Before we move on, however it is important to note that heartburn is only an indicator of a potentially larger digestive disorder called acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Acid reflux is neither a serious disorder nor life threatening. This is especially true for those who only experience it occasionally. There are nonetheless millions of Americans that encounter discomfort associated with acid reflux monthly, weekly and for some daily.

But what causes acid reflux? Well, when we eat, food moves from mouth through esophagus and into stomach for further digestion. At end of esophagus there is a circular band of muscles that relax and allow food and liquids to pass into stomach. It then tightens and prevents foods and stomach juices from traveling back up into esophagus. If, however, food or digestive juices escape stomach and travel back up esophagus, irritating esophageal lining, this is when many people experience heartburn.

For some, acid reflux is due to a mechanical disorder where sphincter muscle at end of esophagus becomes weak or doesn’t close correctly. This can cause them to experience acid reflux when lying down as well as when standing up. In addition to mechanical issues that can cause sphincter muscle to relax, alcohol, smoking, prescription medications and certain foods such as chocolate, onions, spicy foods and mints can also lessen gripping power of this muscle.

Did you know that pharmaceutical drugs have their history embedded in herbal medicine? Apothecaries offered medicines with medical care. The cost of medical help was expensive(sound familiar), so many families made home remedies. However, today's pharmaceuticals derive from the medicines stirred and pounded by apothecary in mortar by pestle. "The history of Merck & Co., Inc. can be traced back to Darmstadt, Germany, in 1668 when an apothecary named Frederic Jacob Merck opened a chemical firm." If curious about Merck's history, learn more about it here: http://tinyurl.com/4m4ft.

Further historical proof is found in 1792, Alexandria, Virginia. Three Hundred homes nestled near Potomac River; on Fairfax Street, Edward Stabler, a Quaker pharmacist, started a family business which operated until 1933. To this day, many of Stabler's herbs, potions and paper labels in his apothecary desk. Stabler like other apothecaries of his day prescribed Native American Indian remedies like witch hazel for external treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Today, most patients visiting a doctor go for cold and flu symptoms or joint and muscle pain. Modern prescriptions provide relief, but sometimes with side effects. Now, you can get temporary relief from minor arthritis pain by using remedies derived from all natural ingredients. For example, non greasy, penetrating and topical cream referenced below, brings soothing relief quickly. Further relief comes from Boswellia serrata, used in India for centuries as a proven pain reliever.