Natural Treatments for Ulcers

From aloe vera to amino acids, herbs and even honey can treat ulcers naturally. And a new study has shown certain medicinal plants may provide effective alternative treatments for stomach ulcers,

Researchers at the Center for Infectious Diseases and International Health at Royal Free and University College London Medical School in London investigated the bactericidal and anti-adhesive properties of 25 plants against Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori, the bacteria that causes inflammation and stomach ulcers. The twenty-five plants were boiled in water to produce extracts that simulated the effect of cooking. The bactericidal activity of the extracts was assessed by a standard kill-curve with seven strains of H. pylori.

The study found that eight plants, including Bengal quince, nightshade, garlic, dill, black pepper, coriander, fenugreek, and black tea, had no bactericidal effect on any of the isolates. Columbo weed, long pepper, parsley, tarragon, nutmeg, yellow-berried nightshade, threadstem carpetweed, sage, and cinnamon had bactericidal activities against H. pylori, but total inhibition of growth was not achieved in this study.

The study also found that among the plants that killed H. pylori, turmeric was the most efficient, followed by cumin, ginger, chili, borage, black caraway, oregano, and licorice. Moreover, extracts of turmeric, borage, and parsley were able to inhibit the adhesion of H. pylori strains to the stomach sections.

The study concluded that these plants had bactericidal and/or anti-adhesive effects on H. pylori, ingestion of the plants with anti-adhesive properties could provide a potent alternative therapy for H. pylori infection. This means that utilizing these plants can treat ulcers without the use of antibiotics, which overcomes the problem of resistance associated with antibiotic treatment.

Aloe vera has also been found useful in treating digestive complaints and to treat ulcers. The gel of the plant is removed to make a soothing drink.

Adding fiber to the diet is also important. However, some sources of fiber can be irritating to the digestive tract. The softest fiber comes from cooked apples and potatoes. Applesauce and baked potatoes are the best way to add fiber to an irritated digestive tract.

An old-fashioned remedy for upset stomach comes to us from grandma’s cupboard: a spoon of honey mixed with cinnamon powder. This folk remedy has been known to cure stomach ulcers as well, and can reduce gas in the intestinal tract. Honey dusted with cinnamon powder taken before a meal reduces acidity and aids digestion.

L-Glutamine is plays an important role in digestion and in treating ulcers. L-Glutamine is an amino acid found in the body, synthesized in the liver and found mostly in bones. It was once considered to be non-essential, but is now known as “conditionally essential.” The mechanism has not yet been discovered, but it is thought that glutamine increases mucin and the mucoprotein necessary to maintain the walls of the stomach. There are no known side effects to this naturally synthesized amino acid. Glutamine is also used in treating anxiety, arthritis, and depression, and for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Suggested usage is to 2-5 grams a day.

Eat in moderation and enjoy the fruits of nature to gently ease digestion.