Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Indigestion, Heartburn, and Low Stomach Acidity
Also indexed as:Bloating (Indigestion), Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Gas (Stomach), Gas, Bloating, and Fullness, Heartburn & Indigestion, Upset Stomach
Halt the heat. Stay away from foods that fuel the flames of heartburn and indigestion. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Artichoke | 500 to 1,000 mg cynarin in a standardized herbal extract three times per day |  [3 stars] Extracts of artichoke have been repeatedly shown in research to be beneficial for people with indigestion. |
Astaxanthin | 4 to 12 mg per day |  [2 stars] The carotenoid astaxanthin may inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori and reduce related gastric inflammation. |
Bitter Orange | 3 cups of tea daily, prepared with 1 to 2 grams of dried peel | [2 stars] Bitter orange has traditionally been used as a digestive aid. |
Caraway | 50 mg of oil plus 90 mg of peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules taken three times per day for indigestion only | [2 stars] One trial found that a combination with peppermint, caraway, and fennel was useful in reducing gas and cramping in people with indigestion. |
Charcoal | Refer to label instructions | [2 stars] Supplementing with charcoal may help relieve gas. |
Digestive Enzymes | Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner | [2 stars] Lipase, a pancreatic enzyme, aids in the digestion of fats and may improve digestion in some people. |
Fennel | 1/2 tsp (2 to 3 grams) of ground or crushed seeds three times daily, taken directly or as tea | [2 stars] Studies have found that a combination of peppermint, caraway, and fennel is useful in reducing gas and cramping in people with indigestion. |
Ginger | 2 to 4 grams daily fresh ginger or equivalent for indigestion | [2 stars] Ginger, with its anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea effects, has a history of use in treating gastrointestinal complaints, from flatulence to ulcers. It has been shown to enhance intestinal movements that aid digestion. |
Greater Celandine | 4 to 8 mg chelidonine in a standardized herbal extract three times per day | [2 stars] One study found that a standardized extract of greater celandine could relieve indigestion symptoms (such as abdominal cramping, sensation of fullness, and nausea) significantly better than placebo. |
Linden | Several cups of tea per day, made with 2 to 3 tsp of dried flowers per cup of hot water, for indigestion | [2 stars] Linden has a long tradition of use for indigestion. It has antispasmodic action and may help people who suffer from upset stomach or excessive gas. |
Peppermint | 90 mg of oil plus 50 mg of caraway oil in enteric-coated capsules taken three times per day, for indigestion only | [2 stars] A combination of peppermint, caraway, and fennel has been shown to reduce gas and cramping in people with indigestion |
Sage | 4 to 6 grams daily of dried leaf or equivalent, for indigestion | [2 stars] Sage is a gas-relieving herb that may be helpful in calming an upset stomach. |
Turmeric (Curcumin) | 500 mg four times per day, for indigestion | [2 stars] In a double-blind trial, turmeric was found to relieve indigestion. |
Vitamin B12 (Delayed Gastric Emptying, Helicobacter Pylori Infection) | 1,000 mcg daily | [2 stars] Vitamin B12 may be beneficial for people with delayed emptying of the stomach in association with Helicobacter pylori infection and low blood levels of vitamin B12. |
Andrographis | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Andrographis acts as a digestive stimulant and may be helpful for indigestion. |
Anise | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Anise is a gas-relieving herb that may be helpful in calming an upset stomach. |
Barberry | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Taking barberry may help stimulate digestion and relieve an upset stomach. |
Basil | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Basil is a gas-relieving herb that may be helpful in calming an upset stomach. |
Betaine Hydrochloride | Consult your doctor | [1 star] Supplementing betaine hydrochloride with meals may improve digestion in people who have been diagnosed with low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria).
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Bitter Melon | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Bitter melon acts as a digestive stimulant and may be helpful for indigestion. |
Bladderwrack | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Bladderwrack is a demulcent herb, meaning it seems to work by decreasing inflammation and forming a barrier against irritants such as stomach acid. |
Blessed Thistle | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Blessed thistle acts as a digestive stimulant and may be helpful for indigestion. |
Boldo | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Boldo has a history of use in South America for a variety of digestive conditions. |
Cardamom | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Cardamom is a gas-relieving herb that may be helpful in calming an upset stomach. |