How to Get Rid of Stomach Ulcers (Heal Fast with Home Remedies)

Have you been frequently experiencing sharp pain in your abdominal region? Do you often feel bloated or full despite eating little? Then the chances are that you may have a stomach ulcer(s).

Stomach or gastric ulcers are open sores or lesions that develop in the lining of the stomach or small intestine when the protective mucus lining of the stomach becomes ineffective or is worn away due to the corrosive action of stomach acids. (2)

These ulcers can also occur in the upper part of the intestines and represent a commonly occurring health problem, courtesy of 21^st century fast-food and hectic life schedules.

It is easy to get rid of stomach ulcers at home, but if they stay undiagnosed and untreated, they can lead to severe problems like stomach or gastrointestinal cancer.

Causes of Stomach Ulcers

The following are the common causes of an ulcer. (6)

• H. pylori bacteria
• Smoking
• Drinking alcohol
• Chewing tobacco
• Regular consumption of spicy food
• Taking too many painkillers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
• Stress
• Family history of stomach ulcers
• Liver, kidney, or lung disease
• Steroid usage

Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers

• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Bloating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Traces of blood in your vomit or vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds
• Anemia and its associated symptoms such as weakness or fatigue
• Burning or gnawing pain in the stomach, especially between meals or at night
• Heartburn
• Dark or black stool (in severe cases)
• Unexplained weight loss

Preventing Stomach Ulcers

• Avoid foods that can irritate your stomach, i.e., spicy foods, citrus fruits, and foods with high-fat content.
• Stop smoking and avoid drinking alcohol.
• Take painkillers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen with meals, never on an empty stomach.
• Use relaxation techniques and exercises to control your stress levels.

Home Remedies to Get Rid of Stomach Ulcers

If and when you experience any of the symptoms described above, consult a physician immediately for proper diagnosis.

Depending on the severity of your condition, you can choose the treatment you wish to follow in order to rectify the situation.

If left undiagnosed and untreated, gastric ulcers can lead to the following complications:

• Internal bleeding
• Perforation or splitting open of the stomach lining, i.e., a hole or tear in the stomach wall
• Stomach cancer
• Swelling or scarring that leads to intestinal blockage

You can get any of the following tests done for proper diagnosis of stomach ulcers: urea breath test, stool test, blood test, and gastroscopy or endoscopy.

In case the damage to your stomach is not severe and does not require immediate surgical intervention or antibiotic treatment, given below are 10 home remedies that can help you get rid of stomach ulcers and repair your stomach lining.

Method 1: Cabbage

Fresh cabbage juice contains high quantities of the amino acid glutamine that works even better than commercial antacids in repairing the damage to your stomach lining.

It also contains lactic acid, which makes it an extremely effective and inexpensive anecdotal remedy to both prevent and heal stomach ulcers.

Single-Step Treatment: Drink cabbage juice daily

• Take 2 cups of chopped cabbage and 1 cup of water in a mixer or blender.
• Blend into a fine puree.
• Pass this puree through a strainer for smooth and fresh cabbage juice.
• You can also add ½ teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to a glass of fresh cabbage juice to treat gastric ulcers.

Drink 1 glass of freshly extracted cabbage juice daily, and you will find relief within 2 to 3 days. In certain cases, cabbage juice has been known to completely heal all stomach ulcers after just 2 weeks of regular consumption.

Method 2: Cayenne Pepper

Cayenne pepper has anti-irritant and, more importantly, antimicrobial properties that help treat peptic ulcers and fight the ulcer-causing bacteria, i.e., H. pylori. (4) (5)

This fiery pepper stimulates the secretion of stomach fluids that prevents the production of acids and helps alkalize the stomach, thereby preventing and healing any open sores in the stomach wall.

Step 1. Add cayenne pepper to a cup of hot water

• Take 1 cup of hot water.
• Add ¼ teaspoon of organic cayenne pepper powder.

Step 2. Mix well and drink daily

• Mix hot water and cayenne pepper thoroughly.
• Drink it up; you can take slow sips.
• Alternatively, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper powder to your soups, salads, and daily stir-fry.

Drink 1 cup of cayenne pepper tea once daily for 2 weeks to successfully treat ulcers and keep your digestive tract healthy.

Method 3: Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has so many benefits that it can be called a panacea for all ills. To begin with, this wondrous, golden liquid contains pectin, which acts as a probiotic encouraging the growth of good bacteria in the gastro-intestinal tract.

Then, it also provides relief from pain while restoring the pH balance in the stomach; thereby preventing the build-up of acid in the stomach which leads to ulcers.

It further contains digestive enzymes that help with indigestion, gas, and bloating.

Step 1. Dilute apple cider vinegar in some water

• Take 1 glass of warm water.
• Carefully measure and pour 1 teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into the glass.

Step 2. Stir and drink daily for relief from stomach ulcers

• Stir with a spoon for proper mixing.
• Drink thrice daily to cure and prevent gastric ulcers.

Drink this concoction thrice daily for 2 weeks; once in the morning on an empty stomach and 30 minutes before lunch and dinner.

Method 4: Manuka Honey

Manuka honey has proved to be a highly effective treatment option for people suffering from gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori.

This honey is produced in specific geography; it is mainly produced in New Zealand from bees that extract nectar from the native Manuka bushes. It has strong anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties that can completely eradicate ulcer-causing bacteria.

Like regular honey, it promotes healing, thereby curing the lacerations or sores in the stomach lining.

Additionally, this wonder honey can also be used to treat gum or periodontal disease, provide relief when suffering from sore throat, and even cure blepharitis.

Single-Step Treatment: Consume Manuka honey daily

• Take 1 tablespoon of pure, organic Manuka honey 1 hour before a meal.
• Consume a final tablespoon at night, just before going to bed.

Consume Manuka honey 4 times daily as described above; you will find immediate relief from pain within 1 to 2 days. Continue consumption for 1 to 2 weeks to completely cure and heal your gastric ulcer.

Method 5: Bananas

Bananas are a wonderful fruit to eat if you have frequent stomach problems. These brown–yellow fruits are rich in minerals and vitamins such as potassium, manganese, magnesium, Vitamins B6 & C, and folate.

Bananas also act as a natural antacid, providing relief from the burning pains caused by gastric ulcers. They are also believed to contain enzymes that effectively kill off H. pylori bacteria that cause stomach ulcers.

Single-Step Treatment: Consume bananas daily to treat stomach ulcers

• Eat at least 3 ripe bananas daily to successfully treat and cure ulcers in your stomach.
• Try to eat a banana for breakfast; this will enable its compounds to directly act against H. pylori bacteria and soothe the burning sores.
• You can also dry ripe bananas under the sun and then grind them into powder.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of this banana powder with a tablespoon of raw organic honey and consume thrice daily.
• You will find relief within 1 week of regular consumption.

You should consume bananas in whichever form you choose at least 3 times a day for 1 to 2 weeks to get rid of stomach ulcers completely.

Method 6: Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can reverse the damage caused to the stomach lining.

Additionally, this bright yellow spice also accelerates healing and provides relief from the burning sensation caused by gastric ulcers in the abdominal region. (4)

Single-Step Treatment: Take turmeric daily for at least 1 month

• Take 3 teaspoons of organic turmeric powder 3 times a day.
• You can mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder with a glass of warm water and slowly sip it like tea.
• Drink this turmeric tea 3 times a day.
• You can also take turmeric or curcumin capsules; the recommended dose is 500-mg capsules 4 times daily.
• Or you can add a pinch of turmeric powder to your daily soups, stews, and stir-fries.

Continue your consumption of turmeric for 2 to 3 weeks to successfully treat and heal your stomach.

Method 7: Coconut Oil

All coconut products including the tender white flesh, fresh coconut milk and water, and pure coconut oil have powerful anti-bacterial and ulcer-fighting properties.

While fresh tender coconuts are only available during certain seasons, pure organic coconut is easily available throughout the year in your local drugstores or supermarkets.

Single-Step Treatment: Consume coconut oil/milk twice daily

• Drink 1 teaspoon of coconut oil twice daily; once in the morning and then again at night.
• Or you can drink 1 cup of tender coconut milk or water 2 to 3 times daily.
• You can also consume the tender coconut flesh.

Do this for at least 2 to 3 weeks to cure and get rid of stomach ulcer effectively.

Method 8: Licorice

Licorice root stimulates the stomach and intestines to produce more mucus, thus effectively increasing their resistance to acidity and ulcer-causing bacteria. (1)(5)

Drinking licorice root tea can provide relief from the burning pain caused by stomach ulcers and also speed up the healing process.

Step 1. Brew the licorice tea

• Place a pan on a stove and pour 1 cup of water into it.
• Turn on the heat and bring the water to boil.
• Add the licorice root.
• Turn down the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 2. Strain and let it cool down; drink daily

• Turn off the heat and take the pan off the stove.
• Strain into a cup and let it cool down a little.
• Drink 2 to 3 times daily.

Follow this remedy for at least 1 week to get rid of stomach ulcers. Alternatively, you can also chew or swallow 2 to 3 deglycyrrhizinated licorice tablets thrice daily for 2 to 3 weeks. You can easily find 380 mg licorice tablets in your nearby health food stores.

Method 9: Aloe Vera

Aloe vera juice has a cooling and soothing effect on the inner lining of your stomach and helps reduce acidity in the stomach, thereby both preventing and curing gastric ulcers. (3)(4)(5)

Another animal study elaborates on the anti-ulcer properties of aloe vera. (7)

Step 1. Add aloe vera juice to water

• Extract fresh juice from an aloe vera plant in the garden.
• Take care to avoid the yellowish gel in the lower part of the leaf that contains toxins.
• Pour 2 teaspoons of the freshly-extracted aloe vera juice in a cup of water.

Step 2. Mix well and drink daily

• Mix the water and aloe vera juice thoroughly.
• Drink the juice 2 to 3 times daily.

Drink this homemade aloe vera juice every day for 2 to 3 weeks to effectively heal your stomach and even intestinal ulcers. You can also drink aloe vera juice daily to prevent ulcers and keep your digestive system on track.

Method 10: Probiotics

Probiotics refer to the live bacteria or yeast that helps boost your health and immunity. These helpful bacteria are most commonly found in fermented foods like yogurt and are extremely beneficial in treating gastric ulcers.

Single-Step Treatment: Consume a bowl of Greek yogurt daily

• Consume a bowl of Greek yogurt daily for 2 to 3 weeks to alleviate your symptoms.
• The healthy bacteria in yogurt help balance your gut flora and eradicate harmful ulcer-causing H. pylori.
• Other probiotic options include buttermilk, kimchi, and miso.

You can also make these foods a part of your regular diet to keep your gastric system and health in good order.

Tips to keep in mind

• Try to eat healthy organic food and avoid skipping meals.
• Drink in moderation; in case you do not wish to stop drinking altogether limit yourself to 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women.
• Quit smoking or limit yourself to 2 to 3 cigarettes per day.
• Limit your consumption of carbonated drinks.
• Avoid eating deep-fried or oily food.
• Avoid green tea and coffee if you have stomach ulcers or simply avoid any drinks that contain caffeine.
• Avoid eating red meat as it has high-acid content.
• You can also add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water for instant relief from pain.
• You can also chew 2 to 3 cloves of garlic every morning on an empty stomach; garlic contains allium, which has strong antimicrobial properties that can effectively eliminate ulcer-causing organisms in the stomach and intestines and get rid of stomach ulcers.

Resources:

1. Rahnama M, Mehrabani D, Japoni S, Edjtehadi M, Saberi Firoozi M. The healing effect of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on Helicobacter pylori-infected peptic ulcers. Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3818629/. Published June 2013.
2. Eichenseher J. Peptic Ulcer Disease. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323358682000438?via=ihub. Published April 28, 2017.
3. Hung A, Kang N, Bollom A, Wolf JL, Lembo A. Complementary, and Alternative Medicine Use Is Prevalent Among Patients with Gastrointestinal Diseases. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10620-014-3498-3. Published January 4, 2015.
4. Singh AK, Singh SK, et al. Biotechnological aspects of plants metabolites in the treatment of ulcer: A new prospective. Biotechnology Reports. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215017X17303430. Published June 18, 2018.
5. Borrelli F, Izzo AA. The plant kingdom as a source of anti‐ulcer remedies. Phytotherapy Research. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/1099-1573(200012)14:8<581::AID-PTR776>3.0.CO;2-S. Published November 29, 2000.
6. Definition & Facts for Peptic Ulcers (Stomach Ulcers). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/peptic-ulcers-stomach-ulcers/definition-facts. Published November 1, 2014.
7. Sai K, Borra SK, et al. (PDF) Anti-ulcer effect of Aloe vera in non-steroidal anti ... African Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230668345. Published November 2011.

Summary of How to Get Rid of Stomach Ulcers

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