In cases of gastritis accompanied by increased stomach acidity, it is especially important to choose the right approach to treatment. Alongside conventional medical therapy, phytotherapy (herbal treatment) often provides very good results, particularly when symptoms such as heartburn, stomach pain, bloating, and discomfort are present. Below, we share simple and time-tested folk remedies that can help relieve heartburn and support stomach health.
It should be noted that gastritis can occur both with increased and decreased acidity, and heartburn may be present in both cases. Therefore, treatment must always be adapted to the specific type of gastritis.
General Recommendations for Gastritis with Increased Acidity
When gastritis is accompanied by increased acidity, the following natural remedies are commonly recommended:
Potato juice
Flaxseed infusion
Licorice root decoction
These remedies help reduce excess stomach acid, protect the gastric mucosa, and relieve inflammation.
However, it is important to understand that heartburn can also occur in gastritis with decreased acidity. In such cases, treatment should not be aimed at neutralizing stomach acid. Instead, the focus should be on:
Improving digestion
Preventing the backflow of bile into the stomach and esophagus
For gastritis with decreased acidity, herbal mixtures often include plantain as a key component.
Below, we present several detailed recipes used in folk medicine to prevent heartburn in cases of chronic gastritis and peptic ulcer disease.
Potato Juice
Potato juice is one of the simplest, most accessible, and most widely known remedies for heartburn associated with chronic gastritis.
How to Use:
Drink freshly squeezed raw potato juice 3–4 times a day, 15–20 minutes before meals.
Treatment Duration:
The recommended course of treatment is 2–3 weeks.
Benefits:
Neutralizes excess stomach acid
Coats and protects the gastric mucosa
Reduces inflammation
Relieves burning sensation and pain
This method is considered one of the easiest and least expensive ways to relieve heartburn caused by chronic gastritis, and it has been used successfully for generations.
Licorice Root Decoction
Licorice root is well known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and mucosal-protective properties, making it especially effective for gastritis with high acidity.
Ingredients:
10 g crushed licorice roots
6 g ground orange peel
2 cups boiling water
60 g honey
Preparation:
Mix the crushed licorice root with the ground orange peel. Pour two cups of boiling water over the mixture and boil until the liquid is reduced by half. Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then add honey and mix well.
How to Take:
Drink the decoction in three doses per day, 10–15 minutes before meals.
Treatment Duration:
One month
Indications:
This remedy is particularly effective for increased stomach acidity, heartburn, and irritation of the stomach lining.
Herbal Decoction (For Decreased Acidity)
This recipe is recommended specifically for gastritis with reduced stomach acidity, where the goal is to stimulate digestion rather than neutralize acid.
Ingredients (Equal Parts):
Crushed plantain leaves
Marshmallow root
Yarrow
St. John’s wort
Caraway seeds
Preparation:
Take 1 tablespoon of the herbal mixture and pour 1 cup of water over it. Bring to a boil over low heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Allow it to cool, then strain.
How to Take:
Drink 2 tablespoons of the decoction 4 times a day, 15–20 minutes before meals.
Benefits:
Improves digestion
Stimulates gastric secretion
Reduces bloating and discomfort
Flaxseed Infusion
Flaxseed is highly valued for its mucilaginous properties, which help protect the stomach lining and reduce irritation caused by excess acid.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons flaxseeds
½ cup boiling water
Preparation:
Pour boiling water over the flaxseeds and let them steep in a covered container for 2–3 hours. Strain before use.
How to Take:
Drink the warm infusion before bedtime, especially if heartburn occurs mainly at night.
Indications:
This remedy is particularly effective in cases of strong gastric secretion and nighttime heartburn.
Herbal Infusion for Reduced Gastric Secretion
This herbal combination is designed to support digestion and reduce discomfort when stomach acid production is insufficient.
Ingredients:
1 part St. John’s wort
4 parts lemon balm
3 parts plantain
2 parts fresh nettle
2 parts yarrow
Preparation:
Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture and add ⅔ cup of water. Bring to a boil, then let it steep in a covered container for 2–3 hours. Strain before use.
How to Take:
Drink 2 tablespoons of the infusion 4 times a day, 15–20 minutes before meals.
Recommended For:
Gastritis with low acidity, digestive sluggishness, and bloating.
Knotweed Root Infusion
Knotweed root is traditionally used to relieve digestive discomfort, heartburn, bloating, and gas.
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon crushed knotweed root
4 tablespoons powdered lemon balm
Preparation:
Mix the crushed knotweed root with powdered lemon balm. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of the mixture in ⅓ cup of warm water.
How to Take:
Drink 3 times a day, 15–20 minutes before meals.
Indications:
Recommended for:
Heartburn
Abdominal bloating
Flatulence (meteorism)
Important Notes and Precautions
Although these remedies are based on traditional medicine and are generally considered safe, it is important to remember that gastritis is a medical condition that requires proper diagnosis. The effectiveness of treatment largely depends on whether acidity is increased or decreased.
Before starting any herbal treatment:
Consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have chronic conditions
Avoid self-treatment if symptoms are severe or persistent
Combine herbal remedies with a proper diet and lifestyle changes
A gentle diet, avoidance of spicy and acidic foods, stress management, and regular meals play a crucial role in managing gastritis and preventing heartburn.
Conclusion
Phytotherapy can be a valuable supportive approach in the treatment of gastritis and heartburn when used correctly and responsibly. Natural remedies such as potato juice, flaxseed infusion, licorice root decoction, and carefully selected herbal mixtures can help soothe the stomach lining, regulate acid production, improve digestion, and significantly reduce discomfort.
By understanding your body’s needs and choosing the appropriate remedies for your specific type of gastritis, you can achieve better digestive health and improve your overall quality of life in a natural and gentle way.
