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Chamomile Tea & Other Good Herbal Teas for Acid Reflux, Remedy Heartburn


What is Acid Reflux?


chamomile tea sits on a wooden bench with purple flowers

Acid reflux is when stomach acid travels the wrong way, heading back into your esophagus instead of staying down where it belongs.


This can give you a burning feeling in your chest or throat, which is pretty uncomfortable. This feeling is known as heartburn. 


What Are the Leading Causes of Acid Reflux?


  1. Overeating

  2. Fatty or Spicy Foods

  3. Lying Down After Eating

  4. Obesity

  5. Smoking

  6. Alcohol and Caffeine

  7. Certain Medications

  8. Hiatal Hernia


What Tea is Good for Acid Reflux?


Tea can be both a remedy and a cause of discomfort for those with acid reflux, depending on the type. Certain teas can soothe the digestive system and reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. All the teas on this list are caffeine-free. 



Good Herbal Tea for Acid Reflux 


Here are some teas that are generally considered good for acid reflux and the reasons why:


1. Ginger Tea


Ginger naturally soothes the stomach and can help reduce the production of stomach acid. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can ease the symptoms of acid reflux.


2. Chamomile Tea


Chamomile tea can reduce stomach inflammation and balance stomach acid levels. It's also known for its calming effect, which can relieve stress, a common trigger for acid reflux episodes.


3. Licorice Tea


Licorice has natural stomach healing properties. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL) tea, in particular, can increase the mucous coating of the esophageal lining, helping to protect it from stomach acid.


4. Slippery Elm Tea


Slippery elm contains mucilage, a substance that becomes a slick gel when mixed with water. It coats and protects the mucous membranes of the esophagus and stomach, potentially easing acid reflux symptoms.


5. Marshmallow Root Tea


Like slippery elm, marshmallow root also contains mucilage, which can coat and soothe the throat and stomach, relieving acid reflux.


A Word of Warning on Drinks for Acid Reflux 


While these teas can offer relief, it's important to note that everyone's body reacts differently. While they may help relieve some, even these teas can trigger acid reflux, especially if consumed in large quantities or too close to bedtime.


Drinks to Avoid


People suffering from acid reflux should avoid teas known to aggravate the condition. These teas tend to contain caffeine (like black, green, and white teas). Other teas to avoid are peppermint or spearmint, which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus.


As with any dietary change, it's a good idea to introduce these teas slowly and monitor how your body responds. If you have chronic acid reflux (GERD), consult with a healthcare provider before drinking these teas.


Thank you for reading this blog post.



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