30+ Effective Home Remedies for Acid Reflux

Updated on January 10th, 2020
natural remedies acid reflux

Acid reflux is a painful condition that triggers when acidic stomach liquid reverses (refluxes) into the esophagus resulting in irritation, inflammation, and damage to the esophagus lining. It is a common condition among Americans where over 15 million people are estimated to suffer from it on a daily basis. Acidic foods are said to be one of the major factors in causing acid reflux.

Everyone’s body is different and acidity in the body is an issue as such caused due to the overmuch production of acids by the gastric glands in your stomach. This happens when the stomach normally secretes hydrochloric acid that is needed for the breakdown and digestion of food that we eat.

Excess of acid production can cause a burning sensation in the stomach, indigestion, and constipation. The common symptoms associated with acidity include bad breath, stomach ache, etc. which leads to stomach cancer in some cases. It is generally caused due to a long gap between your meals, excess intake of tea or coffee, smoking, and alcohol.

[Also Read: Natural Remedies to Treat Gastritis]

home remedies for acid reflux
Image:ShutterStock

Home Remedies for Acid Reflux

The common home remedies that can cure acidity include the following:

1. Aloe Vera

aloe vera juice - acid reflux

Aloe Vera is an effective natural cure for acidity. Aloe Vera is known to provide instant relief from heartburn and can soothe your upset stomach. It can also reduce the inflammation of the esophagus caused due to acidity. You can drink half a cup of aloe vera juice before taking meals to cure acidity naturally.

2. Licorice Root

Licorice root tea is an essential natural remedy for acidity cure. Drinking licorice tea is beneficial in treating acid reflux by forming a thin layer of mucus in the lining of your esophagus that can protect your body from acids production in your stomach.

3. Slippery Elm

Slippery elm is an ancient natural remedy that can cure acidity. Slippery elm can be used in the form of lozenges, capsules and powder. It can give quick relief from chronic heartburn. Using this herb can provide relief from a cough and throat ache caused due to acid reflux.

4. Baking Soda

baking soda for acidity

Baking soda is used as a natural cure for acidity. Take half a spoon of baking soda(1) and add it to a glass of water. Drink this water as it helps in neutralizing the effect of acid production in your stomach.  You should not use this remedy in case of chronic heartburn as it is high in salt content.

5. Holy Basil

Holy basil commonly called tulsi is an effective home cure for acidity. Basil leaves are known for its soothing and carminative properties that can give you instant relief from acidity. When you experience the first signs of acidity, you can eat a few basil leaves.

You can also take 3-4 basil leaves and boil in a cup of water and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. Drink this solution frequently for acidity cure.

6. Carrot Juice

carrot juice for acid reflux

Carrot juice is non-acidic in nature and is less likely to trigger the acidity symptoms. Citrus drinks are generally acidic in nature and can cause acid reflux.  You can also include the other vegetables like cabbage to prepare a juice to cure acidity.

7. Marshmallow

Marshmallow root is one of the best natural GERD remedies. Marshmallow for acid reflux is highly effective for its potent anti-inflammatory, emollient and demulcent properties. Its mucilaginous content soothes the esophagus of the irritation caused by the acids. The mucilage coats the intestinal lining and esophagus and protects them from getting eroded by the strong gastric acid.

  • Prepare a warm infusion of marshmallow roots to derive the maximum benefits.
  • Mix a teaspoon of powdered marshmallow root in warm water with gentle stirring.
  • Drink this mixture thrice a day for instant and effective relief from heartburn.

8. Ginger

ginger for acidity

Ginger is used to curing different diseases as it is considered as an effectual home remedy. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.  You can also chew a slice of fresh ginger to naturally cure acidity. Take a spoonful of ginger two-three times a day as it is the best cure for acidity.

9. Indian Gooseberry or Amla

Indian gooseberry commonly called amla is an essential cure for acidity and gas. Amla is rich in vitamin C that helps in healing your injured stomach lining and esophagus.  You can have one teaspoon of amla powder twice a day to cure your acidity related issues.

10. Honey

Honey is an essential home remedy used to cure a wide variety of diseases like acidity. Honey soothes your stomach lining and can aid in neutralizing acidity in your stomach. Honey is a beneficial home remedy used to get relief from acid reflux especially in the night time.

[Also Read: Benefits of Honey for Acid Reflux]

11. Papaya

Papaya contains certain enzymes that help in the digestion process and can provide quick relief from acid reflux. You can either eat papaya directly or prepare juice and drink it frequently to cure acidity at home.

12. Fenugreek

Fenugreek seeds can provide immediate relief from acid reflux. Take some fenugreek seeds and soak it in water and drink it after some time. Fenugreek seeds can be included in your daily diet to cure acidity naturally.

13. Stickwort or Agrimony

Stickwort is an ancient herb used for medicinal purposes. You can take this herb with milk as it is beneficial in curing acidity.

14. Hyssop

Hyssop is a herbaceous plant used in curing acidity naturally. This herbal remedy can naturally cure your stomach lining thereby reducing the symptoms associated with acidity or acid reflux.

15. German chamomile

Chamomile is an ancient herb used to cure acidity and gastric problems. Boil a cup of water and add one teaspoon of dried chamomile(2) petals to it. Simmer the heat and let it stand for a minute. Remove the pot from heat and leave the petals for 1-2 minutes. Strain the liquid and add honey to it and drink this tea one hour before going to sleep to cure acidity.

16. Fennel seeds

fennel seeds for acid reflux

Fennel seed is an effectual remedy to cure acidity. Take 1-2 teaspoons of fennels seeds after taking your meals to cure acidity. You can also boil one teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of water and steep it for about 10 minutes and strain the liquid. Drink this tea 2-3 times for couple of days for quick relief.

[Also Read: Natural Supplements for Acid Reflux]

17. Wood Betony

To improve digestion, wood betony is generally used. This herb is mainly used to remove an excess of acid from your stomach.

18. Raw Almonds

Almonds are a rich source of calcium that helps in curing the symptoms related to acidity. You can few almonds after every meal as a natural cure for acidity.

19. Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux

apple cider vinegar for acid reflux

Prepare a drink with apple cider vinegar as a natural remedy for acidity. Mix 1-2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in honey and drink this mixture in order to get quick relief from acidity or acid reflux.

20. Lemon Juice

Take a cup of lukewarm water and mix it with some lemon juice and drink this solution on an empty stomach. Lemon juice) is an effective remedy to cure symptoms associated with acid reflux. Drinking lemon juice helps in maintaining a proper balance of acidic level in your stomach and thus, prevents acid reflux or acidity.

21. Cardamom

Take 1-2 cardamoms and grind them to prepare a fine powder. Add 250 ml of water to it and boil it for 15 minutes and strain the liquid. Drink this solution to get rid of acidity or acid reflux.

22. Clove

Cloves play an important role in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda to treat gastric disorders. Mostly cloves are carminative in nature and thus prevent the formation of gas in your gastrointestinal tract.

You can add cloves while cooking your meals that tend to cause flatulence. You can also eat crushed cloves to cure acidity. A mixture can be prepared with cloves and cardamom powder to naturally cure acidity.

23. Chilled Milk

Milk mainly helps in stabilizing the gastric acids in your stomach. You can drink a glass of cold milk if you are not lactose tolerant. Milk is rich in calcium and thus, prevents the buildup of acid in your stomach.

24. Black Pepper

Black pepper is a natural cure for stomach acidity. Black pepper can be added to your food or crush black pepper and add some rock salt to it. Take half teaspoon of this mixture with water after meals twice a day, once in the morning and evening.

25. Cumin seeds

Cumin seeds(3) mainly work as acid neutralizer and aids in the digestion process. It also helps in relieving stomach pain. Take some cumin seeds and roast it. Crush the cumin seeds to form a fine powder and stir it in a glass of water to prepare the drink. You can also steep one teaspoon of cumin seeds in a cup of boiled water and drink this solution after every meal to cure acidity.

26. Banana

bananas acid reflux

Banana contains certain natural antacids that can act as a buffer against acid reflux or acidity. Banana is one of the best cures for acidity. To get rid of acidity, eat a banana every day.

27. Mint Leaves

Take a few mint leaves and grind it. Add the chopped mint leaves to boiling water. Drink this water after cooling as an effective home remedy for acid reflux.

28.Chewing Gum

Chewing gum benefits acidity. Chewing a stick of gum stimulates the production of saliva which aids in the neutralization of gastric acids.

It is highly beneficial which enhances frequent swallowing of food thus clearing out the esophagus canal of the acid more efficiently. The best chewing gum for acid reflux is the one that is cinnamon-flavored.

Do not chew on minted gums as that might aggravate the acidity. Choose a fruity or cinnamon chewing gum instead.

29. Jaggery

Jaggery mainly helps in boosting intestinal strength. It helps in aiding digestion and makes it more alkaline thus reducing stomach acidity. Jaggery also helps in maintaining normal body temperature and cools your stomach thus, eventually cures acidity.

30. Coconut water

Drinking coconut water can turn pH acidic level to alkaline. Coconut water also helps in protecting your stomach from harmful effects caused due to excess acid production. Coconut water is rich in fiber that will aid in the digestion process and prevents the recurrence of acidity. Acidity can be prevented and cured with the above mentioned natural home remedies. You can include the above-mentioned remedies in your daily diet to cure acidity naturally.

Precautions

1. Quit Smoking

If you are thinking of how to cure acid reflux naturally then quit smoking tobacco at once. Research has revealed that smoking tobacco is greatly linked with acid reflux. Passive and chain smokers suffer from constant and painful acid reflux. The nicotine present in tobacco weakens the lower esophageal sphincter muscle. This causes an upward movement of gastric acid along the esophagus which results in heartburn. Quit smoking tobacco to get relief from acid reflux.

2. Reduce Caffeine and Spicy Foods Consumption

Wondering how to cure acid reflux at home by avoiding certain habits? Well, it can be achieved very effectively as beverages rich in caffeine cause irritation to the esophagus and make the lower esophageal sphincter very weak.

Because of this weakening effect, the contents of the stomach regurgitate and rise upwards along the esophageal canal. This results in heartburn or painful acid reflux.

Avoid caffeinated products like coffee, tea, and sodas to prevent acid reflux. Spicy foods do not actually cause heartburn directly but worsen the condition. The capsaicin content of spices stimulates the activation of compounds that cause heartburn-like sensations.

3. Avoid Tight Clothing

If you are wondering how to cure acidity with home remedies start off with shedding the tight clothes and putting on comfy loose fits. Wearing clothes that are a tad too tight around the stomach can trigger acid reflux.

A tight pair of pants pushes the belly upwards and constricts the abdominal muscles. This leads to the weakening of the lower esophageal sphincter muscle thus causing the gastric acid to rise upwards in the esophagus. Avoid wearing tight clothes to prevent painful acid reflux.

4. Elevate the Head of Your Bed

Acid reflux during sleeping is characterized by symptoms like snoring, coughing and a burning sensation that disrupts sleep and makes you feel fatigued. Elevation of the upper part of the body by about 10-11 inches while sleeping can effectively reduce acid reflux. One of the most effective natural cures of acid reflux can be implemented with the use of foam wedges or risers to elevate the head of your bed.

5. Effective Sleep Pattern

One of the most effectual home remedies for acid in the stomach is to adjust your sleeping pattern in a way that does not trigger heartburn. The side you sleep on usually is very important for the natural cure of acid reflux. Studies have shown that sleeping on the right relaxes or weaken the band muscles of the esophagus which leads to frequent and prolonged episodes of painful acid reflux. Try sleeping on the left to maintain the tightness of the LES muscle and thus prevent acidity naturally.

6. Yoga and Breathing Techniques

Best yoga positions for Gerd

Yoga for acid reflux is an effective GERD home remedy. The following poses serve as excellent yoga for GERD hence forming one of the best natural cures for GERD.

  • The cat pose
  • The downward-facing dog pose
  • The warrior pose
  • The half spinal twist pose

FAQs

1. Is Acid Reflux Permanent?

Acid reflux is not a permanent condition and can be naturally cured at home by following the right home remedies. However, if left unchecked GERD can become permanent from prolonged erosion of the esophagus by gastric acids.

2. Is Acid Reflux a Chronic Disease?

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly termed as acid reflux is a prolonged health condition that is characterized by the upward movement of strong acid in the esophagus that results in burning sensation.

3. Is Acid Reflux a Sign of Labor?

The last few days prior to labor is characterized by nausea, indigestion and acid reflux.

4. Is Acid Reflux Contagious?

Acid reflux caused by H.pylori can be contagious and pass from one person to another through saliva, contamination of fecal matter and unhygienic condition.

5. Can Heartburn Be a Sign of Dehydration?

Prolonged dehydration can trigger painful heartburn.

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