| Correction | | | | Firstly, there are herbs which help absorb the acidic |
| A hiatal hernia is a mechanical malfunction of the | | | | secretions in the stomach and help stop them from |
| stomach and valve that controls the direction of food | | | | making their way back to the esophagus. These are |
| and secretions. As such, a mechanical approach can | | | | called mucilaginous herbs, and examples are slippery |
| been adopted to correct the problem. Surgery can | | | | elm and comfrey. |
| correct a hiatal hernia, but it is sometimes criticised | | | | These herbs assist in protecting the ileocecal valve |
| for only weakening the area, and encouraging the | | | | from becoming irritated, and can aid the healing |
| problem to re-occur. | | | | process after a permament mechanical solution has |
| Another method is to manually bring the stomach | | | | been implemented. Other items that should be on a |
| down by hand. Only a trained professional can do | | | | hiatal hernia sufferer's shopping list include: |
| this, so search for a chiropractor, massage therapist, | | | | - Marshmallows: soothes the mucous membranes in |
| or applied kinesiologist who understands how to | | | | the gastrointestinal system |
| manipulate the stomach by hand. | | | | - Papaya and Peppermint |
| Self-Adjustment | | | | - Chamomile Tea |
| It is advisable to get a trained professional to try and | | | | - Safflowers |
| correct a hiatal hernia, but this is one technique that | | | | - Ginger Root |
| may be tried solely by the patient: | | | | - Raw Cabbage Juice |
| | | | - Balm |
| 1. Drink a pint of warm water | | | | - Barley Water |
| 2. Stand on your toes | | | | - Brown Rice |
| 3. Drop to your heels | | | | - Celery |
| Repeat these steps in succession. The theory is that | | | | - Coriander |
| the warm water relaxes the stomach and diaphragm. | | | | - Gentian |
| It also puts some weight in the stomach and the | | | | - Hops |
| dropping action makes the water force the stomach | | | | - licorice |
| down. This method can provide effective relief, | | | | Gas in the abdomen can push the stomach up, so |
| depending on the severity of the hiatal hernia. | | | | even after a mechanical correction, it is advisable to |
| Nutritional Aids | | | | avoid foods known to cause gas, to reduce the risk |
| Until a permament solution is found, some relief can | | | | of the condition returning. Be careful with combining |
| be obtained through the right sources of nutrition. | | | | foods and do not overeat. |