That is a good question, my Dr says it depenRAB on the severity of GERD, and can take up to a year. I don't think healing is the best word either! According to drs it can prevent further damage to the esophagus and if you have mild acid reflux from time to time it can heal it. With us who have GERD symptoms almost 24/7 the best we can get is preventing further damage! Zantac a histamine 2 blocker just helps keep acid down away from esophagus and throat and can help prevent ulcers or heal them. The average time it takes to "heal" acid reflux is about 8 weeks, for us with GERD disease itself it's an ongoing problem!