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Herbs That Help the Esophagus
Your esophagus -- a structure that links your mouth and throat with your stomach -- helps transport ingested food or beverages from your mouth to your stomach. Your esophagus, which is located behind your heart and trachea, can expand or contract to allow the passage of food. Certain herbs may help treat esophagus-related problems, although it is always recommended that you consult your health care provider before using herbs for this purpose.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Esophagus Problems
There are many possible esophagus-related health problems, although some of these problems are more common than others. The National Institutes of Health states that possible esophagus-related problems include gastroesophageal reflux, hiatal hernia, dysphagia, esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus 2. Gastroesophageal reflux -- a condition in which the food and liquid in your stomach flows back into your esophagus -- is one of the most common esophagus-related conditions, and it is commonly treated using natural methods.
Helpful Herbs
Herbal Remedies That Clean Out the Urine System
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Several herbal remedies have been used in treating esophagus-related pain and soothing tissue irritation or inflammation in your esophagus. According to naturopathic physician and herbal medicine expert Sharol Tilgner, author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," the following herbs have anti-inflammatory action and help heal and soothe your damaged mucous membranes, including mucous membranes in your esophagus: turmeric, goldenseal, echinacea, geranium, marshmallow and slippery elm 3. Not all herbs used in treating esophagus-related problems have been rigorously studied using scientific research techniques.
Herb in Focus
Slippery elm may be one of the most potent herbal remedies in treating your esophagus pain, inflammation or irritation. According to William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," the bark of the slippery elm tree contains a significant amount of mucilage and is used in treating mucous membrane irritation in your esophagus and other structures that compose your gastrointestinal tract 4. Mitchell notes that ingestion of slippery elm capsules may be the most effective method of consuming this herb.
Warning
Supplements for Breathing Problems
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Esophagus-related problems should always be treated by a qualified health care professional, and you should avoid using herbs -- or any other dietary supplement -- to help treat your problem until you have discussed the potential risks and side effects with your doctor. A nutrition specialist, including a registered dietitian, can provide you with accurate and valuable information about the supplements that may best help treat your condition. Review proper dosage with your doctor before using herbs.
Related Articles
References
- Britannica.com: Esophagus (Anatomy)
- National Institutes of Health: Esophagus Disorders
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- Ajayi TA, Cantrell S, Spann A, Garman KS. Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer: Links to microbes and the microbiome. PLOS Pathogens. 2018;14(12). doi:10.1371/journal.ppat.1007384
- Ferhatoglu MF, Kıvılcım T. Anatomy of Esophagus. Esophageal Abnormalities. June 2017. doi:10.5772/intechopen.69583
- Grossi L, Ciccaglione AF, Marzio L. Esophagitis and its causes: Who is "guilty" when acid is found "not guilty"? World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(17):3011-3016. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i17.3011
- Hong YS, Min YW, Rhee PL. Two Distinct Types of Hypercontractile Esophagus: Classic and Spastic Jackhammer. Gut Liver. 2016;10(5):859-63. doi:10.5009/gnl15388
- Napier KJ, Scheerer M, Misra S. Esophageal cancer: A Review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, staging workup and treatment modalities. World J Gastrointest Oncol. 2014;6(5):112-20. doi:10.4251/wjgo.v6.i5.112
- Yin A, Li Y, Jiang Y, Liu J, Luo H. Mallory-Weiss syndrome: clinical and endoscopic characteristics. Eur J Intern Med. 2012;23(4):e92-6. doi:10.1016/j.ejim.2012.02.005
- Søreide JA, Viste A. Esophageal perforation: diagnostic work-up and clinical decision-making in the first 24 hours. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2011;19:66. doi:10.1186/1757-7241-19-66
- Meseeha M, Attia M. Esophageal Varices. [Updated 2019 Feb 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-.
- Pandolfino JE, Gawron AJ. Achalasia: a systematic review. JAMA. 2015;313(18):1841-52. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.2996
- Carucci LR, Turner MA. Dysphagia revisited: common and unusual causes. Radiographics. 2015;35(1):105-22. doi:10.1148/rg.351130150
- Slawik M, Beuschlein F, Light K, et al. Odynophagia. Encyclopedia of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease. 2009:1512-1514. doi:10.1007/978-3-540-29676-8_1313
- Shaheen NJ, Falk GW, Iyer PG, Gerson LB. ACG Clinical Guideline: Diagnosis and Management of Barrett's Esophagus. Am J Gastroenterol. 2016;111(1):30-50. doi:10.1038/ajg.2015.322
- American Cancer Society. What is Cancer of the Esophagus?
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education. 2018.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Esophagus Disorders.
Writer Bio
Martin Hughes is a chiropractic physician, health writer and the co-owner of a website devoted to natural footgear. He writes about health, fitness, diet and lifestyle. Hughes earned his Bachelor of Science in kinesiology at the University of Waterloo and his doctoral degree from Western States Chiropractic College in Portland, Ore.