Gastroesophageal reflux is a common digestive disease, with about 20% to 44% of the total population of Western countries suffering from GERD symptoms, which is a much higher percentage compared to Asian countries. Many researchers believe that the increasing percentage of people with GERD is due to unhealthy diets. So learn about the best ways to treat GERD with herbs and natural recipes.

Herbal reflux treatment

Some may ask how can GERD be treated? Here is the answer, in order to treat GERD, the treatment plan must include medical treatment, with the importance of complementary treatment, which includes lifestyle modification, physical activity, and interest in eating healthy foods and natural herbs, in order to speed up recovery.

But you should also know that the effectiveness of these herbs and foods may differ according to each case, so it is recommended to consult a doctor first, Some effective natural remedies include:

1. Coconut water

One of the benefits of coconut water is that it is high in potassium and electrolytes. Which in turn helps maintain body hydration. To treat GERD while sleeping, you can drink a glass of coconut water before going to bed, and you can drink it at any time of the day.

In addition, coconut oil, which is a good source of healthy and anti-inflammatory fats, can be used to boost the body’s immune system.

This is by getting a tablespoon of coconut oil daily or when adding it to the ingredients of bread or other foods.

2. Indian mushrooms

Eating Indian mushrooms or kefir helps balance the beneficial bacteria in the stomach, which helps to facilitate digestion and calm the digestive system.

3. Psyllium husks

If you suffer from constipation or other digestive issues, eating more fiber or a fiber supplement such as psyllium husk may help relieve stress.

4. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is one of the herbs that has proven effective in relieving the symptoms of GERD. So drinking pure aloe vera juice may be an effective and safe remedy to relieve symptoms without any side effects that have been reported so far.

5. Cumin seeds

The use of cumin in folk medicine was famous for treating bloating, stomach and abdominal pain, and relieving indigestion and acidity. Cumin is a natural pain reliever.

6. Gingerbread

Ginger root is one of the most popular herbal remedies for gastroesophageal reflux, as it is commonly used to help ease digestion and treat acidity or heartburn.

It is also known for its use in the treatment of nausea. Ginger contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that help relieve irritation in the esophagus. But be careful not to use it too much, as it can cause heartburn.

7. Licorice

Eating licorice root helps to form a protective layer that reduces the risk of stomach and esophageal damage.

8. Essential oils

The use of some types of essential oils such as juniper oil and ginger oil may help relieve symptoms, because they contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory, which can help speed up the healing process of the digestive system.

Essential oils can be used topically on the abdomen and chest area, or by inhalation. However, these oils must first be diluted with a carrier oil such as coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio before applying to the skin.

Treatment of esophageal reflux with black seed

Eating the black seed (Nigella sativa) helps to reduce stomach disorders, and it also helps to relieve stomach pain, relieve spasms, reduce gases, and flatulence.

This is in addition to its benefits in preventing stomach ulcers and relieving reflux symptoms. And you can use black seed, or black seed oil.

Treatment of esophageal reflux with honey and pomegranate peel

The results of some studies have found the effectiveness of using honey to relieve the symptoms of GERD, due to the fact that honey contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory properties.

The results of some laboratory studies have also proven the effectiveness of using pomegranate peel in the treatment of GERD. Where the aqueous extract of pomegranate peel works to reconstitute the stomach with a normal mucous membrane.

And to get more benefits, you can mix pomegranate peel extract with a teaspoon of honey in order to relieve stomach infections, and treat symptoms associated with esophageal reflux such as heartburn.

Treatment of GERD with turmeric

Turmeric has been used as a natural remedy for many diseases for thousands of years to this day, given that turmeric is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.

Turmeric has been used in folk medicine to treat arthritis and regulate the menstrual cycle in women. It is also used to improve digestion and liver function.

The most active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which is a polyphenol antioxidant. Despite the limited studies on the benefits of turmeric in the treatment of GERD, curcumin anti-inflammatory drugs may help relieve GERD symptoms and treat the following:

• Preventing esophagitis
• Treating digestive problems
• Help heal peptic ulcer

How to use turmeric in the treatment of GERD

Turmeric powder can be taken orally or used in cooking. Its benefits can also be obtained by drinking turmeric tea or using turmeric extract supplements.

Anise and GERD

Anise, which comes from the same family as celery and parsley, is an herb that has been commonly used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including preventing the risk of stomach ulcers.

Although traditional treatment includes taking medications that help reduce stomach acid production, some preliminary research has indicated the benefits of anise seeds in reducing and preventing ulcer symptoms.

It is also considered one of the benefits of anise seeds, as it has strong antimicrobial properties, which helps prevent infection, and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

In addition, it is a rich source of antioxidants, which helps reduce inflammation, thus preventing the risk of many chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Is olive oil useful for the treatment of esophageal reflux?

Olive oil is known for its distinctive flavor and high concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids. Which can help lower bad cholesterol levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Some may claim that olive oil is useful in treating GERD, but there is no evidence for that.

Excessive use of olive oil may exacerbate reflux symptoms in some people, since it is an acidic food that may increase the feeling of heartburn.

The effect of olive oil may vary according to its type, as refined olive oil is highly acidic, while extra virgin olive oil is characterized by a lower acidity. Therefore, it is better to consult a doctor before adding it to the diet of GERD patients.

Is apple cider vinegar useful for the treatment of esophageal reflux?

Using organic apple cider vinegar may help treat mild heartburn, caused by not having enough acid levels in the stomach (hypo-secretion of hydrochloric acid).

To use organic apple cider vinegar if you want to experiment, mix a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. It is drunk five minutes before eating.

However, on the other hand, it is not recommended to use apple cider vinegar in cases of GERD (caused by increased stomach acid), because it will lead to an increase in the symptoms of GERD, and may lead to irritation of the tissues inside the stomach and esophagus. Therefore, its use should be avoided, especially in cases of esophagitis and peptic ulcers.

In addition, its use may interact with some types of medications such as insulin and diuretics. Therefore, it is generally necessary to consult a doctor before using organic apple cider vinegar as a prescription, especially in the case of people who take medications or supplements.

Prevention of esophageal reflux during sleep

And after you know the methods of treating GERD with herbs and natural recipes, you can avoid the symptoms of GERD during the night hours, by adjusting your lifestyle. So here are the best tips for GERD sufferers:

• Do not eat close to bedtime: As lying down immediately after eating may exacerbate symptoms in many people.
• Raise the head when sleeping: This is done by maintaining a head height of about 6 to 12 inches when sleeping, in order to reduce stomach acid reflux.
• Practicing sports activity: In order to improve the health of the digestive system, reduce inflammation, and stimulate blood circulation, thus improving the quality of sleep, and relieving symptoms of reflux.
• Follow a healthy diet: This is in order to get rid of excess weight, maintain a healthy weight, which reduces stress, and works to balance hormones in the body.
• Reduce stress and stress levels: Which in turn may affect the digestion process, by changing the production of hormones, which may lead to sleep disturbance, so try to get more relaxation, and control your stress levels.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes: This is to avoid pressure on the abdomen, which may cause pain in the digestive system, so be sure to wear comfortable clothes when sitting, moving, and when sleeping.

And in the end, after knowing the methods of treating GERD with natural herbs. We recommend that you consult a doctor first, so that the doctor can diagnose and determine the cause of the condition. This is because the symptoms of GERD may be similar to the symptoms of some other digestive problems such as allergies or irritable bowel syndrome. To learn more, read: Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Gastroesophageal Reflux.