Heartburn – a discomfort that many of us are all too familiar with! Whether it’s the burning sensation after a spicy meal or the discomfort that creeps up when lying down, heartburn can put a damper on our day. The bad news is for us women, hormonal changes and certain lifestyle factors can make us more susceptible to this irritating condition.
But fear not, nature has a solution that’s been used for centuries, and might even be present in your beauty regimen such as hair growing and skin revitalizing – the magical power of Aloe Vera! Today, we’ll delve into the world of Aloe Vera and explore how this natural remedy might just be the relief you’ve been seeking.
Table of Contents
First, What is Heartburn?
Heartburn, often referred to as acid indigestion, is characterized by a burning sensation in the chest that’s caused by stomach acid backing up into the esophagus. Spicy foods, caffeine, carbonated drinks, and certain medications are some of the common triggers of heartburn. Women are likely to experience heartburn due to hormonal fluctuations, especially during pregnancy.
Occasional heartburn might be manageable, but when it becomes chronic, it’s known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which requires medical attention. Generally, a heartburn episode lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours. And it’s remarkably common: Over 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month.
Studies indicate that for 78% of individuals dealing with frequent heartburn, concerns about pain, queasiness, a sore throat, and difficulty swallowing hinder them from fully enjoying activities they love. While over-the-counter heartburn medications do help alleviate the discomfort, they can bring about undesirable side effects like headaches, queasiness, and dizziness. Luckily, research confirms that aloe vera is one of nature’s most effective remedies for heartburn!
The Healing Properties of Aloe Vera
Now, let’s talk about the gift from nature. Aloe vera, or Aloe barbadensis, is a thick, short-stemmed plant that stores water in its leaves. It is best known for treating skin injuries, but it also has several other uses that could potentially benefit health.
The gel inside the aloe vera leaves is rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and polysaccharides – compounds that contribute to its potential health benefits. These components are known to possess anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making aloe vera a versatile remedy for various health issues.
How does Aloe Vera cure Heartburn?
So, how does aloe vera help soothe heartburn? We’re all familiar with aloe vera’s ability to soothe sunburned skin, but its anti-inflammatory properties can also provide relief from heartburn. According to Mindy Pelz, DC, “A great home remedy for indigestion is aloe vera juice.” She explains that aloe vera juice has a calming effect on the inner lining of the gut, healing inflammation, cooling the burning sensation, and soothing the hair-like structures called cilia that reside on the mucosal lining, aiding the movement of food through the digestive tract.
Recent research also suggests that decolorized and purified aloe vera juice may be a safe and effective treatment for reducing reflux symptoms. The 2015 study found that the juice effectively reduced the symptoms of acid reflux as well as certain traditional medication without any reported side effects. In some instances, the juice was more effective than traditional medication.
Additionally, studies published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology indicates that consuming ⅓ oz. of food-grade aloe vera juice twice daily can reduce heartburn episodes by 76% in just four weeks. This proves more effective than acid-reducing medications like ranitidine (Zantac) and omeprazole (Prilosec). Another study in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that daily consumption of aloe vera juice significantly alleviated nausea for heartburn sufferers by 80%. A helpful tip is to mix in 1 tsp. of honey, as a study in BMJ discovered that honey coats the esophagus, providing rapid heartburn relief.
Choosing and Using Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel or juice can be consumed directly, added to smoothies, or mixed with water. And to make the most of aloe vera’s potential benefits for heartburn relief, consider integrating it into your daily routine. Start by consuming a small amount of aloe vera gel or juice – about 1-2 tablespoons – before meals that are likely to trigger heartburn.
You can also mix aloe vera with other soothing ingredients like cucumber or coconut water for a refreshing drink. Additionally, practicing mindful eating, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress can complement the effects of aloe vera.
Before anything else…
While Aloe Vera is generally considered safe for topical and internal use, still, there are a few precautions to keep in mind. Some individuals may be allergic to Aloe Vera, so we recommended to perform a patch test before consuming larger amounts. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider before using aloe vera internally. Also, excessive consumption of aloe vera might have laxative effects, so moderation is key.
Aloe Vera isn’t the only natural remedy that can help manage heartburn. You can also consider making dietary changes such as reducing spicy foods, avoiding late-night meals, and opting for smaller portions. Elevating the head of your bed can help prevent nighttime heartburn, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing and yoga can aid in stress management, which in turn might reduce heartburn episodes.
When heartburn strikes, turning to a natural solution like aloe vera can provide a gentle and effective way to alleviate discomfort. Its soothing properties, coupled with its potential to reduce inflammation, make it a promising option for heartburn relief!