Natural Herbal Treatment for GERD & Acid Reflux
GERD affects up to 20% of Western adults and is one of the most over-medicated conditions. Herbal medicine addresses the root causes of reflux — low stomach acid, hiatal hernia, dysbiosis and oesophageal inflammation — rather than simply suppressing acid with PPIs.
The Truth About Acid Reflux
Counterintuitively, most GERD is caused by low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria), not excess acid. Low acid leads to food fermentation, gas production and upward pressure that forces stomach contents into the oesophagus. Long-term PPI use worsens dysbiosis, impairs nutrient absorption and does not address the underlying cause.
How Herbal Medicine Treats GERD
Oesophageal Soothing
Mucilaginous herbs coat and protect the inflamed oesophageal lining, reducing burning and pain.
Lower Oesophageal Sphincter Tone
Specific herbs improve LES tone, preventing upward reflux of stomach contents.
Gastric Acid Balance
Bitter herbs stimulate appropriate acid production and improve digestive enzyme secretion.
H. pylori
Antimicrobial herbs address Helicobacter pylori — present in up to 70% of GERD cases.
Key Herbs Used
- Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis) — Demulcent herb that forms a protective coating on inflamed oesophageal and gastric mucosa.
- Deglycyrrhizinated Liquorice (DGL) — Heals gastric and oesophageal mucosa without the blood pressure effects of whole liquorice.
- Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) — Soothing demulcent that reduces oesophageal inflammation and forms a protective gel.
- Mastic Gum (Pistacia lentiscus) — Clinically proven to eradicate H. pylori and heal gastric mucosa.
What to Expect
Reflux Assessment
We review your reflux pattern, triggers, diet, PPI history and any H. pylori testing.
Soothing Herbal Protocol
A demulcent and mucosal-healing formula for immediate symptom relief.
Root Cause Treatment
Addressing low acid, H. pylori or dysbiosis depending on your specific presentation.
PPI Weaning Plan
A supervised, gradual protocol to reduce dependency on proton pump inhibitors safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can herbal medicine help me stop PPIs?
Yes — many patients successfully reduce and stop PPIs with herbal support. This should be done gradually.
Does diet matter for GERD?
Significantly — your herbalist will provide targeted dietary guidance alongside herbal treatment.
Can you help with Barrett’s oesophagus?
We can support mucosal healing and symptom management but recommend ongoing medical monitoring for Barrett’s.
How quickly does herbal treatment relieve reflux?
Demulcent herbs provide symptomatic relief within days. Root cause resolution takes 4–12 weeks.
References
- Pereira RS (2006). Regression of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms using dietary supplementation. Journal of Pineal Research, 41(3), 195–200.
- Huwez FU et al. (1998). Mastic gum kills Helicobacter pylori. New England Journal of Medicine, 339(26), 1946.
Address Your Reflux at the Root
Book a digestive health consultation with one of our specialist herbalists today.
Book a Free Discovery CallDisclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Herbal medicine should not replace treatment recommended by a qualified medical professional. Always consult your GP before making changes to your medication or treatment plan. The practitioners at Paean Therapy are registered with the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH).
