Can You Use Basil to Control Acid Reflux?
Acid reflux is a condition characterized by over-production of acid secreted by the glands of the stomach. In some cases it has been found that reflux and GERD occur when there is not enough stomach acid present or an imbalance of the different stomach acids used for digestion. According to mamaherb.com, certain substances such as basil can help sooth the effects of acid reflux on the stomach and esophageal lining, helping to heal irritation and sores as well as preventing food and acids from regurgitating back up into the esophagus and throat. Here are a few ideas for using basil to control your acid reflux.
Step 1
Make a tea from fresh basil leaves for relief of reflux symptoms, suggests Herbs2000.com. For 1 cup, steep 3 basil leaves in 6-8 oz. boiling water for 15 minutes. Remove the leaves and drink the tea. If you prefer it a little sweeter, use raw honey, which also helps reduce acid reflux symptoms. Do not use any dairy.
Step 2
Brew a pot of basil tea by adding about 12-15 leaves to a teapot of boiling water. Allow this to steep for 30 minutes. Remove the basil leaves and either drink hot as described in Step 1 or chill and drink as iced tea. If the tea is too strong, dilute with a little water. The cold version is very soothing for reflux symptoms.
Step 3
Use dried basil to make a tea by placing a tablespoon in a tea ball or a small linen bag with a tight weave to contain the herb. The bag can be reused. Place the tea ball or linen bag, available from Internet stores, in a cup of boiling water and steep until you have the desired strength you like. Discard the basil after doing so.
Step 4
Purchase or make basil capsules with dried herb for use with acid reflux. The can be found at health food stores or you can buy gel caps online and a small loading device that makes it easier to fill the capsules, according to Herbs2000.com. Make a powder in a spice or coffee grinder and fill the capsules. Talk to an herbal specialist for suggestions on dosing for your particular needs.
Step 5
Add fresh or dried basil to foods whenever possible or make a basil-infused, olive oil mix in the blender and use it to season any food of your choice, recommends HomeRemedies.com.
Things You'll Need
Fresh or dried basil
Boiling water
Tea cup or mug
Gel capsules
Powdered basil
Olive oil
Spice bottle with shaker top
Tip
Grow your own basil. Fresh is always more flavorful. It will grow nicely in a pot on your window sill or in the garden and you'll always have a fresh supply.
Snip the flowers before they bloom to keep the basil plant from going to seed.
Make a green spice mix using basil, oregano, thyme, marjoram and whatever other herbs you enjoy. Place in an empty spice bottle with a shaker top to have on hand for any seasoning needs you desire.
Experiment with using the tea until you find the correct strength and quantity that helps but has no side effects. Same goes for using powdered basil in capsules. Start with one a day and see how you do.
Milk aggravates acid reflux by promoting additional acid production in the stomach, explains registered dietician Gloria Tsang of HealthCastle.org.
Warning
Add basil to your diet slowly. It is a member of the mint family and too much can cause stomach upset.
The information offered here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace medical advice.
