Five Proven Ulcer Remedies Hidden in Your Pantry

One in Ten Adults in the US Impacted

Affecting between two and six percent of the US population, stomach ulcers are exceedingly common. What is the root cause? While there are a variety of reasons why an ulcer may arise, the most typical is due to a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection. However, stress, smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and certain medications — such as ibuprofen and aspirin — can also encourage ulcers. If you would like to sidestep conventional treatments for the condition, here are some of my favorite home remedies to help you heal.

A Natural Approach

Cabbage juice. Brimming with vitamin C, cabbage juice is one of the best remedies to heal ulcers along the digestive tract as it has been shown to prevent and treat H. pylori infections.^1,2,3 Interestingly, several studies have found it to be more effective than conventional treatments.⁴ In fact, one study found that when cabbage juice was given to 100 participants suffering from stomach ulcers, eighty one percent were symptom-free within a week — whereas conventional treatment had previously failed.⁵

Honey. Loaded with antioxidants that help to fight bacterial infections — including those from H. pylori — animal studies have found honey reduces the risk of developing an ulcer and helps to heal it if one does arise.⁶ A review published in the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Science confirmed these findings.⁷ In traditional medicine, honey has long been known to prevent and heal a variety of wounds — and this applies to ulcers as well.⁷

Garlic. Another pantry staple that shows promise in treating ulcers, garlic is sometimes referred to as an “herbal antibiotic” as it significantly lowers bacterial count — such as H. pylori. One study established that eating just two cloves of raw garlic for three days greatly reduced the bacterial load of an H.pylori infection in the stomach lining of patients.⁸ Animal studies have also found that garlic extracts help to curb bacterial growth.⁹

Turmeric. This golden spice is much more than a delicious addition to food, it also is a powerful natural remedy for inflammation and ulcers. Turmeric not only helps to prevent the damage caused by H. pylori infections, it also stimulates the production of mucus that protects the stomach’s lining against acids and other irritants.¹⁰ Taking 600 mg of turmeric five times a day was shown to completely heal 48% of participants of ulcers within four weeks and seventy six percent after twelve weeks.¹¹

Chili peppers. Long thought to aggravate ulcers, researchers are now discovering spicy hot peppers may actually prevent and heal ulcers. The reason? A compound called capsaicin. Studies have shown it reduces the production of stomach acid and enhances blood flow to the stomach lining — two factors researchers believe help to prevent and heal ulcers.¹² Capsaicin also encourages the production of mucus, helping to protect the stomach lining.¹³

What is the best diet to heal ulcers? An anti-inflammatory, whole-food diet is an excellent choice. Green Mediterranean is a good example. In addition to eating a nutritious diet, here are foods to avoid as they are known to aggravate ulcers:

• Black pepper
• Peppermint
• Caffeine
• Tomatoes
• Coffee and tea (both decaf and regular)
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Cocoa
• Chocolate
• Sodas
• Citrus fruits and juices
• Fried and fatty foods

It’s also a good idea to avoid gluten and dairy products as both can cause stomach irritation. Additionally, do not eat within three hours of bedtime and focus on eating smaller, more frequent meals. Remember to reduce stress in your life as this is one of the biggest risk factors for developing and aggravating ulcers.

My Best Herbal Formula for Ulcers

If you are struggling with ulcers or another digestive complaint, some of the top healing herbs for the gastrointestinal system are found in our Balanced Gut Blend.

Concentrated extracts of reishi, turkey tail, and lion’s mane medicinal mushrooms address inflammation, while plantain, slippery elm, and marshmallow root soothe stomach tissues and form a protective layer so that they can regenerate.

*A note about the alcohol used in the tincture: All of our herbal extracts contain 35% grain alcohol — an extremely small amount that will not aggravate ulcers. I always recommend working with a naturopathic physician who is familiar with your personal health history if there is a concern about using natural remedies.

A TRUE BLESSING

“This is my first anniversary being on the Balanced Gut Blend. Oh and what a feeling! Last year I went on my vacation and put it to the test. I ate pizza, mexican, donuts, etc… and nothing, no episodes. Of course I wouldn’t eat like that all the time. I was on vacation. I still have to watch what I eat. It does matter if you get a nervous stomach, but the Balanced Gut Blend is a lifesaver and a blessing.

I have mentioned it to others about it and they have tried it, and said it was helpful for them. Nicole, you are a blessing and a life saver. Thank You so much for helping people get healthy. May God continue to Bless your journey in helping people heal. You are a true treasure!”

-Robertine M.

Unlock the secret to better health with our powerful Balanced Gut Blend. Stop by the apothecary today to learn more about this game-changing formula!

Nicole Apelian

Nicole’s Apothecary Products in this Post

References

1. Jarosz M, Dzieniszewski J, Dabrowska-Ufniarz E, Wartanowicz M, Ziemlanski S, Reed PI. Effects of high dose vitamin C treatment on Helicobacter pylori infection and total vitamin C concentration in gastric juice. Eur J Cancer Prev. 1998 Dec;7(6):449-54. doi: 10.1097/00008469-199812000-00004. PMID: 9926292.
2. Yamada T, Wei M, Toyoda T, Yamano S, Wanibuchi H. Inhibitory effect of Raphanobrassica on Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis in Mongolian gerbils. Food Chem Toxicol. 2014 Aug;70:107-13. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2014.04.037. Epub 2014 May 13. PMID: 24835035.
3. Tabak M, Armon R, Rosenblat G, Stermer E, Neeman I. Diverse effects of ascorbic acid and palmitoyl ascorbate on Helicobacter pylori survival and growth. FEMS Microbiol Lett. 2003 Jul 29;224(2):247-53. doi: 10.1016/S0378-1097(03)00439-7. PMID: 12892889.
4. CHENEY G. Rapid healing of peptic ulcers in patients receiving fresh cabbage juice. Calif Med. 1949;70(1):10-15.
5. CHENEY G. (1952). Vitamin U therapy of peptic ulcer. California medicine, 77(4), 248–252.
6. Almasaudi SB, El-Shitany NA, Abbas AT, Abdel-dayem UA, Ali SS, Al Jaouni SK, Harakeh S. Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antiulcer Potential of Manuka Honey against Gastric Ulcer in Rats. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:3643824. doi: 10.1155/2016/3643824. Epub 2015 Dec 7. PMID: 26770649; PMCID: PMC4685122.
7. Eteraf-Oskouei, T., & Najafi, M. (2013). Traditional and modern uses of natural honey in human diseases: a review. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences, 16(6), 731–742.
8. Zardast, M., Namakin, K., Esmaelian Kaho, J., & Hashemi, S. S. (2016). Assessment of antibacterial effect of garlic in patients infected with Helicobacter pylori using urease breath test. Avicenna journal of phytomedicine, 6(5), 495–501.
9. Han YM, Park JM, Jeong M, et al. Dietary, non-microbial intervention to prevent Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric diseases. Ann Transl Med. 2015;3(9):122. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2015.03.50
10. Yadav, S. K., Sah, A. K., Jha, R. K., Sah, P., & Shah, D. K. (2013). Turmeric (curcumin) remedies gastroprotective action. Pharmacognosy reviews, 7(13), 42–46. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.112843
11. Prucksunand C, Indrasukhsri B, Leethochawalit M, Hungspreugs K. Phase II clinical trial on effect of the long turmeric (Curcuma longa Linn) on healing of peptic ulcer. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health. 2001;32(1):208-215.
12. Satyanarayana MN. Capsaicin and gastric ulcers. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2006;46(4):275-328. doi:10.1080/1040-830491379236a
13. Kang, J. Y., Teng, C. H., Wee, A., & Chen, F. C. (1995). Effect of capsaicin and chilli on ethanol induced gastric mucosal injury in the rat. Gut, 36(5), 664–669. https://doi.org/10.1136/gut.36.5.664​