Home remedies for stomach ulcer

Stomach ulcers, also known as gastric ulcers, are sores in the lining of the stomach. It is one of the many types of ulcers that people can develop. It often causes pain in the upper part of the abdomen and can be quite uncomfortable.

Factors like smoking, drinking alcohol, eating spicy foods, or skipping meals can worsen stomach ulcer symptoms or increase the risk of developing them. However, the primary causes of stomach ulcers are infection by H. pylori bacteria and excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin.

Because stomach ulcers have different causes and symptoms, their treatment options vary. However, there are home remedies that can help relieve stomach ulcer symptoms.

Some natural home remedies for treating stomach ulcers include:

 1. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is used widely for healing purposes. Its gel helps heal burns, ulcers, and other skin injuries. According to an older study, aloe vera's healing and anti-ulcer functions can be attributed to its cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and mucus-stimulatory effects.

A study carried out on ulcer patients showed that 93% of the patients treated with aloe vera gel experienced wound healing. Another study found that aloe vera can have an anti-inflammatory effect on stomach ulcers.

If you are looking for a home remedy for your stomach ulcer, you should consider trying aloe vera. It is a great natural remedy for managing stomach ulcers and is also cost-effective.

 2. Chilli peppers

Chili pepper is another natural home remedy that can help treat stomach ulcers. It is one of the healthy foods for people with stomach ulcers.

Chili pepper, also known as red pepper, is a spice used in making a variety of dishes. Some people believe that chili peppers worsen stomach ulcers. This makes many ulcer patients avoid using them.

However, studies have found that capsaicin, an active ingredient in chili pepper, does not cause ulcers. Rather, it helps prevent acid secretions, promotes mucus secretion, and adds an ulcer-healing effect.

However, there is still limited knowledge of the healing effect of chili pepper on stomach ulcers. While it may work for some people, it may not work for others.

 3. Turmeric

Turmeric contains a component known as curcumin, which is known to have many health benefits. It can serve a range of pharmacological activities like antivenom, antitumor, and antiangiogenic activities.

A study carried out using turmeric showed that turmeric powder increased mucin secretion in the stomach. Mucins help protect the stomach walls against irritants like bacteria and fungi.

This indicates that turmeric may be a good natural home remedy for stomach ulcers, serving as a protection against the formation of ulcers.

 4. Garlic

Garlic is a common kitchen ingredient found in different parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa. Among the numerous health benefits of garlic is its antibacterial properties. People consume it as a home remedy for stomach ulcers, as it has natural properties that may help prevent and reduce stomach ulcer symptoms.

Garlic possesses some antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering properties. They may help prevent health conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Most studies on the different forms of garlic, like garlic oil and garlic extract, showed that they have antibacterial properties, indicating they may also help reduce the risk of developing stomach ulcers.

 5. Honey

Honey is a sweet natural home ingredient used in the past few years as a natural remedy for many health issues, including acne, healing wounds, and alleviating cold and flu symptoms.

Honey has some antibacterial properties and contains proteins, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and flavonoids. It is also considered a home remedy for stomach ulcers.

A study showed that honey had a healing effect when administered to rats with ulcers. Another study showed that honey is particularly effective for stomach ulcers caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, and ibuprofen.

It may also be more effective in healing stomach ulcers when combined with turmeric.

 6. Cabbage

Cabbage has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great natural home remedy for stomach ulcers.

Research carried out on rats with induced gastric ulcers showed that cabbage helped manage stomach ulcers due to its antiulcer properties.

Cabbage has a high vitamin C content. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that may help in treating H. pylori infection.

Some older studies also showed that cabbage was used to heal the stomach. Researchers administered it to ulcer patients, and it helped relieve their pain in a short while.

 7. Licorice

Licorice is called banga stick, oburunbebe, or likorisi. The name varies with different tribes. However, licorice is mostly native to Asia and the Mediterranean region.

Licorice is a good home remedy for stomach ulcers. In a study carried out with some ulcer patients, the groups that had licorice added to their treatment plan presented a more positive result in terms of treatment-based regimens.

In another study, licorice was added to a triple clarithromycin-based regimen. It showed a positive result in the eradication of H. pylori bacteria.

These studies suggest that licorice can be effective in fighting H. pylori bacteria infections, which are a major cause of stomach ulcers.

Also, keep in mind that some studies found that combining licorice with other medications can have side effects, depending on the medication. This means that you should speak with your doctor before increasing the licorice content of your food.

Additionally, licorice may not work in all cases of stomach ulcers.

 8. Mastic

Mastic is a resin from the mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus). They are also called Yemen gum, Arabic gum, or tears of Chios.

Mastic is mainly used in producing chewing gum, as a food ingredient, and for dental purposes. But, traditionally, it has been used to heal some health conditions, like gastrointestinal disorders.

Mastic is a great source of phytosterols, phenolic compounds, and terpenes. They all contribute to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

In a study where it was administered together with some drugs like pantoprazole, mastic helped treat H. pylori infection.

However, some other studies didn't find any positive effect of mastic when used in patients with H. pylori infections (stomach ulcers).

This shows that adding mastic to some ulcer drugs might not work for all ulcer patients. Also, there is no established research on the amount of mastic that can be taken for maximum effect.

If you wish to try mastic as a home remedy for stomach ulcers, you should first consult with your doctor.

 9. Probiotics

Probiotics are made of live bacteria or yeast that are naturally present in the body. They help to maintain a balance in the bacteria that reside in the digestive tract. Probiotics are also human-made and can be sourced from food. Some good sources of probiotics include fermented foods, probiotic supplements, and yogurt.

A meta-study showed that the addition of probiotics to ulcer treatment improved the effectiveness of the treatment.

You may want to try probiotics as a natural home remedy for stomach ulcers. But, note that more research needs to be carried out, especially to ascertain the amount of probiotics needed in the treatment of stomach ulcers.

 10. Flavonoids

Flavonoids are natural substances found in some foods, fruits, and vegetables like legumes, broccoli, apples, soybeans, green tea, and red grapes.

Due to the health benefits of flavonoids, they are often used for pharmaceutical and medicinal purposes. Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective properties that make them suitable for medicinal purposes.

Research suggests that flavonoids may be great natural home remedies for stomach ulcers as they have anti-ulcer and anti-secretory effects. If you have stomach ulcers, eating foods containing flavonoids may be good for your digestive tract, as they may help reduce ulcerative symptoms and effects.

 Wrap up

While some foods like coffee, milk, spicy and fatty foods, and soft drinks worsen the pain that comes with stomach ulcers, the foods and natural ingredients listed above can help lessen the pain and also contribute to treatment.

However, keep in mind that there is only so much that home remedies can do when it comes to treating health conditions like stomach ulcers. They may help alleviate the symptoms of stomach ulcers in some people and prevent their recurrence, but they may not treat the underlying cause. Therefore, they should not be used in place of medications or medical treatments; rather, they should be used to complement medical treatments.

Also, home remedies that work for one ulcer patient may not work for another. It is always advisable to discuss home remedies and natural treatments you want to try with your doctor.