Ulcers can develop in many parts of the body, including the lining of the stomach. Some natural home remedies can relieve pain and other symptoms associated with ulcers.
Stomach ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Stomach ulcers are also known as peptic ulcers, gastric ulcers, or duodenal ulcers. They develop when stomach acid irritates the lining of the stomach.
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What are the causes of ulcer?
- Infection with the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)
- Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or aspirin
- Some people think that stress or spicy foods can cause an ulcer. These don’t cause ulcers, but they can make them worse by increasing the production of stomach acid.
Discover ten evidence-based methods to help relieve pain from stomach ulcers.
Ten Evidence-Based Natural Remedies For Stomach Ulcers
If a person has an ulcer, they may experience a burning sensation in the stomach. This one:
- Lasts a few minutes or several hours
- Facilitates taking antacids or stopping food intake
- Starts in the middle of the night or during meals
- Occurs occasionally for several weeks
You can relieve these symptoms by using the following home remedies:
1. Probiotics
Yogurts contain probiotics that help restore the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. Probiotics are living organisms that help restore the balance of bacteria in the digestive tract. In addition to helping achieve optimal gut health, they can help treat ulcers.
According to a 2014 review, probiotics cannot kill the H. pylori bacteria. However, they can reduce the amount of bacteria present, speed up the healing process and improve some symptoms.
When taken alongside other treatments, probiotics can help eradicate harmful bacteria. You can find probiotics in the following sources:
- yogurts
- fermented foods
- probiotic supplements
Some foods contain probiotics. However, consider taking supplements as they contain higher concentrations of probiotics per serving.
2. Ginger
Many people believe that ginger has gastroprotective effects. Some people use it to treat stomach and digestive problems, such as constipation, bloating, and gastritis.
A 2013 review suggests that ginger can help treat stomach ulcers caused by the bacteria H. pylori. Consuming ginger can also prevent ulcers caused by NSAIDs.
However, many of these results come from animal studies, so it is not clear whether the effects would be similar in humans.
3. Colorful fruits
Many fruits contain compounds called flavonoids, which are polyphenols. Flavonoids contribute to the richness of the colors of certain fruits.
According to a study carried out in 2011, polyphenols can relieve stomach ulcers. They can also help with a range of other digestive issues, including spasms and diarrhea.
Flavonoids protect the lining of the stomach against developing ulcers. They do this by increasing the mucus in the stomach, which inhibits the growth of H. pylori. Flavonoids also have antioxidant properties.
Flavonoids are found in fruits such as:
- apples
- blueberries
- cherries
- lemons and oranges
- nuts
4. Plantains
Plantains are a variety of bananas. Research from 2011 suggests that unripe plantains could have a positive effect on peptic ulcers.
Unripe plantains contain a flavonoid called leukocyanidin. Leukocyanidin increases the amount of mucus in the stomach. This fruit can also reduce acidity, which can help prevent and relieve symptoms of ulcers.
5. Honey
Honey is a popular natural sweetener used in France. People who regularly consume honey (real honey!) Can experience a range of health benefits.
A 2016 study indicates that Manuka honey has antimicrobial effects against H. pylori. He suggests that honey might be helpful in treating stomach ulcers. Honey is also used to speed the healing of wounds, including skin ulcers, burns and wounds.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is a popular yellow spice frequently used in India and other parts of South Asia. Like chili peppers, turmeric contains a compound called curcumin. Researchers are starting to study curcumin for its health benefits.
A 2013 study concluded that curcumin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that can help prevent stomach ulcers. However, there are a limited number of studies in humans.
More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of turmeric in treating ulcers. Nevertheless, the first results seem positive. Scientists hope turmeric can help relieve ulcer symptoms and treat sores.
7. Chamomile
Some people use chamomile flowers and chamomile teas to treat minor anxiety, intestinal spasms, and inflammation.
A study published in 2012 indicates that chamomile extracts may also have anti-ulcer properties. Some researchers believe that it can inhibit stomach ulcers and reduce their healing time.
However, much of this research comes from animal studies. Researchers are unsure whether chamomile will have the same effects on humans.
8. Garlic
Garlic is popular in many parts of the world for adding flavor to foods. Garlic has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which makes it useful in fighting infections.
Some studies confirm the effectiveness of garlic in treating ulcers. For example, a 2016 animal study showed that garlic may help prevent the development of ulcers and speed up the healing process.
Garlic may also help prevent the growth of H. pylori, according to a 2015 review. A small-scale study from 2015 suggests that eating two cloves of garlic with a meal, twice a day, may have antibacterial effects against H. pylori.
However, not all studies agree that garlic affects H. pylori or prevents ulcers. Scientists still need to do more research.
9. Licorice
Licorice is a popular spice native to the Mediterranean region and Asia. People have used licorice in traditional medicines for hundreds of years. Some people believe that eating a dried licorice root can help heal and prevent ulcers.
However, research tends to focus on using supplements and not dried licorice root. So, if you are interested in using this spice for ulcers you may want to try it as a supplement.
A 2013 study found that taking licorice supplements can help fight H. pylori infections. The study suggests that the supplement helps prevent the growth of the bacteria.
10. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a popular vegetable oil found in many topical lotions, cosmetics, and foods. Some studies looking at how aloe vera affected stomach ulcers have shown favorable results.
For example, a 2011 study in rats reported that aloe vera treated ulcers in the same way as a popular antiulcer drug.
But the researchers studied animals, not humans. So, scientists need to do more research to see the effects of aloe vera on humans.
Medical treatments for ulcers
Medical treatments for stomach ulcers vary depending on the cause of the ulcer.
If taking NSAIDs caused the ulcer, a doctor will likely advise the person to stop or reduce their use of these drugs. People may switch to another pain medication.
A doctor may also prescribe histamine receptor blockers. These prevent the stomach from making too much acid. Additionally, a doctor may prescribe a protector called sucralfate (Carafate). This helps prevent further damage to the area around the ulcer.
When an H. pylori infection has caused the ulcer, a doctor may also prescribe antibiotics. Because H. pylori can be difficult to kill, a person should take all doses exactly as prescribed, even after symptoms subside.
Often a doctor will combine several medications and therapies to treat an ulcer. Combination therapies help relieve pain, prevent further damage, and cure any infection.
An ancient remedy for ulcer, which has been proven
In the past we used hops, comfrey and marshmallow to soothe and heal an ulcer, To calm the overly excited stomach, it will be the role of the hops (cumulus lupulus), a doubly valuable weapon because it has the property of combating both spasms and atony of the stomach, which makes it a typical indication of all diseases of the stomach due to too much nervousness.
Soften, this will be the role of the marshmallow. Healing, it will be that of comfrey (Sympitum officinale), the plant which welds thanks to several substances which it contains, at the same time a viscous mucilage, a powerful tannin and a principle which activates cell proliferation. Its fluid extract is also used in the composition of very effective creams or pastes against varicose ulcers. To a lesser extent, its astringent action works wonders in the form of beauty products.
Natural anti-ulcer recipe
- Mix 50 g of hops, 50 g of comfrey, 25 g of marshmallow, 25 g of liquorice wood.
- Boil 3 tbsp. of the mixture, let infuse for 20 minutes
- Drink 3 times a day between meals so as not to dilute the effect in food
Conclusion
You may be able to find relief with some home remedies. But you should consult a doctor to find out the cause and receive proper medical treatment.
A doctor can create a treatment plan to help treat the ulcer. Home remedies can help prevent ulcers from developing in the future and naturally help relieve symptoms.