Heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over.
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach (esophagus).
More than 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month and some studies have suggested that more than 15 million Americans experience heartburn symptoms each day. Symptoms of heartburn, also known as acid indigestion, are more prevalent among the elderly and pregnant women.
The most common cause is food that’s acidic or high in fat – like citrus fruits, tomatoes, onions, chocolate, coffee, cheese and peppermint. Spicy foods or large meals can also be the root of distress. Other sources of heartburn include aspirin or ibuprofen, as well as some sedatives and blood pressure medications.
Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm. Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn on their own with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.
Seek immediate help if you experience severe chest pain or pressure, especially when combined with other signs and symptoms such as pain in the arm or jaw, or difficulty breathing.
The Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding or minimizing the effects of common heartburn by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding tight-fitting clothing
- Avoiding foods and drinks that trigger heartburn
- Eating smaller meals
- Avoid lying down after a meal
Over-the-counter antacids can neutralize stomach acid temporarily, however, prolonged or excessive use of antacids may cause side effects such as diarrhea or constipation.
Medicinal Plants Can Help
There are also medicinal plants that may provide a gentler relief from heartburn than pharmaceuticals. Our recommendations:
Calendula – Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a short-lived perennial with bright daisy-like flowers. The calendula flower has a long history of medicinal uses. Although the scientific evidence is sketchy, calendula contains numerous compounds that may fight oxidative stress and inflammation in your body.
Calendula is used for heartburn because it has a protective effect for the stomach that improves digestion by repairing the gut wall while relieving discomfort in the meantime.
Calendula tea, a mild, slightly bitter beverage, is an especially popular natural heartburn remedy. However, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid calendula. Doctors also warn that there may be unexpected interactions when you drink calendula tea and take sedatives.
Ginger – Ginger is a flowering plant that originated from China. Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. Researchers believe ginger’s chemicals work primarily in the stomach and intestines to provide possible anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Ginger can help with both heartburn and acid reflux by reducing the likelihood of stomach acid flowing up into the esophagus. In fact, One of the chemicals found in ginger is an ingredient in some antacids.
Ginger can be peeled and eaten raw in small slices (the taste is very strong). It can also be made into a tea. You can find powder and oil forms of ginger as well, but these are used less often.
It’s important to take ginger in moderation. Taking ginger might increase your risk of bleeding as well as worsen some heart conditions when high doses of ginger are consumed. Diabetics also need to be cautious. Ginger might increase insulin levels and/or lower blood sugar. Consequently, diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.
Licorice – Licorice is the common name of Glycyrrhiza glabra, a flowering plant of the bean family Fabaceae. Licorice root has been used for thousands of years to help treat a variety of ailments, including heartburn.
Licorice is believed to increase the mucous coating of the esophageal lining, which helps it resist the irritating effects of stomach acid. While available in capsule or liquid supplement, chewable tablets known as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) have become commercially available.
DGL is a form of licorice that has been processed for safer consumption. A substantial amount of a substance called glycyrrhizin is removed, which renders DGL safer for long-term use and has less interactions with medical conditions or medications than licorice extract.
Licorice has proved effective in several studies. A 2018 study found that DGL was more effective than acid-suppressive drugs.
People who have heart disease or high blood pressure should exercise caution when taking licorice extract. Women who are pregnant should avoid using licorice as a supplement.
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Note: As with all medicinal plants, it’s best to first discuss their possible use with your health professional. Allergies and other conditions (especially if pregnant or breastfeeding) could result in side effects.
