Most people have experienced the burning in the chest or esophagus called heartburn. For regular heartburn sufferers it is also called acid reflux when stomach acid backs up from the stomach to the esophagus. A medical diagnosis for the recurring of acid reflux is GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease. According to Metabolic Healing, the #1 cause of GERD is low stomach acid 8 Major Causes of GERD – Metabolic Healing. GERD is widely thought to be caused by high levels of stomach acid and treated with OTC remedies such as antacids or with acid blocking or proton pump inhibiting pharmaceuticals.  GERD is a serious condition that has potential health complications such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, strictures of the esophagus, or cancer of the esophagus. Plus it’s painful. 

Treatment for GERD is multiple and varied.  Basic diet hygiene is a first place to start.  

• Eat regularly during the day 
• Eat small, nutrient packed meals 
• Chew food thoroughly  
• Hydrate between meals with only sips of liquid with meals 
• Eat in a relaxed state with a grateful heart 
• Eat at least 3 hours before bed 

Herbal Remedies for Soothing Stomach Trouble

Herbal remedies for soothing stomach trouble are numerous and have been in use for thousands of years; well documented by Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many countries, especially those not following after the Standard American Diet regularly use herbs for helping support digestion. 

Bitter herbs are the mainstay of supporting strong digestion. Bitter herbs are classified by their taste: bitter. There are specific receptors on the tongue that are triggered by plant constituents that have a bitter flavor. Once this bitter receptor on the tongue is stimulated, an entire cascade of physiological effects is triggered which are primarily responsible for the health benefits of bitters. Stimulation of the Vagus nerve triggers the secretion of the hormone “gastrin” and a reflex that informs the entire gastrointestinal tract to prepare itself for the digestion of food, generally resulting in an increase in secretions. This includes hydrochloric acid and bicarbonate in the stomach, duodenal enzymes, pancreatic enzymes, bile secretions from the gall bladder and bile production from the liver, as well as stimulation of the mucosal membranes that line the entire intestinal tract.  Bitter receptors are located throughout the entire body, in the mucus membranes and the heart. Consuming bitter herbs affects the whole person, not just digestion. Yet a strong digestive system also affects and supports the whole body, especially the immune system.  

Case Study No. 1

My first case is an 80 year old female who experienced heartburn and occasional acid reflux for several years and was self-treating with OTC acid blocking medication and frequent use of antacids. She had tried apple cider vinegar in water before meals but it was not a portable remedy that she could take when away from home, she did not find the vinegar to be enough for her symptoms, nor did she care for the taste.  

She stopped using the OTC acid blocking medication due to concern for potential side effects of long-term use and opted to try herbs.  She was provided with Grapefruit Bitters, a tincture of whole grapefruit with complimentary and bitter herbs.  She has been using a few drops of tincture on her tongue before eating for the past 3 months and reports she seldom has heartburn. 

Case Study No. 2

This is a 79 year old lady who was grieving a loss. She noticed feeling full after eating and described her food just sitting in her stomach, along with occasional episodes of diarrhea. Her recent medical visit did not reveal a diagnosis for her symptoms, and they were attributed to her recent loss and stress. Further testing is to be done if symptoms persist. She opted to use bitter herbs and was given a combination of bitter herbs and a healing herb to support her stomach and gut health.  She is no longer using the healing herb after several months but continues to use the Bitters before eating and no longer feels her food is just sitting. Occasional diarrhea continues and further medical tests are pending.  

Case Study No. 3

A 70 year old female who suffered with heartburn since she was in her late 30s. She was obese and unable to lose weight long term. Acid blocking medication was prescribed that improved the GERD that had developed. She remained on the acid blocking prescription for several years and eventually underwent bariatric surgery resulting in resolution of the GERD. A few years after the bariatric surgery other health issues arose, and her health care provider suggested her sluggish digestion was at fault and recommended some dietary changes and supplements. Herbs to support digestion was suggested and she started on Herbal Bitters that she has continued for several years. The sluggish digestion has improved, and the GERD has not returned. 

As we age, the production of hydrochloric acid and other digestive fluids decreases. Bitters can assist the body into balance for these shortages, but for some individuals these are not a life-long commitment, as bitter herbs can be drying and cooling to the tissues. To maintain balance, food and other herbs that provide warmth and moisture may need to be included.