When dealing with diseases that involve heartburn, in addition to the main treatment prescribed by a healthcare provider, herbal medicine—or phytotherapy—can offer excellent results. Particularly in cases of gastritis with increased stomach acidity, several natural remedies can significantly help relieve symptoms. Among the most effective options are fresh potato juice, flaxseed infusion, and licorice root decoction.
However, it’s important to note that heartburn can also occur in cases of gastritis with low stomach acidity. In such cases, the goal of treatment should not be to neutralize stomach acid (as is common with over-the-counter antacids), but rather to improve digestion and prevent bile reflux into the stomach and esophagus. For gastritis with low acidity, it’s highly recommended to use herbal blends that include plantain (Plantago major), among others.
Below are a few traditional recipes that have been widely used to prevent and relieve heartburn, particularly in people suffering from chronic gastritis or peptic ulcers.
1. Potato Juice
Drink freshly squeezed raw potato juice 3 to 4 times a day, about 15–20 minutes before meals. The treatment course usually lasts 2 to 3 weeks. This is considered one of the simplest, cheapest, and most accessible natural remedies for heartburn, especially in cases of chronic gastritis. It’s well known and widely used in many cultures due to its effectiveness and ease of preparation.
2. Licorice Root Decoction
Mix 10 grams of crushed licorice root with 6 grams of dried and ground orange peel. Pour two cups of boiling water over the mixture and simmer until the volume is reduced by half. Once the decoction is ready, add 60 grams of honey and divide it into three portions, to be taken 10–15 minutes before meals. The recommended duration of treatment is one month. This recipe is particularly effective for gastritis or ulcers with high acidity.
3. Mixed Herbal Decoction for Low Acidity
Combine equal parts of the following crushed herbs: plantain, marshmallow root, valerian, St. John’s wort, and caraway seeds. Take one tablespoon of the mixture and pour one cup of water over it. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 15 minutes. After cooling, strain the decoction and drink 2 tablespoons four times a day, about 15–20 minutes before meals. This remedy is recommended for gastritis associated with low stomach acid.
4. Flaxseed Infusion
Pour half a cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds, cover, and let it steep for 2–3 hours. Once ready, strain the infusion and drink it warm before bed, especially if you tend to experience heartburn at night. This is a soothing and effective remedy for strong gastric acid secretion.
5. Herbal Infusion for High Gastric Secretion
Mix equal parts of the following herbs: lemon balm, pharmaceutical chamomile, St. John’s wort, and licorice root. Add 10 grams (about 1 tablespoon) of the mixture to 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and let it infuse for 2–3 hours, then strain. Drink the warm infusion 2–3 times per day, half an hour before meals. The recommended treatment course is 2 to 4 weeks, particularly for people with increased stomach acid.
6. Herbal Blend for Low Gastric Secretion
Prepare a blend consisting of:
- 1 part St. John’s wort
- 4 parts lemon balm
- 3 parts plantain
- 2 parts fresh nettle
- 2 parts valerian
Take 1 tablespoon of the herbal mixture and add 2/3 cup of water. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it steep in a covered container for 2–3 hours, then strain. Take 2 tablespoons of this infusion four times a day, 15–20 minutes before meals. This recipe is particularly beneficial for gastritis with low acidity.
These natural remedies have stood the test of time and are often used in traditional medicine. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment—especially if you’re dealing with chronic digestive conditions. Herbal therapies can be incredibly effective when used properly, but they work best in combination with medical advice and lifestyle adjustments.
