Herbal Tea as Herbal Remedy for Heartburn

The aromatic beverage, tea, has been known, since millennium, to have calming influence and it relaxes the body system during many illnesses.

Millions drink it throughout the world, and it is next only to water as far as highest consumption is concerned. To alleviate heartburn problem, the herbal remedy suggested is to consume herbal teas often.

Antioxidant agents assist in securing the body against the havoc likely to be caused by free radicals that roam around the body in blood stream. Polyphenols, a type of flavonoids, are antioxidants which are found in green tea, black tea, and red tea, and they check the rampage of free radicals. Research has indicated that the polyphenols contained in this beverage have been endowed with cancer-preventive characteristics. It is also shown that increased consumption of tea is shown to decrease the propensity of getting gastric and esophageal cancer.

Different types of teas have different characteristics. Camellia sinensis, the tropical perennial plant, is the name of the plant from whose leaves the black, green as well as red teas are prepared. But herbal tea, as it is known to all, is not obtained from this plant. Actually, herbal teas are basically concoctions of various ingredients called tisane and it does not consist of polyphenols as such as generally expected of teas. Yet, it has its usefulness as a beverage.

As for getting relief from heartburn, certain herbal teas have some advantages in terms of providing relief to heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and other digestive problems. But there are certain other teas that may actually exacerbate the situation than providing relief. Therefore, one must decide about consuming herbal teas very carefully and prudently.

The various herbal teas which provide relief to heartburn or troubles related to gastroesophageal reflux disease are mentioned here for information and knowledge:

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile beverage is the most widely consumed tea as far as herbal teas are concerned and it is consumed for its therapeutic properties in giving comfort for ailments such as functional dyspepsia, heartburn, nervousness, post-menstrual syndrome, sleep disorders, etc. It is also used in cases of inflammations in the upper gastro-intestinal tract and in reflux diseases as it provides soothing effect. It restores the usual digestive process. It is supposed to heal prickliness of the dermis and scratches. But people who are sensitive to ragweed family to which chamomile belongs, should be careful in consuming this beverage.

Marshmallow Tea

Marshmallow as a herb is mentioned here, not the white bulging confection that is baked over fire at campsites. It has been in use for millennia both as a food and a medication. Actually it is inside the  root of marshmallow that is useful in herbal products. When consumed as a tea component,  the marshmallow is acknowledged as providing a soothing effect in case of cystitis, provides a protective cover and soothes the gastro-intestinal tract, relieves throat inflammation, eases respiratory difficulties, and helps in curing UTI. Marshmallow can also be applied as a formula for the use on scalds, scratches and for inflammations of the dermis.

Peppermint Tea

The brewing of peppermint leaves gives a very stimulating herbal tea without any caffeine content. Of course, there are some contentions as to the correct method of usage of peppermint in bringing relief to heartburn and GERD patients.

Peppermint is supposed to give relief to gastric and digestion-related troubles. The peppermint oil is assumed to induce the bile secretion into the abdomen and soothes gastric discomfort, eases heartburn, and stabilizes belly blues and sickness. But others say that consuming peppermint or any other mint actually makes the lower esophageal sphincter to distend further resulting in enhanced gastroesophageal reflux disease.

The lower esophageal sphincter represents  an unidirectional valve that generally allows food and liquids we take into the stomach from esophagus tube. When LES does not function properly, then gastroesophageal reflux sets in resulting in heartburn. Considering the various views regarding peppermint usage, people should try out various forms of ingestion that suits their requirement.

Aloe Vera Juice

As the name suggests, it is not a beverage. But Aloe Vera could  be consumed in liquid form for getting relief from digestion-related problems. Leaf-derived gel of Aloe Vera aids in relaxing gastrointestinal tract and acts as a cover against peptic and duodenal ulcerations. It could also be applied on sunburns, small burns, cuts, etc.

Several plants as well as the  herbs can be exploited for getting various types of herbal teas that possess very curative properties. The above mentioned herbal teas give an idea about the beverages and their soothing properties for treating heartburn and other problems.

About peptic ulcers: Actually many beverages may exacerbate this problem. But, chamomile tea appears to have calming effect. It has an antioxidant ingredient called apigenin which assists in retarding the escalation of H. Pylori bacterium, which causes peptic ulcers.