Over the last couple of years, I noticed that as the weather gets colder, my digestive tract gets irritated. Yes, my allergies change and I also get acid reflux. I have no idea why this happens, but the first year it was very painful. In fact, it woke me up in the middle of the night it was so uncomfortable. Since I prefer to try to heal myself before I go to the doctor, I did a lot of research.
Of course, my first line of attack was to remove the cause. I looked at my lifestyle and tried to identify any changes. Why was my esophagus getting irritated? Why was my stomach acid backing up into my esophagus? Truthfully, I couldn’t come up with a solid answer. However, after several years, I have concluded it has to do with the changing of the season, because it starts to happen every autumn and rarely any other time of the year.
Then, I look at remedies. Most of the allopathic (conventional) remedies reduce the acid in the stomach so it does not irritate the digestive tract anymore. Most people need to take it for the rest of their lives. I understand the logic but I need (as we all do) the acids in my digestive system, I need them to do their job ~ digest my food, allowing my body to absorb nutrients from it. I need those nutrients to maintain a healthy body.
Dried Marshmallow Root
There are lots of remedies and theories out there, for example, when and what to eat. But what I really needed to do was heal the irritation in my digestive system so it could work properly and I could be comfortable again. Luckily, I found marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis). It is very soothing and mucilaginous. It coats, protects and heals all inflammatory digestive disorders and enhances the immune system. All I do is simply drink a cup of cold infusion after each meal and feel the discomfort melt away. Depending on the severity of the heartburn, relief happens instantly or may take a couple of days. You can find marshmallow root in the bulk section of most health food stores. One thing I really love about marshmallow root is that after my system is healed, I can stop using it. I have found that the infusion tastes better if I keep it in the refrigerator. One important thing to know about marshmallow root is that it can inhibit the absorption of some medication. So, if you are taking any medication, be sure to take it at least an hour or more before or after you drink the marshmallow root infusion. Here’s to relief from heartburn!
All information is shared for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition.
If you are having a difficult time finding marshmallow root locally, Mountain Rose Herbs is a great company to order from.
Thank-you for this. I’ve been fighting GERD for several years. This is the first article on the use of marshmallow root for GERD that actually gave a dosage as well as how to make the infusion
You are very welcome. Please let me know how it works for you.
I most certainly will!
Cheers, Gord
Hi Debbie: Well I can tell you I didn’t expect to report back so quickly. I’ve now been taking the marshmallow root infusion for two nights. What a difference! While I am not feeling confident enough to wean myself off the medications I am taking, the last two nights have been marvellous! GERD sufferers soon learn not to sleep on the left side as this places the esophagus at the low end of the stomach and compounds the problem. Further limiting the choices for many of us, sleeping on the back can earn an elbow in the side :). In my case I cannot sleep on the right side due to bursitis in my right hip. Since the first day of using the infusion, I’ve slept comfortably on my left side through most of the night. Two of the best nights I’ve had in over a decade.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Cheers, Gord
Hi Gord,
This is indeed wonderful news. Please continue to keep me posted.
Peace,
Debbie
Hi! Does the infusion have to be kept im the fridge?
Hi Annmarie,
No, it does not need to be kept in the frig. But it does taste better if you do. All infusions should be drank within 2 days of making it. I hope this helps.
Peace,
Debbie
This is an interesting use of marshmellow! Thanks for sharing. Have you tried taking bitters, probiotics, or eating fermented foods to help your stomach’s improper digestion? Sometimes the changing of seasons irritates health conditions because of the constitution of the individual. Cold months tend to aggravate those that run cold or dry whereas warm months tend to aggravate individuals that tend to be hot or moist.
So for me, in the winter months my skin dries out terribly because I am quite dry in nature.
Yes, I’ve tried probiotics, fermented foods as well as apple cider vinegar to name a few and all helped a bit but nothing worked as well and as completely as marshmallow root.
How long does it normally take before your symptoms start coming back after stopping the marshmellow? I know someone who has a similar problem and am excited to share this with them!
Generally, they do not until the follow year. Once the lining to esophagus is healed and soothed by drinking the cold infusion, the discomfort does not return.
Hi there, I am going to be giving this a try as nothing else works. It may sound silly, but I was just going to buy it in powder form and make it, is that the correct way? thanks for your help.
Hi Sarah,
I have never used Marshmallow root in a powder form, but I would suspect it will work fine. It might be a bit more challenging to filter it out once you have infused it with cold water.
I generally buy it in the chopped or schredded root form. Mountain Rose sells it and most healthfood stores/co-ops sell it in their bulk section.
I hope it helps, please keep me posted.
Peace,
Debbie
Hi there, I just started taking marshmallow root in pill form and hope for the same effects! How long do you think it will take to heal? My GERD symptoms have been going on for a few months and lead to esophagitis. The PPI’s and Pepcid didn’t work, prob made things worse so I backed off them slowly and did some research. I’m On a strict diet along with other natural remedies i.e. manuka honey, kefir, digestive enzymes, probiotics, etc. Been a week now with supplements not much change.Looking for a ballpark!
Thanks!