Have you ever experienced heartburn?
You go out to eat with your partner to a romantic Italian restaurant. You order pasta with a delicious red sauce. You enjoy a glass of red wine. Every bite and every sip is delectable. The evening has been perfect in every way.
And then…on the ride home you start to feel pain and discomfort in your chest. You may experience an acid taste in your throat. You feel like there is a giant lump that won’t clear. You are miserable.
This is heartburn. And it sucks.
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning pain in your chest, just behind your breastbone. The pain is often worse after eating, in the evening, or when lying down or bending over. Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm.
When you have heartburn, you may also feel symptoms like:
- A burning feeling in your chest that can last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.
- Pain in your chest when you bend over or lay down.
- A burning feeling in your throat.
- A hot, sour, acidic or salty taste in the back of your throat.
- Difficulty swallowing. (1)
What Causes Heartburn?
Heartburn can be triggered by many different things that are a part of your daily life. For many people, heartburn can be caused by certain eating and lifestyle habits. These habits can involve things like eating large portions of food, eating too close to bedtime or even having high stress levels.
Certain foods and drinks can also trigger heartburn for some people. Some foods and drinks that could trigger your heartburn can include:
- Onions.
- Citrus fruits.
- High-fat foods.
- Tomatoes.
- Tomato-based products.
- Alcohol.
- Citrus juices.
- Caffeinated beverages.
- Carbonated beverages. (1)
While there are many well known OTC and prescription meds available, I prefer treating myself with natural products when possible. The following solutions help to balance stomach acid and ease the pain of indigestion. These products can be used daily as needed.
DigestTab Digestive Tablets
DigestZen is one of dōTERRA’s most popular blends due to its ability to aid in digestion, soothe occasional stomach upset, and maintain a healthy digestive system.* Now this incredibly effective blend is available in a convenient chewable tablet. Calcium carbonate in DigestTab helps to reduce burning sensations due to its acid-neutralizing effects. CPTG Certified Pure Tested Grade™ natural essential oils including Peppermint, Coriander, Ginger, Caraway, Cardamom, Fennel, and Anise may contribute to maintain a healthy digestive system.
I am shocked that I haven’t tried these yet! I plan to order them this month.
DigestZen Digestive Blend
DigestZen is a wonderful companion to aid in the digestion of food, soothe occasional upset stomachs, and reduce uncomfortable gas when used internally.* This essential oil blend contains Peppermint, Coriander, Ginger, Caraway, Cardamom, Fennel, and Anise essential oils.
When I experience heartburn and other GI issues, I put a drop right under my tongue, hold for a few seconds, then swallow.
TerraZyme Digestive Enzymes
DigestZen TerraZyme® Digestive Enzyme Complex is a proprietary blend of active whole-food enzymes and supporting cofactors that are often deficient in cooked, processed, and preservative-laden foods. The powerful combination of digestive enzymes found in DigestZen TerraZyme supports the body’s constant production of enzymes critical for healthy biochemical functions, including healthy digestion of food nutrients and cellular metabolism of nutrients to energy.* DigestZen TerraZyme includes a variety of whole-food enzymes that help with the digestion of proteins, fats, complex carbohydrates, sugars, and fiber.
I take TerraZyme daily as part of my supplement routine.
Cardamom
This essential oil has several powerful benefits. May help maintain overall gastrointestinal health when taken internally*, may soothe the digestive system when used internally, promotes clear breathing and respiratory health when consumed and it offers a distinct flavor.
Additional Products
Ginger
Ginger essential oil is derived from the fresh rhizome of the ginger plant—the subterranean stalk of a plant that shoots out the root system. A featured ingredient in many Asian dishes, Ginger has a hot, fragrant flavor when used as a kitchen spice. In Western tradition, Ginger is most often used in sweets—gingerbread and ginger snaps being two examples. Internal use of Ginger is best known as a digestive aid and for helping to ease occasional indigestion and nausea.† Ginger essential oil can also be applied topically or inhaled for a soothing aroma.
Fennel
Fennel can grow up to six feet in height and has delicate, feathery leaves. The history of Fennel use dates back to ancient times when Roman warriors were said to have consumed Fennel to make them strong and ready for battle. Fennel is best known for its distinct licorice aroma and taste, yet its ability to promote healthy digestion when used internally is equally noteworthy.† Fennel can be added to water as a satisfying alternative to sweets. Fennel is also known for its ability to promote healthy metabolic function, and circulation when ingested.†
Coriander
Coriander is an annual herb that grows three feet high and is very aromatic. Coriander oil has a high linalool content, which helps skin maintain a clear complexion. Coriander essential oil’s sweet, herbaceous aroma makes it a good rotation oil to use in blends to add a fresh, herbaceous note.
The next time you have heartburn, reach for a natural solution.
Statements with asterisks refer to internal use. All others refer to aromatic or topical use.