Heartburn

Against burning the tradition reaches for mucilaginous species meant to coat the lining — common mallow and plantain are the main ones under this topic, complemented by German chamomile, fennel and green cardamom.

The logic is to coat and calm, not to act on the cause. The catalogue lists nine species here and all of them fit that frame.

Reflux is a mechanical matter: the sphincter between the gullet and the stomach does not seal. The documented measures match that — smaller portions, the last meal earlier before bed, a raised head of the bed, body weight, alcohol and smoking.

One detail deserves attention because it runs against common habit: peppermint relaxes the sphincter, so with reflux it tends to make things worse. In other digestive topics peppermint is in place; here it is the exception.

Chest pain spreading to the jaw, back or arm, with sweating or breathlessness, can be a heart attack. Do not mistake it for heartburn.

Trouble swallowing or pain on swallowing, vomiting blood, black stool, weight loss and complaints that last more than three weeks despite over-the-counter products also need an examination.