In this article, we shall look at various home remedies for acid reflux. As the name suggests, this condition is usually triggered by an excess consumption of acidic food or carbonated beverages. There is too much stomach acid present, so some rise up to near the chest area. These acids may come in contact with the esophageal muscles, and sometimes, the mouth. This is what causes the pain. And since this condition is marked by a sharp pain in the thorax, it is often mistaken for the pain of a heart condition.
In other cases, there is entirely too less of the stomach acids. And so, along with the pain you may be left feeling bloated. This is because the food you eat is unable to break down. In addition, the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) loosens up when there is less acid in the stomach. And so, there can be a reflux of acid into the esophagus.
Home Remedies for Acid Reflux:
An acid reflux occurs when the LES relaxes at the times when it should not, causing the stomach acid to rush up your esophagus. This results in a sensation known as heartburn.A heartburn is characterized by an uncomfortable burning sensation right beneath the breastbone. Often this burning creeps up along the back of the throat. This condition is more a symptom of an ailment, rather than a disease in its own right. Fortunately, it is easy to counter a heartburn or acid reflux. Home remedies for acid reflux are a good way to cure this as they have no side effects and work quick enough to counter this pain. In addition, these methods are easily available and inexpensive.
1.) Mustard to Cure Acid Reflux
It may seem odd to soothe an acid reflux with a hot condiment. But what you may not know is that mustard contains alkaline properties. In order to neutralize acids, you must add an alkaline or base substance. And so, mustard is one of the good home remedies for heartburn.
- Take one teaspoon of good quality mustard. Plain yellow mustard is the best for this.
- Eat this straight. It will help to neutralize the pain of the acid reflux.
- This remedy is useful either in the midst of a heartburn, or when you feel it creeping up on you.
2.) Tea to Counter Acid Reflux
One reason for acid reflux, or heartburn, can be undue amounts of stress. Chamomile tea is a perfect way to relieve that stress. Drinking this tea can help to reduce the inflammation in the stomach. In addition, it may be helpful to balance acid levels as well. This is one of the preventive home remedies for acid reflux. Have this concoction 1/2 an hour or an hour before you sleep.
- To make your own chamomile tea, you will need 1 teaspoon of dried chamomile flower petals. Other requirements are a tea strainer and one cup of water.
- Bring the water to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer. Add the dried chamomile petals. Let it simmer for 45 seconds so that the good essence is leached into the water.
- Now remove from heat. Leave the petals in for another minute.
- Strain the warm tea into a mug. You can add a dash of honey and lime for flavor.
3. Cure Heartburn with Coriander
Coriander seeds are very beneficial amongst home remedies for acid reflux or heartburn. This method is another natural, as well as inexpensive method to cure heartburn. There are many ways to harness the benefits of the dried seeds of this herb.
- One excellent way to counter acid reflux is to combine coriander seeds with cumin seeds. For this method, put 1 glass water on the heat and bring it to a boil. Now reduce the heat and add 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds along with 1/2 teaspoon of coriander seeds. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes, to extract the benefits. Strain and have while warm.
- There is another way to harness the benefits of coriander seeds to fight heartburn. Add 1 teaspoon of roasted and ground coriander seeds in a glass of plain buttermilk. Drink this when you feel the acid reflux in order to soothe it.
4.) Treat Acid Reflux with Aloe Vera
This plant is used in many home remedies to cure various ailments. It is useful to soothe burns and the like. These soothing properties of Aloe Vera help to reduce inflammation or irritation in the stomach. This makes is excellent amongst home remedies for acid reflux or heartburn.
- You will need 1/2 a cup of Aloe Vera juice for this method. This can be obtained at any natural health store.
- Drink this either at room temperature or when it’s cool, before meals.
- If you have your own Aloe Vera plant, you can extract the juice on your own for this method.
5.) Ginger to Cure Acid Reflux
This method is one amongst common home remedies for acid reflux. Ginger has been used to help soothe a number of stomach-related ailments, ranging from nausea to indigestion. It is also excellent to soothe acid reflux. Drink a cup of ginger tea before a meal to act as an acid buffer.
- You will need 2 cups of water and 3 quarter size slices of ginger root.
- Pour the water into a saucepan and add in the slices of ginger root. Place this over the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Make sure the pan is covered so that the essence of ginger does not evaporate away.
- Strain and let it cool enough to not burn your mouth. Drink this about 20 minutes before a meal.
6.) Apple Cider Vinegar to Combat Acid Reflux
This method may seem odd to you. But since sometimes, an acid reflux is caused by an imbalance in either the pH of the stomach acids or by low levels of acid, this method is one of the best home remedies for acid reflux. In addition, it is a natural and inexpensive way to stop the pain of acid reflux.
- Prepare yourself the mixture of 3 teaspoons of organic apple cider vinegar and 6-8 ounces of water.
- Drink this 2-3 times in a day, or before each meal.
- You can also have this 20 minutes prior to bedtime if you are prone to acid reflux when you lie down.
7.) Carom Seeds to Treat Acid Reflux
Carom seeds contain anti-acidic properties and act as a natural antacid. This remedy is beneficial for the stomach. In addition, it gives relief to the mucous lining of the stomach from the overactive acids. And so it is hailed among home remedies for acid reflux. There are many methods to harness the benefits of this natural remedy.
- Ingest 1 teaspoon of carom seeds along with a pinch of black salt. This is the easiest way to cure acid reflux.
- Alternatively, boil 1 teaspoon of carom seeds in 1 glass of water. Strain and drink it to ease the pain of acid reflux. Optionally, you may add a teaspoon of cumin seeds into this mixture to boost the healing power of this remedy.
8.) Chewing Gum to Counter Acid Reflux
Another easy and inexpensive method to cure acid reflux is to chew on some gum. Research has shown that chewing on some sugar-free gum for up to 30 minutes after eating a meal reduces the chances for indigestion or an acid reflux. This results in the stimulation of the salivary glands, increasing the flow of saliva.
- You will need some sugar-free gum of your choice. One piece is enough for one use.
- After your meal, eat 1 piece of the sugar-free gum and chew on it for up to 30 minutes.
9.) Cure Acid Reflux with Almonds
This has been noted amongst home remedies for acid reflux. These delicious nuts help to neutralize the acids in your stomach and works to relieve and prevent some instances of heartburn. Naturally, organic almonds work best for this.
- You will need 3-4 almonds for every use.
- Eat them directly after a meal, or snack on them occasionally.
- Alternatively, you can leave the almonds to soak for a few hours. And then eat them after a meal.
- But remember not to take them in excess.
10.) Baking Soda to Treat Acid Reflux
This is the go-to home remedy for almost every problem. Baking soda is another one of the excellent home remedies for acid reflux Since this substance is a base, it works to neutralize the overactive acids in your stomach.
- Prepare a solution of baking soda to ease acid reflux.
- Mix together 1/2 a teaspoon of baking soda into a quarter cup of water. Stir well.
- Now drink this and wait for 5-10 minutes. If you still experience the pain of acid reflux or heartburn, then repeat once more.