9 science-backed home remedies for stomach ulcers

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Post by Master, Doctor Mai Vien Phuong - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital
Conventional peptic ulcer treatment often relies on medications that can cause negative side effects such as headaches and diarrhea. For this reason, interest in alternative remedies has steadily increased and is fueled by both medical professionals and individuals with ulcers alike.
This article lists 9 scientifically proven natural ulcer remedies.

1. Cabbage juice

Cabbage is a popular natural ulcer cure. Doctors say they've been using cabbage for decades before there were antibiotics to help heal stomach ulcers. It is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps prevent and treat H. pylori infections. H.pylori infection is the most common cause of stomach ulcers.
In fact, several animal studies show that cabbage juice is effective in treating and preventing a wide range of gastrointestinal ulcers, including those affecting the stomach.
In humans, early studies observed that drinking fresh cabbage juice daily might help heal stomach ulcers more effectively than conventional treatments used at the time.
In one study, 13 participants with stomach and upper gastrointestinal ulcers were given about one liter (946 ml) of fresh cabbage juice throughout the day. On average, these participants' ulcers healed after 7–10 days of treatment. This is 3.5 to 6 times faster than the average healing time reported in previous studies in people following conventional treatments.
In another study, the same amount of fresh cabbage juice was given to 100 participants with stomach ulcers, most of whom had received previous conventional treatment without success. 81% have no symptoms within a week. However, researchers have yet to identify its exact recovery-promoting compounds, and no recent studies can be identified.
Furthermore, neither of these early studies had an appropriate placebo, which makes it difficult for us to know for sure that cabbage juice is what produces the effects.

2. Licorice

Licorice is a spice native to Asia and the Mediterranean region. It comes from the dried root of the Glycyrrhiza glabra plant and is a popular traditional herb used to treat many ailments.
Some studies report that licorice root may have ulcer-preventing and anti-ulcer properties. For example, licorice can stimulate the stomach and intestines to secrete more mucus, which helps protect the stomach lining. Extra mucus can also help speed up the healing process and help relieve pain from ulcers.
The researchers further report that certain compounds found in licorice may prevent the growth of H. pylori. However, studies are often based on the use of these compounds in supplement form.
Therefore, it is not clear how much dried licorice root someone would need to consume to get the same beneficial effects. Dried licorice root should not be confused with licorice-flavored candies or candies. Licorice candies are unlikely to produce the same effects and are often loaded with sugar.
Also, some studies report no effect, so using licorice as an ulcer medicine may not be effective in all cases. Licorice can also interfere with certain medications and cause side effects, such as muscle pain or numbness in the extremities. Consider talking to your doctor before increasing the amount of licorice in your diet.

3. Honey

Honey is an antioxidant-rich food that has been linked to many health benefits. These include improved eye health and reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and even certain types of cancer. Honey also prevents the formation and promotes the healing of many wounds, including ulcers.
Furthermore, scientists believe that honey's antibacterial properties can help fight H. pylori bacteria, one of the most common causes of stomach ulcers.
Several animal studies provide support for honey's ability to reduce the risk of developing ulcers, as well as wound healing time. However, human studies are needed.

4. Garlic

Garlic is another food with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Animal studies have observed that garlic extracts can speed up recovery from ulcers and even reduce the chances of them developing in the first place. Furthermore, laboratory, animal, and human studies all report that garlic extracts can help prevent the growth of H. pylori bacteria - one of the most common causes. cause ulcers.
In a recent study, eating two cloves of raw garlic daily for three days significantly reduced bacterial activity in the gastric mucosa of patients infected with H. Pylori.
However, not all studies can reproduce these results and more is needed before definite conclusions can be drawn.

5. Turmeric

Turmeric is a South Asian spice used in many Indian dishes. It is easily recognized by its deep yellow color. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, is believed to have medicinal properties.
These range from improving blood vessel function to reducing inflammation and heart disease risk. Furthermore, the anti-ulcer potential of curcumin has recently been studied in animals. It appears to have potential in preventing damage from H. pylori infection. It can also help increase mucus secretion, effectively protecting the stomach lining against irritants.
One study gave 25 participants 600mg of turmeric five times per day. Four weeks later, the ulcers had healed in 48% of the participants. After twelve weeks, 76% of the participants had no ulcers.
In another case, people who tested positive for H. pylori were given 500 mg of turmeric four times daily. After four weeks of treatment, 63% of the participants had no ulcers. After eight weeks, this amount increased to 87%.
That said, neither of these studies used a placebo treatment, which makes it very difficult to tell if turmeric was to blame for the participants' ulcers to heal. . Therefore, more research is needed.

6. Mastic

Mastic is a resin obtained from the Pistacia lentiscus tree, commonly known as the mastic tree. Other common names include Arabic gum, Yemeni gum, and Chios' tears.
The mastic tree commonly grows in the Mediterranean region, and its sap can be dried into brittle translucent resin flakes. When chewed, this resin softens into a milky gum with a pine-like flavor. Mastic has long been used in ancient medicine to treat various intestinal disorders, including stomach ulcers and Crohn's disease.
More recently, animal studies report that it can act as a powerful natural ulcer remedy. In addition, a study in 38 participants with ulcers reported that consuming 1 gram of mastic daily resulted in a 30% reduction in ulcer-related symptoms compared to placebo. At the end of the two-week study period, ulcers were healed in 70% of the participants in the mastic group compared with just 22% of those in the placebo group. Mastic also seems to have antibacterial activity against H. pylori.
In a recent study, taking 350 mg of mastic gum three times a day for 14 days cleared H. pylori infection 7–15% more effectively than conventional treatment. Although this finding is not universally observed in all studies, long-term consumption of mastics is generally considered safe. So it might be worth testing it for yourself.
Mastic can be found at most health food stores as a powdered gum or supplement.

7. Horny chili

People with ulcers have a common belief that eating chili peppers too often or in large quantities can cause stomach ulcers. In fact, people with ulcers are often advised to limit their consumption of chili peppers or to avoid them altogether. However, recent research shows that these peppers are unlikely to cause ulcers and can actually help get rid of them. That's because chili peppers contain capsaicin, an active ingredient that reduces stomach acid production and enhances blood flow to the stomach lining. Both of these factors are thought to help prevent or heal ulcers. The capsaicin found in chili peppers may also help increase mucus production, which can coat the stomach lining and protect it from injury.
Most, although not all, animal studies show beneficial effects. However, very few human studies can be found.
Also, note that the animal studies above used capsaicin supplements instead of whole chili peppers. In at least one study, such supplements led to more severe stomach pain in some individuals.
Therefore, it is best to eat whole foods and adjust your intake based on your individual tolerance.

8. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is a plant widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. It is widely known for its antibacterial and skin-healing properties. Interestingly, aloe vera can also be an effective remedy against stomach ulcers.
In one study, consuming aloe vera significantly reduced gastric acid production in rats with ulcers. In another study in rats, aloe vera was found to have an ulcer-healing effect comparable to that of omeprazole, a common anti-ulcer drug. However, some studies have been done in humans. In one, a concentrated aloe vera juice was used to successfully treat 12 patients with stomach ulcers.
In another study, taking an antibiotic with 1.4 mg/pound (3 mg/kg) of aloe daily for six weeks was as effective as conventional treatment in healing ulcers and reducing blood pressure. H. pylori level .
Taking aloe vera is generally considered safe and the studies above show some promising results. However, more studies in humans are needed.

9. Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide a wide range of health effects. Their benefits range from improving your mental health to your gut health, including their ability to prevent and fight ulcers.
Although how this works is still being studied, probiotics seem to stimulate mucus production, which protects the stomach lining by coating it. They can also promote the formation of new blood vessels, which ease the transport of healing compounds to the ulcer site and speed up the healing process.
Interestingly, probiotics may play a direct role in preventing H. pylori infection. What's more, these beneficial bacteria seem to enhance conventional treatment by about 150%, while reducing diarrhea and other antibiotic-related side effects by up to 47%.
The dose needed to achieve maximum benefit is still being studied. That said, most of the studies above reported benefits after taking 200 million to 2 billion colony-forming units (CFUs) for 2–16 weeks.
Probiotic-rich foods tend to provide fewer colony-forming units per serving than supplements, but they're still worth adding to your diet.
Good sources include pickled vegetables, tempeh, miso, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut and kombucha.

10. Foods to Avoid

Just as certain foods can help prevent sores from forming or help them heal faster, some have the exact opposite effect.
People who are trying to heal their stomach ulcers or avoid developing them should consider minimizing their intake of the following foods:
Milk: Although once recommended to help reduce stomach acidity and relieve pain , but new research shows that milk increases stomach acid secretion and people with ulcers should avoid dairy. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can damage the stomach and digestive tract, increasing the likelihood of ulcers. Coffee and soft drinks: Coffee and soft drinks, even if they are decaf, can increase the production of stomach acid, which can irritate the lining of the stomach. Spicy and fatty foods: Foods that are too spicy or fatty can create discomfort in some people. Chili peppers are an exception, based on individual tolerance. In addition to avoiding the foods above, consuming small meals at regular times, snacking throughout the day, eating slowly, and chewing thoroughly can help reduce pain and promote healing.
Furthermore, avoiding smoking and reducing stress are two additional helpful anti-ulcer strategies.
Conclusion
Stomach ulcers are a relatively common and uncomfortable medical condition. The natural remedies listed above can help prevent the development of stomach ulcers and facilitate their healing. In some cases, they can even improve the effectiveness of conventional treatments and reduce the severity of side effects.
It is important to note that in most cases it is not clear whether these natural remedies are as effective as conventional treatments. Therefore, people with ulcers should seek advice from their medical professional before self-medicating.

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