Heartburn scares many people because in some cases it is associated with symptoms similar to those of a heart attack. It develops when stomach acid leaks back into the oesophagus, causing a painful, uncomfortable and burning sensation in the throat. Heartburn can be caused by many things. Smoking can be the cause, but overweight people often complain to their GP about it.
Some medicines – such as aspirin, antibiotics, antidepressants – can make the symptoms worse. What can you do if you have heartburn? The consensus of knowledgeable professionals is that once you feel a little ‘burning’ and drink a glass of water, your symptoms will not get worse.
Bicarbonate of soda is also widely recommended as it neutralises stomach acid. Mix a few drops of lemon juice and a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in 2 dl of water and drink it, and you will soon be rid of the unpleasant symptoms.
Some vegetables also have an alkalizing effect. Squeeze the juice from these vegetables and drink it. Which vegetables are good for heartburn? For example, celery, carrots, beetroot, cucumber and radishes.
Heartburn can be accompanied by nausea and sickness. Ginger tea can help to relieve these symptoms. To do this, grate a large fingerful of ginger root, pour 2 dl of hot water over it, strain it after a few minutes and drink it. But it is not important to strain it, as the taste of ginger is very pleasant.
Other herbs can also be used for heartburn. These include anise, cumin and fennel, which can be made into a tea to soothe and relieve heartburn symptoms.
Ayurvedic medicine not only has a long history in India, but is also prominent in the present, where people are often recommended to drink cinnamon and cardamom herbal teas for heartburn, which should be sipped slowly.
Medicinal ziliz is also very popular for relieving heartburn. The active ingredients of the herb penetrate the mucous membrane of the oesophagus and thus heartburn does not cause unpleasant symptoms. But liquorice can also help if you suffer from heartburn regularly.