Heartburn often occurs due to irregular sleep patterns and improper eating. Our lives have become so hectic and unorderly that we often end up taking a lot of stress, and that also affects our digestive system.
Complementary to it, some of us also indulge in drinking and smoking. Additionally, people who live such a lifestyle generally don’t have the time for exercise. We might not be entirely at fault, but our recklessness has invited so many issues that end up turning towards acid reflux or heartburn. Initially, this situation starts with minor acidity and then turns to become more prominent.
Acid reflux is a burning outcome of undigested food and bile mixed and stored in the esophagus. This is a digestive disorder that starts with a burning sensation in the stomach and ends up in the mouth. It is a movement of bile or stomach acid along the food pipe.
You get started with hiccups, and they turn into chest pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, and burning sensation in the throat. The risk factors involved in this severe health condition can range from smoking, obesity, alcoholism, stress, junk food, the presence of a hernia, and pregnancy.
Table of Contents
How to Cure Heartburn Using Naturopathic Remedies
- Foods
- Essential Oils
- Home Remedies
CURE 1: Food for Heartburn
Food and herbs have been saviors for a very long time. Food for acid reflux is, and so we have to take care of what we eat. Here are some recommendations on food for heartburn that can help you soothe your burning sensation to an extent.
1. Vegetables
Vegetables are crucial in all the ways, and you need to have an abundant amount of vegetables to help yourself out of heartburn. The more you depend on vegetables, the more healthy you can be.
2. Non-Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges and lemons must be avoided, but then you can always go for non-citrus fruits like bananas, watermelons, mangoes, peaches, papayas, etc. which promote smooth digestion in our body and have high pH values.
3. Oatmeal
This nutritious meal could be a fantastic breakfast and your snack as well. It is a versatile food that can fill your tummy quickly and in a healthy way, which is one of the cures for acid reflux. If you need a change, try oatmeal with raisins because it absorbs the acidity from the raisins and makes it a delicious meal altogether.
4. Salad
Salads may seem drab, but you could do far worse than eating a salad every day. A salad is the first meal for acid refluxers, although tomatoes and onions should be avoided, as well as cheese and high-fat dressings.
5. Banana
Bananas are nutritious food that is basic with a pH of 5.6, and they are beneficial for people with acid reflux. Hence snacking on one to two days could help you alleviate your symptoms.
6. Melon
Melons are the kind of fruit that fall under the good-for-acid reflux category along with honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon.
This fruit has a pH of 6.1, which helps in controlling the acid production in your stomach.
7. Chicken and Turkey
Meat is a staple of any reflux diet, breaking several notions that people have. It can be consumed in several ways from boiled, baked, grilled, and sauteed. However, it is to be noted that you can eat it fried and the skin should be removed before consuming it
8. Fish and Seafood
Seafood, like meat, is another stape of the reflux diet. It majorly consists of shrimp, lobster, and other shellfish. It is to be noted that you can consume wild fish and not the farm-raised variety.
As in the case of meat, these could also be eaten in different ways but never dried.
9. Celery
Celery, the green sticks, these have no calories and consist of high water content, which makes it one of the best choices for acid reflux. It is also an appetite suppressant and fiber-rich food.
10. Fennel:
Fennel has a specific licorice flavor that makes it an excellent ingredient in the salads. Additionally, they are known to promote digestion; they also have a pH of 6.9, making it the best choice for patients suffering from acidity.
11. Ginger
Ginger is known as the queen of traditional medicine, due to its anti-inflammatory agents and its ability to treat several conditions including acid reflux(1). It is used in a lot of ways and can cure a lot of issues in our body. Ginger is a long-term cure for an upset stomach and so ginger is indeed a beneficial food for acid reflux.
12. Parsley
Parsley is usually seen as a part of garnishing, and most of us separate it carefully and put it aside. Parsley is a traditional remedy for acid reflux and helps in soothing the burn in a short time. So consuming parsley is a good habit that everyone should develop.
13. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used for ages to treat several ailments. So you shouldn’t be surprised when you find out that it helps with heartburn too. You can buy the supplements of aloe vera in the form of capsules, juices, or even use it directly from the plant.
CURE 2: Essential Oils for Heartburn:
Essential oils have the aromatherapeutic properties in them that are advantageous in providing relief. No wonder they are used widely even during pregnancy. So here are the most effective essential oils and their uses.
1. CBD Oil For Acid Reflux
Why does it work?
Cannabidiol is known to act on the endocannabinoid receptors present in the digestive system and helps in promoting better digestion. Additionally, it is also known to improve the motility of the sphincter muscles present in the stomach.
How to use?
- Add a teaspoon of CBD oil to a cup of water, and this also adds a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Drink this concoction for instant relief.
Also Read: How CBD May Have Anti-Aging Effects on the Skin
2. Lemon Oil For Heartburn
Why does it work?
- Lemon is a great detoxifying agent, and so lemon oil is one of the most effective essential oils to be used for heartburn.
- Lemon oil is alkaline and neutralizes the acid in our body.
- It has antibacterial properties too. That means it cleanses our digestive system and gets rid of harmful bacteria.
- Helps in producing fresh acid for the next meal.
How to Use Lemon Oil for Heartburn?
- A drop of lemon oil can be included in a glass of warm water and tasted gradual 30 minutes before supper.
- On the other hand, one can likewise you could rinse your mouth with 1-2 drops of lemon oil.
3. Peppermint Oil For Heartburn
Why does it work?
- Peppermint has analgesic compounds to soothe and cool our bodies and has relaxing properties.
- Additionally, it is mildly antibacterial and antifungal.
- Its natural antispasmodic cure increases the rates of gastric emptying, which reduces the occurrence of gastrointestinal distress, including heartburn.
How to Use Peppermint Oil for Heartburn?
- Drink peppermint oil in tea form 30 minutes before mealtime to avail its benefits.
- During heartburn, rub the oil on your tummy.
4. Orange Oil For Heartburn
Why does it work?
- Oranges and citrus fruits contain properties that offer health benefits.
- This essential oil also helps in sooting heartburns as it prevents muscle spasms in the digestive system.
- It works incredibly when combined with other liquids and diluted slightly.
How to Use Orange Oil for Heartburn?
- The orange essential oil can be used either internally by consuming it or topically by applying on the skin or aromatically by inhaling it.
- One gram of orange oil extract reduces the incidence of heartburn to a great extent.
5. Ginger Oil For Heartburn
Why does it work?
Ginger is a tried and tested cure for a variety of gastrointestinal problems, hence making it a sufficient remedy to treat severe heartburn as well. Ginger oil calms the stomach and brings relief from indigestion.
How to Use Ginger Oil for Heartburn?
- Add 2-4 drops of ginger oil into a cup of herbal tea and have 20 minutes before meals.
- During heartburn, rub a few drops of the oil on the abdomen to provide instant relief from pain.
6. Lavender Oil For Heartburn
Why does it work?
- The lavender essential oil has been to treat heartburn due to its relaxing effects on the muscles
- It also contains soothing properties for people suffering from heartburn who are likely to lose sleep.
How to Use Lavender Oil for Heartburn?
- To use lavender for heartburn is to mix 2-3 drops of the oil with a carrier oil (coconut or almond oil) and then massage your abdomen and chest.
- Alternatively, you could also use lavender tea and sip on it throughout the day.
- Additionally, you could also dab your pillowcase with oil as it helps in promoting better sleep pattern and helps in avoiding mid-sleep refluxes.
7. Eucalyptus Oil For Heartburn
Why does it work?
- Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory properties to help get rid of the pain caused by heartburn.
- It will heal the esophageal muscles while fixing any internal burns caused by heartburn.
- Upon using eucalyptus oil, the powerful compound Eucalyptol is released to work as a vasodilator.
How to Use Eucalyptus Oil for Heartburn?
It is to be noted that due to the volatility of this oil, it has to be mixed with carrier oils such as coconut oil or almond oil before applying it on your skin.
Apply the mixed oil onto your neck, chest, and abdomen to soothe the burning sensation
8. Valerian Root Oil For Heartburn
Why does it work?
Valerian root essential oil works mysteriously as it upsets the stomach and then induces healthy bowel movements and urination, hence clearing your stomach and digestive system.
Additionally, it detoxifies the body and helps in improving the nutrient absorption of the gastrointestinal tract.
This oil relaxes the muscles, hence preventing spasms and acid refluxes. Also, it helps promote the secretion of GABA, a neurotransmitter to relax the muscle.
How to Use Valerian Root Oil for Heartburn?
- This oil should be used moderately and in
- Valerian root oil can be used in a mild amount independently.
- It can also be mixed with other essential oils to create an excellent mixture to get rid of heartburn.
9. Black Seed Oil For Acid Reflux
Why does it work?
Black Seed Oil oil is beneficial for the effective treatment of heartburn as it contains thymoquinone and nigellone that work together in curing heartburn and the sharp upward surge of acid.
How to use?
- Purchase the capsule form of black seed oil in the local drug store to consume.
- Take it once a day for reaping its benefits.
10. Marjoram Oil for Acid Reflux
Why does it work?
This essential oil has warming and calming properties, making it a vital option in treating acid reflux. This oil has antispasmodic agents that help in the prevention of abdominal spasms.
How to use?
- Ingest marjoram oil in diluted form as this helps in keeping the blood pressure in check.
CURE 3: Home Remedies for Heartburn
1. Yoga For Acid Reflux:
Yoga is one of the best and most effective home remedies for heartburn. Certain poses help you get away from acid reflux and give you relief. It is indeed one of the best cures for heartburn. The following postures are meant for quick relief from heartburn.
Cobra Pose-
This pose helps in stretching the abdominal muscles, stimulating circulation, improving digestion, and alleviating constipation.
How to perform this pose?
- To perform this pose, you would need to lie on your stomach on the ground and have your arms bent, elbows toward the body and your palms down in front of the shoulders.
- Then inhale and while raising your head, neck, and your back as you straighten your hands.
- Hold this position for approximately about 10 seconds and then get back to the ground as you exhale.
Spinal Twist-
This pose helps in digestion by making the passage of food more accessible in the intestines.
How to perform this pose?
- Lay on the ground with your left leg extended in front of you
- Now cross over your right leg over the left and then rest the sole of the right foot on your left knee
- Make sure that you twist your body to the left in this position as much as you can while the palms are on the ground.
- Hold this position for around 10 seconds while alternating your breath.
Wind Relieving Pose-
In this pose, the gas that is stored in the body is expelled out of the body and thus improving the digestive system. Additionally, this Yoga Pose will also tone and stretch your lower back.
How to perform this pose?
- Firstly, lie on the Yoga Mat.
- Raise your left knee.
- Wrap your hands around your left knee.
- Raise your head towards your knee.
- Breathe, release.
- Repeat with the right leg.
- You can also make the rocking motion slowly with rhythm.
Also Read: Yoga Poses for Beginners
2. Baking Soda for Heartburn:
Is baking soda good for heartburn? Yes, it works well for heartburn. Learn how to use baking soda for acid reflux and when to use. So read along and find the details below.
Why does it work?
- Baking soda has alkaline pH and is an antacid.
- It helps in neutralizing acidity and preventing heartburn.
- Balances with the sodium bicarbonate produced internally by our pancreas.
- This way, it helps in getting relief from heartburn.
How To Use Baking Soda For Heartburn?
Get some baking soda from the store that is available in either finely powdered form or crystallized form.
How much baking soda for heartburn? 125 ml or half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a cup or four ounces of water is an instant way of relieving heartburn.
You can also find baking soda as an effervescent powder, tablets, capsules, granules, and solutions, that can be taken before a meal or two hours post medication.
However, the safest way to use baking soda for heartburn would be as per your doctor’s recommendation.
DIY Baking Soda Solution
- Take half a spoon of baking soda powder
- Dissolve it in a cup or half a glass of water and sip the solution slowly
- Do not swallow all at once
- Use room temperature or lukewarm water instead of cold for better results
- This solution can be taken twice a day for relieving heartburn
3. Coconut oil for heartburn
Why does it work?
Coconut oil is sufficient to cure heartburn in babies as well as in adults.
This oil forms a smooth film over the stomach and throat, and this protects them from the corrosive effect of the gastric acid.
Additionally, the content of lauric acid in it makes it antiseptic too.
How to use coconut oil for heartburn?
- Have half a teaspoon of coconut oil twice daily to help with the symptoms of your acidity.
- Additionally, you could also add it into your cooking
- for its positive effects.
4. Olive Oil For Acid Reflux
Why does it work?
Olive oil is the healthiest cooking mediums to keep acidity at bay.
A teaspoonful of olive oil suppresses symptoms of acidosis.
This oil forms a smooth film over the digestive tract and the throat, thereby protecting it from the corrosive effect of the acid(2).
How to use?
- Half a teaspoon
- Ingest half a teaspoon of olive oil, twice daily to cure acidity. You could also replace your cooking oil with olive oil.
5. Pine Nut Oil For Acid Reflux
Why does it work?
Pine nut oil is beneficial for the treatment of acid reflux.
It is also used chronic acid reflux, bloating, pain, abdominal cramps, indigestion, and flatulence.
How to use?
- Ingest a teaspoon of this oil twice or thrice in a day to keep your acidity at bay.
FAQs
1. Is Milk Good for Heartburn?
Milk can relieve you from heartburn temporarily. Stomach acid can be avoided by milk because of its nutrients, fat, and also the initiation to stimulate more acid in the stomach.
2. Is Yogurt Good for Acid Reflux?
Yogurts can be an excellent option to consume for heartburn. The best thing is you can consume it even if you are lactose intolerant. So have some yogurt in cases of heartburn to feel relaxing and soothing.
3. Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Acid Reflux?
It is very much recommendable to use apple cider vinegar during the times of heartburn because they reduce stomach acid to a great extent.
4. Is Green Tea Good for Acid Reflux?
Patients suffering from peptic ulcers or acid reflux should not consume green tea in large amounts. Firstly it is not beneficial at all for acid reflux. Then it might even end up causing you discomfort by causing upset stomach or nausea. But luckily tea is lower in tannins, and so it causes lesser damage. Nonetheless, green tea is a big no-no for heartburn.