Do You Have Heartburn? Combat It With These Home Remedies
Some home remedies, thanks to the properties of their ingredients, serve as prevention and relief at the first symptoms of heartburn.
Heartburn, also known as “heartburn,” is a burning sensation that begins in the lower part of the chest (stomach area) and can work its way up to the throat.
In general, it occurs when gastric acids circulate to the top. This can happen because the sphincter that divides the stomach from the esophagus does not close properly, or because there is some type of pressure that causes this reaction.
On the other hand, the most common cases are due to excesses, bad habits and the intake of certain foods. Likewise, obesity, pregnancy and certain diseases would also influence its development.
In addition to burning, it is possible to perceive a bitter taste in the throat and a burning sensation in the chest that, sometimes, is mistaken for other health problems. Therefore, if heartburn is felt regularly, it is best to see a doctor.
In mild cases, you can resort to conventional antacids or use one of these natural remedies to relieve it.
Infusion of chamomile, a great ally against heartburn
Chamomile flowers are one of the most widely used traditional remedies for stomach upset. Its properties favor the digestion of heavy foods and neutralize the acidic pH of the stomach, a determining factor in relieving heartburn.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of chamomile flowers (10 g).
- 1 cup of water (250 ml).
Preparation
- Bring the cup of water to a boil.
- When it comes to a boil, add the chamomile flowers and remove it from the heat.
- Leave it covered for 10 minutes and strain it.
- This would prove to be most effective if taken after eating.
Papaya juice
Due to its contribution of papain (a type of digestive enzyme), papaya is an ally of good digestion and helps balance stomach acids.
Consuming the fruit in its natural state or preparing a drink that contains it, would serve to help control the annoying symptoms of heartburn.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of papaya.
- 1 tablespoon of flaxseeds (10 g).
- 1 glass of water (200 ml).
- Honey (25 g).
Preparation
- Cut two slices of papaya and cut them into cubes.
- Process them in the blender along with the flaxseed and the water.
- Then add the honey if you wish (this step is optional).
- You can take it half an hour after a large meal.
Anise infusion to relieve heartburn
The anise drink is not very popular, but the following study published by the Journal of Ethnopharmacology supports that this would be a good alternative to calm stomach pain and the burning sensation caused by heartburn ; even serving to alleviate some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of anise (10 g).
- 1 cup of water (250 ml).
Preparation
- Bring the cup of water to a boil.
- When it comes to a boil, pour it over the anise and remove it from the heat.
- Leave it covered for 10 minutes and strain it.
However, remember to be careful when taking it as anise, in some cases, causes allergic reactions.
Aloe vera juice
According to an article published by the International Journal of Natural Therapy , aloe vera leaf gel contains fiber and essential nutrients that boost the elimination of waste while regulating the natural pH of the stomach.
Its laxative effect fights constipation without altering the intestinal microbiota of the intestines and would also serve, among other things, to relieve stomach ulcers.
Ingredients
- 1 aloe vera leaf.
- ½ glass of water (100 ml).
- Juice of ½ lemon.
Preparation
- Cut the aloe vera leaf and extract its gel with the help of a spoon.
- Process it in the blender with the lemon juice.
- Take it at the first symptoms of heartburn.
Baking soda, another remedy for mild heartburn
The alkaline properties of baking soda decrease mild heartburn. However, it is recommended to consume it in a timely manner, after consulting your doctor, since experts point out that in some cases it can be counterproductive.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (5 g).
- 1 glass of water (200 ml).
Preparation
- Add half a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water.
- When the fizz wears off, take it.
- Consume it a maximum of twice a day because, as mentioned above, in excess it would prove to be harmful.
Basil infusion to relieve heartburn
Some people believe that basil helps to relieve abdominal pain and the symptoms of indigestion since, taking it after eating copious foods, it would prevent the annoying gastric reflux from occurring.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of dried basil leaves (10 g).
- 1 cup of water (250 g).
Preparation
- Bring the cup of water to a boil.
- When it comes to a boil, add the dried basil leaves and remove it from the heat.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes and strain it.
- Take, if you want, two cups a day.
Do not forget to consult with your doctor to find out what is the origin of heartburn ; since specialists assume that, in some occasions, this can be a sign of a hiatal hernia, inflammation of the esophagus or stomach ulcers.
