Feeling the Burn in Miami: My Strategies for Soothing Acid Reflux

Did you know GERD is a chronic condition that happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus irritating its lining? This affects 20 % of the population.⁠ The good news is there are natural tools and strategies for fixing and reducing acid reflux.

1. Fennel: This vegetable is rich in vitamins and minerals and is a big source of anethole. Crush it and add to boiling water and sip as tea after a meal.⁠
2. Kudzu: This is one of my favorite remedies for reflux. It is a  combination of apple juice high in pectin and has been used in Chinese Medicine for millennia. I recommend a bag per 32 oz. Stir every minute with a wooden spoon for 10 minutes. It will set up like jello. Store it in a glass container in the fridge and consume a few tbs when the burn hits.⁠
3. Ginger: This is one of the oldest TCM remedies for digestive issues. Try winding down with some ginger when reflux strikes. ⁠
4. Peppermint: Peppermint is one of the most prescribed herbs for digestion. It helps with nausea, upset stomach, and all digestive disorders. Peppermint cools that burning throat sensation.
5. Throat Coat Tea: This tea has slippery Elm and other mucigenic herbs that soothe and coat not only the throat but the entire digestive system. It is one of my favorite hacks to cool the burn.⁠
6. Eat smaller meals: Smaller meals put less stress on the digestive system. Chew slowly and avoid eating before bed.⁠
7. ⁠Sleep upright: Using gravity to keep acid down is an easy way to keep acid from bubbling up. Use bricks under a bed or try and sleep on your left side.⁠
8. Aloe Vera: This trick isn’t just great for sunburns, but it can also soothe your throat and stomach. Mix a few ounces in a glass of water 15-20 mins before a meal.⁠

If you’re experiencing reflux it might be worth a trip to the grocery store first. Using a variety of these modalities can have multiple healing and soothing effects, but if you need extra help I am always here for you because after 25 years of practice, I have seen these remedies work wonders along with acupuncture.

Make sure to save these natural tips and share them with someone you know!
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