Herbal Remedies

A number of herbs and other natural remedies have proved helpful in the treatment of heartburn symptoms.

Chamomile. A cup of chamomile tea is known to have a soothing effect on the digestive tract. People with ragweed allergy should avoid chamomile.

Ginger. The root of the ginger plant is another well-known herbal digestive aid and has been a folk remedy for heartburn for centuries.

Licorice. This remedy has proved effective in several studies. Licorice is said to increase the mucous coating of the esophageal lining, helping it resist the irritating effects of stomach acid. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, is available in pill or liquid form. It is safe to take indefinitely.

Other herbs. A variety of other remedies have been used over the centuries, but scientific evidence to confirm their effectiveness is insufficient. Catnip, fennel, marshmallow root, and papaya tea have all been said to aid in digestion and act as a buffer to stop heartburn. Some people eat fresh papaya as a digestive aid. Others swear by raw potato juice, three times a day. Naturopathic followers also tout a homeopathic remedy with the unappetizing name of vomit nut, or nuxvomita, as a heartburn fix. However, these herbal remedies do not undergo testing for safety and effectiveness by the federal government and are not FDA-approved.