If there is a common discomfort, that is heartburn. It appears after large feasts… but, also, without prior warning in the face of the consumption of certain apparently harmless foods.
Do you usually suffer from it? Then, you will be very happy to discover the best infusions for heartburn. Next, we will tell you which herbs that you surely have at home can help you beat stomach burning. You are ready?
What is heartburn?
The heartburn as a burning pain felt in the throat or chest that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.
Alcoholic beverages, fatty foods, some medications, or conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) or pregnancy may be the cause of the discomfort.
Infusions for heartburn
Alternative medicine recommends the use of different plants to relieve symptoms. Next, we will tell you what infusions for heartburn you can prepare at home and whether or not they have scientific endorsement. Let us begin!
Basil infusion
Basil is an aromatic herb widely used in gastronomy, especially in Italian cuisine. Ayurvedic medicine specialists use it to treat colds, indigestion, stomach spasms, loss of appetite, and other digestive ailments, such as heartburn, despite the lack of irrefutable evidence of its effectiveness.
It is considered a carminative, that is, it helps to eliminate gas and, in addition, its potential to relieve burning in the throat and pit of the stomach by stimulating saliva production and minimizing the possible inflammation that causes burning.
To prepare the infusion, wash 7 basil leaves well. Boil the water and add the leaves. Let them sit in the boiled water for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.
Chamomile infusion
Chamomile is highly recommended to relieve all kinds of stomach discomfort, including heartburn. It has a proven anti-inflammatory effect that would help reduce the inflammation and irritation caused by stomach acids and, therefore, eliminate discomfort. In addition, chamomile is suitable for consumption during pregnancy.
Whether you use fresh flowers or bagged chamomile tea, remember to infuse for at least 6 minutes to benefit from its properties.
Cinnamon infusion
Some people claim that cinnamon tea is a home remedy for heartburn. It is believed that it is due to an increase in the production of gastric juices and saliva; however, there is no scientific data at this time to support this use.
Boil a cup of water and when it breaks the boil, add a cinnamon stick. Let infuse 10 minutes, strain and drink.
Ginger infusion
Ginger is a powerful natural anti-inflammatory. Considering that heartburn involves inflammation of the esophagus, it would make sense to drink ginger tea to relieve symptoms.
Prepare the infusion with a teaspoon of grated ginger per cup of boiling water. Let stand 3 minutes and drink with honey. If you find the flavor spicy, decrease the amount of ginger or increase the amount of water.
Mint infusion
It is not uncommon to receive the recommendation to drink an infusion of mint in the face of heavy digestion or the presence of abdominal pain or gas. Although there are no studies that specifically speak of its efficiency in relieving heartburn, many people claim to feel better after a steaming cup of mint infusion. This is due to its soothing action and the sensation of freshness it leaves in the mouth.
Add 1 teaspoon of dried mint leaves per cup of very hot water. After five minutes, you can remove the leaves and drink with or without honey.
Lime infusion
Linden antioxidants fight free radicals that can cause oxidative damage, a situation that can lead to inflammation. Thus, it would serve to combat the inflammation that causes heartburn and improve pain. Infuse the linden bags following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Marjoram infusion
Another of the infusions for heartburn is marjoram, or Origanum majorana, an aromatic herb similar to oregano. A clinical trial in rats found that it would serve to decrease gastric secretions and, therefore, end heartburn.
Preparing this infusion is as easy as boiling water and adding a teaspoon of dried herb per cup. After 10 minutes, you can strain and drink.
Laurel infusion
Laurel is a fragrant herb, widely used to prepare tomato sauces. Also, did you know that it can help normalize digestion, neutralizing acidity? To do this, decoction two bay leaves per cup of water for 8 minutes and then drink.
Liquorice infusion
Licorice arouses passions and hatreds alike. If you like it, take advantage of its infusion to end the acidity. Ayurvedic medicine has recommended it for hundreds of years to relieve gastritis, ulcers and reflux.
Crush five grams of a licorice root per cup of water. Add the licorice to the water and cook for five minutes. Turn off the heat and let stand two more minutes. Strain and enjoy.
The next time you suffer from heartburn open your cupboard and check what herbs you have in it. Surely you will find some of those mentioned in this list and you can prepare an infusion to relieve discomfort.