A peptic ulcer is essentially a wound found somewhere in the digestive tract. Millions of people in the United States suffer from stomach ulcers or duodenal ulcers.
In this article we’ll look at the different kinds of ulcers, ulcer symptoms, a diet for ulcers, and what categories of herbs can be used as a natural ulcer remedy.
An peptic ulcer is essentially a wound that effects the mucous membranes of the digestive tract. Different names are given to ulcers depending on where they are located.
Gastric ulcers are located in the lining of the stomach.
Duodenal ulcers are located in the duodenum.
Oftentimes the term peptic ulcer is used to describe all digestive ulcers.
As you might imagine (or have experienced!), ulcers are generally quite painful. The pain is described to be sharp, gnawing and/or burning. Depending on where the ulcer is located, the symptoms of an ulcer can vary.
Here are some other peptic ulcer symptoms and duodenal ulcer symptoms:
Western medicine believes that digestive ulcers can be caused by a variety of symptoms including an H. pylori infection, improper diet (such as too much alcohol), pharmaceutical drugs (especially nsaid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and too much stomach acids.
Heliobacter pylori is a gram negative bacteria that causes an infection in the digestive tract. Interestingly, many people have an H. pylori infection yet they never develop symptoms or any type of ulcer. (This leads some practitioners to believe H. pylori is an opportunistic infection, not the underlying cause of an ulcer.)
If someone is experiencing ulcer-like symptoms for the first time it is advised that they get it diagnosed by a doctor.
Ulcers can become very serious, especially if there is a bleeding ulcer. Ulcer symptoms accompanied by vomiting or dark to black stool are definitive signs that a person should seek immediate medical attention as they might have a bleeding ulcer. Bleeding ulcers are a medical emergency.
For many decades the standard of care for diagnosed ulcers was to prescribe pharmaceuticals such as PPIs which block acid production in the stomach. More currently doctors may also test for H. pylori and, if present, prescribe antibiotics as well.
Digestive ulcers are another great example of the philosophical differences between western medicine and traditional herbal medicine. In traditional herbal medicine we assume that each person who has an ulcer has a different constitutional make up. In other words, not everyone should receive the same treatment because everyone is different. In herbal medicine there is no one specific herb or lifestyle choice that can be used as a natural ulcer remedy. Instead we need to fully evaluate the individual.
Does this person have an excess of stomach acids or a deficient amount of stomach acids? Is there systemic inflammation? Or is there overall weakness in tone? Is there a food intolerance as the underlying problem? The answers to these questions help to determine an appropriate natural ulcer remedy for the person and not the disease.
Many times in my clinical practice I see a lack of digestive enzymes to be the root cause of the ulcer. A lack of enzymes can create an imbalanced environment leading to a growth of H. pylori which can infect the mucous membranes. (In other words H. Pylori is a opportunistic infection, not the cause of the problem.)
Here is a look at the various categories of herbs that can be used as a natural ulcer remedy.
Oftentimes it is the way we live our lives that contribute to our health imbalances. If alcohol consumption is causing the ulcer, then it is doubtful that any herb or natural ulcer remedy will help. First we need to remove the obstacle to cure. Here’s a list of common contributing factors to stomach ulcers. Any of these can also be considered a natural cure for ulcers!
Digestive enzymes and/or HCL tablets may be temporarily used to increase digestive function. Be cautious in that they can also exacerbate the symptoms while there is an active ulcer.
The foods you eat can both help to prevent ulcers and help to ameliorate ulcer symptoms.
For prevention you’ll want to consume foods that increase digestive function. Bitter greens as a salad and warming spices such as turmeric and garlic can be helpful. If there is systemic inflammation and heat, then focusing on eliminating and draining heat systemically will be a strong focus. Cooling foods, berries, and healthy fats should be emphasized while heating foods such as alcohol and excessive hot peppers should be eliminated.
To ameliorate ulcer symptoms some people find that eating a banana or drinking freshly juiced celery is helpful. It is very important not to simply mask the symptoms of an ulcer, but to get to the root cause and get rid of the ulcer!
Ulcers are a common, yet potentially serious wound, found in the mucus membranes of the digestive tract. Peptic ulcers and duodenal ulcers generally indicate an underlying health imbalance. Rather than simply taking pills in a one-size-fits-all manner of treatment, holistic herbal theory can help you determine the underlying cause. Understanding the root cause can help you discover the best natural ulcer remedy for you! And by addressing ulcers at the root of the problem you can more effectively find overall health.