What Was First Used for Heartburn Relief

As I write this article in early 2007, my television set is waiting to tell me yet again about prescription medications available for heartburn relief. I may need this one or that one, from Aciphex to Zantac. I may need the pink pill or the white pill for heartburn relief. I probably need the purple pill for heartburn relief.

If I stubbornly refuse to pay for prescription medication, I may learn the secret that Prilosec, sold without a prescription, works as well as any of the prescription medications for heartburn relief.

Many new products are touted, but what was first used for heartburn relief?

It Really Is Not Heart Burn

First, set your mind at ease. Since this complaint has nothing to do with the heart, it really should be renamed and calm people’s concerns. It has to do with a little door between the stomach and the esophagus, and should more appropriately be called stomach burn.

Ginger for Heartburn Relief

Ginger was probably the first thing used for heartburn relief. The ginger root has been used in oriental medicine for thousands of years. Dried, ground, powdered, candied, or made into tea, ginger is a natural route toward heartburn relief.

“Ginger relaxes the smooth muscle along the walls of the esophagus,” says Dr. Pamela Taylor, N.D., a naturopathic doctor in Moline, Illinois.

If the esophagus walls are relaxed, your digestion is likely to improve, and that small door between the stomach and esophagus, mentioned above, is less likely to be forced open. Stomach acids will stay where they belong.

For best heartburn relief, it is recommended that you prevent or reduce heartburn symptoms in the first place by taking ginger 20 minutes before a meal. Ginger can be taken in several ways.

* candied
* capsules
* ground (spice rack)
* pickled
* tea (fresh ginger root or powder)
* tincture

Candied Ginger for Heartburn Relief

Candied ginger is easy to carry with you, has a long history as a digestive aid, and can be readily used as natural, “after-dinner” heartburn relief. Take a small piece, about the size of your little finger tip. Suck on the candy, or chew very slowly, letting it blend with your saliva. Wait 10 minutes. If you need further heartburn relief, chew a second small piece.

Ginger Capsules for Heartburn Relief

Ginger capsules marked “00″ are best. Take 1 or 2 capsules for heartburn relief. The dose may be repeated in a half hour if needed.

Ground Ginger for Heartburn Relief

If you are away from home, and experience heartburn, you can get heartburn relief with ground ginger from the spice rack. This is readily available in grocery stores. Simply place a tiny amount of ground ginger on your tongue, and let it melt into your saliva. Repeat at 5 minute intervals as needed.

Pickled Ginger for Heartburn Relief

Bright pink, pickled ginger is often served with oriental meals such as Japanese sushi. It is available in jars in many grocery stores. Eat a small bit from the jar, and wait 10-15 minutes. If you don’t have heartburn relief, eat another small amount.

Ginger Tea for Heartburn Relief

Ginger tea can be made quickly in a restaurant by emptying the contents of two “00″ ginger capsules into hot water. Wait 4 or 5 minutes, and then drink the tea for heartburn relief.

At home, make ginger tea for heartburn relief by steeping fresh ginger root or ground ginger in hot water.

Ginger Tincture for Heartburn Relief

Tincture of ginger can be purchased in health stores. Place 15 to 20 drops in a tiny bit of water (the less water, the better). Drink it and wait 10 minutes. If heartburn relief is not complete, repeat. Do not take more than 60 drops for one episode.

CAUTION: If you do not get heartburn relief with one of the ginger recommendations above, seek professional advice from a licensed health care provider. Heartburn can be serious if persistent.