What are ulcers?
Ulcers can take a while to heal and sometimes, they can recur. Ulcers are common, and how they appear and their corresponding symptoms depend on their cause and where they develop on your body.
While some ulcers disappear on their own, others require medical treatment to prevent serious complications. The most common type are peptic ulcers, which form when digestive juices damage the walls of the stomach or intestine.
Peptic ulcers are usually caused by inflammation that occurs after a individual is infected with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria and the long-term use of painkillers.
There are three types of peptic ulcers:
- Esophageal ulcers, which are ulcers that develop in the esophagus.
- Gastric/stomach ulcers, which are ulcers that develop in the stomach lining.
- Duodenal ulcers, which are ulcers that develop in the duodenum/small intestine.
The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning pain.
Other symptoms of stomach ulcers include:
- Belching
- Bloating/feeling full
- Chest pain
- Heartburn
- Nausea/vomiting
- Unexplained weight loss
Stomach ulcers can be triggered by various factors such as alcohol, drugs, smoking, or stress. Prescription drugs can treat stomach ulcers, but these treatments are often linked to negative side effects.
If you suffer from stomach ulcers, consider using the natural and effective remedies listed below.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a medicinal plant that is often used to treat burns and infections. Aside from being used topically, aloe vera can also help fight bacteria internally. Aloe vera's ulcer-fighting effects are just as potent as some commonly prescribed ulcer medication.
Consume aloe vera at recommended doses. You can buy it in health food stores and in pharmacies.
Cabbage juice
Cabbage and cabbage juice (from pulverized cabbage) are effective remedies for stomach or intestinal ulcers. Aside from treating ulcers, cabbage also has many nutritional benefits. Cabbage juice is rich in vitamin C, which can help prevent and manage the symptoms of H. pylori and related ulcers.
Buy organic cabbages from a health food store or grocery store, then make your own juice from them. Drink cabbage juice at least once a day.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea is a natural sleep aid, but studies show that chamomile can also help fight ulcers. This tea can prevent ulcers from growing, and it can also speed up the healing time of ulcers.
You can buy chamomile tea bags at the grocery store. Loose leaf chamomile and tinctures can be found in some health food stores.
Honey
Honey offers many health benefits, and this includes fighting bacteria, improving respiratory health, and promoting the faster healing of open wounds. Even though ulcers are internal open wounds, honey can still offer relief.
Always buy local, raw, unprocessed honey from health food stores for best results. Alternatively, you can use manuka honey, which is made from the pollen of a special tree in New Zealand.
Licorice root
Licorice root is great for digestion, and it can help boost nutrient absorption and reduce gas and bloating. This plant root can also help fight ulcers and manage the symptoms of ulcers. Licorice root promotes the production of more mucus in the stomach, which helps prevent stomach acid from touching the ulcer. This then helps minimize discomfort and pain.
After you purchase whole licorice root from a health food store, cut off a small piece then chew on it. However, you shouldn't swallow the root, which may aggravate your ulcer.
You can also buy licorice root supplements and tinctures from health food stores. (Related: Understanding peptic ulcers and how to treat them at home.)
Ulcers are an irritating health complaint and when left untreated, they can become debilitating. If you have a stomach ulcer, try some of the home remedies listed above to manage your symptoms naturally.
Sources include:
Please contact us for more information.
