Ayurvedic Remedies for Acid Reflux

Posted on October 12, 2021
Ayurvedic Remedies for Acid Reflux

Acid reflux has become a common phenomenon in today’s world of late nights and long stretches of seated work. Irregular eating schedules are common and can have grave after-effects in the future. We all would know at least one person who is suffering from Acid reflux in our circle. But seldom do we investigate deeper or learn about the Treatment of hyperacidity until we become affected. Ayurveda in its infinite wisdom has proven remedies that can effectively contain the mal effects caused by acid reflux. Read along to know the Ayurvedic remedies for Acid Reflux. 


What is Acid Reflux?

Acid Reflux is caused when the gastroesophageal sphincter valve between the stomach and esophagus tends to become weak. Usually, this valve will shut tightly after it opens to allow food in. As you know, the stomach uses hydrochloric acids to break down food, digest them and protect against pathogens such as bacteria. For people suffering from acid reflux, the valve would stay open, which allows the stomach acids to flow back up(refluxes) into the esophagus. This ends up causing heartburn and other discomforts. People sometimes have heartburn due to a temporary change in the schedule which will be back to normal once the change is rectified with Acid Reflux natural treatment. However, if it occurs twice a week and/or does not get better with antacids, then you may have GERD. 

Risk Factors of Acid Reflux

Although Acid reflux itself isn’t a life-threatening condition, it can lead to more serious health issues and complications like GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), if it’s left untreated. GERD is the chronic, more severe form of acid reflux that affects people of all ages, sometimes for unknown reasons. In almost all cases, it is due to a lifestyle factor, which can be changed with a little effort but sometimes it can also be due to causes that are out of our hands.

Hiatal (or hiatus) hernia is one cause that is not preventable as it forms a hole in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to enter the chest cavity, which could lead to GERD.

Scleroderma is another autoimmune disorder that increases your risk for GERD, in which the immune system accidentally attacks healthy cells in the body. People suffering from Scleroderma also have GERD because the most commonly affected organ in scleroderma is the esophagus.

GERD has also been known to be associated with a number of other upper respiratory problems that include Asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Experts believe that there is a firm connection between GERD and Asthma, but are unsure if the latter is caused by the former or vice versa.  Similarly, having GERD may make your COPD symptoms worse.

Gastroparesis is a condition, that is seen to develop in people with diabetes(usually type 1), which is characterized by delayed stomach emptying. It can make you more prone to develop GERD due to the pressure within the stomach increasing, which in turn can lead to reflux.

Celiac disease is often associated with GERD which is triggered by a protein called gluten found in grains, like barley, rye, wheat, etc. Although experts aren't sure whether consuming gluten causes GERD, studies have shown that a gluten-free diet considerably reduces symptoms of GERD. 


Ayurvedic Treatment Of Acid Reflux

According to Ayurvedic, the diseases in our body are caused by the imbalance in the Doshas(humor) of the body. A controlled diet and appropriate medicines are prescribed to correct the vitiated pitta. Ayurvedic remedies for Acid Reflux include Panchakarma therapies like Vamana and Virechana that have been suggested for Chronic Hyperacidity patients based on the severity. 

Vamana: Herbal medication is given so that the toxins melt down and accumulate in the upper body cavities. After that, vomiting is induced by emetic medicine and decoction. This procedure is highly effective and also suitable for other ailments related to Kapha and Pitta doshas like Asthma, Indigestion, obesity, etc.

Virechana: In Sanskrit, it means 'purging' or laxative and this step involves a deep cleaning of the bowels. It cleans out all impurities accumulated in the intestines, liver, and gall bladder. This procedure is suited for other aliments related to Pita doshas like liver and spleen disorders, celiac infection, stomatitis, herpes, etc.

Herbal formulations are also used to cure acid reflux in Ayurveda. Depending on the body type and severity of the diseases, the best ayurvedic medicine for acid reflux include the following:   

  • Jeerakadyarishtam 
  • Chandansavam
  • Dadimasthaka Churna
  • Avipattikar Churna
  • Triphala Churna 
  • Lavan Bhaskar Churna
  • Abhyarishtam 
  • Pippalyasavam


Best Practises to prevent acid reflux

Choose Food items Wisely: fatty, greasy, acidic, and spicy foods are known to cause reflux. Onions, peppermint, garlic, tomato sauce, citrus, and dark chocolate can trigger acid reflux.
Regulate your eating schedule: Finishing your dinner at least 2 to 3 hours before going to bed will give your stomach sufficient time to digest the food you’ve eaten. Besides, chewing slowly and eating smaller portions is recommended to prevent excess reflux.

Lose excess weight: Carrying excess weight can make it easier for acid to rise into your esophagus. Especially if it’s around your middle area as it can push your stomach upward.
Limit alcohol and caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine are known to increase acid reflux.

Quit smoking: Smoking affects the sphincter and makes it more difficult for the valve to separate your esophagus from your stomach to close properly.

Elevated Sleeping Position:  If acid reflux and heartburn are more prone to strike at night, use special wedge pillows that are made for people with GERD. Alternatively, elevate the head part of your bed so that your upper body is slightly higher than your stomach to let gravity help your cause.

Avoid Tight Clothes: Tight-fitting pants can force the contents of your stomach upward by putting additional pressure on your abdomen.


Stress is also one of the major causes of hyperacidity. Yoga and meditation are highly effective and can supplement the various methods adopted for the treatment of hyperacidity.  

For effective diagnosis and Herbal treatment in Dubai, book an appointment at Dr. Jasna’s Clinic in Dubai where they treat the root cause and not just the symptoms.