Activated charcoal is a tonic and bitter substance; it awakens the appetite, aids digestion, and stimulates stomach secretions. For this reason it is widely used for a sluggish stomach, lack of acidity, aerophagia, or intestinal gas. It is also used as a fever reducer (to bring down fever) and as an antibacterial.
Prophetic Medicine also makes use of the date pit, and more specifically the heart of the pit (an naqira), as Allah mentioned it in the Qur'an. Indeed, the date pit—particularly from ajwa dates—ground and taken on an empty stomach in the morning in a glass of water, is just as effective as charcoal for problems of gas and bloating.
What the science says: reflux and the stomach
Here is what published research says about the remedies mentioned above, for context — these studies address material causes, while healing belongs to Allah.
Reflux and the stomach
Gastroesophageal reflux responds first to lifestyle: light meals eaten early, raising the head of the bed, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and cutting back on coffee and fatty foods (JAMA, 2020) (Ther Clin Risk Manag, 2021); traditional medicinal plants (licorice, chamomile, ginger) have been evaluated for dyspepsia (Curr Drug Discov Technol, 2021). Precaution: licorice raises blood pressure; persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss should be investigated.
