Home remedies for stomach ulcer

Key takeaways

• Some home remedies for stomach ulcers include probiotics, chili peppers, turmeric, mastic, and garlic.
• Some of these home remedies were studied to relieve bacteria-induced and NSAID-induced stomach ulcers or both.
• You shouldn’t replace your medications and recommended treatment with home remedies, and always consult your doctor before taking any of these home remedies.

Stomach ulcers are also known as gastric ulcers, and they 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 Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori bacteria and excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, over a long period.

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 a plant widely used for medicinal purposes. Its gel helps heal burns, ulcers, and other skin injuries. According to a research study, aloe vera's healing and anti-ulcer activities can be attributed to its cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and mucus-stimulatory effects.

A review article indicates that aloe vera has antibacterial activities against H. pylori and, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, may have a positive effect on gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, GERD, and gastric ulcer.

2. Chilli peppers

Chili pepper, also known as red pepper, is a spice used in making a variety of dishes; it is known to add some “heat” to these dishes. Some people believe that chili peppers worsen stomach ulcers. This makes many ulcer patients avoid using them.

Studies have indicated a chemical compound called capsaicin, contained in chilli peppers, has a gastroprotective effect and antibacterial activities against H. pylori.

Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, pepper has a positive effect on gastrointestinal disorders like IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, GERD, and gastric ulcerations induced by H. pylori.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has several health benefits and medicinal activities like antivenom, antitumor, and antiangiogenic activities.

A study showed that turmeric powder increased mucin secretion in the stomach.6 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 and widely used seasoning in most kitchens. Among the numerous health benefits of garlic, it is known for 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.

A review article shows that garlic and its extracts have antibacterial activities against H. pylori that inhibit its growth. The study further highlights its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties.

5. Honey

Honey is a sweet, viscous substance made by honey bees. It is known to have several medicinal and nutritional benefits, like being a good substitute for sugar, treating acne, and improving heart health. 

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 potential healing effects on stomach 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 is a popular vegetable that comes in varieties depending on your geographical location. It has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great natural home remedy for stomach ulcers.

A study that explored the gastrointestinal activity of cabbage showed that extracts from this vegetable can aid with chemical or NSAID-induced ulcers. The study further explores how the vitamin C and flavonoid content of cabbage contribute to its antioxidant properties. 

7. Licorice

Licorice, traditionally called banga stick, oburunbebe, or likorisi in several regions, are known to be native to Asia and the Mediterranean.

Licorice is a good home remedy for stomach ulcers. A review study shows that one of the well-known traditional uses of licorice is in alleviating the symptoms of gastric ulcers, going further to explain this property.

Another study shows that the flavonoid contained in licorice gives it most of its antibacterial properties. The study also mentioned that licorice can be used alongside clarithromycin to increase its effect on H. pylori infection.

Speak to your doctor before increasing your licorice intake because a study shows that this plant has some prominent toxicity when consumed in excess.

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 commonly used for the production of chewing gum and traditionally for dental purposes. 

Mastic contains chemical compounds that make it anti-inflammatory and antioxidative in nature. In a study where it was administered together with some drugs like pantoprazole, mastic helped treat H. pylori infection.

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 review article indicated that the probiotic lactobacillus displayed antimicrobial activities against H. pylori infection, which is crucial for healing gastrointestinal diseases like stomach ulcers.  

Consult your doctor or nutritionist about how much probiotic you should take to improve your gastrointestinal health. 

10. Flavonoids

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

Flavonoids have several health benefits, which makes them useful for medicinal and pharmaceutical purposes.

Research shows that flavonoids are great natural home remedies for stomach ulcers as they have anti-ulcer and anti-secretory effects. Their ant-ulcer property is because flavonoid inhibits H. pylori bacteria. 

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.

It is important to know that these home remedies will not completely treat stomach ulcers, but they can relieve the discomfort and aid the effectiveness of medications prescribed by your doctor. Therefore, they should not be used in place of medications or medical treatments; rather, they should be used to complement medical treatments.

Some specific home remedies may work for you and not others, and vice versa, and this is due to various factors. It is important to consult your doctor before trying out any home remedies for stomach ulcers.