Aloe Vera for Gastritis and Ulcer: Efficacy and uses

When we suffer from gastritis and ulcer, we usually rely on antacid and antibiotic drugs to fight the symptoms. But there is a massive backlash of side effects from such drugs.

In that case, using aloe vera for gastritis and ulcer may manage most of the symptoms without any health risk. [1, 2]

Gastritis is an inflammation of the delicate lining of the stomach wall.

You may detect gastritis by the following signs: bloating, nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting (blood). Abdominal pain, stomach upset, indigestion, acid reflux, black stools, etc. [3]

In this article, you’ll learn all about the efficacy and uses of aloe vera gel as a home remedy for gastritis, ulcer, and stomach infections.

Why Use Aloe Vera for Gastritis and Ulcer?

Aloe vera is a “wonder plant.” This short-stemmed succulent shrub is one of the 500 other species of the Aloe genus. Many aloes are native to North Africa.

An Egyptian Medical record that dates back 16th century B.C. notes the earliest medicinal use of aloe vera [3]

In ancient Egypt people used to call aloe vera ‘the plant of immortality.’

The erect and succulent leaves are full of crystal and thick gel. The essential benefits of aloe vera come from this aloe gel.

Recent scientific studies claim the extraordinary medicinal values of aloe vera gel.

The worldwide popularity of the shrub is due to the therapeutic benefits of aloe gel.

Aloe vera has extensive use in food items, cosmetics, herbal supplements, etc.

For medicinal purposes, you can use fresh aloe vera gel obtained from the leaves. You can also buy gel supplements at the medical stores.

The chemical compounds of aloe vera are especially useful for relieving gastritis symptoms. Aloe vera consists of 99% water content. The remaining 1% includes vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, sterols, glycoproteins, etc. [4]

When you are treating a gastritis problem, all you are doing is relieving its symptoms. Doctors recommend consuming a light and liquid diet to soothe the inflamed stomach lining. You should also avoid all sorts of spicy foods and alcohol consumption.

According to some research, aloe vera contains glycoproteins called actin and sterol. These components may reduce the inflammations and wounds in the stomach wall.

The anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera may fight off H.pylori bacteria as well. This bacterial infection is one of the primary reasons for developing gastritis.

In a study, researchers administered 200 mg. of aloe gel to a group of H.pylori affected rats twice daily. The gel showed a significant result in reducing the infection. [5]

Since aloe vera is alkaline, it can balance the acidity or pH level in the stomach.

Aloe vera is also an excellent remedy for diarrhea, indigestion, constipation, etc. [4]

How to Use Aloe Vera for Gastritis and Ulcer?

You can reap the therapeutic benefits of aloe vera for gastritis symptoms in various ways. Here are the most effective aloe vera home remedies for gastritis problems. [6]

1. Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is in itself an excellent remedy for gastritis. You do not need any extra ingredients to add to the gel for the proposed treatment. Here’s how you should go about with this method. [7]

How to use aloe vera gel for gastritis:

Slice 2 fresh aloe vera leaves in two and scoop out the fresh gel using a spoon.
Consume the gel before meals or early in the morning on an empty stomach.

2. Fresh Aloe Vera Juice

You can consume prepared aloe vera juice thrice daily before the meals. Drinking aloe vera juice in the morning can help you relieve constipation. The treatment may provide quick relief from abdominal pain, bloat, and acid reflux.

An easy way to consume aloe vera juice for ulcers, gastritis, and other symptoms:

Blend 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and a glass of water into a soothing juice.
Drink early in the morning or before every meal.

3. Aloe Vera with Honey

This method is perhaps the most effective natural remedy for gastritis patients. Aloe vera and honey make a potent treatment for chronic gastritis symptoms. [8]

Honey is a superfood. It is rich in natural sugar such as glucose, fructose, and essential nutrients. These compounds readily get absorbed in the intestines. Moreover, honey is antimicrobial and can battle the bacterial infection responsible for gastritis. [9]

Try this aloe vera drink if you have gastritis or stomach infections:

Blend ¼ cup of aloe vera gel and 2 cups of water in a mixer.
Pour the juice into a glass.
Now add 2 tablespoons of honey to the juice and mix well.
Sip the medicinal juice twice daily for healthy gut health.

What Causes Gastritis?

Gastric juices and harmful toxins may enter the stomach with foods and drinks. The stomach lining or gastric mucosa protects the stomach from those toxins.

But, some reasons can irritate and damage this protective lining of the stomach wall. These include bacterial infection (Helicobacter pylori), anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin), bile reflux, and stress. [1]

In the long run, the inflammation of the lining may turn into gastric or stomach ulcers. Gastritis can be chronic or acute in form. [2]

When to See a Doctor

Gastritis and ulcer are common problems. Most of the time, you may relieve the symptoms using home remedies, and aloe vera are one of the best options.

If your condition worsens and home remedies don’t work, you must visit a doctor as soon as possible.

You must seek medical attention if you see the following symptoms:

Blood with vomit and stools.
Continuous vomiting after eating.
Sudden weight loss.
Severe, sharp upper tummy pain.
Trouble breathing.

Bottom Line

Aloe vera has detoxifying activities in the body to wash out the toxins accumulated in the gut.

Moreover, the mucilage in aloe vera gel can restore the damaged tissues in the stomach walls. Aloe vera may inhibit the symptoms as well as prevent future gastric attacks. [10]

It is also vital that you maintain a healthy diet and a disciplined lifestyle. You should drink plenty of water, keep a check on your stress levels and never skip your meals.