Home Remedies For Ulcers,Tested Recipes

As commonplace as they seem, stomach ulcers have caused pain, illness, and even premature death. Take Charles Darwin, who attributed his constant stomach problems to seasickness. Doctors now suspect he was infected with the ulcer-causing bacterium Helicobacter pylori. Stomach ulcers, combined with a parasitic infection that damaged his heart, contributed to his ill chronic health and death at age seventy-three.

By definition, an ulcer is an erosion on any bodily surface—the skin or the mucous membranes that line hollow organs. When people use the word, they’re usually referring to peptic ulcers, in which case the craterlike sores occur in the stomach or duodenum (first part of the small intestine). However, ulcers can occur anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, from mouth to anus.

Let’s start with the mouth. Canker sores (also called aphthous ulcers) are the most common problem. These small, but painful sores usually heal within seven to ten days. Genetic vulnerability seems to play a role. Triggers include food allergies, stress, smoking, trauma (from braces, dentures, hot foods, or hard toothbrushes), certain medications, toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, and nutrient deficiencies (vitamin C, vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron).

A different entity altogether, fever blisters (also called cold sores) occur on the lips, are caused by herpes simplex virus, and are very contagious. A more serious condition is inflammatory bowel disease. This category includes ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In ulcerative colitis, the inflammation and ulcers stay within the colon (large intestine). In Crohn’s disease, the entire gastrointestinal tract is vulnerable to ulceration. Both conditions require careful medical management.

Back to gastric (stomach) ulcers. The problem often begins with gastritis, inflammation of the stomach. Causes include alcohol abuse, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), and infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori. The condition may lack symptoms or produce upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. If an ulcer develops, signs of bleeding include black, tarry stools, red blood in the stool, or bloody vomitus. H. pylori is now considered the main cause of peptic ulcers. The bacterium is present in the majority of people with ulcers. However, only 20 percent of people infected with H. pylori develop ulcers. Clearly, other factors contribute.

Stress, even if it doesn’t directly cause peptic ulcers, does increase vulnerability by inhibiting the production of the mucus that normally coats and protects the stomach, reducing blood flow to the gut, impairing wound healing, and depressing the immune system. Other controllable risk factors include tobacco use, sleep deprivation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and low intake of fruits and vegetables.

Medical treatment of peptic ulcer involves antacids to neutralize existing stomach acid and medications to inhibit acid secretion. Complications of ulcers include profuse bleeding, perforation (the ulcer chews through the wall of the stomach or duodenum), and intestinal obstruction.

Recipes To Prevent And Treat Ulcers

Cabbage Juice Relief 
Cabbage juice is a longstanding folk medicine against peptic ulcers. During the early 1950s, Garnett Cheney, MD, conducted research on “vitamin U,” an antiulcer factor in raw cabbage juice. ½ head white cabbage, washed and chopped coarsely (no hearts) About 2 cups (475 ml) water
Preparation and use:
Fill a blender with the cabbage. Add water to the two-thirds mark. Blend on high speed until fully blended, about a minute. Strain or press the mixture. (A medium-size French press works well to strain out the juice.) Drink ½ cup (120 ml) up to three times a day. Store the unused portion in the refrigerator. Discard after twenty-four hours.
Yield: 12 ounces (355 ML) cabbage juice
How it works:
In the 1950s, Cheney and colleagues conducted a study on San Quentin Prison inmates that demonstrated improved healing of peptic ulcers from concentrated cabbage juice relative to a placebo beverage. Volunteers received 50 milliliters (just under 2 ounces, or ¼ cup) a day for twenty-one days. Later research showed that the fresh juice of white cabbage stimulates the immune system and contains glutamine, an amino acid that may improve the stomach’s protective lining. Note: If you have a juicer, you can simply juice a white cabbage.

Breakfast Boost 
Studies show that fasting during Ramadan increases stomach acidity and increases the odds of ulcer reactivation. Aside from religious fasting, many people skip breakfast. This simple, healthful breakfast boost has ingredients that inhibit H. pylori bacteria. 1 large banana, frozen and sliced 1 cup (255 g) frozen sliced strawberries 1 cup (230 g) vanilla yogurt 3 tablespoons (36 g) psyllium powder 1 to 2 cups (235 to 475 ml) cranberry or cranapple juice
Preparation and use:
In a blender, blend together the bananas, strawberries, and yogurt. Blend in the psyllium powder. Add the juice to your desired consistency and amount.
Yield: 2 aervings
How it works:
A bacterium common in fermented dairy products (Lactobacillus acidophilus) produces fatty acids that suppress H. pylori. In test-tube studies, cranberry extract and honey inhibit H. pylori.

Wrap-It-Up Fish
2 long sheets (about 13 x 18-inches [33 x 45.5 cm]) phyllo pastry 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil ½ zucchini, chopped 8 broccoli florets, halved 1 garlic clove, minced 1 salmon fillet (8 ounces, or 225 g), skin removed 1 tablespoon (10 ml) vegetable stock 1 teaspoon (10 g) chopped dill
Preparation and use:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C, or gas mark 4). Lightly spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Spread out one phyllo sheet on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the phyllo sheet with olive oil. Place the second sheet on top of the first and lightly brush with olive oil. Cover the top layer of phyllo with a layer of zucchini and broccoli. Sprinkle with the garlic. Lay the salmon on top. Spoon the vegetable stock over the salmon. Sprinkle the dill on top. Fold up the phyllo pastry, envelope style, to cover the salmon and pinch together the edges. Lightly brush the outside of the packet with olive oil. Bake for 20 minutes.
Yield: 2 servings
How it works:
Some polyunsaturated fatty acids, including the kind in fish oil, evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil, and black currant seed oil, are anti-inflammatory and inhibit H. pylori. A type of fatty acid prominent in oily fish, such as salmon, may be particularly helpful. In testtube studies, garlic inhibits H. pylori.

Mouth Ulcer Paste 
1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda Water
Preparation and use:
In a small, clean dish, mix together the baking soda and as much water as needed to form a paste. With a cotton swab, apply to each sore to your desired thickness. Create a fresh batch and apply three times a day.
Yield: 1 application
How it works:
The baking soda paste covers the sore to protect it from irritants. The Mayo Clinic recommends this mixture to ease pain and help healing. Alternate: For a quick rinse, mix 1 cup (235 ml) of warm water, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¹∕8 teaspoon of salt. Rinse several times a day using a new batch each time. Then rinse with a plain cup (235 ml) of water.

Slippery Elm Mouth Ulcer Relief 
1 tablespoon (15 g) Aloe vera gel 1 teaspoon (5 g) powdered slippery elm bark
Preparation and use:
Put both ingredients in a small, clean jar and blend with a chopstick. Dot on mouth ulcers as needed. Cap the jar when not in use.
Yield: multiple applications
How it works:
Aloe vera gel decreases inflammation, stimulates the immune system, and enhances wound healing. Preliminary studies show that topical aloe gel decreases the pain of aphthous ulcers and speeds healing. The inner bark of slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) contains mucilaginous substances that coat and soothe irritated membranes. Note: Use either 99 percent aloe gel or fresh aloe gel gently scraped from the inner leaf of an Aloe vera plant (we recommend growing one in an indoor pot). You can find powdered slipper elm bark at natural food stores and herb retailers.

Aloe Minty Ulcer Relief 
1 tablespoon (15 g) 99 percent Aloe Vera gel 1 drop peppermint essential oil
Preparation and use:
Put the aloe gel in a small, clean jar. Add 1 drop of peppermint essential oil. Blend with a chopstick. Cap tightly. Using a clean finger, dot on mouth ulcers as needed.
Yield: multiple applications
How it works:
As noted earlier, preliminary research suggests that aloe gel reduces mouth ulcer discomfort and hastens healing. Applied topically, the menthol in peppermint essential oil decreases pain. Note: Alternatively, cut off the end of a leaf from a fresh Aloe vera plant. Slice the piece lengthwise. Scoop out a little gel with your finger and dot directly on mouth ulcers.

Positively Pleasing Ulcer Potion
6 cups (1.4 L) water ¼ cup (25 g) fresh ginger slices 6 chamomile tea bags 1 tablespoon (3 g) chopped fresh sage 3 cups (700 ml) pure cranberry juice Honey (optional)
Preparation and use:
Boil the water in a large pot. Add the ginger, tea bags, and sage; steep for 10 minutes. Strain into a pitcher. Stir in the juice. Add honey, if desired. Drink throughout the day.
Yield: 8 servings
How it works:
In test-tube studies, chamomile and sage inhibit H. pylori. Cranberry and honey are inhibitors as well. Animal studies indicate that ginger reduces the concentration of H. pylori and inflammation in the stomach and protects against stress-induced ulcers. Whether these plants are similarly helpful in humans isn’t yet known. However, they all have other health benefits and taste great.

When Simple Doesn’t Work 
Long used as a remedy for ulcers in the intestinal tract, licorice root is antiinflammatory and mucilaginous. Long-term use of whole root extracts aren’t feasible because a chemical called glycyrrhizin stimulates retention of salt and water and loss of potassium, which can elevate blood pressure and raise the risk of irregular heartbeat. The good news is that glycyrrhizin can be removed without losing benefits for aphthous and peptic ulcers. The product is called deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) licorice and is available at natural food stores. Discuss its use with your physician. If you have low potassium levels or liver or kidney disease, this supplement may not be appropriate. Preliminary research has shown that Aloe vera gel taken by mouth improved ulcerative colitis. In one study, patients started with 25 to 50 milliliters twice a day and, as tolerated, worked up to 100 milliliters twice a day for four weeks. The product used was one intended for internal use that was diluted 50 percent. If you have ulcerative colitis, discuss use of dietary supplements with your doctor.

When to call the Doctor 
Make an appointment if:
• You suspect you have a gastritis, peptic ulcer, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• You notice black stools (and are not taking iron supplements).
• You have already been diagnosed with an ulcer and have recurrent symptoms. Seek emergency care if:
• You have bright red blood in your stool (not related to hemorrhoids).
• You vomit blood (old blood can have a coffee-grounds appearance).
• You have severe abdominal pain.
• You have a history of ulcers and become faint.