Heartburn? Tea is a good home remedy for this

Did you know that tea is a good home remedy for heartburn ? Anyone who has ever felt this discomfort knows how uncomfortable the burning sensation in your stomach is. This is a very common problem to happen, especially after eating foods that are difficult to digest or when we eat too much.

Heartburn is characterized by the return of gastric contents to the esophagus, whose mucosa is not prepared to receive the acidic and irritating substances present in the stomach. Therefore, it is precisely the contact of these acids with the esophagus that causes us pain, burning , constant belching and even nausea.

These symptoms are so annoying that anyone who feels it wants a solution right away. But the good news is that the infusion of some herbs can help, a lot, to alleviate the discomfort of this very common problem.

4 homemade teas for heartburn

According to nutritionist and herbalist, member of the board of the São Paulo Association of Phytotherapy (APFIT), Marta da Cunha Pereira, there are several teas that help digestion and, consequently, can reduce the effects of heartburn. Some of the most efficient are:

1- Holy thorn ( Maytenus ilicifolia)

Marta explains that espinheira santa tea can be made with chopped leaves, and the presence of stems is considered undesirable.

The best way to prepare it is by decoction, that is, boil 1 to 3 tablespoons of the herb, for each cup of water, for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and smother for 5 minutes. Drink it right away, as it is not advisable to leave the tea ready for a long time, as it can easily oxidize.

The expert recommends taking this tea twice a day before main meals. “This is an excellent tea for cases of heartburn and digestion disorders, and it is also an adjunct in the treatment of gastritis and gastroduodenal ulcers”, he says.

2- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

Chamomile tea is made from flowers. The standardized amount is 1 tablespoon for each cup of water. Boil the water and when it is at boiling point, turn off the heat and add the herb. Smother it for 5 minutes and drink.

“Its use helps to control the effect of esophageal reflux, which causes heartburn, in addition to improving digestion , cramps and mild anxiety. It can be used 2-3 times a day, in the form of an infusion, before meals or during breaks”, points out Marta.

3- Fennel ( Foeniculum vulgare)

Fennel is also known as false fennel and aids digestion, is antiflatulent and antispasmodic.

Fennel tea improves digestion and prevents flatulence (Photo: depositphotos)

Marta advises that, in this case, we should use the dried fruits of the herb, which look like seeds. “Prepare tea with 1 tablespoon to a cup of water, and drink it 2-3 times a day ”, he teaches.

4- Ginger ( Zingiber officinale)

“Ginger helps to eliminate the symptoms of nausea and nausea caused by reflux. The part used is the rhizome, which can be grated or cut into very small pieces for better use”, advises Marta.

To prepare, the correct proportion is 1 to 2 tablespoons (of coffee) (0.5 to 1 g) per cup of water and can be used 2 to 4 times a day, in the form of an infusion or decoction.

The herbalist adds that ginger tea should be consumed early in the case of nausea during pregnancy and, in other cases, can be used before or between meals .

Other recommendations

Marta also states that all teas that help digestion can also be used as an auxiliary treatment for heartburn, such as: macela ( Achyrocline satureioides ), carqueja ( Baccharis trimera), guaçatonga (Casearia sylvestris ), artichoke ( Cynara scolymus ), mint (Mentha piperita ), dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale) , etc.

Finally, she reiterates that, despite the beneficial effects of these teas, it is necessary to take some precautions: “all continuous treatments must be accompanied by a health professional. Do not use the same tea for more than three consecutive months ”, warns the professional.

What else is good for heartburn?

There are also other solutions for heartburn sufferers that can be easily prepared at home. Some of them are:

Sodium bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate diluted in water has an alkalizing effect on the digestive tract. It helps to decrease stomach acidity, reduces esophageal inflammation, and thereby relieves the discomfort of heartburn. To prepare, put a spoon (coffee) of baking soda in 100ml of water, mix well and then drink in small sips.

Fruit salt (effervescent antacids)

There are many brands of fruit salts in pharmacies and they are very easy to prepare. These medications contain painkillers and antacids and produce more or less the same effect as bicarbonate.

However, its most potent action comes, in fact, from the analgesic effect, which relieves pain . The antacid only partially blocks the excess production of stomach acids.

Therefore, be aware that this type of remedy works only as an emergency alternative to relieve symptoms during heartburn attacks and not as an ongoing treatment.

If the person has gastritis, the use of these substances should be even more cautious. Always consult a physician and read the package preparation instructions.

chewing gum

Chewing gum can also be a good alternative to relieve heartburn and reflux.

Chewing gum promotes the proper functioning of the digestive system, as it stimulates salivation and improves the activity of the organs involved in this process, also helping to reduce acidity in the esophagus. The only caveat is for people who suffer from gastritis and ulcers.

Chew a unit of gum for about 30 minutes. But beware, it’s important to opt for smoother, sugar-free flavors.

juices

Add juices can also help with heartburn. Are they:

Pear juice: Pear is semi-acid, rich in vitamins A, B and C; and mineral salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium and iron, which help to dilute stomach acid and relieve the discomfort and burning caused by heartburn. To prepare, simply blend 2 ripe pears with a little water in a blender. Red apple and melon also have the same properties and can be used as other fruit juice options in cases of heartburn.

Cabbage Juice: Cabbage juice has anti-ulcer properties that help relieve stomach pain and inflammation and also help reduce gas. Ideally, it should be consumed on an empty stomach. To prepare, take a unit of cabbage and blend in a blender with 300ml of water. Then just strain and drink. If you prefer, you can sweeten it with brown sugar.

Aloe Vera Juice (Aloe Vera): Aloe vera helps to calm the stomach, due to its digestive and healing power. To make the juice at home, remove the leaves from the plant and cut the thorny sides. Then wash the leaves well and remove the yellow part just below the bark, as it causes stomach irritation. Place the gelatinous white part in a blender, in a proportion of 100 g of the pulp to 1 liter of water, and blend. If you prefer, to improve the flavor, you can add a tablespoon of honey or mix it with the juice of some non-acidic fruit.

Heartburn in pregnancy: what to do?

Pregnancy can cause constant heartburn, because during this period, the stomach is under a lot of pressure, as the uterus increases in size and takes up more space in the abdomen. Therefore, at this stage, more than ever, it is important to avoid foods high in fat.

“In this case, we can start the day with a solid food (a cracker, or banana for example) and use ginger tea up to 1 g per day. We can make a more diluted tea and drink it a few times a day”, recommends Marta.

Regarding teas, the specialist also warns of an important precaution: “almost all teas, in continuous use, are not indicated during pregnancy. Some can promote the contraction of the uterus”. Therefore, before consuming any herb on your own, contact a health care professional.

Another cool tip for heartburn in pregnancy is a massage therapy technique called reflexology. It is done by stimulating certain points on the feet, which report to specific regions of the body. Some of these points stimulate the esophagus and stomach and help to reduce the burning and burning sensation that rises from the chest to the throat.

Are there natural treatments?

Natural treatments for heartburn are mainly related to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In addition to adopting a balanced diet, it is also essential to start a regimen of regular physical activities, such as a simple daily walk.

“It is essential to adopt healthy habits; consume easily digestible foods such as cooked fruits and vegetables; eat at correct times; eat less at the last evening meal; avoid processed foods; avoid drinking liquids during a meal, especially gaseous ones; chew food well; control overweight; be happy and avoid stress”, adds Marta.

Banana consumption can also help. “Banana ( Muse paradisiaca) can be used as a natural treatment, as it is a gastroprotective food, stimulates the production of mucus, hinders the installation of the Helicobacter Pylori bacteria, reduces acidity, heartburn and heartburn. It can be indicated for morning heartburn”, reveals the nutritionist and herbalist.

Also, another super helpful tip is to keep the headboard higher. “For people with nocturnal heartburn, raising the headboard helps to prevent the stomach from returning”, teaches Marta. For this, you can put a 10 cm shim at the head of the bed or also use a high pillow to sleep.

See also: Teas that help treat heartburn

Heartburn Symptoms and Their Causes

As we talked about earlier, heartburn is caused by the return of food from the stomach into the esophagus. “This is due to digestive problems, which can happen sporadically or more frequently in chronic cases”, says Marta. According to the professional, incorrect eating habits, stress and anxiety are the main causes of heartburn.

Foods high in fat cause the most heartburn as they are harder to digest.

In addition to these, we can also mention: citrus fruit juice, tomato and its by-products, condiments, processed foods, fried foods in general, chocolate, coffee, and alcoholic beverages. “Eating heavy meals at night can also cause heartburn,” adds Marta.

Also be aware of excessive milk consumption, as there is a belief that it cuts down on stomach acid. However, the reality is that it only neutralizes for a certain period. After the effect, the acidity returns even stronger.

Regarding the symptoms, the specialist cites the most common: pain and burning in the chest, burning sensation in the throat, pain in the stomach when eating, nausea, bloating and a bitter taste in the mouth.

Remember, if you experience heartburn symptoms frequently, it is very important to see a specialist in gastroenterology to assess the situation and provide you with the best advice.

After all, the problem can evolve into something more serious. “Seek a medical professional for correct diagnosis and a nutritionist to help you improve your eating habits”, adds Marta.

What to avoid?

Now that you know that tea is an excellent home remedy for heartburn and how to treat it, it’s also important to know what to avoid in these cases. In addition to reducing the consumption of the foods mentioned above, simple actions can make all the difference to prevent this uncomfortable burning in the stomach.

Avoid going too long without eating; don’t eat too fast ; do not do physical activities right after meals; do not lie down immediately after eating, the ideal is to wait at least 1h30 after the last meal; avoid drinking during meals , as this increases gastric volume, it is correct to wait two hours.

The use of tight clothes is also not indicated, as it changes the pressure inside the abdomen. In addition, it is important to stop smoking and drinking alcohol and avoid obesity.