Herbal Remedies vs Pharmaceutical Medication: Which is Right for You?

When I was first diagnosed with acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), all I wanted was to get the perfect medications to relieve the discomfort I was feeling for weeks, including relentless headaches, sore throat, diarrhea, heartburn, and chest pains.

My doctor assured me that with the right pills, I’d be back to normal in no time. But as the days turned into weeks, I noticed that while some symptoms eased, others seemed to worsen. Headaches, nausea, and even a constant sore throat became unwelcome companions. Then, I began to question if there was another way that didn’t involve more medications and their seemingly endless side effects.

The Struggles with GERD Medications

GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus. This acid reflux can break down the tissue of the esophagus. GERD is more than just occasional heartburn; it’s a persistent issue that can significantly affect your quality of life.

My doctor first prescribed nonprescription medicines such as antacids to neutralize the acid in my stomach, histamines or H-2 blockers to reduce acid production, and proton pump inhibitors to block acid production and cure my gut. At last, I thought I would be fine once I finished the dose, but I was wrong.

After two weeks, I was back because the medications were only effective for a while, and I had developed more severe symptoms of acid refluxes and GERD. Again, my doctor prescribed prescription-strength medicines that included the Proton pump inhibitors and H-2 blockers. I thought this was the end of my struggles; however, I was still battling issues such as nausea, headaches, and diarrhea, with additional health issues from lowering vitamin B-12 and magnesium levels, which were the side effects of the medications.

As the cycle continued, there was a possibility for surgical procedures such as fundoplication, which led to frustrations and the feeling of defeat. Since the side effects of acid reflux and GERD medications had severe side effects, my doctor recommended lifestyle changes as a way to eliminate the GERD symptoms and improve my holistic health. That’s when I began to consider a more holistic approach.

Holistic Approaches

I started researching the best holistic approaches to facilitate my health journey and found diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies are best. Since surgery was not an option at that time, I was willing to try herbal remedies and change my diet. I stopped eating large meals, fatty foods, and late at night, which are aspects that worsen acid reflux and GERD.

In addition, I reduced alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, and spicy food intake and learned several stress management techniques. To my surprise, I saw some improvements after a while, which was so promising.

Exploring the Power of Plants

During this time of frustration, I stumbled upon a book called The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by Dr. Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis. It wasn’t just helping symptoms but understanding the root causes of digestive issues and using natural remedies to address them. This resonated deeply with me. The book introduced me to a holistic approach, where dietary changes, stress management, and herbal supplements could work together to create a more balanced digestive system.

The herbal remedies in the book can help relieve each symptom and discomfort by dealing with the root cause of the problem. They also assist in improving the body’s natural ability to repair itself. On page 54 of the book, I found the cabbage and salt combination that could help with bowel movements. With the perfectly laid-out illustrations and preparation and preservation tips, I could use the herbal remedy to alleviate the discomfort of diarrhea, bloating, and constipation, which worked like a charm.

The fermented cabbage that creates Sauerkraut, a probiotic, is effective in helping to protect the digestive system and regulate bowel movements. Other options for easing the bloating, constipation, and diarrhea in the book included aloe vera, flax seeds, activated charcoal, birch, bearberry, American basswood, and chokecherry.

I also prepared and used the quick sore throat remedy of peppermint with honey to help heal the sore throat. Another effective remedy was the tasty medicinal syrup of onion and sugar that is known to relieve throat infections. Since GERD also leads to headaches, I followed Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis’s recommendation of applying peppermint oil to ease my headache.

Rosemary is another remedy in the book for addressing headaches. I also used ginger, an herb with gingerol that aids in proper digestion and nausea and relieves symptoms of other gastrointestinal disorders.

The Results of a Holistic Approach

Although the transition wasn’t immediate, over time, I started to notice changes. For instance, the persistent headaches became less frequent, the bloating subsided, and the constant sore throat that had been my companion for months finally began to ease. I won’t claim that herbal remedies are a cure-all, but combined with a modified diet and lifestyle changes, they significantly improved my well-being.

But here’s the great news: This holistic approach had few to no side effects. Unlike conventional drugs, which often come with numerous potential adverse reactions, the herbal remedies I used were gentle on my body. There was no more trading one problem for another, just gradual, consistent improvement.

Herbal Remedies vs Pharmaceutical Medication

When I compare my experience with pharmaceutical medication to my journey with herbal remedies, the differences are stark. Conventional drugs such as the prescribed alginates, foam barriers, proton pump inhibitors, antacids, and H-2 receptor blockers have side effects that can increase discomfort. Some can cause B12 and magnesium deficiency, leading to other health issues such as bone fractures or kidney diseases.

On the other hand, herbal remedies take a more gradual approach and support the body’s natural healing processes rather than simply masking symptoms. Unlike pharmaceuticals, designed to address symptoms quickly, herbal remedies may take longer to show results but are often more sustainable and have fewer side effects.

For example, ginger, a common herbal remedy for digestive issues, not only helped alleviate my nausea but also my overall digestion and the occurrence of heartburn.

Exploring “The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies”

If you’re struggling with GERD or other digestive issues, I highly recommend The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies by Dr. Nicole Apelian and Claude Davis. It’s a fantastic resource that delves into the power of natural remedies and provides a roadmap for creating a more balanced digestive system. Also, the book is easy to navigate and understand, as it has two to four high-quality color pictures of each plant, which helped me determine the exact plant to use. You can get the book from different stores, including Amazon, Mother Earth News store, and other online bookstores.

This book isn’t just about herbal remedies, though. It emphasizes the importance of understanding your body and the triggers that worsen your condition. It’s about creating a personalized approach to healing, which is something I genuinely believe in.

Finding Your Path

My journey with GERD has been a learning experience. It’s shown me the power of taking control of my health and exploring a more holistic approach. Consider all available conventional and alternative treatments to find the balance that works for you. What worked for me may not be the perfect solution for you.

However, my experience highlights the potential of a holistic approach. I recommend you consult your doctor before making any changes. A doctor will help you determine if this approach could be beneficial and work with you to adjust your medication if necessary.