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09.02.2021 Encyclopedia

Reflux - how to treat it with home remedies?

In some cases, symptoms may not be relieved by either a proper diet, exercise or raising the head of the bed, or giving up alcohol and smoking. Then you ask yourself, "What can I use for over-the-counter reflux?" There are several answers. Among them are home remedies for managing symptoms. Thanks to the article, you will learn about substances that have been used for a long time, as well as completely new preparations.

The essence of reflux and methods of its treatment

Reflux is when acid from the stomach escapes into the esophagus. Hydrochloric acid irritates its wall, i.e. the mucosa. As a result, symptoms appear: heartburn, and sometimes symptoms beyond the esophagus: hoarseness, dry cough, wheezing, or pain behind the breastbone.

How is acid reflux treated? What are the mechanisms of drug action?

You can:

protect the mucosa - magnesium and aluminum compounds and herbs stimulate mucus production;
to neutralize (neutralize) hydrochloric acid - this is also done by magnesium and aluminum compounds;
inhibit the secretion of hydrochloric acid - this is how proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers work.

Reflux and herbs - chamomile and licorice

Camomile, known for over 5,000 years, is associated with a calming effect and supporting sleep. However, it turns out that the list of properties doesn't end there. Chamomile soothes the mind, but also the body, especially the stomach. It neutralizes the hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach and has anti-inflammatory properties. And irritation of the esophagus with hydrochloric acid from the stomach and inflammation of the esophagus is the essence of reflux!

Licorice root, in turn, works by stimulating the production of mucus in the stomach and esophagus. And this protects their walls from hydrochloric acid. The DGL form of licorice is the most effective and safest if you are taking other medications as well.

Reflux and herbs - mallow, marshmallow and elm

Wild mallow (Malva sylvestris), or mallow or wild mallow, has been shown to be equally effective in relieving inflammation in the esophagus. You can make a salad, herbal soup or tea from the shoots and leaves. However, only flowers have medicinal properties.

Known for a thousand years, marshmallow, liked by children for its pleasant taste, is not only a cough remedy. The ingredients of this herb coat, soothe and protect the gastrointestinal wall, from the esophagus, through the stomach, to the intestines. Marshmallow extract should be used 3 times a day and washed down with plenty of water.

Native to North America, red elm is used in the form of a gel. As you already know, gels and mucilages cover the walls of the digestive tract. Thus, they soothe inflammation. And that's the point!

Reflux and herbs - interactions, allergies, pregnancy and breastfeeding

Keep in mind that:

chamomile interacts (in a way "argues") with anticoagulants; these drugs are used, among others in pulmonary embolism or after stroke;
licorice can lower potassium levels, take this into account, especially if you are taking diuretics - this is a medicine for heart failure;
you may be allergic to herbs, the most common symptoms are: rash, swelling of the throat;
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking herbs.

Carbonates, acids and other compounds - a remedy for acid reflux

Another group of drugs for acid reflux, also over the counter, are magnesium, aluminum, alginic acid and sucralfate. How do they work? They neutralize hydrochloric acid from the stomach and protect the mucosa and the wall of the esophagus. They give you quick relief.

You may have heard of proton pump inhibitors, drug names end in -azole. Omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole are the most frequently used representatives of this group. Occasionally, H2 blockers (e.g. ranitidine) are also used. Difficult names, both mean preparations that inhibit the secretion of hydrochloric acid.

You already know what you can use for acid reflux without a prescription. Thanks to these measures, you can alleviate the discomfort after a meal that has so far kept you awake. Remember that these measures should be used only temporarily, e.g. after a Christmas dinner, preferably along with an appropriate diet and lifestyle modification. If symptoms persist or worsen, see a gastroenterologist.

[1] Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Rep. 2010;3(6):895-901. doi:10.3892/mmr.2010.377
[2] Setright R. Prevention of symptoms of gastric irritation (GERD) using two herbal formulas: An observational study. https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=950298610899394;res=IELHEA
[3] Salehi M, Karegar-Borzi H, Karimi M, Rahimi R. Medicinal Plants for Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Review of Animal and Human Studies. J Altern Complement Med. 2017;23(2):82-95. doi:10.1089/acm.2016.0233
[4] Mayo Clinic. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gerd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20361959
[5] Gajewski P. Interna Szczeklika 2019/2020