There are various medications to treat GERD, but most people prefer natural remedies for its management. Here, we provide certain natural remedies for GERD.
Baking Soda:
Baking soda is one of the most effective substances for treating GERD naturally. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is effective in treating GERD because of its alkaline nature. Usually, baking soda is used for killing odors in refrigerators and ovens. It is not widely known as an effective antacid, however. One-half teaspoon of baking soda is dissolved in 4 oz water, and this is taken every two hours to provide relief, but the number of times this solution may be taken in a 24-hour period should not exceed seven.
Licorice:
Licorice is known to help relieve symptoms of various conditions that affect the spleen, liver, and kidneys. For GERD, licorice is helpful in that it helps form a protective coating over the surface of the stomach to avoid the acid’s adverse effects. It is the source of a semisweet substance known as glycyrrhizin, which numbs pain as it blocks the burning sensation experienced in GERD.
Aloe vera:
Aloe vera for GERD treatment should be consumed orally as a juice drink. This will cool down the acid content of the stomach and will push it down from the esophagus back to the stomach.
Apple cider vinegar:
This may sound strange, as apple cider vinegar (ACV) has acetic acid and is thus is highly acidic. However, it is believed to work by inducing the esophageal valve to close once the food has entered the stomach. There is also a theory that apple cider vinegar is beneficial in the sense that a patient may overuse antacids which then results in a sudden drop in stomach acid levels. This condition likewise brings harm because acids aid in digestion. ACV, therefore, helps in digestion when it becomes faulty because of excessive medication.
Slippery elm:
This plant’s active ingredient is mucilage which, when taken with water, acts to form a protective coat on the walls of organs such as the stomach, the esophagus, and the mouth. However, it has a side effect of slowing down absorption, so it is best to take the solution two hours either before or after other drugs or herbs.
Turmeric:
Turmeric, an ingredient in curry dishes, is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Marshmallow:
This is not the food product used to make s’mores; there is actually an herb named marshmallow (Althaea officinalis, or march mallow) which has the same mucilaginous properties as slippery elm. It forms a thick gel that lines the organ walls, providing relief to painful GERD symptoms.
