Heartburn, reflux, and GERD are among the most common digestive issues people experience. Proton Pump Inhibitors like Nexium, the first line pharmaceutical treatment for this condition, are the second most prescribed medication in the country after statins. These medications are only recommended for short term use, and yet many feel tied to them for months or years, which brings increased risk of side effects.

Fortunately, we have several excellent herbal allies that can offer very effective support as an alternative or in conjunction with conventional medical therapies. In this class, we will go in depth to understand how these conditions come about, and how different herbal strategies work in addressing them. After a brief anatomy and physiology lesson, we’ll look at the different indicated actions such as demulcents, vulneraries, and bitters, and I’ll highlight my personal favourite herbs that I rely on heavily in my practice.

I’ll also go over the staged approach I use with patients, phasing in different in a specific order, as well as sharing some insights into different energetic types or patterns that I see in people that can help differentiate whether a herb will help or make things worse for that particular person.

At the end of the talk, participants will have some solid strategies for addressing these conditions at home or with patients in the clinic.