derives its name from that fact that the discomfort is experienced behind the breast bone around the area of the location of the heart. Heartburn is described as a burning sensation that can be quite painful and is caused by the backwash of acid from the stomach to the esophagus. This backwash of acid occurs because of the weakening or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) muscle. It is also referred to as stomach acid reflux. Though painful, there are natural remedies for heartburn.

A major cause of heartburn is the food we eat. Certain types of food such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, alcohol, caffeinated drinks, chocolate, fried fatty foods and tobacco all weaken the esophageal sphincter. Eating a large meal, lying down soon after eating and wearing very tight clothes also put pressure on the stomach and consequently put pressure on the sphincter muscle, which may result in acid reflux. Bending over may also cause acid reflux.

There are several over the counter medications to treat the symptoms of heartburn. However, an excellent alternative is natural remedies for heartburn. One of the most common natural remedies for heartburn is the ginger root. Ginger is effective for heartburn because it encourages proper digestion. It can be made into tea, chewed raw, added to food during cooking or taken in capsule form as a herbal supplement. Garlic is another excellent remedy. Like ginger, it can be cooked in food or the cloves can be eaten raw. Garlic cloves can be fermented in apple cider vinegar to make a medicinal drink that can be sipped anytime heartburn occurs. Apple cider vinegar on its own is also one of the more common herbal remedies for heartburn.

Good natural remedies for heartburn are herbal teas. Examples of excellent herbal teas are chamomile tea, peppermint tea and fennel tea. Licorice can also be added to tea to help ease heartburn. These teas should be drunk preferably after a meal or when heartburn occurs. Aloe vera is also used as a remedy for heartburn. It can be taken as juice or in capsule or liquid form. It is effective for treating heartburn because it neutralizes stomach acid as it is an alkaline. Fruits can also make good natural remedies for heartburn as well. Examples of such fruits include bananas and papaya.

While the natural remedies for heartburn are very effective, it is more important to make some lifestyle changes. If you are overweight, you need to lose weight. Avoid fatty foods, foods that are hard to digest and any other foods that cause you heartburn. You should also drink plenty of fluids, preferably water which helps dilute stomach acid.

If you will follow these natural remedies for heartburn tips you may be able to totally relieve the problem, or at least drastically help it.