5 Natural Remedies to Treat Esophagitis
To treat esophagitis you need to consult a gastroenterologist because you may need to take medication and change your diet. However, you can also bear in mind that some natural remedies can help to calm your symptoms.
Esophagitis is an inflammatory condition that produces lesions in the tissues of the esophagus. The esophagus is the digestive tube that transports food from the mouth to the stomach. People who suffer from this condition experience pain in the upper abdomen, and many say it’s like a burning or a feeling of pressure.
This problem can vary from mild to severe, depending on its cause. However, in the majority of cases it doesn’t cause complications and it improves once you begin treatment. Below we discuss its causes and we share a few homemade remedies.
Common causes of esophagitis
As pointed out in a publication in the World Journal of Gastroenterology, the majority of cases of esophagitis are caused by the effects of gastroesophageal reflux. This acidic fluid rises from the stomach and travels up the esophagus, causing irritation of the tissue.
However, the esophageal mucus can also be affected by some infectious, systemic, or chemical complaints. The most common factors that lead to this problem are:
- Excessive consumption of alcohol and cigarettes.
- Prolonged use of medication.
- Large portions and irritating foods.
- Being obese or overweight.
- Frequent vomiting.
Want to know more? Read: Relieve Allergies With 7 Natural Antihistamines
Symptoms of esophagitis
The symptoms of esophagitis can vary from person to person, depending on the damage done to the esophageal tissue and how quickly the person has received treatment. Often, the most common symptoms usually include the following:
- Pain at the opening of the stomach
- Chest pains
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent cough
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing food
Natural remedies to treat esophagitis
Don’t forget that in order to properly treat esophagitis, it’s important to follow the recommendations given to you by your doctor or gastroenterologist. According to a publication in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics, treatment may include:
- Changes in lifestyle habits: including weight loss, elevating the top of your bed, avoiding eating late at night, and eliminating trigger foods such as chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol.
- Medication: including antacids, histamine receptor antagonists (ARH 2), or proton pump inhibitors (PPI).
- Surgical therapy: if there’s no improvement after all other treatment options have been exhausted.
Alternatively, there are some natural remedies that appear to help calm symptoms. While they shouldn’t be used as a substitute for medical treatment, they can be used as a supplement. Want to give them a try?
1. Aloe vera juice to treat esophagitis
Aloe vera gel contains vitamin B, mucilage, and essential amino acids. These help to reduce irritation of the esophagus and the digestive tract.
According to an investigation published in the Journal of traditional Chinese medicine, consuming it will help control the production of excess stomach acid and protect the gastric mucosa against irritation, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects. In most cases, this can be an effective way to relieve symptoms of acid reflux.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (2 2/3 oz.)
- ½ cup of water (4 1/5 liquid oz.)
- 1 tablespoon of honey (4/5 oz.)
Preparation
- Put all the ingredients in a blender and process them until you get a smooth drink. If you want, you can also add another teaspoon of honey.
How to take it
- Drink this remedy once a day, and within a few days, you should see a noticeable improvement.
2. Licorice infusion
In natural medicine, people use licorice infusions for issues caused by an excess of acid in the stomach. An investigation published in The Journal Of Australian Traditional-Medicine Society recognizes this plant as an antacid.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of licorice root (2/5 oz.)
- A cup of water (8 1/2 liquid oz.)
- Honey (4/5 oz.)
Preparation
- Add the licorice root to a cup of boiling water and cover.
- Leave it to steep for 10 minutes, then strain it and sweeten it with two tablespoons of honey.
How to take it
- Drink this infusion when you feel heartburn or stomach pain.
- Take twice a day.
Note : specialists advise against taking this plant if you’re a patient with cardiovascular disorders like high blood pressure or cardiac arrhythmias. You should also avoid it if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
3. Baking soda drink
In small quantities, baking soda can act as a natural antacid. According to the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research, this ingredient is a temporary solution for acid reflux. However, you should only use it for mild cases.
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ cup of water (4 1/5 liquid oz.)
Preparation
- Dilute the baking soda in the half cup of water.
How to take it
- Drink this remedy when you start feeling symptoms of esophagitis.
- Drink it twice a day.
4. Marshmallow root infusion
According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, marshmallow root is able to protect the gastric mucosa against acid reflux. Another effect of this natural remedy is that it reduces irritation of the esophagus, alleviating pain and discomfort.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of marshmallow root (5 g).
- 1 cup of water (8 1/2 liquid oz.).
Preparation
- Add a teaspoon of marshmallow to a cup of boiling water.
- Leave it to steep for 10 minutes and strain it.
How to take it
- Take twice a day until you feel better.
Want to know more? Read: Nine Foods to Relieve Gastritis
5. Chamomile infusion
Chamomile contains many properties which are good for your health. According to a publication in Molecular Medicine Reports, dried chamomile flowers contain many terpenoids and flavonoids that contribute to their medicinal properties.
In fact, many people attribute anti-inflammatory properties to chamomile and traditionally use it to alleviate several gastrointestinal issues including esophagitis, stomach cramps, and an upset stomach.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon of chamomile
- A cup of water (8 1/2 liquid oz.)
Preparation
- Submerge the chamomile in a cup of boiling water and leave it to steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain the infusion and let it cool slightly. And it’s ready to drink!
How to take it
- Take 2 or 3 times per day, until you feel better.
Support this with good habits
You can use these natural remedies as a helping hand when dealing with esophagitis, especially if you support them with a good diet, daily exercise, and by avoiding stress as much as possible. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms, it’s best to consult a specialist.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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