Alternative Treatment for Ulcers by Charlene Paras

      A small percentage of people get ulcers from the continual use of aspirin, other pain relievers, chemotherapy drugs, and other medication. Recent incredible discovery was known that 80 percent of all ulcers were caused by the only bacteria that can survive the hydrochloric acid in our stomach, the Helicobacter pylori.

      The natural approach to healing ulcers is to first identify and then eliminate or reduce all the factors that can contribute to their development: food allergies, coffee, sodas, cigarette smoking, stress, stomach irritant drugs like erythromycin (a macrolide antibiotic) and other NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen.

      Holistic medicine promotes excellent healing and prevents recurrence of ulcers, especially through a balanced diet, lifestyle changes, and the use of herbal formulas. A high fiber alone may decrease the recurrence of ulcers by as much as 50% which is as effective as the use of cimetidine. Naturopathic physicians also recommend elimination of dairy and high fat from the diet.

      Stress does not cause ulcers, but is a contributing factor. Some ulcer patients find that when they are stressed, they feel an increased ulcer pain.

      Emphasizing specific nutrients can also prevent ulcer. Vitamins A and E have been shown to inhibit the development of ulcers and have been recognized as important factors in maintaining the integrity of the stomach lining. According to clinical studies, zinc also has a protective effect against ulcers.

Home Remedies for Stomach Ulcers:

Note: It is always best to consult your doctor before trying any alternative therapies.

• Extra-virgin olive oil: taking 1 tbsp in the morning and 1 tbsp in the evening may soothe and heal the mucous membranes that line the stomach.
• Cabbage juice is a traditional naturopathic ulcer remedy. Cabbage is rich in the amino acid glutamine that helps the healthy stomach cells regenerate and stimulates the production of mucin, a mucoprotein that protects the stomach lining.
• Barley and barley water help rebuild the stomach lining.
• Aloe Vera juice aids in pain relief and speed healing.
• Licorice root has a long history of healing gastric and duodenal ulcers.
• White oak bark and yarrow can be used to treat irritations caused by ulcer. These help decrease the bleeding of the stomach lining.
• Herbal combinations, such as PLS II, have been discovered useful in treating ulcer.
• Demulcent herbs like marshmallow root and slippery elm can soothe the irritated mucus membrane of the stomach.
• Omega 3 oil can help protect the stomach lining from ulcer.
• Green tea, cat’s claw, reishi mushroom, olive leaf, DGL licorice, mastic, and peppermint are use for relieving ulcer symptoms.
• Bitter herbs: Some ulcers may be due to the weakness of the protective factors in the gut wall. Bitter herbs help to tone the mucosa. They encourage production of digestive enzymes needed to digest and assimilate food.
• Astringent herbs such as geranium can shrink swollen tissue and control bleeding and helps in toning the mucosa.
• Antiseptic herbs such as Echinacea or Baptisia may kill the bacteria that caused the infection.
• Nervines like chamomile, hops, and cinnamon give soothing effect on ulcer patients.
• Bilberry is used in Russia to treat ulcers. It reduces inflammation in the stomach and intestine. It also protects the mucous membrane of the stomach.
• Cayenne Pepper stimulates digestion and muscle movement in the intestine and stomach.
• Rhubarb has shown to be effective in treating intestinal bleeding caused by ulcers.

Other herbs and supplements for the treatment of ulcer include:

• Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA)
• Astralagus
• Calendula
• Cranberry
• Devil’s Claw
• Dong Quai
• Evening Primrose
• Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil
• Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
• Lactobacilus Acidophilus
• Turmeric

The natural approach is safer, less expensive, available in the garden or almost in all stores, and just as effective as the synthetic drugs.

References:            

Koop E., Surgeon General’s Report on Nutrition and Health. 1988

Merck Manual. 15^th Edition. 1987

Oxford Textbook of Medicine. Oxford University Press.

Physicians Desk Reference. 1984

Reimann HJ, Lewin J. “Gastric mucosal reactions in patients with food allergy. Am J Gastroenterol 1988; 83:1212-1219

Rydning, A et al. “Prophylactic effect of dietary fibre in duodenal ulcer disease. Lancet. 1982 ii:736-9

Sherman, J. Complete Botanical Prescriber. 1978. Natuional College of Naturopathic Medicine.

Textbook of Natural Medicine. Pizzorno and Murray. John Bastyr College Publications.

Weiss, RF. Herbal Medicine. 1988 Beaconsfield Publishers, Beaconsfield, England.

U.M.M.C. (2011).Herbs and Supplements for Peptic Ulcer.

(http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/peptic-ulcer-002603.htm) retrieved on November 4,2011

Westcoff,M (2010). Alternative Remedies for Stomach Ulcers.

(http://www.over50web.net/health-beauty/natural-remedies-health-beauty/alternative-remedies-for-stomach-ulcers/) retrieved on November 04, 2011

Wilen, J. & Wilen, L.(2008). Healing Remedies. New York: The Random House Publishing Group. pp. 263-265.

Maier, K.S. Healing Herbs for Ulcers.

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Murray, M.T.,ND. Healing Ulcers Naturally.

(http://www.naturodoc.com/library/lifestyle/ulcers.htm) retrieved on November 05,2011

Bergner, P., & Tilgner, S.,N.D. (2001). Gastrointestinal-Herbal treatment for ulcers. Medical Herbalism 3(3):1,4-6