Find some licorice
If you’re worried an upcoming dinner will leave you feeling the burn, try DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice), says Rose. “This is an extract of licorice root and my favourite herb to help acid reflux. It may also help protect the stomach lining from acid formation,” she says. DGL is typically an alternative to other antacids. It can also be used to help wean you off PPI medication. Take a dose 10 to 20 minutes before eating.
Calm the burn with tea
Warm tea can do more than just soothe the soul. Slippery elm and marshmallow tea can come in handy for heartburn. “These teas contain soothing properties that can coat the stomach and oesophagus and reduce irritation of the mucosal tissue,” says Rose. You can find these two herbs in teas labelled “Throat Coat.” Chamomile tea is another throat-happy option.
Avoid: peppermint or vinegar
Some people may be tempted to drink peppermint tea, and while it has been used to aid digestion, it can aggravate heartburn, says Rose. (Peppermint oil may help as long as it is in enteric-coated capsules.) Similarly, people may use apple cider vinegar (ACV) as a gastric soother, but, as Harvard Medical School points out, there’s a lack of evidence it can treat reflux. It can be helpful if symptoms stem from a lack of stomach acid and/or poor digestion, which can also result in reflux and similar symptoms.
Want to know more about apple cider vinegar? Here are some helpful hints.