Heartburn Remedies Straight From The Kitchen

Heartburn is a common problem that is often associated with burning discomfort in the upper belly or below the breastbone. This is caused by acid reflux – a condition where some of the stomach contents are forced back up into the esophagus (1). Large meals, as well as certain foods, can lead to heartburn.

Here are some of the kitchen essentials that can help provide some relief from heartburn symptoms.

Baking Soda

Having an alkaline pH, baking soda can neutralize excess stomach acid. For this remedy, we can mix a half-teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice in a half-cup of warm water. Lemon juice is needed to dispel some of the gas baking soda creates in the stomach when it comes in contact with stomach acid (2).

Cinnamon

Cinnamon can act as a natural digestive aid. It can help beat acidity due to indigestion as it contains ingredients that stimulate enzymes to break down food, thus relieving acidity.

Have cinnamon tea every morning with breakfast or after a first meal. Just add around ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a cup of water. Boil it and let it steep for a few minutes. Strain and drink this tea twice or thrice a day when suffering from acidity (3).

Marshmallow Root

Present in marshmallow root is a large percentage of mucilage, a thick, gooey substance which coats and protects the mucous membranes of the esophagus—just what we need when we feel like it’s on fire. It has healing properties that have been used to treat the common cough, heartburn and acid reflux, indigestion, esophagitis, ulcers, repair gut lining, and other gastrointestinal (GI) problems (4).

Stir 1 teaspoon powdered marshmallow root into 1 cup water and sip it. Drink three or four cups a day.

Ginger Root

Ginger is a well-known herbal digestive aid. It naturally soothes the stomach and can help reduce the production of stomach acid (5). It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce inflammation thus possibly help in relieving symptoms of heartburn (6).

Peel and mince a one-inch ginger root. Boil a cup of water and add ginger pieces. Boil water and ginger together for 5 minutes and then remove from heat. Cover with lid and let steep for 20 minutes. Strain and stir in ½ teaspoon honey and lemon juice to taste. Consume the tea two times per day to help relieve heartburn.