Home Remedies for Heartburn

  

      Just as in ancient times, people today consider making home remedies to treat a multitude of illnesses, conditions, and injuries normal. Of course, there are some revolutionary prescription medications and treatments considered highly beneficial but unfortunately, many people depend on conventional medication and treatments as a band aid rather than look at natural remedies as cures.
A prime example is seen with heartburn, a common problem that could easily be controlled using heartburn home remedies. Using this particular condition as an example, we wanted to so people just how easy, convenient, affordable, effective, and safe it is to make remedies at home.
One important note is that anyone thinking about treating heartburn with home remedies should spend some time learning about benefits and potential side effects of any ingredients being considered. However, the majority of organic and 100% natural ingredients used would produce little or no side effects at all.

Heartburn Definition and Causes
Before getting into beneficial heartburn home remedies, it is important to understand what this condition is and what causes is. That way, a person would be able to recognize true heartburn, making it easier to determine if perhaps something else might be going on to warrant a trip to the doctor. After all, there are some serious health conditions that have symptoms very similar to those associated with heartburn to include heart attack.
To begin, heartburn affects approximately 40% of the US population, making this a common condition. The burning sensation and heaviness a person feels with heartburn is caused by acid reflux that develops when the lower esophageal sphincter opens to allow acid to back up within the esophagus.
Often, lifestyle changes is all a person needs to do but other times, heartburn home remedies or even prescription medication would be required. The following are examples of changes an individual could make to get heartburn under control and prevent future problems.

• Chewing food should be done slowly so saliva can help with proper digestion and effectively neutralize stomach acid

• Stop smoking and reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption

• Avoid high fat, fried, and spicy foods

• Lose extra weight that puts pressure on the abdomen, which in turn causes the lower esophageal sphincter to open. In the case of pregnancy, an OB/GYN could offer a pregnant woman safe suggestions.

• Find ways to reduce stress levels

• Consume six small meals a day opposed to three large ones

• Be sure diet consists of enough fiber

• Sleep with pillows that elevate the torso

Effective and Safe Remedies
Below we listed excellent heartburn home remedies that should be considered along with lifestyle changes mentioned above. While a person with heartburn would benefit greatly from any of the suggestions provided, remember that a multitude of additional remedies could be found online or in alternative medicine books.

• Aloe Vera – Most people know about aloe vera gel being used to treat burns but in addition, this plant works wonders for heartburn. In fact, among all heartburn home remedies, aloe vera is considered one of the most beneficial because it aids digestion, helps absorb foods, possesses anti-inflammatory fatty acids, contains high levels of enzymes that neutralize stomach juices, and even improves blood circulation to the entire digestive system.

• Apple Cider Vinegar – This ingredient is popular for treating a number of health issues with one being heartburn. While acid reflux is the primary cause of heartburn, this condition can also develop when the body believes stomach acid is insufficient. With this, stomach cells would receive signals telling them to produce even more acid, leading to heartburn. To trick the mind and body, weak acid such as apple cider vinegar introduced to the body would stop inaccurate signals from being sent. Simple mix two tablespoons of vinegar in eight ounces of warm water and drink slowly.

• Barley Grass – Rich in key nutrients, proteins, and vitamins, barley grass has natural anti-inflammatory properties to help repair esophagus lining cells caused by heartburn.

• Cabbage Juice – Many people are surprised to learn that cabbage juice helps with heartburn but when a person drinks six ounces on an empty stomach each day, the gastrointestinal tract becomes calm.

• Herbal Tea – Throughout history, herbal tea has been one of the most popular heartburn home remedies, something that still works great today. Following are specific types of teas that work best. Keep in mind that for the best results, only organic or 100% natural dried tea leaves should be used.

• Chamomile – The chamomile flower possesses natural anti-inflammatory properties and produces a calming effect. Three to four cups of cold tea daily after meals and then another cup prior to bedtime would suffice.

• Chicory – Known to aid in the digestive process, cold tea made from the plant’s leaves or roots would produce the same results.

• Cinnamon – It is a known fact that cinnamon helps to neutralize stomach acid and possesses antiseptic properties. For this reason, cold cinnamon tea is another one of the best heartburn home remedies.

• Gingerroot – Most people get quicker and better relief by drinking cold tea after meals. In this case, fresh ginger should be used to keep the problem of reflux under control. However, for immediate relief from burning heartburn, an individual can actually chew on a piece of fresh gingerroot.

• Lavender/Aniseed – Another great herbal tea for heartburn is made with equal parts of fresh lavender and aniseed. This particular tea would help with heartburn whether enjoyed hot or cold.

• Licorice Root – Even for severe cases a number of heartburn home remedies would work. For instance, powdered licorice root actually helps heal the esophagus lining that can become damaged due to chronic excess acid.

• Slippery Elm – This herb has a long history of being an effective treatment for heartburn. In this case, swelling and pain associated with the esophagus is controlled but in addition, slippery elm is capable of creating a protective barrier from acid.