The two common types of ulcer are the duodenum and gastric. The duodenal ulcer occurs naturally enough in the duodenum, the narrow section of the small intestine connecting it to the stomach, while the gastric ulcers’ preferred site of irritation is the main body of the stomach.

 

 Symptoms of peptic ulcer

A burning, gnawing pain located somewhere between the breastbone and navel is often the first symptom. This is frequently accompanied by heartburn, nausea, loss of appetite and indigestion. The usual onset of pain is between 45–60 minutes after a meal. Other symptoms may include lower back pain, headache, a choking sensation, vomiting and blood in the stool.

 

Causes

There are several factors which increase the secretion of stomach acid or alter the mucosal lining. Certain drugs, namely aspirin and NSAIDs, smoking, antacids, stress and Helicobacter pylori bacteria. (It is believed that H. pylori may be responsible for up to 90% of gastric ulcers and 70% of duodenal ulcers.)

Food sensitivities can cause an inflammatory response which can erode the stomach lining.

 

Treatment

Licorice root should be the herb of choice for all ulcer sufferers, it promotes healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers. Licorice increases the number of mucous secreting cells, therefore enhancing the protective lining of the GIT. (Please note for all licorice addicts, this does not mean increasing your consumption of licorice sweets, the herb is rarely seen in a licorice stick!)

Raw cabbage juice can potentially heal an ulcer within 14 days. It is believed the high level of glutamine found in the juice is responsible for its healing effect. Recent research suggests that cabbage also contains a phytonutrient capable of destroying H. pylori. Slippery elm coats, soothes and heals gastric mucosa and aloe vera juice has a similar restorative effect on intestinal mucosa. (Be sure to use a good quality, whole leaf extract.) L-glutamine is an amino acid with a special affinity for intestinal mucosa. It is the primary source of fuel for cells that line the stomach and intestine, and heals inflamed and ulcerated tissues.

Zinc taken with its co-factors of vitamins A, B6 and C, plus magnesium is also healing to gastric mucosa, stabilizing many proteins and cell membrane.

Bioflavonoids, part of the vitamin C complex (namely, rutin, hesperidin, quercitin, genistein), have anti-inflammatory, antihistamine and anti-viral properties. Several of the flavonoids can inhibit H. pylori and prevent ulcer formation.

Recent research has suggested a link between DHA in fish oil and the inhibition of H. pylori, and pine needle extract has also demonstrated an ability to kill H. pylori.

Obviously it’s crucial to eliminate food allergies as well as other irritants such as milk, alcohol, coffee, spicy foods, chocolate, citrus. Consume small frequent meals.

Befriend bananas, as these wonderful fruits contain a substance that stimulates the proliferation of mucosal cells that form a protective barrier of the stomach and intestines. 

Learn to love chamomile tea too, it is an anti-inflammatory herb, as well as a gentle nervous system relaxant, and is specific to gut spasm and ulceration. Prepare a very strong cup of chamomile tea (i.e. use at least 2 heaped teaspoons of flowers per cup, preferably organic) and drink at room temperature.

Meadowsweet is also extremely beneficial, it contains compounds that help heal and prevent ulcers. It is soothing and protective to the mucous membranes of the digestive tract, reducing stomach acidity and easing nausea. Meadowsweet also contains salicylic acid, which reduces pain and inflammation.

 

Anti-ulcer juice

½ bunch silver beet

2 carrots

½ head cabbage

handful broccoli sprouts*

¼ cup aloe vera juice

1 teaspoon slippery elm powder (optional)

Cut the cabbage into wedges and feed through juicer, followed by the silver beet, sprouts (wrap in a large silver beet leaf for

easy juicing), and then the carrots.

Mix 400 ml freshly squeezed juice with 30 ml good quality aloe vera juice and sip slowly twice per day before meals. For added healing, mix one teaspoon slippery elm powder to a paste with a little purified water and stir into the juice.

*Broccoli sprouts have recently been found to contain the same stomachprotecting compound as cabbage, sulforaphane, which may reduce the H.pylori bacteria as well as protecting against stomach cancer.