Herbs for Indigestion and Heartburn

Heartburn, pain in the lower chest, flatulence, and nausea are extremely common, and few sufferers ever seek professional help, preferring instead to try an assortment of antacid remedies to solve the problem. Unfortunately, trying to reduce the normal acid secretions of the stomach artificially simply encourages the stomach to produce even more, so over the counter antacids can be counterproductive.


The herbal approach is to combine aromatic carminatives to ease flatulence and nausea with relaxing herbs that reduce the anxiety and tension that often contribute to the problem. Add soothing demulcents to help protect the stomach from excess acid and perhaps a bitter to stimulate the digestive process and restore normal function.

Slippery elm tablets or gruel taken before a meal can also help especially if there is any heartburn. This is common in chronic obesity and pregnancy because the stomach is forced upward, putting pressure on the diaphragm, the muscle that divides the esophagus from the stomach and normally prevents food from returning to the gullet. Acid reflux thus occurs with the highly acidic contents of the stomach retuning to the esophagus, which can lead to inflammation and eventually ulceration. A hiatal hernia, in which part of the stomach is forced upward through the diaphragm, can cause similar high acidity problems. Raising the head of the bed 6 to 8 inches by putting bricks under the legs will prevent acid from leaking out of the stomach and can prove a very simple way of reducing symptoms, which are generally worse at night.

Carminative teas taken with meals instead of coffee can also help, fennel, peppermint, or chamomile, which are generally available in tea bags from health food stores and restaurants, are worth trying.

If nausea is a problem, drink a tea of one or two slices of fresh ginger root simmered with one and a half cups of water in a decoction.




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