Acid reflux, gastric reflux, GERD or heartburn, all these conditions have the same effects. Pain, pressure in the chest, regurgitation of food, bad breath, tooth decay and lack of sleep are some of the debilitating and distressing symptoms of this condition.

More than 60 million people in the country are estimated to suffer from the effects of this condition at least once or twice a month. Most people tackle it with over the counter medication, but when it becomes difficult to manage, they may have to opt for prescription medication. If left untreated, it can lead to internal bleeding, painful ulcers or even cancer.

Traditional medicine offers several long term options, and some effective natural remedies for acid reflux and GERD are available.

Ayurveda
Under this system of traditional medicine from the Indian subcontinent, one needs to have a steady balance between the mind, body, and spirit. Acidity is caused by the excess production of acids that affect the health. Hurry, worry and curry are the main reasons for mental and physical stress that affect the digestive process, causing acidity and GERD.

Foods and Ingredients
Eating more acidic, fried and processed foods creates toxins. This must be balanced with alkaline foods. Fennel seeds are an effective natural remedy. They should be eaten raw and chewed after a meal to aid digestion.

• Tulsi (holy basil) leaves and cloves have a similar effect.
• Fresh coconut water that contains small pieces of tender coconut is an effective cooler and digestive aid.
• Plain Greek yogurt diluted with water to make buttermilk is effective in countering digestive acidity.
• Traditional treatments like rest, panchakarma (a traditional regimen) and yoga provide long-term and permanent relief.
• Coriander seeds with unrefined sugar must be taken twice a day.
• Indian gooseberry (amla) is an effective digestive and can be eaten in any form.
• Traditional Chinese medicines help to treat acid reflux and GERD.
• Lifestyle changes and identifying the underlying cause of acid reflux/GERD help to provide effective remedies.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes in breathable fabrics.
• Maintain optimum weight and quit smoking.
• Herbal remedies include consuming prescribed amounts of licorice, slippery elm, chamomile, ginger root, peppermint oil, marshmallow
• Acupuncture can help to balance the ‘chi’ or life force that may be blocked in certain paths, leading to ill health
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals and ensure that you don’t eat immediately before going to bed
• Ginseng, cuttlefish bone and Thunberg Fritillary bulb are some of the products used in traditional Chinese medicine to combat the symptoms of GERD and acid reflux.
• Another effective product is Gong Ying Baiji cream
• Treatment protocols depend on individual symptoms, unique underlying causes and the observations or diagnosis of the physician.
• If the patient has high blood pressure or other medical condition, it is important to inform the doctor about these so that the remedies can be tailored to suit these conditions as well.
• Skipping meals and emotional stress can trigger the symptoms, so it is important to deal with these issues for a more holistic cure.