Heartburn can be so sudden and painful that it is not surprising that it is sometimes mistaken for a heart attack. Heartburn will often strike right after a nice, big meal, and it can ruin the enjoyment of any occasion. It is caused when the acid present in the stomach ‘goes the wrong way’ and touches the lining of the esophagus, the tube leading from the back of your mouth to your stomach. The acid in your stomach is basically hydrochloric acid, the same that is found in car batteries, so it is easy to understand how it can cause pain.

Although there are several different causes of heartburn, such as a hiatal hernia or a weak valve in the lower part of the esophagus, there are natural remedies that can ease this pain and help to keep it away in the first place. In order to aid in the reduction of acidity and gas (also a part of heartburn), using calc phos helps to balance the digestive functions, and can stop a heartburn attack. Besides calc phos, nat phos can also help to soothe an irritated stomach and has been referred to as a “biochemic antacid”. When heartburn strikes, the victim is naturally put into a state of some anxiety. Calming down can help the person deal with the situation and also assist in alleviating the symptoms. Kali phos is an excellent choice for this purpose, and can be used right along with calc phos and nat phos. Another valuable mineral in preventing heartburn is silicea. This mineral salt removes toxins that can build up in the system and will help to clean the digestive tract. The acidity of the stomach must be balanced in order to prevent heartburn, and silicea is definitely valuable in keeping the acidity in balance.

Helping to maintain a healthy digestive system will go a long way to preventing heartburn attacks in the first place, and there are quite a few herbs that can help do this. Taking some form of these herbs after a meal can head off a gastric attack in the first place. Peppermint has long been known as an aid to digestion and helps the body digest food more efficiently. Fennel and ginger have been used for centuries by both Western and Eastern cultures to prevent and cure digestive disorders. The soothing effects of both of these herbs can keep the stomach operating normally and keep the buildup of gas from happening. The stomach can also be settled by using stomach bush, which not only will help to calm, but also relaxes cramps.

Rather than waiting for an attack of heartburn, most people might prefer to try to keep their digestive systems in good order. Rather than rely upon synthetic drugs to do this, there are several herbs that can work with your body to keep your stomach and intestines in the best possible shape, reducing the risk of heartburn in the first place. One very good herb for this purpose is meadowsweet, which assists in keeping the level and quality of stomach acid where it should be. To generally maintain the health of the digestive system, slippery elm can be used. German chamomile will not only help anyone who takes it to relax, but this herb will calm the digestive tract down as well. Sutherlandia, also known as cancer bush, is an herb from South Africa that can be used to support digestive health, especially heartburn.

Stopping heartburn attacks and helping to prevent them in the first place can be easier when the correct herbal remedies are relied upon. Treating the entire person, rather than just an isolated part will keep the entire system functioning more normally.