Herb
Treatment Support
digestant
Application
tincture, capsule, tea
Heartburn
Christopher Hobbs:
“Heartburn, a feeling of burning behind the breastbone caused by a regurgitation of stomach acid, is often a result of stress and the consumption of spicy or irritating foods.”
Heartburn, or acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid or bile irritates the esophagus. Etiologic factors include:
- Dietary Factors: Spicy foods, citrus, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and fatty meals can trigger heartburn.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts pressure on the abdomen, which can push stomach contents upward.
- Hiatal Hernia: A condition where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm, weakening the valve that prevents reflux.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes and pressure from the growing uterus can contribute to acid reflux.
- Smoking: Smoking relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to flow back into the esophagus.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers, and blood pressure meds, can worsen reflux.
- Stress and Anxiety: These can exacerbate symptoms by increasing stomach acid production.
- Delayed Stomach Emptying: When the stomach empties slowly, it can cause increased pressure and reflux.
When to Seek Professional Help:
- Severe or persistent symptoms (occurring more than twice a week).
- Difficulty swallowing, weight loss, or choking.
- Chest pain: Heartburn mimics heart attacks, so it’s important to rule out heart conditions.
- Vomiting blood or black stools: Could indicate bleeding in the stomach or esophagus.
- Worsening symptoms despite home treatment.
Treatment Plan for Heartburn
When to Treat at Home:
- Occasional, mild heartburn: Treat with lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and avoiding lying down right after eating.
- Herbal remedies: Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) tea, ginger (Zingiber officinale), or chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) can soothe the stomach and reduce acid production. Baking soda (mixed with water) can temporarily neutralize stomach acid.
- Avoiding triggers: Staying away from alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods may help.
If symptoms persist despite home remedies or worsen, it’s best to seek professional medical advice.
Christopher Hobbs:
“A whole foods diet emphasizing whole grains and steamed vegetables, avoiding irritating foods and protein foods is recommended. A bland diet is recommended if symptoms are persistent. An herbal program can include relaxing herbs like chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla); stomach-soothing herbs including licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and marshmallow (Althaea officinalis); and centaury (Centaurium erythraea) to improve digestive function.”
Generated by ChatGPT; edited and supplemented by Dr. Christopher Hobbs PhD
Herbal Remedies for Heartburn
Herb
Treatment Support
Application
Herb
Treatment Support
soothing to the stomach
Application
tea, tincture, capsule, tablet
Herb
Treatment Support
soothing to the stomach
Application
tea, tincture, capsule
Herb
Treatment Support
antacid
Application
tincture, tea
Related Heartburn conditions
Additional Ailment
Herb
Application
No additional ailments found.
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
