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Given our diet today, it's no wonder that majority of us have acid reflux and heartburn problems. Our food mainly consists of junk, greasy and all those foods that are not good for our health. In such circumstances, the first thing that we do, is reach out for those over-the-counter pills that we hope will help us stop our acid reflux problems.

However, rather than taking those pills, why not consider herbal remedies to help relieve you of your acid reflux problem. Herbal remedies can help provide you relief and that too without the side effects that the normal antacids do. A word of caution though - if you do suffer from regular bouts of acid reflux and heartburn problems; it's advisable to see a doctor.

One of the most effective ways of taking herbal remedies is in tea form. There are many herbs that can be consumed as tea - and this allows the body to absorb the properties of the herb rather quickly. In fact, the popular herbs can often be found in tea-bag form. If you do purchase such teas, all you need to do is follow the instructions on the package. If you have the roots, leaves of flowers of the herbs, you can also consider making the tea yourself. You would just have to pour boiling water over the herbs and allow it to rest for ten minutes.

A popular herb that aids in digestive disorders is chicory. It is often used as a substitute for coffee and it is the root of this herb that is mainly used. Though the flowers and leaves are also useful in digestive ailments.

Another useful and common herbal remedy for acid reflux is chamomile. It has excellent properties and is popular for its relaxing properties. Taken mainly in tea form, it's easily available and a cup of tea just before night time helps with heartburn. However, if you are allergic to ragweed, you need to stay away from chamomile.

Lavender is another common herb taken in the evenings - for acid reflux. It helps reduce acid in the stomach.

Peppermint is yet another soothing herb and helps in stomach digestion, gas problems, ulcers and cramp; though it is not really suitable for heartburn. Those who suffer from GERD or gastroesphageal reflux disease, needs to stay away from peppermint, as its relaxant properties are known to relax the lower esophageal sphincter.

Herbs such as fennel, slippery elm, catnip and ginger are other great herbal remedies for acid reflux. Before taking some of these herbs, you need to check if you are suitable for it. For example, women who are pregnant need to avoid taking catnip. It's best to talk to your doctor about the herbal remedies that would work best for you.

While herbal remedies may not alleviate your acid reflux problem, it will definitely provide you some relief, and of course there are the added health benefits that they provide.

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