How to Stop Esophageal Spasms at Home: Natural Remedies and Prevention

| Modified on Jun 08, 2023
Lavender

Esophageal spasms can be a distressing and painful condition that often occurs without clear triggers. These spasms in the esophagus, the muscular tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach, can sometimes be mistaken for heart attack symptoms. While they can be induced by certain foods, stress, or associated medical conditions like GERD, there are also effective natural remedies and preventive measures for esophageal spasms.

In this article, we will explore how to stop esophageal spasms at home using natural substances such as aloe vera, cayenne pepper, and specific dietary modifications.

Home Remedies to Alleviate an Esophageal Spasm Attack

Cayenne Pepper

Oddly enough, cayenne pepper can relieve esophageal spasms for some people, even though spicy foods may trigger them for others. By adding 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to 6 ounces of juice and sipping it gradually, it may provide relief.

Chamomile Tea

This comforting beverage can be consumed warm or cool, as per individual comfort. Note, though, that extremely hot or cold drinks can stimulate a spasm, so maintain moderate temperatures in your tea.

Hydration

Keeping a bottle of water within reach at all times is advisable. If an esophageal spasm attack occurs, slow sips of water and deep breathing can help manage it.

Apple Cider Vinegar

A digestive aid, apple cider vinegar can be mixed with water to create a tonic that may help during an attack. Drinking this tonic once or twice a day might also prevent future spasms.

Natural Preventive Remedies for Esophageal Spasms

Aloe Vera

Known for its digestive benefits, consuming a few tablespoons of aloe vera juice before meals can help prevent esophageal spasms.

Blackstrap Molasses

This is a natural source of concentrated nutrients including magnesium, which can prevent muscle spasms.

Magnesium

Essential for muscle function, including that of the esophagus, magnesium is a mineral that helps muscles relax, thus preventing spasms.

Each person's triggers for esophageal spasms may differ. Various factors, such as certain foods (e.g., bread), caffeine, alcohol, stress, rushed eating, and inadequately chewed food, can induce attacks.

Modifying Eating Habits

Unhealthy and hasty eating habits can contribute to esophageal spasms. Slow, mindful eating, thorough chewing, and opting for nutritious options like kefir smoothies over fast food can go a long way in reducing your risk of spasms.

Maintaining General Health

Esophageal spasms are often associated with other health problems, especially those related to digestion. Implementing natural remedies to address these other health issues could alleviate your spasms without additional effort.

Conclusion

While natural remedies can help manage and prevent esophageal spasms, it is crucial to seek professional medical advice, especially if experiencing symptoms for the first time. Given that the symptoms can resemble or accompany a heart attack, it's important to understand the situation accurately.

Continue reading below to learn which remedies, such as MSM and Lavender Oil, helped our readers with their condition. Please share your own natural remedies for esophageal spasms with us.




Cayenne

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Posted by Julie (Tn) on 10/18/2016 4 posts
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I occasionally have esophageal spasms associated with acid reflux. Anyone who has experienced their esophagus suddenly going into spasms knows what an incredibly painful phenomenon it is; it also can be scary since it somewhat mimics cardiac chest pain. I have found no pattern as to when it happens, no particular foods to blame. (In fact, sometimes it happens on an empty stomach.)

So, cayenne pepper: I have found that cayenne pepper shuts this down - completely, and usually within a matter of seconds. I place a pinch of cayenne - sometimes even half a teaspoon or so - on the back of my tongue, let it sit there for a second and swallow very gradually. (Hard to explain but I hope that's clear! ) I just let it slowly go down my throat. Of course, this will make you cough like crazy, so have something to drink handy.

I'm not a doctor nor do I play one on TV (for those old enough to get that joke) and there may well be a number of different causes for esophageal spasm, so I can't vouch for this cure for everyone. But for me, it's so effective, simple, and cheap that I wanted to share with others who suffer this very painful condition and might be on the prescription drug pinwheel, trying one thing after another that may not work or may cause side effects. Gather your courage and give this a shot!


Coconut Oil, Raw Honey

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Posted by Jergar Update2 (Yucaipa, Ca.) on 04/30/2017
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Coconut Oil and Raw Honey for Esophageal Spasms

Hi, this is a good one!

Was talking to my 84 year old mother told her about my esophageal spasms in my throat . Still having them once in a while. She said oh you have nervous throat. Take 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and 1 teaspoon of raw honey let dissolve in your mouth and swallow slowly. Do it once a day. It's been 2 weeks haven't had a attack since! And no tightness or nervous feeling in my throat! So I've added this to my other remedies but have stopped the skullcap - too sedating.


Cold Water

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Posted by Magnolia16 (Keller, Va) on 10/19/2016
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Esophageal Spasms

A doctor's wife told me of this cure for these painful spasms: drink a glass of cold water. This works for me also and I just keep a bottle of water by the bed as my spasms occur mostly at night. But come to think of it, I have been doing the ACV and honey twice a day for about a month now, and have not had any spasms.


Magnesium

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Posted by Jim (Mount Albert, Ontario ) on 03/24/2023
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Esophageal Spasms

Recovering from food poisoning, I found that I was going through severe heartburn and esophageal spasms. Very painful. I suspected that it might be due to a magnesium deficiency. I took a 150g capsule of Magnesium citrate with a little bit of water, and within twenty minutes or so my spasms started to disappear. It also appeared to have helped my heartburn also. Very inexpensive and effective. God Bless.


MSM

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Posted by Matt (Houston, TX) on 10/15/2020
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I've had esophageal spasms for going on 10 years. I've had every kind of test and have taken all sorts of medicines because of incorrect diagnoses. I've been taking the MSM alone since I have yet to find lavender oil and in about 4 days I've had maybe a very light and short lasting spasm which quickly went away with some cool water. I'm taking 1000mg of MSM a day morning noon and night. Thanks for the tip! So far so good. Before I read Jeger's post, the frequency was becoming debilitating and this has really helped me. Thanks again so much!!!


MSM, Lavender Oil

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Posted by Jergar (Ca) on 03/09/2017
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Hi, been diagnosed with esophageal spasms, after heart palpitations ruled out. Valium does work to stop them, but I didn't want to walk around like a zombie all day. I have suffered from GAD for years also. Started researching and remembered about a Lavender oil supplement for anxiety. After not sleeping for a few days went and got some and combined with 900mgs of MSM 3 times a day which is good for muscle spasms. This combo stopped the spasms within 8 hrs! Lavender oil is super for bad nerves and the MSM is also a calming agent and is good for the stomach and your body in general.

So this is my remedy . 1 or 2 soft gels of lavender oil, 900 mgs of MSM morning noon and night you can take with meals for a total of 2700mgs, get a good quality MSM . You can take more MSM if needed. I'm guessing that the spasms are caused by over active nerves. You can ask your DR. but they don't have a clue. Hope this helps someone out there believe me I have felt and feel your pain and anxiety.

Replied by Jergar
(Ca)
03/22/2017

Update from JerGar on esophageal spasms.

Hi, I have added things to my remedy, have found that skullcap really calms my nerves and thus has an effect on esp spasms. I don't have that nervous feeling in my throat . Also started taking magnesium powder, fish oil and b vitamin complex. A plus is my anxiety level is way down also! I'm convinced a lot of illness is because of almost no nutritional value in our food, so we must supplement with vitamins and minerals. Good Luck to everyone!

Replied by Inge
(Florida)
07/17/2017

Hi Jergar,

Would you be so kind and tell us what brand name of lavender oil (all say for external use), B complex and MSM that you use? I have already spent soooo much on supplements that I rather try what you're using. Thank you so much in advance! Inge


Vagus Nerve Stimulation

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Posted by Jergar Update# 3 (Yucaipa) on 05/08/2017
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Hi,

While doing more research on ESP, came across another site where people were having the same symptoms as I have. Tightness in throat, spasms, fluttering heart etc. These symptoms are caused by the Vagus nerve. This nerve runs to every major organ in our body. It regulates the heart rate, stomach acid and the fight or flight response and other functions. If it is damaged or not toned it will cause the problems many of us have! Stress has a direct effect on this nerve! Lavender oil works directly one this nerve from what I've read, that's why it gives some relief.Lemon Balm also and it helps you retain gaba that keeps you calm. But you have to stimulate the Vagus nerve also. You can do this a few different ways. Go online and search Vagus nerve stimulation. The one I found that works best for me is this breathing exercise, Breath in and out through your nose. Breath in for 4 secs. Hold it for 4 secs. Breath out for 4 secs.Hold for 4 secs. Then repeat this cycle 6 to 12 times 3 times a day. I started this 1 day ago and felt better almost immediately! Had the best sleep with almost no fluttering feeling in my chest . By doing this exercise you are toning the Vagus nerve, hopefully with good nutrition, coco nut oil and raw honey that gave me relief from the throat spasms, herbs and the breathing exercise, life will return to normal. Please do the research and give this a try.

Replied by Ove
(Norway)
07/20/2017

These spasms can be extremely painful. I'll begin to use the breathing exercise mentioned by Jergar.
At least it makes you feel good when done.

According to Mayo Clinic a peppermint sweet may calm the nerves and prevent attacks.

Stress is bad, I've never had an attack being in motion, exercising (walking, cycling, jogging, badminton, tennis etc...).

The most painful ones coming at work...have to calm down :).



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