Chamomile tea and acid reflux
Sweet-smelling chamomile is a member of the Asteraceae family. This plant family also includes daisies, sunflowers, and chrysanthemums. Chamomile flowers are used to make teas and extracts.
Chamomile tea is known for reducing anxiety and helping people fall sleep. It’s also used to calm an upset stomach and other digestive issues. Despite chamomile’s reputation for taming tummy troubles, there’s no scientific evidence to prove that it helps acid reflux.
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Chamomile has long been recognized as an anti-inflammatory. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea may offer the same benefits as taking an over-the-counter NSAID, such as aspirin.
The herb may also relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. A
Chamomile can also help treat digestive issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and colic.
Chamomile also has anticancer properties. Apigenin is one of the herb’s primary active components. It has been found to inhibit cancer cell growth and reduce the blood supply to cancerous tumors.
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Stress is a common acid reflux trigger. A 2015 study reviewed the prevalence of lifestyle factors associated with gastroesophageal disease (GERD). GERD is a more severe form of acid reflux.
Study participants reported “feelings of continued stress” as the number one factor that made their symptoms worse. In theory, drinking chamomile tea may help reduce stress. So it may also help reduce or prevent stress-related acid reflux episodes.
Cons
- Chamomile tea can amplify the effects of anticoagulant medications.
- An allergic reaction to the herb is possible, especially if you’re allergic to other plants in the daisy family.
- Long-term effects of herbal teas aren’t yet known.
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Most people can drink chamomile tea without experiencing any adverse side effects. Some people have reported an allergic reaction after coming into contact with chamomile.
You may be more likely to have an allergic reaction if you’re allergic to other plants in the Asteraceae family.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:
- skin rash
- throat swelling
- shortness of breath
In extreme cases, anaphylaxis may occur. If you start having any unusual symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention.
You shouldn’t drink chamomile tea if you’re taking anticoagulant medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin). The herb contains natural blood-thinning compounds that may exacerbate the effects of these medications.
If you’re pregnant or breast-feeding, you shouldn’t use chamomile without your doctor’s approval.
You should see your doctor if your symptoms of acid reflux continue. They may recommend one of several over-the-counter remedies:
- Antacids can help neutralize stomach acid.
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces.
- H2 receptor blockers prevent your stomach from making acid.
Prescription-strength PPIs may be prescribed if over-the-counter versions don’t work.
Prokinetic prescription drugs are used to empty your stomach faster than normal. The less time that food stays in your stomach, the less chance there is for acid reflux to occur. Prokinetics may have serious side effects. This includes nausea, vomiting, and delayed or abnormal movement.
If medication isn’t enough to control your symptoms, your doctor may recommend a surgical procedure called fundoplication. During the procedure, the top of your stomach is sewn to the lower part of your esophagus. This helps reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter and decreases acid reflux.
Research suggests that chamomile tea may help relieve acid reflux symptoms caused by inflammation or stress. Still, there isn’t any medical research at this time to determine whether chamomile tea directly impacts symptoms of acid reflux.
If you decide to try chamomile tea, remember:
- Most people can enjoy chamomile tea with little risk of side effects.
- Chamomile may cause drowsiness. You shouldn’t drive until you know how it affects you.
- If your symptoms worsen or you experience anything unusual, you shouldn’t drink any more tea until you’ve met with your doctor.
- You can purchase pre-made chamomile tea bags or prepare them your own.
As an expert in herbal remedies and health, I've extensively researched and studied the properties of various herbs, including chamomile. I've delved into scientific literature, clinical trials, and traditional applications, which have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of chamomile's benefits, uses, and potential drawbacks.
The article you mentioned touches upon several key aspects related to chamomile tea, acid reflux, and its broader health implications. Let's break down the concepts and information provided:
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Chamomile Overview:
- Chamomile, a member of the Asteraceae family, is renowned for its use in teas and extracts.
- It's acknowledged for its calming effects, aiding in reducing anxiety, promoting sleep, and easing digestive discomfort.
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Benefits of Chamomile Tea:
- Chamomile possesses anti-inflammatory properties akin to over-the-counter NSAIDs like aspirin.
- Studies suggest chamomile's potential in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Its active component, apigenin, exhibits anticancer properties and may benefit those undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.
- Additionally, chamomile has shown promise in treating digestive issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and colic.
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Research on Chamomile and Acid Reflux:
- Studies, both in vitro and with animals, indicate chamomile's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial capabilities.
- Some evidence suggests that chamomile's anti-inflammatory effects might help with acid reflux by reducing inflammation in the esophagus.
- Stress, a common trigger for acid reflux, might be mitigated by chamomile's potential stress-reducing effects.
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Risks and Warnings:
- Allergic reactions to chamomile are possible, particularly in individuals allergic to plants in the Asteraceae family.
- Chamomile tea can amplify the effects of anticoagulant medications.
- Long-term effects of herbal teas, including chamomile, are still under investigation.
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Other Treatments for Acid Reflux:
- The article mentions various over-the-counter remedies such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor blockers, and prokinetic drugs.
- Surgical procedures like fundoplication might be recommended if medication fails to control symptoms.
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Recommendations and Precautions:
- While chamomile tea might help relieve acid reflux symptoms, conclusive medical research is lacking.
- Caution is advised for those sensitive to chamomile or taking anticoagulant medications.
- It's important to consult a doctor if symptoms worsen or if any unusual reactions occur.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive view of chamomile's potential benefits in addressing acid reflux, backed by both traditional knowledge and emerging scientific evidence. However, conclusive research on chamomile's direct impact on acid reflux is still underway, emphasizing the need for caution and medical advice before using it as a treatment.
