When I was first diagnosed with acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), all I wanted was to get the perfect medication to ease the discomfort I'd been feeling for weeks, including excruciating headaches, sore throats, diarrhea, heartburn, and chest pains.
My doctor assured me that with the right pills, I would be back to normal in no time. But as the days turned into weeks, I noticed that while some symptoms eased, others seemed to worsen. Headaches, nausea and even persistent sore throats became unwelcome companions. Then, I began to wonder if there was another way that didn't involve more medications and their seemingly endless side effects.
Struggling with GERD medications
GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid often leaks back into the esophagus. This acid reflux can break down the tissue of the esophagus. GERD is more than just occasional heartburn; it's an ongoing issue that can significantly affect your quality of life.
My doctor first prescribed over-the-counter medications, such as antacids to neutralize stomach acid, histamines or H-2 blockers to reduce acid production, and proton pump inhibitors to block acid production and heal my gut. . I finally thought I would be fine once I finished the dose, but I was wrong.
After two weeks, I went back because the meds were only effective for a while and I had developed more severe symptoms of acid reflux and GERD. Again, my doctor prescribed strong prescription drugs that included Proton Pump Inhibitors and H-2 Blockers. I thought this was the end of my struggles; however, I was still struggling with issues such as nausea, headaches, and diarrhea, with additional health problems from decreased vitamin B-12 and magnesium levels, which were side effects of the medication.
As the cycle continued, there was the possibility of surgical procedures such as fundoplication, leading to frustration and a sense of defeat. Since the side effects of acid reflux and GERD medications had severe side effects, my doctor recommended lifestyle changes as a way to eliminate GERD symptoms and improve my holistic health. This is when I started to consider a more holistic approach.
Holistic approach
I began researching the best holistic approaches to ease my health journey and found diet, lifestyle and natural remedies to be the best. Since surgery was not an option at the time, I was willing to try herbal remedies and change my diet. I stopped eating large meals, fatty foods and late nights, which are aspects that aggravate acid reflux and GERD.
In addition, I reduced my intake of alcohol, caffeine, chocolate and spicy foods and learned some stress management techniques. To my surprise, I saw some improvement after a while, which was so promising.
Exploring the power of plants
During this time of frustration, I came across a book called The Lost Book of Herbal Medicines by dr. Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis. It wasn't just about helping the symptoms, but understanding the root causes of digestive problems and using natural remedies to treat them. This resonated deeply with me. The book introduced me to a holistic approach where dietary changes, stress management and herbal supplements can work together to create a more balanced digestive system.
of herbal remedies in the book can help relieve any symptoms and discomfort by dealing with the root cause of the problem. They also help improve the body's natural ability to repair itself. On page 54 of the book I found the combination of cabbage and salt that can help with bowel movements. With the perfectly laid out illustrations and preparation and storage tips, I was able to use the herbal remedy to ease the discomfort of diarrhea, bloating and constipation, which worked like a charm.
The fermented cabbage that creates sauerkraut, a probiotic, is effective in helping to protect the digestive system and regulate bowel movements. Other options for relieving bloating, constipation, and diarrhea in the book included aloe vera, flaxseed, activated charcoal, birch, bearberry, American woolwood, and chokeberry.
I also prepared and used honey mint quick sore throat remedy to help heal a sore throat. Another effective remedy was the delicious medicinal onion and sugar syrup, which is known to relieve throat infections. Since GERD also leads to headaches, I followed Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis' recommendation of applying peppermint oil to relieve the headache.
Rosemary is another remedy in the book for treating headaches. I also used ginger, an herb with gingerol that helps with proper digestion and nausea and relieves symptoms of other gastrointestinal disorders.
The results of a holistic approach
Although the transition was not immediate, over time, I began to notice changes. For example, the constant headaches became less frequent, the bloating subsided, and the constant sore throat that had been my companion for months finally began to ease. I won't claim that herbal remedies are a cure, but combined with a modified diet and lifestyle changes, they significantly improve my well-being.
But here's the great news: This holistic approach had few or no side effects. Unlike conventional drugs, which often come with numerous potential negative reactions, the herbal remedies I used were gentle on my body. There was no more trading one problem for another, just gradual and steady improvement.
Herbal medicines vs pharmaceutical medicines
When I compare my experience with pharmaceutical medication to mine herbal medicine journey, the differences are strong. Conventional medications such as prescription alginates, foam barriers, proton pump inhibitors, antacids, and H-2 receptor blockers have side effects that can increase discomfort. Some can cause B12 and magnesium deficiency, leading to other health problems such as bone fractures or kidney disease.
On the other hand, herbal remedies take a more gradual approach and support the body's natural healing processes rather than simply masking symptoms. Unlike pharmaceuticals, designed to treat symptoms quickly, herbal remedies may take longer to show results, but are often more durable and have fewer side effects.
For example, ginger, a common herbal remedy for digestive problems, not only helped alleviate nausea, but also my overall digestion and heartburn.
Exploring the “Lost Book of Herbal Remedies”
If you are struggling with GERD or other digestive issues, I highly recommend it The Lost Book of vegetable Legal remedies by dr. Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis. It's a fantastic resource that delves into the power of natural remedies and provides a guide to creating a more balanced digestive system. Also, the book is easy to navigate and understand, as there are two to four high-quality color photographs of each plant, which helped me determine exactly which plant to use. You can get the book from various stores including Amazon, Mother Earth News Store., and other online bookstores.
This book is not just about herbal medicine, although. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your body and the triggers that worsen your condition. It's about creating a personalized approach to healing, which is something I truly believe in.
Finding Your Way
My journey with GERD has been a learning experience. It has shown me the power to take control of my health and explore a more holistic approach. Consider all available conventional and alternative treatments to find the balance that works for you. What worked for me may not be the perfect solution for you.
However, my experience highlights the potential of a holistic approach. I recommend you consult your doctor before making any changes. A doctor will help you determine if this approach may be helpful and work with you to adjust your medication if necessary.
