Effective and Simple Heartburn Relief

As you may know, heartburn is nothing to be enjoyed. There is definitely a method for relief, and here is what you need:
-Knife
-Cutting board or plate
-Aloe vera leaf
-2 hours of time at least
-Patience
-Glass of cool water
-Plastic wrap

The type of aloe vera I am referring to is aloe vera barbadensis miller. You can purchase this type at many health food stores, grocery stores, and farmer's markets. You can get a quality and healthy aloe vera leaf for less than $5. This is a very reasonable price for an aloe vera leaf, considering the costs of OTC medicines for temporary heartburn relief is usually the same or greater.

The part of the aloe vera leaf you will be using is the gel. The gel of the aloe vera plant has many uses, and I have found that one of those uses can be to help relieve heartburn, whether it be light or severe. Aloe vera is perfectly safe to use, as much as you want. There is no danger of overdosing with it, as there is with OTC medicines.

1) To get the aloe vera gel, take the leaf and start from the bottom which is the widest part of it, which is usually the thickest. Carefully slice off a piece about one inch wide. The gel at both ends will not be most clear, there may be slight coloration in the gel. Do not be alarmed, it is perfectly safe. The gel around the middle of the leaf will be most clear.

2) Put aside the rest of the leaf, and using your knife, cut off the top half of the aloe vera skin on the piece you just sliced. Using a spoon, scoop the gel out of the plant. I have found this to be the easiest way to do it.

3) You're done! Eat the gel, as it is. You can break it up into smaller chunks if you like, and swallow them without chewing. The taste may be very strong for you at first, so have a mint or something very small and flavored nearby to counter the aftertaste if you are worried about it. You won't have anything to worry about though, the taste does not last very long.

4) Store the rest of the aloe vera leaf in the refrigerator, wrapped well in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for at least a week.

5) Allow some time for the aloe vera gel to work, and coat the stomach. Have a seat and try to relax! If you are stressed, this may cause your body to produce even more acid, and that isn't the goal here. Sit in a comfortable and reclined position, or if you have to lie down, only do so by propping yourself up. The reason for doing so is that you should AVOID LYING FLAT. Lying flat makes it easier for the excess acid to travel further up into the esophagus, which can cause damage, and can also be very painful and/or uncomfortable for you. While you are reclining, sip some cool water, slowly. Do not eat for the next two hours.

Give it just a little time, and relax. You will have relief. If you find this method to be most effective for you, definitely make a habit of taking a tablespoon of aloe vera gel every day, whether or not you have heartburn.