Heartburn: Natural Relief and Remedies

Although there are many over the counter andrelief for some people.
prescription medications available that may beAnother herb commonly recommended for heartburn
effective for helping heartburn, natural relief may be asnatural relief is peppermint. You will often see
simple as changing your diet. Spicy, fried and fattypeppermint oil listed as an ingredient in over the
foods are all common heartburn triggers. Avoidingcounter medications for helping heartburn and relieving
these may be all you need to do to prevent heartburn.gas. However, some doctors advise that eating
Most people experience heartburn occasionally, whichpeppermint or mints of any kind may bring on
is why there are so many products for helpingheartburn in some people. It is often helpful to keep a
heartburn. Natural relief may require a little more effortfood diary for a few months, noting which foods seem
than taking an antacid, but prevention is important.to bring on heartburn and which remedies are helping
Chronic heartburn can lead to more serious conditionsheartburn. The causes and effective remedies seem
such as erosion of the esophagus and even cancer.to vary among individuals.
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back upIf you like rhubarb, chewing on a piece may provide
into the esophagus, the tube that carries food fromheartburn natural relief. Rhubarb, when in season is
your mouth to your stomach. The lining of theavailable in many grocery stores. It is fairly easy to
esophagus is not as tough as the lining of the stomach,grow, as well if you have a garden, but it does not
which is why chronic heartburn may lead to erosion ofkeep well and has a very short season. You can chop
the lining of the esophagus. Preventing and helpingit and freeze it, chewing on a chunk when needed.
heartburn will protect the esophagus from furtherRhubarb was used by Native Americans as a remedy
damage, but sometimes medications are necessary tofor helping heartburn and indigestion.
promote healing, when damage has already beenPlant enzymes are becoming more popular for helping
done.heartburn and other digestive complaints. The typical
There are many herbs and botanicals that have beenAmerican diet is too high in fat and too low in plant
used historically for heartburn natural relief. Onefoods. Eating more vegetables (except tomatoes
common item often recommended for helpingwhich are highly acidic) may provide heartburn natural
heartburn is fennel seed. You probably have some inrelief and prevention. Dietary changes are usually
your spice rack. You can make a soothing tea usingrecommended, even when taking medications
one or two teaspoons of fennel seeds in eight ouncesdesigned to prevent heartburn.
of water. Drinking the tea provides heartburn natural