Stomach Ulcer Remedies

Stomach ulcers are also known as gastric ulcers, which are open sores that develop in the mucosal lining of the stomach. Many times, they are also referred as peptic ulcers, though most of the peptic ulcers generally occur in the duodenum, which is the first part of the small intestine. Generally, stomach and duodenum ulcers are benign; only a few of them are malignant or cancerous.

Causes and Symptoms of Stomach Ulcers
They are the result of the damage caused by the hydrochloric acid, (a part of the digestive juice) to the lining of the stomach. Earlier, spicy foods and stress were thought to be accountable for causing them. But later on, it was discovered that most of the ulcers are caused not by spicy foods, but by bacterial infection. The bacterium responsible for causing ulcers of the stomach is known as Helicobacter pylori. Other important causes of gastric ulcers are, long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cigarette smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Even stress is thought to play an important role in their development.

A burning sensation or pain in the upper abdomen or below the breastbone is the most common symptom. The pain is usually observed to occur immediately after eating, while some individuals can experience it a few hours after having a meal. Other symptoms include, loss of appetite, vomiting, black stool, weight loss, blood in the stool and anemia.

Stomach Ulcer Cure
The conventional treatment involves the use of antacids, acid blockers or H2 antagonists, proton pump inhibitors and cytoprotective agents. If ulcers are found to have caused by H. pylori bacteria, then antibiotics are recommended. However, in addition to these conventional medications, several natural remedies have shown their efficacy in treating the condition.

• Banana can neutralize acidity of the gastric juice. At the same time, it protects the stomach lining and reduces inflammation and irritation.
• Fresh vegetable juice like, carrot and cabbage juice can also provide significant relief in stomach ulcers. You can take cabbage juice either alone or mixed with carrot juice. Similarly, carrot juice can also be mixed with spinach or beet juice. Vegetable juices can help to strengthen the stomach lining and heal sores.
• Fenugreek, if moistened with water, becomes mucilaginous to provide a protective coating to the stomach lining and assists in healing the ulcers. Fenugreek seeds or leaves are brewed with tea to take as a remedy.
• Lime contains citric acid and mineral salts, that not only helps in digestion, but to heal the ulcers as well. It can be used in salads or taken as lime juice.
• Leaves of wood apple is another effective natural remedy and relieve the associated pain and discomfort. The leaves should be soaked in water and left overnight. In the morning, the water should be strained and then taken.
• Raw honey, especially manuka honey can heal the ulcers, strengthen the stomach lining and destroy the bacteria that cause infection.
• Milk, especially cold milk is known to neutralize stomach acids and hence, can be taken to alleviate the symptoms of gastric ulcers. Taking raw goat's milk can prove even more beneficial, as it can heal the ulcers.

Stomach or gastric ulcers, if left untreated, can give rise to some major complications, like gastrointestinal bleeding, perforation of the gastrointestinal wall, scarring of the tissues and pyloric stenosis. Therefore, along with taking these remedies, it is essential to seek medical attention. Also important is to avoid smoking, caffeine and alcohol intake, as well as spicy and salty foods. In addition to these, people having stomach or peptic ulcers should drink plenty of water and eat several small meals daily.