Functional Herbs for

Acid Reflux Support

Learn how to use scientifically proven herbs to support:

~ reduction of acute acid reflux symptoms

~ prevention of future flareups

~ maintenance of proper stomach acid levels

~ coating and soothing of the esophagus and stomach

~ repair of damaged tissue

~ proper closure of the lower esophageal sphincter

Chamomile Flowers

~ Scientific Name: Matricaria chamomilla

~ Main Bioactive Compounds and Solubility: Flavonoids (plant pigments), particularly apigenin and luteolin, as well as sesquiterpenes (volatile oils), particularly chamazulene and α-bisabolol. These compounds are all water soluble so a hot water infusion is the best way to extract the bioactives from chamomile flowers.

~ Functional Acid Reflux Benefits: Reduces excessive inflammation along the esophagus and stomach lining (acid reflux can lead to excessive inflammation) and reduces stress (a major trigger of acid reflux).

~ Supporting Research: 1, 2, 3, 4

~ Sourcing: Order dried organic chamomile flowers or order an organic chamomile plant and grow at home in a Garden Tower 2.

~ Recipe: I have a delicious acid reflux support herbal tea recipe with chamomile flowers that you can access here.

Amla Berry

~ Scientific Name: Phyllanthus emblica

~ Main Bioactive Compounds and Solubility: Vitamin C, phenolics, and tannins. These compounds are mainly water soluble so a hot water infusion is the best way to extract the bioactives from amla berries.

~ Functional Acid Reflux Benefits: Supports reduction in regurgitation frequency, heartburn frequency, regurgitation severity, heartburn severity, and protection of the stomach lining.

~ Supporting Research: 1, 2, 3

~ Sourcing: Order dried organic amla berry powder.

~ Recipe: I have a delicious acid reflux herbal tea recipe with amla berry that you can access here.

Licorice Root

~ Scientific Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra

~ Main Bioactive Compounds and Solubility: Glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizinic acid, and isoliquiritin. These compounds are mainly water soluble so a hot water infusion is the best way to extract the bioactives from licorice roots.

~ Functional Acid Reflux Benefits: Coats and soothes the esophagus and stomach lining with mucilage and reduces excessive inflammation along the esophagus and stomach lining.

~ Supporting Research: 1, 2, 3, 4

~ Sourcing: Order dried organic licorice root.

~ Recipe: I have a delicious acid reflux herbal tea recipe with licorice root that you can access here.

Slippery Elm Bark

~ Scientific Name: Ulmus rubra

~ Main Bioactive Compounds and Solubility: Mucilage and tannins. These compounds are all water soluble so a hot water infusion is the best way to extract the bioactives from slippery elm bark.

~ Functional Acid Reflux Benefits: Like licorice root, it coats and soothes the esophagus and stomach lining with mucilage and reduces excessive inflammation along the esophagus and stomach lining.

~ Supporting Research: 1, 2, 3

~ Sourcing: Order dried organic slippery elm bark.

~ Recipe: I have a delicious acid reflux herbal tea recipe with slippery elm bark that you can access here.

Pine Resin

~ Scientific Name: Pinus

~ Main Bioactive Compounds and Solubility: Volatile terpenes, particularly alpha-pinene and beta-pinene, along with resin acids like abietic acid, pimaric acid, and dehydroabietic acid.

~ Functional Acid Reflux Benefits: When you chew pine resin it turns into a gum and then the act of chewing stimulates saliva production which is a great way reduce acute acid reflux symptoms by coating and soothing the esophagus.

~ Supporting Research: 1, 2, 3

~ Sourcing: Order pine resin gum.

© 2025 Tristan Anderson, Functional Herbalist
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
Do not consume these functional herbs for acid reflux support if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking pharmaceutical medications.
Read my full disclaimer or contact me.