Do you suffer from painful and distressing stomach ulcers?
You are not alone.
Peptic ulcer disease actually affects up to 40 percent of the U.S. population [1].
Also called stomach ulcer or gastric ulcer, this condition is characterized by painful sores in the stomach lining [2, 3].
Continue to read inside:
- What is ulcer and what are the symptoms?
- Best home remedies for ulcer
One of the most common causes of ulcer is an infection with the bacteria called Helicobacter pylori, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
Other risk factors include use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, and radiation treatment in the abdominal area [2].
This condition causes bloating, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, and a gnawing pain usually in the middle or upper part of the stomach [2].
Get immediate relief from the pain and other unpleasant symptoms brought about by this ailment by using the following home remedies for ulcers.
RELATED: 11 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Stomach Ache That’ll Actually Work
1. Licorice Root
Otherwise known as sweet root due to its naturally sweet flavor, licorice has long been recognized for its medicinal value.
In ancient Egypt, this was used in the form of tea, which was considered at that time a universal medicinal concoction.
For cases of ulcers, herbalists have also been using phytogenic agents from plants as treatment [4].
Licorice is one of those that have “anti-ulcerogenic pharmacological effect” due to the presence of flavonoids [5].
In a 2009 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, it was found that this herb contained an anti-inflammatory called 12-keto-triterpensaponins that helped tone down swelling [6].
At the same time, its polysaccharides worked to inhibit the adhesion of H. pylori in the stomach lining [6].
These findings were obtained after researchers utilized agar diffusion assay and situ adhesion assay [6].
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 teaspoon of licorice root powder
- 2 cups of water
Recommended Directions:
- Boil water.
- Add licorice root powder.
- Remove from heat and strain.
- Drink tea two times a day for one week.
2. Honey
Did you know that honey has been used in various cultures for more than 2,500 years?
There’s a very long list of health benefits that you can reap from this liquid gold.
Honey works as a natural energy drink, memory booster, sleep aid, wound healer, and cough suppressant among many others.
Numerous studies also prove that honey is an effective home remedy for ulcers [7, 8, 9].
Researchers from New Zealand tested the therapeutic properties of honey, which they believe are due to its antibacterial activities [7].
Through an agar well diffusion assay, it was discovered that the five isolates of the Helicobacter pylori can be inhibited by 20 percent of Manuka honey [7].
It was also shown in the experiment that 5 percent honey suppressed completely the growth and spread of seven strains of this particular bacterium within a 72-hour period [7].
Apart from destroying bacteria that cause the problem, it also tones down pain by reducing inflammation in the lining of the stomach.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 glass of warm water
Recommended Directions:
- Take two tablespoons of honey in the morning before eating anything.
- Do this everyday for one to two weeks.
- Or mix one tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water.
- Drink this mixture three times a day for up to two weeks.
RELATED: The Benefits of Honey and Cinnamon for Weight Loss
3. Cabbage Juice
Don’t like eating vegetables?
Why don’t you try drinking your veggies? There’s a good chance that you’ll like it.
Not to mention, vegetable juices like cabbage juice are replete with remarkable benefits for your health.
Here’s one example: cabbage juice is great for preventing and treating stomach ulcers.
Rapid healing of peptic ulcer disease has been documented among patients who consumed cabbage juice for seven days [10].
Its anti peptic ulcer factor or vitamin U has been shown to prevent peptic ulcers triggered by histamine in the body [10].
This is the same vitamin that works to strengthen the stomach’s inner layer so that it becomes more resistant to ulcers.
If you think about it, cabbage juice is not only an effective remedy but also an excellent preventive measure for this condition.
Since it’s also rich in vitamin C, it’s beneficial for patients with bacterial infections in the stomach.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 half head of cabbage, raw
- 2 carrots, sliced
Recommended Directions:
- Extract juice from cabbage and carrots using a blender.
- Drink one half of the juice in the morning before eating breakfast.
- Drink the other half before bedtime to get rid of ulcers.
4. Fenugreek
The pharmacological properties of fenugreek never fail to amaze anyone who hears about them.
Apart from their strong aroma and flavor that make them a popular ingredient in Mediterranean cuisine, fenugreek seeds are also known for their valuable medicinal purposes [11].
The traditional uses of these seeds include during digestion-related problems and boosting milk supply for breastfeeding mothers.
A Malaysian study revealed that fenugreek seeds’ flavonoids worked to prevent formation of lesions in the stomach lining [12].
According to the findings from this experiment, oral administration of the combination of honey and fenugreek resulted in a significant reduction in the stomach lesions in mice subjects [12].
Another study published in 2002 reported that this herbal remedy for ulcer is even more effective than omeprazole, a drug commonly prescribed by physicians for this condition [13].
These are said to be due to the seeds’ “anti-secretory actions” as well as their beneficial effects on the glycoproteins in the mucosa [13].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of fenugreek seeds
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Recommended Directions:
- Boil fenugreek seeds in water.
- Remove from heat, and strain.
- Add honey.
- Drink tea twice a day for one week.
5. Garlic
The holistic benefits of garlic have long been accepted in the medical community.
For years, scientists have provided evidence that garlic works in relieving many types of ailments, including bacterial infections.
In fact, this herb, which belongs to the onion family, is highly potent against drug-resistant pathogens.
Meanwhile, its efficacy as treatment for stomach ulcer has also been well documented [14, 15, 16, 17].
Its compound called diallyl disulfide inhibited the growth and spread of infection-causing bacteria in the stomach [15].
In a 1996 study, it was confirmed that garlic extract can neutralize up to 90 percent of bacterial growth at minimum concentration [16].
It was however noted that heating the garlic reduced its antibacterial activity so it’s best to consume garlic or garlic juice in raw form [16].
The garlic’s antioxidant properties were also found to have protective effects against gastric injury [17].
What You’ll Need:
- 3 cloves of raw garlic, crushed
- 1 glass of water
Recommended Directions:
- Eat crushed garlic.
- Drink water.
- Do this every morning for one week.
6. Banana
Loaded with essential nutrients like B vitamins, vitamin C, potassium, copper, manganese and dietary fiber, bananas are indeed some of the world’s healthiest fruits.
Since it’s a nutritional powerhouse, we shouldn’t be surprised at all that these fruits can ward off many types of ailments, promote proper bowel movements, aid in weight loss, and keep the heart healthy and strong.
If you suffer from peptic ulcer disease, it would be a smart move to add bananas to your diet.
A team of Indian scientists found that banana powder works against ulcer by strengthening mucosal resistance against ulcer-causing bacteria and speeding up healing of stomach lesions [18].
In a more recent study, it was shown that banana’s anti-ulcer effects may be due to the presence of antioxidants [19].
On top of these, these fruits are believed to reduce swelling and get rid of acidic gastric juices.
What You’ll Need:
- 3 bananas, sliced
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 bananas
- 1 cup of ice
- 1 cup of milk
Recommended Directions:
- Dry sliced banana under the sun.
- After two to three days, grind bananas into fine powder.
- Add honey to banana powder.
- Take the mixture two to three times a day for one week.
- Take two bananas, peel them off, and mash until consistency is smooth.
- Put in a blender.
- Add ice and milk.
- Pulse until well blended.
- Drink the smoothie once a day for two weeks.
7. Slippery Elm
There are many interesting things that you should know about slippery elm.
One is that it has high medicinal value.
The inner part of its bark is in fact taken as medicine for sore throat, diarrhea, cough, constipation, hemorrhoids, bladder infection, urinary tract infection, herpes, and irritable bowel syndrome.
It also works wonders for those diagnosed with stomach ulcer.
For centuries, slippery elm has been used by Native American herbalists as treatment for a wide array of ailments including gastric ulcer [20].
High in mucilage content, slippery elm is believed to soothe ulcerations in the stomach [21].
Moreover, this herbal remedy is also a quick way to relieve inflammation and pain caused by gastric ulcer.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 teaspoon of slippery elm powder
- 1 cup of water
Recommended Directions:
- Boil water in a pot.
- Add slippery elm powder.
- Remove from heat.
- Strain the powder before drinking the tea.
- Take this three times a day for five days.
8. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper may be the last thing on your mind when it comes to treatment for stomach ulcer.
Contrary to popular belief, cayenne pepper is actually beneficial for people with this condition.
Findings from a 2011 study published in the International Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences indicate that cayenne pepper acts as a “local anaesthetic to ulcerated tissue in the stomach” [22].
As if this isn’t amazing enough, you’ll be glad to know that cayenne pepper can also help prevent stomach bleeding, a complication that occurs when ulcers are left untreated.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder
- 1 glass of warm water
Recommended Directions:
- Stir in cayenne pepper powder to the water.
- Drink twice a day for two days.
- Increase amount to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder for the next three days.
9. Aloe Vera
Most people know aloe vera as an effective treatment for external skin injuries such as wounds and burns.
What some people do not know is that it can also heal lesions found inside the body, such as those in the stomach.
As one of the most widely used medicinal plants in history, aloe vera can be taken internally to soothe and alleviate the painful lesions in the stomach [23].
Its anti-ulcer activities can be compared to that of omeprazole [24].
These include anti-inflammatory, cytoprotective, and mucus stimulatory properties [23].
What You’ll Need:
- Aloe vera leaf
- 1 cup of water
- Ice cubes
- 1 teaspoon of honey
Recommended Directions:
- Slice the aloe vera leaf and squeeze out the gel.
- Add gel, water and ice to a blender.
- Blend for a few seconds.
- Add honey.
- Drink aloe vera juice once a day for one to two weeks.
RELATED: Aloe Vera for Gastritis & Ulcer : Learn Why & How?
10. Coconut Milk
The coconut tree is called the tree of life because it is abundant with purposes.
Many of its parts can be used as natural medicine to cure a wide range of ailments.
Coconut water and coconut milk for example are both recommended for people who suffer from painful stomach ulcers [25].
However, it’s the latter that’s actually more effective [25].
Coconut milk has stronger antibacterial effects that can kill the microorganisms causing the infection.
Apart from killing the source of the problem, it is also an efficient way to soothe the irritation in the stomach lining.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 to 3 cups of fresh coconut milk
Recommended Directions:
- Drink a cup of fresh coconut milk two to three times a day.
- Do this for one to two weeks.
11. Turmeric
Turmeric has a long list of benefits that anyone would want to know more about.
Fact is, it has been centuries ago when this spice was first discovered to be highly medicinal, and effective in treating all sorts of health problems.
A study conducted in Thailand showed that turmeric has the ability to cure gastric ulcer [26].
A total of 45 ulcer patients participated in the study, and were asked to take turmeric capsules five times a day before meals and at bedtime [26].
The symptoms caused by ulcer started to subside during the first and second weeks [26].
During the fourth week of the trial, there was a 48 percent decrease in the stomach ulcers [26].
By the eighth week, 76 percent of the cases have been resolved [26].
There were no reported side effects following the treatment, and none of the liver or renal functions were affected [26].
The anti-ulcer properties of turmeric can be attributed to its active compounds namely curcumin and turmerone [26].
Two other studies confirm turmeric’s ability to put an end to the pain and discomfort brought about by stomach ulcer [27, 28].
What You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon of turmeric powder
- 1 glass of warm water
Recommended Directions:
- Dissolve turmeric powder in a glass of water.
- Drink once a day for two weeks.
Bottom Line
Put an end to the problem of ulcer by using remedies that kill the source of infection.
Also, these home remedies for ulcers can help reduce pain and inflammation without causing any harmful side effects.
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