How to treat a stomach ulcer at Home quickly

A peptic ulcer or stomach ulcer is truly uncomfortable for many people because of the burning pain it produces. We show you how to relieve its symptoms.

A stomach ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Ulcers are usually uncomfortable, with heartburn being the most common symptom, but there are others.

In a previous article, we already talked about how to cleanse the stomach with home remedies , a method that we can use if we feel a heaviness in the stomach. Now we will see what an ulcer is and the home remedies to remedy the discomfort.

What is a stomach ulcer?

Stomach ulcer, also called gastric ulcer, or duodenal ulcer, is a sore that appears in the lining of the stomach. Peptic ulcer is one that also affects both the stomach and the small intestine .

Stomach ulcers are usually caused by one of the following factors:

An infection caused by the bacteria helicobacter pylori .
Long-term use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
There is a less common cause that can cause peptic ulcers, and that is Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, which occurs when the body increases acid production.

Stomach ulcer: symptoms

Duodenal ulcers, or stomach ulcers, present a series of common symptoms, the most common being a burning sensation or pain in the middle of the stomach . If our stomach is empty, the pain can be more acute, and can last for several hours. Other symptoms of stomach ulcers, in addition to acute pain, are the following:

Weight loss
Loss of appetite due to stomach pain
Nausea and vomiting
Swelling of the abdomen
Feeling like we’ve been easily satiated
Acid reflux and constant burping
Burning and acidity sensation in chest and stomach
Fatigue, possible anemia and paler skin
Dark and black stools
In more severe cases, bloody vomit

In many cases, the discomfort is quite mild, but if we do not go to the doctor, ulcers can get worse if left untreated, especially bleeding ulcers, which are very dangerous.

How to cure a stomach ulcer

There are a number of medical treatments, mostly non-surgical, to treat ulcers, although the treatment will depend on each particular case. The most important thing is to treat the duodenal ulcer as soon as possible, as soon as we have the feeling that something is wrong and we may have an ulcer.

If the ulcer is bleeding, you will most likely need to be hospitalized for intensive treatment, which will first involve an endoscopy to assess the severity of the ulcer, and then intravenous medications . In more extreme cases, a blood transfusion may be required.

If the ulcer is of bacterial origin (H. Pylori) we will need antibiotics and other medications known as PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) that neutralize and block the stomach cells that are producing acid.

On the other hand, it is more than likely that our doctor will completely stop the use of anti-inflammatory drugs . Even if the ulcer disappears, we will probably have to continue taking medications prescribed by the doctor, especially in cases of H. Pylori bacteria, until it is completely eliminated. A follow-up with a new endoscopy will be necessary to check the healing of the ulcer.

In the most severe and rare cases, the stomach ulcer is likely to require surgical treatment. This is rare and infrequent, but we should know that it can happen if the ulcer continues to bleed despite treatment . We will also undergo surgical treatment if the pain continues to be intense or if it is discovered, with endoscopy, that food is not passing from the stomach to the small intestine.

In cases where surgery is required, it may include completely removing the ulcer, removing tissue from the small intestine and covering the ulcer, tying off a bleeding artery, or cutting off the nerve supply to the stomach in order to reduce stomach acid production.

How to prevent the appearance of a stomach ulcer

There are a number of foods that do not cure an ulcer, but can be very beneficial for the intestinal tract, so they function as preventative foods .

To prevent a stomach ulcer, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fibre is the healthiest and most suitable. And in particular, there are foods that can help fight the H. pylori bacteria: broccoli, radishes, cauliflower and cabbage, green leafy vegetables such as spinach, foods such as miso, yoghurt with bifidus, apples, wild fruits such as blueberries, currants and blackberries, strawberries and olive oil.

There are also a number of common practices that can prevent the spread of bacteria, such as those that cause stomach ulcers. Whenever we are going to handle food, we should wash our hands thoroughly with soap and water . In addition, it is advisable to wash and drain all the food we are going to consume well, whether it is raw, such as fruits and salads, or food that we are going to cook.

If the cause of our ulcer is taking too many anti-inflammatory drugs, we should stop taking them for an indefinite period, if possible, and if not, we should limit their use considerably, always adhering to the minimum recommended doses. In any case, the most important thing is to follow our doctor’s recommendations, since a stomach ulcer can reappear.

10 home remedies to cure gastric ulcer

Home remedies for gastric ulcers such as aloe juice, potato juice, congorosa tea or marshmallow infusion are excellent natural options to relieve symptoms such as pain or burning sensation in the stomach, nausea or vomiting.

This is because these remedies contain substances with anti-inflammatory, antacid and antiemetic properties, which contribute to reducing inflammation and acidity and protecting the stomach mucosa.

Although they cannot replace medical treatment, home remedies are a good option to help relieve the symptoms of gastric ulcers and can be used to complement the treatment prescribed by the doctor.

Main home remedies

Some home remedies to treat gastric ulcer are:

1. Aloe juice

Aloe juice is prepared from the leaves of Aloe vera, which has digestive and antiulcer properties that stimulate digestion and neutralize stomach acids, helping in the treatment of gastritis and gastric ulcers.

Ingredients:

1 aloe leaf;
1 liter of filtered or boiled water.

Preparation method:

To make aloe juice, the aloe leaves must be washed and dried. Next, the base of the leaf must be cut and left upright to allow a yellow liquid called latex to come out, which contains aloin, a compound that can be toxic in high quantities.

You should then cut the sides of the leaf lengthwise, lift it up and carefully remove the clear gel. To remove the gel from the leaf, you can use a spoon, discarding any green or yellow parts that are present in the gel.

Next, blend the aloe gel and water in a blender, in a proportion of 100 g of gel per 1 liter of water, and drink up to 3 glasses of this juice per day.

This juice is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is also not recommended for people with uterine or ovarian inflammation, hemorrhoids or bladder stones.

Learn more about Role of Aloe vera in Mouth Ulcer Treatment

2. Potato juice

An excellent home remedy for ulcers is to drink pure potato juice on an empty stomach, as this is capable of reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, promoting the healing process of ulcers and relieving symptoms such as pain, burning and heartburn.

Likewise, potato juice is indicated to help in the treatment of other gastric problems such as indigestion, gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux.

Ingredients:

1 raw potato;
100 to 200 mL of water.

Preparation method:

Peel the raw potato and place it in a food processor or blender and mash it. Add a little water to make the juice more liquid and easier to drink. Then strain and drink the freshly prepared potato juice 30 minutes before breakfast, without adding any sweetener.

If you don’t have a food processor or blender, for example, you can grate the potato and squeeze it through a clean cloth, obtaining the concentrated juice.

Potato juice should be used with caution by diabetics, as it can increase the amount of sugar in the blood and cause loss of blood sugar control.

3. Congorosa tea

Congorosa tea, prepared from the medicinal plant Maytenus ilicifolia , is rich in tannins, such as epigallocatechin, and polysaccharides, such as arabinogalactan, which help reduce stomach acidity and protect the stomach from the acid it produces, and can be used to help relieve symptoms of gastric ulcers such as pain or a burning sensation in the stomach.

Some studies show that congorosa tea has an effect similar to cimetidine, which is a drug used to reduce acid production by the stomach.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon dried congorosa leaves;
1 cup boiling water.

Preparation method:

Add the congorosa leaves to the boiling water, cover and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Strain and drink warm up to 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals.

4. Ginger tea

Ginger tea contains gingerol, shogaol and zingerone, which are substances with anti-inflammatory and antiemetic properties, which help relieve stomach inflammation and reduce acidity, reducing the symptoms of gastric ulcers such as burning sensation in the stomach, nausea or vomiting.

This tea should not be taken by people who have active bleeding in the stomach caused by an ulcer, or by those who are using blood-thinning medications, as ginger has blood-thinning properties that can cause or increase the risk of bleeding and hemorrhage.

Ingredients:

1 cm ginger root, sliced or grated;
1 liter of boiling water.

Preparation method:

Bring the water to a boil and add the ginger. Let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. Remove the ginger from the water and drink the tea in 3 or 4 divided portions throughout the day, 20 minutes before meals.

Another option for preparing the tea is to replace the root with 1 teaspoon of powdered ginger.

5. Licorice tea

Licorice tea, whose scientific name is Glycyrrhiza glabra , contains glycyrrhizin in its composition, which is a substance that helps reduce acidity and protect the stomach mucosa, and can be very useful as a home remedy for gastric ulcers and to relieve the sensation of heartburn. In addition, licorice can help fight the Helicobacter pylori bacteria by reducing its adhesion to stomach cells.

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon licorice root;
1 cup boiling water;
Honey to taste.

Preparation method:

Add the licorice to the cup of boiling water, cover and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey if desired. Drink this tea up to 2 times a day.

Licorice tea should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women or by people with heart problems.

6. Fenugreek

Fenugreek is a medicinal plant whose scientific name is Trigonella foenum-graecum , whose seeds have anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties that can help reduce stomach acidity, making it a good home remedy for ulcers.

Some studies also show that fenugreek tea has an effect similar to omeprazole, a drug used to reduce acid production in the stomach. However, this study was conducted on mice, and further studies are needed to confirm this effect.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon fenugreek seeds;
2 cups of water.

Preparation method:

Boil the ingredients for 5 to 10 minutes. Then strain and drink when lukewarm, about 3 times a day.

Fenugreek tea should not be used by pregnant women, as it can stimulate uterine contractions and induce labor. This herb should not be used by children or by people undergoing treatment for hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer, for example.

7. Pink pepper tea

Pink pepper tea, also known as turbinto or Brazilian pepper, is prepared with the peel of the medicinal plant Schinus terebinthifolius and has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antacid properties, being useful for relieving the symptoms of gastric ulcers, thanks to the fact that it reduces stomach acidity.

Ingredients:

3 to 4 pieces of pink peppercorn peel or 100 g of pink peppercorn peel powder;
1 liter of water.

Preparation method:

Boil the ingredients for about 10 minutes, let cool, strain and drink 1 tablespoon of tea, up to 3 times a day.

Pink peppercorn tea should not be used by children or pregnant women. Also, when used in quantities greater than recommended, it can cause diarrhea due to its laxative effect and can also produce allergic reactions.

8. Peppermint tea

Peppermint tea, whose scientific name is Mentha piperita L. , is rich in volatile oils such as menthol and menthone, which have anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, soothing and analgesic properties that help relieve stomach pain and reduce other symptoms of gastric ulcers, such as nausea or vomiting.

Ingredients:

6 chopped peppermint leaves;
150 mL of boiling water.

Preparation method:

In a cup, add the water over the chopped peppermint leaves, cover and let it sit for 5 to 7 minutes. Strain, sweeten with honey if desired and drink 3 to 4 cups a day, after meals.

9. Altea infusion

Althaea infusion, a plant also known as marshmallow or mallow, should be prepared using the root of the medicinal plant Althaea officinalis . This plant has an emollient, anti-inflammatory, soothing, calming and gastric protective effect, being another excellent option for a home remedy for gastric ulcer.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of marshmallow root;
1 cup boiling water.

Preparation method:

Add the marshmallow root to the cup of boiling water and let it sit for 10 minutes. Strain and drink immediately, up to 2 cups a day.

10. Watermelon juice

Watermelon juice is an excellent home remedy for gastric ulcers, as this fruit is rich in magnesium, which is one of the components of antacid medications, which helps reduce stomach acidity and ulcer symptoms.

Ingredients: