What Are the Best Covid Natural Remedies? (2026)

Simple, Safe Covid Natural Remedies for Fast Relief

If you’ve got burning in your chest, discomfort after meals, or that unpleasant sour taste, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with symptoms made worse by covid or stress—especially indigestion. The good news is, there are safe, natural heartburn remedies you can use right now for relief.

This guide promises straightforward, practical covid natural remedies—from quick fixes to daily habits. You’ll find ways to settle your stomach, ease burning, and avoid triggers, all using NHS advice and common UK foods.

We’ll also cover clear safety signs, so you know exactly when it’s time to see a GP or seek urgent care. Keep reading: Relief is closer than you might think.

Fast Relief Options (Immediate Fixes)

 

Chewing Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing gum can feel odd, but it’s one of the fastest acid reflux natural relief tricks. It works by boosting your saliva, helping wash acid back down into your stomach where it belongs.

Go for sugar-free gum (you’ll find plenty at Tesco or Sainsbury’s). Chew for 30 minutes after meals. This is gentle, and studies, such as recent research, confirm saliva soothes your oesophagus naturally.

Avoid if you have jaw problems or dental issues. Otherwise, it’s safe for most people, even with covid symptoms.

Small Glass of Skimmed Milk

A skimmed milk drink may help cool burning sensations. Milk can temporarily buffer stomach acid, giving short-term heartburn relief UK style.

Choose skimmed, not whole milk, to avoid adding excess fat (which triggers symptoms). Sip slowly—about 100 ml is enough. It’s a classic but simple option that many in the UK reach for.

Some evidence, including recent advice from medical experts, suggests it’s safe but only for short-term relief. If you have lactose intolerance or dairy allergy, skip this and try another remedy.

Ginger Tea

Ginger is a trusted natural heartburn remedy. It’s known to settle nausea and has anti-inflammatory powers, according to recent studies.

Simply slice a piece of fresh ginger (about a 1p coin size), pour over boiling water, and let it steep for 5–10 minutes. Add lemon or honey if you like.

This can help settle your stomach fast. For most, it’s very safe, but limit to 2–3 cups daily as excess ginger may irritate sensitive stomachs.

Loosen Tight Clothing

Do you feel pressure around your middle? Tight waistbands make heartburn worse by squeezing your stomach. Loosening belts, trousers, or tights can offer instant comfort.

Make this one of your first quick fixes when discomfort hits. Many post-covid guides mention this simple trick.

Wear relaxed clothing, especially after eating or when symptoms flare up. It’s remarkably effective and completely risk free.

Stand Up / Elevate Upper Body

Lying down or slumping after eating makes acid reflux worse. Standing up or sitting straight helps gravity keep acid in your stomach, not your chest.

If symptoms strike at night, prop yourself up on pillows. The NHS suggests a 15–20 cm (6–8 inch) incline. You can also try special wedges, often found at Boots.

This technique is recommended in nearly all NHS and covid recovery guides, because it’s easy and drug free. Avoid lying flat right after meals.

Long-Term Natural Remedies (Lifestyle Fixes)

 

Smaller, More Frequent Meals

Large meals stretch your stomach and boost acid, which triggers symptoms. Eating smaller portions more often means less pressure and easier digestion.

Aim for 4–6 light meals per day—simple soup, fruit, or oatcakes are good options. This is an easy covid natural remedies adjustment, especially during recovery.

Try using a smaller plate at home; this trick helps keep portions under control.

Stop Eating 2–3 Hours Before Bed

Eating late makes heartburn much more likely when you lie down. Leaving a 2–3 hour gap before bedtime gives your stomach time to empty.

Use this habit as part of your regular meal planning—plan dinner or tea for 6–7 pm if you go to bed by 9–10 pm. This habit, supported by recent clinical guidance, works for almost everyone.

If you work shifts, keep healthy snacks handy to resist late-night eating.

Increase Dietary Fibre

Fibre keeps your digestion regular and supports your gut. High-fibre foods like brown bread, oats, beans, and fruit support a healthy digestive system.

Adding more fibre also means you’ll feel fuller and snack less. Look for UK brands like Weetabix or Hovis wholemeal—small, tasty swaps for long-term GERD natural fixes. This is sound advice for both covid recovery and heartburn relief.

Start gradually to avoid bloating, and drink plenty of water as you increase fibre.

Chamomile / Ginger as Daily Habits

Building herbal teas into your day can keep symptoms settled. Chamomile soothes and relaxes your digestive tract, while ginger supports good gut health and reduces nausea.

Steep a chamomile or ginger teabag (both cheap at Boots or supermarkets) and sip after meals. This can become a relaxing, regular ritual for stomach comfort, as highlighted by long covid recovery strategies.

Most people find these gentle, but always check for allergies or interactions with medicines, especially if you take warfarin or blood thinners.

Weight Loss

Extra weight, particularly around your middle, pushes up stomach acid. Losing even half a stone can reduce symptoms of acid reflux dramatically.

The NHS weight loss plan is free for UK residents and gives practical, step-by-step weekly tips.

Weight loss is one of the most effective long-term covid natural remedies for acid reflux, but always combine it with healthy eating and increased movement.

Quit Smoking

Smoking weakens the valve between your stomach and oesophagus. It also makes cough and reflux worse, which is especially tough during or after covid infection. Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful natural heartburn remedies there is.

Ask your pharmacy or GP about the NHS stop smoking service. Support and nicotine replacement are widely available in the UK, including Boots and Lloyds Pharmacy.

Stopping brings both immediate and long-term benefits for acid reflux, covid recovery, and general gut health, as confirmed by many medical experts.

What to Avoid (Trigger List)

Avoiding certain foods and habits is just as important as what you add. Some items trigger acid reflux or make heartburn worse, especially in people dealing with covid or long-haul symptoms.

• High-fat foods
• Caffeine and fizzy drinks
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Tomatoes and tomato-based sauces
• Onions and garlic
• Peppermint
• Alcohol
• Keep a food diary to identify your triggers

Evidence from research, such as clinical NHS guidance, shows that avoiding these food triggers can make a big difference.

When to See a Doctor

 

🚨 Emergency Symptoms

• Severe chest pain (especially with arm/jaw pain or difficulty breathing)
• Bloody or dark vomit or stools
• Loss of consciousness or severe weakness

Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience these.

⚠️ Warning Signs (Non-Emergency)

• Heartburn more than twice weekly
• Over-the-counter antacids not helping after 2 weeks
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chronic cough or feeling of a lump in your throat
• Symptoms not improving with lifestyle changes

These symptoms matter because they may indicate GERD, severe reflux, or rarer problems. NHS or your GP should check these out—don’t ignore them.

If symptoms linger or keep returning, get medical advice. According to medical experts and covid recovery resources, early checks can prevent bigger problems later.

The Bottom Line

Most people can get relief from heartburn or reflux symptoms with simple, natural remedies and lifestyle tweaks. These fixes are safe, especially when following NHS advice and being mindful of your triggers.

But if symptoms keep coming back, don’t ignore them. Frequent, severe, or unusual symptoms may mean you need proper medical evaluation. Never rely on home remedies for serious or persistent issues.

Your health matters, and you deserve to feel comfortable and reassured every day.

FAQ

Q1: What is the fastest natural relief for covid natural remedies?

Chewing sugar-free gum or sipping ginger tea often delivers fast comfort by soothing the oesophagus and reducing burning.

Q2: Is baking soda safe as a natural heartburn remedy for covid?

In small amounts, it may briefly help, but it’s not recommended by NHS advice and can cause side effects—better to choose safer options above.

Q3: How quickly do natural remedies work for acid reflux?

Most give some comfort in 10–30 minutes, but the effect is mild and often temporary—combine instant fixes with long-term habits.

Q4: Can you cure chronic reflux or GERD naturally, long-term?

Lifestyle remedies can dramatically reduce symptoms, but see your GP if they’re persistent. Regular NHS checks are best for long-term safety.

Q5: How do I know if it’s GERD or just simple heartburn?

If symptoms last weeks or interfere with daily life, or you get a chronic cough, it may be GERD—not just heartburn—seek GP advice.