Stomach ulcers (aka peptic ulcer/gastric ulcer) occur when
the lining of the stomach (small intestine) breaks down by the harmful effects
of stomach acid. Most ulcers are generally caused by the bacteria called
Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) and over usage of non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs). The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is
a burning sensation or pain in upper abdominal, bloating, heartburn,
indigestion, belching, nausea, vomiting, weight
loss, etc. A hastric ulcer can affect people of all ages, but it is mostly
seen in the folks who are above 60. Before it get worse and cause unbearable
pain, you can try these simple, effective home remedies to get rid of stomach
ulcer.
1. Fenugreek
Take around one cup of fenugreek leaves and add 3 cups of
water to it. Bring this solution to a boil and add a pinch of salt to it.
Strain and allow it to cool. Drink one cup of this infusion twice a day.
Alternatively, soak 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seeds in water
overnight. Strain it in the morning and consume this water before breakfast.
2. Cabbage
The richness of lactic acid and vitamin C in cabbage help
treat stomach ulcers. It produces an amino acid that stimulates blood flow to
the stomach lining, which in turn, heals the peptic ulcer. Take some chopped
cabbage and two carrots (optional). Now grind them in a blender to extract the
juice. Drink half a cup of this juice twice a day (not more than 850 ml in a
day). Repeat daily.
3. Coconut
It has anti-bacterial properties that ward off ulcer-causing
bacteria. Drink coconut water on a daily basis. Or else, eat the kernel of
coconut to get better results.
Alternatively, take one tablespoon of coconut oil twice a
day for one week. As it is composed of saturated fat and medium-chain fatty
acid, it can be easily digested.
4. Banana
Banana consists of an antiulcerogenic component that
provides sturdy protective covering by increasing the mucus in the digestive
tract. Therefore, treat the ulcers effectively. Eat ripe banana followed by a
glass of milk (optional).
Or else, prepare fresh banana milk shake and add honey to
sweeten the taste. Have it thrice a day.
5. Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper fights off the ulcer-causing bacteria in the
gastrointestinal tract. It boosts the production of alkali and regulates
stomach secretions that prevent the production of acids. Mix ¼ teaspoon of
cayenne pepper in a cup of hot water and drink it daily.
In addition, a dash of cayenne pepper can also be added to
soups and other dishes.
6. Honey
an enzyme present in honey produces hydrogen peroxide. This
enzyme helps kill bacteria that are responsible for the development of an
ulcer. You can take one spoon of honey with milk, daily in the morning.
7. Garlic
Garlic keeps the levels of the H. pylori bacterium in check.
Eat 2- 3 garlic cloves ever day to get relief from peptic ulcers.
8. Flavonoids
Flavonoids aka bioflavonoids is also an effective treatment
for stomach ulcers. Flavonoids are compounds that are present naturally in many
fruits and vegetables such as soybeans, berries, teas (green tea), kale,
broccoli, etc. Include these in your diet as much as possible.
9. Probiotics
These are the living bacteria, which help keep your
digestive system active and healthy. They are present in many common foods
(mostly fermented foods). Some of these are buttermilk,
yogurt, miso, and kimchi. You can also take probiotics in supplement form.
Note: Before taking any supplement, consult a doctor.
10. Cranberry
It is one of the most known ingredients for ulcer treatment
that also fights
urinary tract infections and prevents bacteria from settling on the
walls of the bladder. You can drink cranberry juice, twice a day or can consume it in the
form of supplements.
11. Mastic Gum
Mastic helps fight H. pylori without any side effects. You
can chew the gum or have its supplement. Consult an experienced healthcare
practitioner about its adequate dosage.
12. Fruits and Vegetables
Foods that contain polyphenol can protect you from ulcers.
It is an antioxidant, which help heal ulcers. You can add polyphenol-rich food
such as blueberries, black olives dried rosemary, Mexican oregano, etc., in
your diet.
13. Vitamin E
If nothing else is working then, you can try taking vitamin
E supplements. This remedy helps get rid of stomach ulcers within four to six
days.
14. Capsaicin
Peppers rich in capsaicin proved effective in
alleviating the symptoms of peptic ulcer. Include capsicum, jalapeños and other
hot peppers into your diet as an effective ulcer treatment.
15. Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a vital role in maintaining, repairing and
creating the connective tissues in the stomach lining. It is recommended to
have 200mg of vitamin C on a daily basis.
Note: Avoid over-dosage as acidic properties of vitamin
C can aggravate ulcers.
16. Folic Acid
The best way to raise your folate (aka folic acid/ Vitamin
B9/ B vitamin) levels is by eating folate-rich whole foods, such as asparagus,
spinach, okra, and beans. B vitamins in large quantity can reduce the risk of
acid reflux.
17. Glutamine
Glutamine addresses the damage caused by H.pylori bacteria.
It is found in many foods, including eggs, dairy products, and some fruits and
vegetables
18. Aloe Juice
Drink aloe vera juice daily on an empty stomach in the
morning. It eases the symptoms
of acid reflux and also helps reduce irritation in the stomach associated
with the stomach ulcer.
19. Apple Cider Vinegar
Acid reflux sometimes results due to lack of acid in your
stomach. Take one tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and add it
to a glass of water. Have it to improve the acid content in your stomach.
20. Baking Soda
Baking soda neutralizes the acidic effect in stomach
and provides relief. Add one teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of cold water.
Drink it instantly.
Note: Don’t drink too much of this water.
21. Betaine
Another option is to take a betaine hydrochloric supplement.
This will help your body to digest the food properly, and will also help kill
the H. pylori bacterium.
22. Fresh Carrot Juice
Carrots contain an anti-peptic ulcer factor (vitamin U) that
soothes the condition. Crush 5-6 carrots in a blender to extract its juice.
Have it on a daily basis.
23. Milk
Drinking one glass of goat’s milk twice or thrice a day
helps cure ulcers. It is one of the most effective treatments to get rid of
stomach ulcer.
24. White Gourd
Being alkaline, white gourd neutralizes the acidic effect in
the stomach. Grate the ash gourd and squeeze out the juice from it. Now, add an
equal amount of water to it. Take it daily on empty stomach and do not consume
food for 2 to 3 hours.
25. Castor Oil
Mix 2-3 drops of castor oil in one glass of warm milk. Have
this twice a day to get rid of peptic ulcer. It helps alleviate inflammation
and pain.
26. Lemon Juice
Lime has citric acid and mineral salts which aid digestion. Cut
a lemon in half and warm it over the stove. Add a pinch of black salt to it
(using a fork). Have it twice a day to treat pain and indigestion caused by
ulcers.
Alternatively, you can also have the juice of one lemon
twice a day.
27. Almonds
Soak a few almonds in water overnight. In the morning, peel
them and blend them with a glass of milk in a mixer. Have it every day.
28. Indian Gooseberry
Take 25ml of Indian gooseberry juice early in the morning,
on an empty stomach to lessen the severity of stomach ulcer. You can also have
them raw.
29. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acid helps protect the lining of the entire
digestive system. You are advised to consume products which are rich in fatty
acid.
Herbal Remedies for Stomach Ulcer
30. Marshmallow
The roots of marshmallow are used for several medicinal
purposes. It soothes irritated wall of the stomach and also relieves
nausea, indigestion, gastritis. Prepare a tea by boiling marshmallow root
powder in water for a couple of minutes. Let it cool down. Have it every day to
get relief from the painful symptoms of the peptic ulcers.
31. Chamomile Tea
Tea prepared from chamomile flower relaxes the inner wall of
the stomach. Just add two tablespoons of chamomile flowers powder in a cup of
boiled water. Steep it for some time. Have this herbal decoction twice daily
for better results.
32. White Oak Bark and Yarrow
Take equal amount of white oak bark and yarrow. Grind them
together to form a powder. Store it in an airtight container. Now take enough
amount of the mixture to cover the infected area and add few drops of water to
it. Apply over swollen area, twice a day.
33. Bilberry
The anti-inflammatory properties
of bilberry lessen the symptoms of stomach ulcer. Consume this fruit daily in
ample amount. You may also use its tincture and capsule.
Note: Avoid its excessive intake.
34. Ginseng
It contains an anti-inflammatory compound which helps cure
infections completely. You can consume red ginseng extract to treat ulcers.
35. Licorice
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) works well in treating
peptic ulcers. It helps stomach and intestines to produce more protective
mucus. Besides, licorice also prevents the occurrence of new ulcers.
Note: Consume its supplements after consulting a
doctor.
36. Slippery Elm
The astringent properties of Slippery elm help soothe
stomach lining. You are advised to take it in the form of tea. Use bark of
slippery elm to prepare its herbal decoction. Drink this tea three times a day
to treat stomach ulcer.
37. Wood-Apple
The tannins present in the leaves of wood apple help protect
the stomach from excessive acid and also alleviates pain. To prepare juice,
soak wood-apple leaves in water, overnight. Strain the solution next morning
and drink it to heal the pain. Continue this for about a week.
38. Drumstick
Drumstick is also an effective natural remedy for stomach
ulcers. Prepare a paste of drumstick leaves by grinding them with a little
water. Add some yogurt to it. Consume daily.
39. Comfrey
Comfrey contains astringent properties, and it is rich in
tannins and mucilage. These components help form a protective covering over the
ulcer and lining of stomach respectively and hence eases the ulcer. Drink its
herbal tea or use its tincture.
40. Meadowsweet
Salicylic acid, found in the flowers of Meadowsweet helps
provide relief from the pain. The best way is to consume it is in the form of
tea. Or else, use its tablets but, only after prescription.
41. Peppermint
It is one of the most effective and easily available herbs,
for the treatment of ulcer. The cooling effect of peppermint eases the ulcer
and reduces burning sensation in the stomach. Add a handful of crushed
peppermint leaves in hot water. Steep it for a couple of minutes. Strain the
solution and sip it slowly.
42. Calendula
Calendula has a lot of anti-bacterial properties. Tea
prepared from this herb proved effective in healing the peptic ulcer. You can
also alternate this herbal decoction with peppermint tea. Two cups of this tea
a day is preferable.
Do’s
- Choose a healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
- Practice deep breathing exercises.
- Hot towel or heating pad can be helpful for treating peptic ulcer.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Have vitamin-rich foods to fasten the healing process.
- De-stress yourself as it may worsen the signs and symptoms of a peptic ulcer.
- Keep a gap of two hours between dinner and your sleeping routine.
- Eat meals in small portion to avoid starving.
- Chew food slowly.
Don’ts
- Say no to alcohol as excessive usage of alcohol can irritate and erode the mucous lining in your stomach.
- Don’t consume carbonated drinks.
- Stop taking fried food or too oily meals.
- Avoid fatty foods.
- Stay away from caffeine drinks.
- Antacids medicine should be avoided.
- Big No to Red meat as it is high in acid content.
- No to smoking.
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