Home Remedies for Acidity – Natural Ways to Relieve Acid Reflux, Heartburn & Gas

Acidity, commonly referred to as hyperacidity or acid reflux, is a digestive disorder characterised by excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach or by the backward movement of stomach contents into the oesophagus. This reflux of acidic contents irritates the oesophageal lining, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, chest discomfort, sour regurgitation, bloating, nausea, and indigestion.

Under normal circumstances, gastric acid plays a crucial role in digestion by breaking down food, activating digestive enzymes, and preventing bacterial overgrowth. However, when acid production exceeds protective mechanisms or when the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES) becomes weak, symptoms of acidity develop.

While antacids and acid-suppressing medications provide short-term relief, long-term management often depends on lifestyle modification and natural remedies for acidity that support digestive physiology rather than merely suppress acid.

This article discusses home remedies for acidity, Indian natural therapies, and scientific explanations behind why these remedies work.

Understanding the Pathophysiology of Acidity

Acidity can develop due to:

• Increased gastric acid secretion
• Delayed gastric emptying
• Reduced LES tone
• Weak gastric mucosal barrier
• Excess gas formation and fermentation
• Stress-induced autonomic imbalance

An effective acidity home remedy should ideally:

• Reduce excess acid secretion
• Neutralise existing acid
• Strengthen mucosal protection
• Improve digestion and motility
• Reduce inflammation

Evidence-Based Home Remedies for Acidity

1) Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Why Ginger Works

Ginger contains bioactive compounds such as gingerol, shogaol, and zingerone. These compounds exhibit:

• Prokinetic activity – accelerates gastric emptying, preventing food stagnation that triggers reflux
• Anti-inflammatory effects – inhibits prostaglandins and leukotrienes that cause gastric irritation
• Carminative action – reduces intestinal gas formation

Scientific studies demonstrate that ginger enhances gastrointestinal motility and reduces dyspepsia, bloating, and nausea. Faster stomach emptying decreases pressure on the LES, thereby reducing acid reflux episodes.

How to Use

• Ginger tea after meals
• Chew 1–2 g fresh ginger
• Add grated ginger to meals

2) Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum / Holy Basil)

Why Tulsi Works

Tulsi contains eugenol, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids which exert:

• Anti-ulcerogenic action – strengthens gastric mucosal barrier
• Antioxidant activity – protects gastric cells from oxidative injury
• Mild acid-suppressive effect – regulates excessive acid secretion

Animal and human studies indicate that tulsi extracts reduce gastric volume and acidity while enhancing mucus secretion, making it a valuable acidity natural remedy.

How to Use

• Chew 4–5 fresh leaves
• Tulsi tea once or twice daily

3) Banana (Musa species)

Why Banana Works

Bananas are naturally low-acid and contain pectin, potassium, and soluble fibre. They:

• Stimulate mucus production
• Form a protective barrier over gastric lining
• Neutralise excess acid

This buffering effect makes banana a safe homemade cure for acidity.

How to Use

• 1 ripe banana daily

4) Coconut Water

Why Coconut Water Works

Coconut water contains potassium, magnesium, and bicarbonate ions which help:

• Maintain physiological pH
• Neutralise excess acid
• Improve hydration and enzyme activity

Hydration improves gastric emptying and reduces acid concentration.

How to Use

• 1 glass once or twice daily

5) Fennel Seeds (Foeniculum vulgare)

Why Fennel Works

Fennel contains anethole, fenchone, and estragole. These compounds:

• Reduce gastric spasms
• Improve digestion
• Decrease gas formation

By reducing distension, fennel decreases LES pressure, preventing reflux.

How to Use

• Chew 1 teaspoon after meals
• Fennel tea

6) Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi)

Why Ajwain Works

Ajwain contains thymol, a potent digestive stimulant that:

• Enhances gastric juice secretion in balanced amounts
• Reduces microbial fermentation
• Relieves bloating

Thus, ajwain supports digestion and reduces acidity formation.

How to Use

• 1 teaspoon ajwain + pinch salt with warm water

7) Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Why Chamomile Works

Chamomile is rich in flavonoids such as apigenin which possess:

• Anti-inflammatory effects
• Mild antispasmodic activity
• Sedative properties

Reducing stress and inflammation lowers acid secretion.

How to Use

• Chamomile tea before bedtime

8) Buttermilk (Chaas)

Why Buttermilk Works

Buttermilk contains probiotics and lactic acid bacteria that:

• Improve gut microbiome balance
• Enhance digestion
• Reduce fermentation and gas

Healthy gut flora reduces excessive acid production.

How to Use

• Plain buttermilk with roasted cumin

9) Jaggery (Gur)

Why Jaggery Works

Jaggery stimulates digestive enzymes and improves peristalsis. Minerals like potassium help maintain electrolyte balance and reduce acid load.

How to Use

• Small piece after meals

10) Liquorice (Deglycyrrhizinated – DGL)

Why DGL Works

DGL increases mucus secretion, creating a thick protective coating over stomach lining and preventing acid injury.

How to Use

• Chewable DGL tablets before meals

11) Apple Cider Vinegar

Why It May Help

In people with low stomach acid, ACV improves digestion and prevents fermentation.

How to Use

• 1 teaspoon in warm water before meals

12) Baking Soda

Neutralises acid chemically but should not be used long-term.

Lifestyle-Based Acidity Treatment at Home

• Small frequent meals
• Avoid trigger foods
• Maintain healthy weight
• Avoid lying down after meals
• Elevate head of bed
• Stress management
• Adequate sleep

Role of Gut Microbiome in Acidity

Disruption of gut bacteria increases gas and fermentation, which raises abdominal pressure and worsens reflux. Probiotics and fermented foods improve acid regulation.

Ayurvedic Support

Acican Syrup – Ayurvedic Relief for Acidity, Gas & Constipation

Acican Syrup is a natural ayurvedic acidity syrup formulated to help relieve hyperacidity, gas, indigestion, and constipation. It supports the protective lining of the stomach, improves regurgitation, and helps restore balance in digestive functions.

Key Benefits

• Reduces excess acid secretion
• Relieves heartburn, gas, bloating
• Protects gastric mucosa
• Supports digestion and bowel regularity

When to Seek Medical Advice

• Persistent symptoms
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weight loss
• Black stools
• Severe chest pain

Final Thoughts

Consistent dietary habits, natural remedies, and lifestyle correction form the foundation of long-term acidity management. Natural remedies work best when used regularly and alongside healthy habits.