Acid Reflux
Natural Remedies

  1. Home
  2. Ailments

Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux Relief

| Modified on Apr 07, 2025
Add New Post Comments
Apple Cider Vinegar

Acid reflux—also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, bloating, and discomfort. While medications are commonly used, many people find relief with natural remedies that support long-term digestive balance.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Though it’s acidic, apple cider vinegar may actually help improve low stomach acid, a common contributor to acid reflux.

  • How to Use: Mix 1–2 teaspoons of ACV in a glass of warm water. Drink 15–30 minutes before meals.
  • Tip: Start with small amounts to gauge your tolerance. Always dilute ACV to protect your enamel and throat.

2. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe irritation in the esophagus and digestive tract.

  • How to Use: Drink 1/2 cup of pure, preservative-free aloe vera juice before meals.

3. Ginger

Ginger calms the stomach, reduces inflammation, and improves digestion.

  • How to Use: Steep fresh ginger slices in hot water for 10–15 minutes. Drink before or after meals to reduce reflux symptoms.

4. Baking Soda

Baking soda temporarily neutralizes stomach acid and provides quick relief.

  • How to Use: Mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in a glass of water and drink slowly. Use occasionally only, as it may affect sodium balance.

5. Slippery Elm

This soothing herb coats the esophagus and helps reduce irritation.

  • How to Use: Stir 1–2 tablespoons of slippery elm powder into water and drink after meals.

6. Licorice Root (DGL)

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) may help protect the stomach lining without the side effects of traditional licorice.

  • How to Use: Chew DGL tablets 20 minutes before meals or sip licorice tea.

7. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile has calming effects that relax the digestive tract and reduce stress-related reflux.

  • How to Use: Drink a cup 30 minutes before bedtime or after dinner to ease symptoms.

8. Probiotics

Probiotics help maintain gut flora balance, reduce bloating, and support digestion.

  • How to Use: Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut into your meals. Or take a high-quality probiotic supplement daily.

9. Lifestyle Habits That Help

  • Eat smaller, frequent meals: Prevents pressure buildup in the stomach.
  • Identify and avoid trigger foods: Common culprits include spicy dishes, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, citrus, and fried foods.
  • Don’t lie down right after eating: Wait at least 2–3 hours before reclining or going to bed.
  • Elevate the head of your bed: Use risers or a wedge pillow to keep acid from traveling upward during sleep.
  • Manage weight: Reducing abdominal pressure can significantly improve reflux symptoms.
  • Reduce stress: Try breathing exercises, meditation, or gentle yoga.

Final Thoughts

Natural remedies for acid reflux offer gentle yet effective ways to soothe discomfort and improve digestion. With the right combination of herbs, dietary shifts, and daily habits, many people experience lasting relief without relying on long-term medication.

Keep reading below to see how Earth Clinic readers have used these natural remedies for acid reflux—and feel free to share your own experience to help others!

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Sort by Default New Loved

Acidophilus

9 User Reviews
5 star (8) 
  89%
1 star (1) 
  11%
Write a review
Posted by Rachael (Chicago, Il) on 12/23/2016
 ★☆☆☆☆

I tried an acidophilus supplement for the first time in my life, trying to get rid of really bad acid reflux. I am a supplement freak -- but I didn't want to spend lots of money on good bacteria for my insides, when I could just eat yogurt. I fully expected, based on these reviews and my internet searching, that acidophilus would heal the acid reflux. Here I am a month later, still looking for a cure, because the acidophilus did absolutely nothing for me.

Replied by Hema
(Florida)
12/24/2016

Hi Rachel,

This is what I am doing for my acid reflux. I am drinking fennel seed water and black raisin three times a day. I boil fenned seed powder or seed and black raisin at night for 15min and drinking that jucie in the empty stomach. Make again after one hour of lunch and before bed time. It really works for acidity. If you don't like raisin, you can make only fennel seed water and take with honey. It really works. Hopefully it works for you and everyone who is looking for natural way to reduce or cure acid reflux

Mary Anne Haskins
(Northern IL)
04/24/2024

Looking to get the amounts of fennel, raisins, and water for this recipe please. Thank you.

Replied by Travelwedge
(New York)
01/06/2017

Hi Rachel

Acidophilus alone will not cure acid reflux. First it will help your stomach have a better healthy balance but for most people its not a cure by itself. Second standard yogurt only has a small amount of acidophilus and only 2 or 3 kinds. To make a difference you want a capsule with 15 billion or more from as many different strains.

For many people its not just about the acid in their stomach but also about the lower esophageal sphincter. This is what keeps the acid in your stomach. If that is not working correctly you will never solve your problem completely.

Have you tried sleeping with your head raised?

Replied by Prosperous1
(Va)
01/30/2017

Apple Cider Vinegar is good for acid reflux also, get the one with the 'mother' in it.

Replied by Idow
(Jupiter, Fl)
04/15/2017

Hema, thank you so much for posting about fennel and raisin tea. It helped! Have you been able to cure your acid reflux? And if so, what other natural remedies have you used? I can't seem to tolerate any type of processed food, especially breads and cereals with additives. Thank you so much for your help!

Replied by Cecily
(Nc)
08/14/2017

I noticed at 37 years old that if I ate bread products I got tremendous heartburn. It was so bad I had precancerous cells growing in my throat. I went gluten free and in the three years since being GF I have only had two GERD attacks and I believe it was because something I ate was contaminated with gluten. GERD is an inflammatory reaction, something you are eating is having a negative impact on your body and your body is attempting to attack it to reduce its impact on your body. Try eliminating foods in your diet to find what the culprit is. I am keeping activated charcoal on hand for an accidental contamination.

beverly
(Texas)
04/05/2022

Activated charcoal is good but remember it can cause constipation, so compensate for that.

Replied by Carmel
(Essex, England)
05/26/2022

Most yoghurts are heat treated and then the "live" bacteria is added after. Any that was there before was killed in the process.. Same as vitamin d is added to fish oil capsules etc. You need a few biotics to work, and one month is nowhere near enough anyway. It also depends on when you take them and if you use prebiotics before and during taking them.

Replied by Christina
(TN)
04/07/2023

Have you been checked for H. Pylori? It may be that.

Acidophilus
Posted by Pam5083 (Buchanan, Va) on 05/16/2014
 ★★★★★

I've been suffering with GERD since my gallbladder surgery. It has been pretty painful at times. I was never able to take the meds for it (too many side affects). The Apple cider vinegar tore my stomach up. My routine is papaya enzyme after each meal and acidophilus at bedtime with chamomile tea. You have to make lifestyle changes too. No caffeine, smoking. I eat to live not live to eat. My meals are simple grilled meats and lots of fruits and vegetables. Processed bread seemed to make it worse so I went to gluten free. I've given up all spices and seasonings and no longer miss them. Switched from whole milk to coconut milk. Exercise is just 30 minutes of walking. Losing weight will help.

Acidophilus
Posted by Sugarpuff (Christchurch, Canterbury) on 05/15/2013
 ★★★★★

Hi had been suffering from terrible acid reflux. So took the advice on here and brought a Probotic from the chemist. After 3 days no reflux so I just take one everyday and its gone away. So thanks for the great advice.

Acidophilus
Posted by Anonymouscat (La, Ca) on 04/14/2013
 ★★★★★

I took some parasite medication for a few days on an empty stomach soon I had a burning stomach and esphogas and acid reflux... Feeling I was also having shortness of breath and pressure type of feeling on my chest, My ND gave me probiotics and told me to open the capsules dump the content into a 1/2 glass of water and swish the probiotics powder in my mouth then drink it down. And the ND suggested pt drinking lactose free PLAIN KEFIR no sugar in and within 24 hours I felt a dramatic change, within three days I had zero pain and my symptoms all feel away.

Acidophilus
Posted by James (Hartford, Ct) on 04/03/2013
 ★★★★★

I take acidophilus every night for its beneficial bacteria. I noticed about a week after I started taking it that I no longer get acid reflux. I take 2 refrigerated pills with a glass of water just before going to bed. Highly recommend this.

Replied by Mckenzie
(Charlotte, NC)
04/06/2013

James, How much acidophilus are you taking per day? How many million or billion CFUs in total?

Is it a single strain or a multi strain probiotic??

Thanks!

Replied by Joy
(La)
11/26/2013

My doctor gave me therelac, and I bought a probiotic that has was in the freezer section that a grocery store it is a organic raw probiotics powder it has 500 billion CfU with 34 strains it has the USDA approval I swear one day they will have gadzillion cfu's My Chinese medicine doctor suggested slippery elm to calm the stomach and fresh ginger in water, body biotics first I had ever heard of it wnt on Amazon and bought the highly rated Broad Spectrum Probioic Prebiotic Powder He told me that our produce is washed and sterilized so many times before it gets to the plate that it is not allowing the body to build the flora it needs. He told me just eat things right out our garden without washing it and allowing the good flora to build up in the system . The oral surgeon, told me he is telling his grandchildren not to use those antibacterial pumps they have in public place, because it disrupts the bodies ability to build up the natural resistance it needs to protect itself. Something to think about it.

Acidophilus
Posted by Ren (New Orleans , La) on 12/25/2008
 ★★★★★

Probiotics has helped me with my acid reflux tremendously. I take them daily before or after a meal and am very satisfied.

Acidophilus
Posted by Toomba (Kuching, Malaysia) on 05/27/2007
 ★★★★★

66 percent of cases, a treatment consisting primarily of acidophilus and digestive enzymes will usually do the trick. In Dr. Spreen's words: "Acidophilus supplements (powder form, the liquid tastes awful) protect the oesophagus without killing acid (while killing the pain almost immediately). The hassle is, you have to keep it handy and take it often if you don't solve the whole problem, which involves tightening the gastro oesophageal sphincter. Dr. Spreen describes his treatment as "ridiculously simple and cheap." And while he feels confident that he can stop more than 2/3 of all heartburn and reflux cases.

Acidophilus
Posted by Max (Greene, NY) on 05/20/2007
 ★★★★★

I have been suffering from acid reflux for many years; I came across your website and tried the pure cherry juice as well as the acidophilus pills. I ran out of the cherry juice and can't comment on how well it worked but I can tell you that the acidophilus has been working; I was taking it at night after my meal and was sleeping without a problem. I'd recently taken a few generic pain relievers and coincidentally or not my acid reflux returned; I'm going to carefully monitor when I take it and how I feel from now on.

Acidophilus
Posted by David (Fort lauderdale, FL) on 05/09/2007
 ★★★★★

I have only one word.. Probiotics'... After 15 years of taking toxic medications, I found a nutritionist who introduce me to Probiotics... Trust me just find a website that sells this product. I personally take _____. Stop taking those life threntening medication for gastrointestinal problems and try probiotic, you will thank me...I take a few before or after every meal.... You will not be disappointed I promise... Good luck...

Activated Charcoal

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Susanrose (Orange County, Ca) on 06/14/2012
 ★★★★★

I have tried nearly all of the remedies listed here for Acid Reflux. The only thing that has greatly helped me is a recommendation from a lady at the local vitamin store. I now take Activated Charcoal capsules, 260 mg. I take two at a time, up to 3 times daily. Sometimes 2 capsules per day is enough. It helps tremendously. I was in bad pain nearly all the time, but thank God, now this seems a minor pain.

Acupressure

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Ila (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) on 03/14/2009
 ★★★★★

Hi All, Would like to share a trick I use when I get acid reflux at night and have no ACV or other remedy at hand. Fluff up your pillow, get into bed and roll over onto your LEFT SIDE, make a fist and press into the hollow area at centre of chest just under your rib cage, and above the stomach. If you use enough pressure, you should feel relief within a minute or two, it works almost immediately for me. I hope it may work for others also. Never sleep on your right side, as it tends to make the reflux worse. It is very difficult for me to get ACV down my throat ,as I dislike it so much, it gives me shivers just thinking about it. I managed to get it down mixed with some water a few times so I know it works for acid reflux. Now I just sip a little pickle juice but I don't recommend this for others because of the salt content,Thanks for the great site,cheers to all,Ila

Alkaline Acid Diet

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  100%
Write a review
Posted by Carolyn (Hobbs, Nm) on 04/25/2010
 ★★★★★

I have read so very much on this site about those of us with Acid Reflux. I have tried everything and nothing seemed to work until I discovered that acid problems are caused by eating too many or too much food that produces acid. Then I discovered the alkaline diet which has wonderful foods on it and it has changed my life. There are still wonderful foods on this diet. I make a green smoothie for breakfast with spinach, a banana, an apple, and a handful of greens such as spring mix or any of the other dark lettuces or kale,collards, etc. I also add a scoop of Whey Protein and 1 T. Chia seeds. Then I add 8 oz. water and a small glass of ice. I blend all of this in my Vitamix and drink this power house of nutrition. I'm not even hungry at noon many times. Then for lunch and dinner I eat from the alkaline side of the alkaline acid chart that you can download after you google acid alkaline food list. When I eat like this I never burn or have acid problems and don't need acid drugs of any kind. It has been wonderful for me. I love snacking on dates, figs, other dried fruits, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, etc. And isn't this the way God intended for us to eat? I also take Michael James minerals and potassium capsules because they also help to keep you alkaline. Chlorella is also alkaline. It helps too. This protocol works for everyone.

God Bless and good luck,
Carolyn

Alkaline Acid Diet
Posted by Vanya (Frankfort, Indiana) on 11/08/2008
 ★★★★★

I have had Acid Reflux for 6 and 1/2 years. Tried every prescription and non prescription medicine on the market, they all stopped working after while. I am ACID FREE since September 22-08(for good) I stopped my Protonix (despite my doctor opinion)

I read about the alkalizing diet and started on it right away. I start my day with 2oz of Aloe Vera Gel, then I take enzyme pill and eat breakfast. I am taking enzymes right before every meal. Then I drink a cup of chamomile tea with honey or molasses instead of sugar. I eat an apple around 10 am. Sometimes a pear. After lunch I take B complex vitamin, don't forget the enzyme pill too (it helps to digest the food better) Sometimes I feel a little bit discomfort in my stomach and I become afraid of getting the acid back, at those moments I chew raw almonds ( I always have some in my purse) and I feel fine! And , at last but most important I take PROBIOTICS, 5 or 6 per day, just anytime during the day. The more cultures they contain the better you feel, because we all need to replenish the good bacteria in our intestines (we live in a very stressful and poisoned environment)

Thank you all for the valuable information on this website! God Bless You all...

Alkaline Acid Diet
Posted by Cynthia (Bergen County, New Jersey) on 11/23/2007
 ★★★★★

All these remedies do not address what people are putting initially in their bodies! Everyone is consuming acid causing foods. The basic theory is that acidic foods (ex. orange) cause an alkaline tummy. Alkaline foods cause an acid stomache. If you eat a lot of bread, rice, grains, etc. you will have reflux or an acid stomache. If you balance your diet with fruits and vegetables you will greatly reduce your chance of an acidic stomache. Find an acid alkaline food chart on google. There are quite a few. This explains why some people found relief from apples. It is an alkalizing fruit! So are beets, broccoli, carrots, etc. But be careful! Some fruits and vegees are acidifying like corn, lentils, blueberries, cranberries, canned fruits, plums, prunes, etc. That is why the chart is so important. I was a candidate for nexium and anti-acid pills. However, I changed my life by maintaining the acid alkaline diet. Please consider this. I've changed a lot of people's lives by sharing this information. However, a couple of my friends and family who have NOT taken this advice are now on anti-acid pills. Oh, by the way, fennel seed tea is a miracle worker for after dinner tummy calming. It helps to maintain an alkaline tummy. I need 2 cups to be helpful (I'm 144 lbs). Find the right dose for you. Best of luck!! Here's to your health!

Almonds

4 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
  75%
1 star (1) 
  25%
Write a review
Posted by Tariq (Abu Dhabi, Uae) on 08/14/2011
 ★★★★★

Try 4 to 5 Almonds. It is a very good tested treatment for ACID REFLUX.


NEXT 
1 2 3 4 ...28 Next Page
Advertisement

Please note that we use cookies necessary for the functioning of our website, cookies that optimize the performance. To learn more about our cookies, how we use them and their benefits, please read our Privacy Policy