by …and other symptoms of indigestion
When you are having heartburn on a chronic basis, you want the burning to stop. Gratefully, licorice is a natural remedy found quite effective in treating heartburn and indigestion.
Therefore, if you are looking for an alternative to acid reflux medication, consider licorice as a herbal remedy to use as an aid to treat your acid reflux (or GERD).
Using licorice to stop heartburn is not the solution for immediate relief. However, as a natural medicine, it does act quite rapidly for most people. This means that, within a day or two, you could be cleared of your symptoms. Use the herb as prescribed, and with consistent use and lifestyle adjustments, the frequency and severity of your symptoms will subside. Many people today use licorice to heal their digestive issues.
Take a look at the benefits of this natural remedy.
It helps protect the stomach lining and intestinal wall
Much of the pain caused during heartburn results from inflammation in the gut due to damage to the stomach lining(mucosa); given this information, ingesting the licorice promotes mucus production in the esophagus and stomach. That mucus then coats the stomach and esophagus, acting like a barrier to prevent acid from burning the esophagus and therefore giving stomach pain. Licorice also has a compound called (glycyrrhetinic acid) that acts as a powerful agent against stomach ulcers. In addition, this agent helps reduce the number of bacteria in the colon.
It acts as an anti-inflammatory
Licorice root helps reduce inflammation by balancing cortisol levels in our bodies. Cortisol is our body’s stress hormone and helps our metabolism process carbs, proteins, and fats. Sometimes, inflammation is caused by stress. Unfortunately, both inflammation and stress increase your chances of acid reflux. As a result, learn to relax if this is your case. And while you do that, why not use a licorice supplement to help reduce some of the physical symptoms?
A natural remedy to improve digestion
With the help of glycyrrhizin, a compound found in the root of this natural supplement, licorice can diminish inflammation in the digestive tract. Licorice will further help reduce muscle spasms in the intestines, eliminate bacteria in the colon, and help protect you against developing ulcers.
It helps reduce coughs and congestion.
With acid reflux, symptoms sometimes make you feel like you have a cold. These include coughing, sore throat, and congestion. The benefit of taking licorice to treat your symptoms is that it acts as a natural expectorant, which clears your body of excess mucus. In the process, licorice promotes a reduction in inflammation in the airways. This is how the herbal remedy reduces coughing and helps you breathe better.
Taken a few minutes before a meal, licorice can save you from the burning of the reflux. It will also protect from other irritations that arise from indigestion.
What is licorice?
The Licorice root is a derivative of the Licorice plant. The plant is native to West Asia and is typically used to treat upset stomach, upper respiratory issues, and inflammation.
Using licorice to treat heartburn
We use licorice to treat acid reflux in multiple ways. Firstly, you can drink licorice in tea form. Secondly, add the powder to your food. Thirdly, take licorice supplements in the form of DGL. Thankfully, licorice has been used for centuries and is considered safe, even with other medications. We recommend using pre-made tablets that come with clear how-to-use instructions. Here is one you get online or in a natural health store.
Side effects of Licorice root
Licorice is safe to use long-term but does interfere with some medications. You should be careful using licorice if you have a medical condition with the heart, high blood pressure, or kidney disease. Ensure you’ve checked with your doctor if it’s appropriate to use before taking the supplement. Use the recommended amount because, in excessive quantities, research shows side effects like:
- Weakening of muscles
- Low levels of potassium
- High blood pressure and
- Abnormal heart rhythms
Licorice is known to interact with 142 medications. Click here for a complete list of drugs it interacts with.
Caution
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid licorice because it could cause adverse brain development in babies.
What is the recommended dosage for licorice supplements?
As per a study published in the Textbook of Natural Medicine, DGL Licorice chewable tablets were most effective when taken 20 minutes before a meal in dosages of 380 mg, 2-4 tablets; and depending on how your body responds the treatment should continue 2 to 4 months. If we’ve decided to try this treatment, a specialist such as a Naturopathic Doctor is excellent to provide you with guidance tailored to your specific needs.
My experience with Licorice
My Naturopathic Doctor (ND) introduced me to licorice at a time when it was nearly impossible for me to eat anything without experiencing reflux almost immediately. Even the most bland foods were causing me problems. Heck, even drinking water was giving me heartburn!
During my first consultation with the ND, she prescribed me a high-quality grade licorice supplement to help soothe my stomach and make it possible for me to eat. I ordered the supplement right away and received it within 48hrs. I followed the directions provided by my doctor, which differed from the directions on the bottle. I am assuming that the directions on the bottle were for general use. However, my doctor had a personalized plan for me. Because my condition was serious, her recommended dosage was a bit more aggressive than general use. Over three days, the burning in my stomach reduced, and within a couple weeks, I could eat without pain. At the time, I took the licorice supplements 3 times per day, 10 minutes before each meal. I took the supplements in the same cadence for over 6 months before reducing my consumption.
The year after, I continued using the licorice supplements on a needed basis; this was when I knew I would have a slightly heavier meal, like when I wanted to enjoy a slice of pizza or wanted to enjoy some pastry. I would also take before eating out at an event unless I had the option of the food presented; I would limit myself to food that was not a little bit processed and fruits that were less acidic.
If you want to try licorice as a management tool, connect with a Naturopathic Doctor. Let me know; I’m happy to provide a recommendation.
Questions? Contact us
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