Did You Know…that bitter herbs such as dandelion can help treat the real cause of heartburn?
When it comes to heartburn, common medical propaganda has got it all wrong. We’re led to believe that heartburn is caused by too much stomach acid, when in actuality the majority of heartburn sufferers are producing too little stomach acid (or HCL—hydrocholoric acid).
In Why Stomach Acid Is Good for You, author Jonathon Wright says that an estimated 90% of Americans don’t produce enough HCL.
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Too little stomach acid can lead to:
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Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Nexium, Prilosec, and Prevacid do the exact opposite of what you want them to do. They reduce stomach acid! Long-term use of PPIs may result in mineral and nutrient depletion and cause serious illnesses, including…
- Pneumonia
- Bone loss
- Hip fractures
- Infection with Clostridium difficile, a harmful intestinal bacteria
If you or someone you love frequently suffers from heartburn or indigestion, turn away from PPIs and look to bitter herbs instead. Bitters such as dandelion and chicory stimulate the production of stomach acid and other digestive juices.
Dandelion for Digestion
The bitter flavor of dandelion amps up saliva production, which helps neutralize stomach acid. Dandelion is also anti-inflammatory, meaning it can further soothe heartburn. Herbalists also recommend dandelion as a treatment for arthritis, gout, diabetes, cancer, and liver issues.
You can eat the greens raw in a salad, cook the greens and/or the root, blend them in your green smoothie… you can even make a coffee substitute. When using as a tincture, take 10-20 drops of dandelion extract at the start of a meal.
Don’t just stick with just dandelion. Eating the following bitter greens before a meal will decrease your risk of heartburn by triggering stomach acid and bile production.
- Chicory
- Yellow dock
- Cronewort / mugwort
- Gentian
- Barberry
- Oregon grap
The Lemon/Apple Cider Vinegar Water Trick
Safeguard against heartburn by mixing either half a lemon in 8 ounces of water or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water. The water should be room temperature because cold water is thought to interfere with digestion. 
Drink 15 to 20 minutes before a meal in order to temporarily increase stomach acidity. Drink through a straw so that you don’t stain your teeth!
Natural Ways to Beat Heartburn
To keep heartburn at bay, follow the following tips:
- Eat less at each meal. Make it easy on your stomach!
- Don’t lounge after a meal. Stay upright!
- Try not to eat late at night.
- Reduce coffee and orange juice consumption.
- Suck on a slippery elm lozenge when heartburn strikes.
