Reflux (backward flow) is a common condition in western civilization, characterized as a gastrointestinal condition that develops when the stomach’s contents (food, digestive secretions, and gas) regurgitate back to the oesophagus causing discomfort, burning sensation in the chest region and pain...
Gastro Intestinal Tract (GIT) health depends on all the organs supporting the digestive system performing in harmony and the gut itself functioning calmly and moving food along through the various stages of digestion until it is converted into a normal stool in the descending colon and discharged.
Stress induced stomach cramps is a situation where there has been produced in the gut a cramp in the normal flowing peristaltic pattern which moves through the whole of the GIT as part of normal functioning.
These sorts of cramps can result in some of the acid contents of the stomach being forced back up the oesophagus and causes a burning sensation, ultimately damaging the hiatal valve at the top of the stomached and the lower end of the oesophagus.
Once the damage from habitual reflux has become permanent the condition is known as Hiatal Hernia.
Reflux is common in babies and does not seem to result often in any permanent damage and it can be controlled by simple practices such as thickening some breast milk with Slippery Elm Bark Powder and giving this along with herbs such as chamomile and fennel for example.
In adults acid reflux tendencies may be exacerbated by particular drinks such as Coke and Coffee or Apple and Orange Juice in excess and by acid forming foods such as too much sugar and white flour in the diet. You should make an effort to reduce these aggravating substances permanently in your diet.
McDowells Recommendations
My herbal treatment suggestions may also involve a course of Slippery Elm Bark Powder. This is given at a dose rate of one dessertspoon daily mixed into a paste with cold Chamomile Tea. Each dose is taken in small swallows and for a continuous period of 12 weeks. Slippery Elm provides a protective lining to the mucosal lining of the oesophagus and stomach, and in 12 weeks should completely heal any irritated areas.
The mix I provide to acid reflux patients consists of the following herbal extracts: Chamomile, Alfalfa, Slippery Elm, Dandelion and Agrimony and the Bach Flower Remedies Walnut and Agrimony. This mix should be taken three times daily at a dose rate of 20 drops per dose and Chamomile tea either hot or cold should be taken also at least three times daily to support the relaxation of the nervous system response involved in the reflux response.
The treatment must be maintained initially for at least 3 months and most folk find that when they have finished with the Slippery Elm they generally benefit further from maintaining the herbal tonic as a supplement for longer, usually until their acid reflux has not troubled them for a period of 6 months or more.
