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It is one of the most unpleasant tastes we could experience; it is the taste of food you ate hours ago coming back to haunt us. Aside from the awful taste of regurgitated acids and the general discomfort we feel, we expend a lot of effort in our attempts to control this problem, and there are ongoing debates about what works and what doesn't.

Acid reflux disease, GERD or in British terms, GORD, occurs when there is a back up of the liquid contents of the stomach into the esophagus. This "back up" can result in damage to the lining of the esophagus from the acid, pepsin and sometimes bile contained in the regurgitated liquid.

What can you do to eliminate this problem or minimize the unpleasant symptoms associated with acid reflux? You should first consult your physician who will be able to work with you on a diet and who may recommend prescription drugs. If you would like to go the alternative medicine route, there are many herbal remedies you can concoct in your own kitchen. The acid reflux sufferer also has a host of prepared herbal remedies available at health food stores or the local pharmacy.

Herbal remedies are the choice of many today due to their convenience and the fact that they contain natural ingredients, reducing the possibility of adverse side effects. One popular home herbal remedy is ginger. You can purchase ginger tea, or make it yourself at home. Here is how I prepare mine:

1. Grate a 2 inch piece of ginger root
2. Add 2 cups boiling water
3. Let sit for about 10 minutes, the longer it sits, the longer it sits, the stronger it will be.
4. Add sweetening if desired. I prefer mine without. Add water if you find it is too strong for your liking.

Chicory root tea is an old herbal remedy which gets rave reviews when used to treat acid reflux. Throughout history, people have been using roasted chicory as a substitute for coffee and the roots and flowers to relieve a number of intestinal problems. This herb can be grown right in your garden. It is a perennial herb with blue or purple flowers. Both the flowers and the root can be used to make tea. However, due to the volatile oils contained in this plant, excessive use is not recommended. You can prepare the root as follows:

1. 1 cup chicory root
2. 2 -3 cups water

Boil for about 15 minutes; allow it to cool and enjoy. Chicory is very popular in Germany for treatment of gastroenteritis and gall stones among others.

Eat lots of pineapple. This tropical fruit is well recognized for its stomach soothing effects. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelan which reduces inflammation brought on by acid reflux. It can also heal any damage caused by the acid. You can use canned or fresh but I find that the fresh pineapples are much more tasty and potent. Try some sliced with your meals.

Herbal preparations for acid reflux can be purchased in pill, capsule or powdered form. Many are a combination of many herbs to calm and protect the stomach. Slipper Elm bark powder when mixed into a paste with chamomile tea provides a protective barrier for the stomach lining. Dandelion, Alfalfa, Agrimony and Walnut are some of the other herbs in the commercial preparations available for purchase.

Before taking any herbal treatment it is advised that you talk to your physician. Many herbal products can cause interactions with other medications you are taking even though most are relatively safe. Do your research as well so you can understand what you are taking, how much you should take and what the expected results are. The information provided here is in no way a prescription for acid reflux.

Learn more about this author, Joan Schroeder.
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