Do you often experience that burning sensation in the chest that sometimes makes you feel like you’re having a heart attack?
This condition is called heartburn, and it can also be felt in the throat [1].
This article will to inform you of:
- The triggers for heartburn
- 12 natural heartburn cure
Heartburn occurs when acid from the stomach goes back up into the esophagus, according to Mayo Clinic.
It can be triggered by indigestion as well as certain foods and drinks such as chocolate, spicy dishes and alcohol, among others [2].
Get rid of heartburn immediately by using these excellent natural techniques at home.
1. Chewing Gum
Chewing gum does more than just freshen up your breath after a meal.
Various studies indicate that chewing a gum after eating reduces acid reflux in the esophagus by stimulating flow of saliva [3, 4, 5].
In one experiment conducted in London, 31 individuals with symptoms of heartburn were randomly required to chew sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after a meal [4].
Results reveal that chewing the gum can greatly reduce the incidence of acid reflux [4].
In another study, 40 patients with chronic esophageal reflux were made to chew two sticks of gum four times [5].
Half of them were given sugar-free gum, and the other half received sugar-free gum with bicarbonate [5].
It turns out that chewing gum, particularly the one with bicarbonate, produces a beneficial buffering effect [5].
Saliva helps clear out acid that has accumulated in the gut, and can therefore alleviate the painful symptoms of heartburn.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 sugar-free chewing gum
Recommended Directions:
- Chew gum for 30 minutes after each meal.
2. Baking Soda
A go-to solution for many health issues and household needs, baking soda is often found in the homes of people who opt to keep things natural.
Since it’s chemical-free, you can use this to keep your home clean and sanitary without exposing any of your loved ones to harmful chemicals.
It’s also a versatile remedy that can resolve all sorts of ailments, one of which is heartburn.
In a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, it was stated that alkalinizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate treats acid reflux in two ways [6].
Not only does it neutralize acid in the stomach, it also strengthens the lower esophageal sphincter, which blocks acid regurgitation [6].
These findings are enough to support the folkloric use of baking soda for heartburn and other similar issues.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1 glass of water
Recommended Directions:
- Stir baking soda into water.
- Drink before each meal once or twice a day for one week.
RELATED: How to Use Baking Soda for Diaper Rash Treatment
3. Carom Seeds
Another viable home remedy for heartburn is a bunch of carom seeds.
Carom seeds have long been recognized for their valuable contribution in traditional medicine.
For many years, folk healers have relied on this remedy to many types of ailments.
They’re most popular for alleviating respiratory problems such as colds, cough, bronchitis and asthma.
Many are not aware that carom seeds can also be used for digestion-related issues such as heartburn.
According to research, carom seeds can treat numerous gastrointestinal problems including indigestion and flatulence [7].
As you know, heartburn is commonly caused by indigestion.
It works by stimulating the production of gastrointestinal secretions that in turn, improve the digestive function of the body [7].
What You’ll Need:
- 2 teaspoon of carom seeds
- 1 glass of water
Recommended Directions:
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add carom seeds.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cover and let steep for 20 minutes.
- Strain the mixture.
- Take the tea once a day for one to two weeks, or until you feel better.
4. Slippery Elm
There are many benefits that you can get from using slippery elm.
This should not come as a surprise at all, since the inner bark of this herb contains various essential nutrients such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, B vitamins and vitamin C.
It is also rich in antioxidants such as tannins, beta-sitosterol, and campestrol.
Used by Native Americans since the early times, slippery elm also happens to be one of the oldest remedies for heartburn and indigestion [8].
That’s because it contains mucilage, or that gummy substance that comes out of the bark when it is submerged in water.
This is a non-toxic substance that comes in easy-to-digest complex carbohydrates.
As a demulcent, it can alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and at the same time, heal tissues that have been damaged by acid [9].
It does so by creating a protective layer in the stomach that serves as barrier against acid, explains Health.com.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 teaspoon of slippery elm powder
- 1 glass of milk
Recommended Directions:
- Dissolve slippery elm powder in milk.
- Drink this solution before meals and before sleeping at night.
- Follow this remedy for one to two weeks.
5. Aloe Vera Juice
Oral intake of aloe vera has long been established to be effective in treating a multitude of conditions [10].
Regular consumption of aloe vera juice has been linked to lower cholesterol levels, stronger immune system, lower blood sugar, and healthier skin.
It’s also a good way to detoxify the body’s internal systems and flush out harmful toxins.
For those who suffer from heartburn, it helps by improving digestion, and at the same time, reducing inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract [11].
Its curative and soothing properties definitely make it an ideal remedy for this problem.
It’s also good to know that you can drink aloe vera juice regularly without having to worry about any unpleasant side effects.
Just make sure that you don’t drink more than one-fourth cup a day.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup of aloe vera juice
Recommended Directions:
- Drink aloe vera juice 20 to 30 minutes before eating lunch or dinner.
- Do not drink more than once a day for it can cause stomach pain.
RELATED: Aloe Vera for Gastritis & Ulcer : Learn Why & How?
6. Ginger Tea
A medicinal plant commonly cultivated in Asia and other tropical regions, ginger has been used since the ancient times to cure a wide range of conditions [12].
Nausea, vomiting, heart disease, stroke, athlete’s foot, colds, chronic fatigue, flu, cough, fever, depression, diabetes and infertility are just few of the many diseases that can be cured by this remedy [12].
With its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, ginger in the form of a tea can also be used to treat heartburn [12, 13].
Moreover, it has been observed to have gastroprotective effects, which is why it is advisable for people who often suffer from indigestion [13].
Although there are rare cases of ginger causing adverse reactions, people who are taking anticoagulant medications like warfarin should avoid using ginger as remedy for heartburn.
What You’ll Need:
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Put ginger slices in a pot.
- Pour water over the ginger slices.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Drink the tea 20 minutes before eating a meal.
7. Licorice
Licorice is more than just a flavoring for candies.
It is in fact, replete with many health benefits that you should take advantage of.
There’s no denying that this root, which can be found in Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean regions, is one of the most highly valued medicinal plants today.
For heartburn, it can provide immediate relief by increasing mucus that serves as a protective layer in the intestinal tract [14].
Here’s how it exactly works: it covers the intestinal lining so that there will be less pain whenever the acid backs up from the stomach.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of licorice root powder
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Boil water in a pot.
- Remove from heat.
- Add licorice root powder.
- Stir well.
- Drink once a day for three to four days.
8. Bananas
With its dozens of amazing health benefits, it’s only right to eat bananas more often.
Bananas are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, vitamin C and B vitamins.
This tropical fruit has been found to effectively promote heart health, keep bowels functioning optimally, and protecting against a wide range of disease.
If you want relief from painful heartburn, you can also consider this as a top remedy.
This helps soothe an irritated throat or aching chest due to heartburn.
A banana is said to be a “natural antacid” that can neutralize acids in the stomach [15, 16].
An added bonus is that with its overload of essential nutrients, you’ll be doing your health a favor eating it everyday.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 banana
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Recommended Directions:
- Eat one banana a day until heartburn no longer recurs.
- Mash two bananas in a bowl.
- Add honey.
- Mix well.
- Eat this as a daily snack until symptoms subside.
9. Fennel Seeds
Did you know that fennel is a flowering plant that belongs to the carrot family?
This perennial herb that bears yellow flowers originated in the Mediterranean but is now being cultivated in many parts of the world.
The seeds are often used in international cuisines, giving dishes a flavor similar to that of anise.
Ancient healers say that these seeds are a symbol of courage, strength and longevity, which is only apt as they bring healing and beneficial nutrients.
If you’re looking for quick relief from heartburn, fennel seeds can help.
Research published in the Phytomedicine Journal revealed that fennel seeds along with other natural remedies are more effective in soothing heartburn, gastrospasms and indigestion than a synthetic formulation [17].
Not only that, the natural remedy also produced fewer side effects, and was tolerated better by the participants in the study [17].
All these findings make it an ideal remedy for heartburn and other digestive issues.
What You’ll Need:
- A bunch of fennel seeds
- 1 cup of fennel seeds
- 2 cups of water
Recommended Directions:
- Munch on fennel seeds after eating a big meal.
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add fennel seeds.
- Let it simmer for 30 minutes.
- Remove from the stove.
- Cover and let steep for 30 more minutes.
- Strain the mixture.
- Drink the tea after each meal.
10. Cabbage Juice
If you don’t like eating vegetables, why don’t you try drinking them?
Juice extracted from cabbage is just as beneficial.
It is in fact, abundant with many nutrients including B vitamins, vitamin C and amino acids [18].
In a study that probed cabbage juice’s effects on patients with ulcer, it was discovered that those who consumed this beverage no longer suffered from heartburn [18].
Only after a few days of drinking cabbage juice, the participants immediately experienced great relief.
This can be attributed to the ability of cabbage juice to restore proper gastric function [18].
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup of cabbage juice
Recommended Directions:
- Drink cabbage juice in the morning before eating anything.
- Do this three to four times a week.
11. Marshmallow
Marshmallow root has always been a popular remedy for respiratory ailments.
It is often used to alleviate the pain and inflammation in the mucus membranes that serve as lining for the respiratory tract.
Most people rely on this remedy for dry cough, but it can also be used for constipation, stomach ulcer, urinary tract infection and other conditions.
Now, did you know that this can also be used to relieve heartburn?
There are two ways by which marshallow works.
First, it soothes the irritation in the esophagus so that there’s less pain [19].
At the same time, it tones down inflammation in the gastric mucosa [19].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of marshmallow root
- 2 cups of water
Recommended Directions:
- Pour water in a pot.
- Add marshmallow root.
- Cover and let it steep for 24 hours.
- Drink the solution in the morning to get rid of acid reflux.
12. Parsley
Garnishing dishes with parsley does more than make it prettier and more appetizing.
This also proves to be a healthy habit especially for those who suffer from heartburn.
According to Live Strong, parsley contains an amino acid called glutamine that reduces inflammation in the intestine.
In addition, it also neutralizes stomach acidity to prevent acid from backing up, and causing irritation in the esophagus and throat.
What You’ll Need:
- Parsley
- 3 cups of parsley
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Garnish your dishes with parsley.
- Or munch on some parsley leaves before a meal.
- You can also put three cups of parsley in a blender and add water.
- Blend to turn it into a smoothie.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before drinking.
Conclusion
There’s no need to suffer from heartburn for long if you follow these useful and practical home remedies.
All these are safe to use, but you have to make sure that you follow the directions carefully.
If heartburn persists even after you’ve used these remedies, consult your doctor.
It might be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
READ NEXT: 19 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Indigestion Fast
