Natural remedies for peptic ulcers

Peptic ulcers can affect both the stomach (gastric ulcers) and the first part of the intestine (duodenal ulcers). It is a common complaint with more men suffering from symptoms than women.

Ulcers do not always cause sufferers to experience pain but in the majority of cases, they cause a dull, gnawing ache in the upper abdomen generally 2 to 3 hours after eating usually relieved by eating something. Other symptoms can include nausea, bloating, wind, weight loss and fatigue. It is important to seek a diagnosis if you suffer from these symptoms especially if you experience black tarry stools as this may indicate a bleeding ulcer.

So what is a peptic ulcer? Our gut is protected from the hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes by a thick layer of mucous produced by gastric mucosal cells lining the inside of the gut. When this mechanism fails either by having too much acid present, following infection or inability to produce adequate mucous, the wall is damaged by these digestive juices. Small ulcers form cause local inflammation  further compromising the integrity of the natural barrier. As a worse case scenario, the acid can eat right through the stomach wall or duodenum causing a perforation which is a medical emergency.

The two main causes as acknowledged by the medical profession are infection by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori (although not present in every case) or the overuse of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (which affect the ability of the mucosal cells to function properly). Other factors which can contribute are stress and and dehydration.

Conventional treatment of peptic ulcers relies on lowering the amount of acid produced in the gut with drugs such as the proton pump inhibitors (eg omeprazole) or H2 antagonists (eg ranitidine). Whilst they may help in the short term to allow recovery and repair, long term use may compromise digestive function and nutritional status because of the reduction in the amount of digestive juices.

Lifestyle changes are important. Ensuring adequate water intake, smoking cessation, stress reduction, more protein in the diet and avoiding foods which aggravate the ulcer are helpful.

Herbal supplements

Licorice is the first herbal remedy you think of for peptic ulcers. Concerns about the affect of the glycyrrhic acid on blood pressure are reduced by using the deglycchirized form. Licorice acts by improving the quantity and quality of the gastric mucosal cells. This in turn improves the protective function of the mucosal layer on the gut wall.

Slippery elm helps because of its high mucilage content. This helps to soothe inflamed and irritated mucous membranes.

Goldenseal contains berberine which has a slight antibacterial action and can help against H pylori. This affect in combination with the soothing action on inflamed mucous membranes make this herb one to consider.

Vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin A (in a beta carotene form) and zinc have both been shown to be of benefit in helping to heal gastric ulcers.  Vitamin C and bioflavonoids are also useful especially given the histamine modifying affects of bioflavonoids like quercetin. (Zinc has this action too).

Homeopathic remedies.

Arsenicum album – burning pain in the epigastrium. Better for heat, warm drinks and milk. Worse 12-2am, cold drinks, sour food, after eating.

Lycopodium – pains often associated with eructations and bloating. Waking at night with hunger and need to eat. Better rubbing the stomach, burping. Worse 2am,  eating onions and beans.

Anacardium – ulcers developing following a period of stress. Stomach feels empty all the time. Better eating. Worse in the morning, fasting.

Nitric acid – waking with burning or stitching pains. Indigestion and nausea from drinking milk. Worse at night.

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