How to Treat a Stomach Ulcer

Home Remedies for Stomach Ulcers

1. Probiotics

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health, according to Medical News Today. They can also help reduce inflammation and protect the stomach lining. You can find probiotics in supplement form or in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut.

2. Licorice

No, this isn’t the same sweet treat that you may think of when you hear the word licorice. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is a homeopathic remedy that is often used to treat digestive issues, including stomach ulcers, according to Healthline. It is believed that it can heal ulcers by preventing the growth of H. pylori bacteria. You can find Deglycyrrhizinated licorice at health food stores, as either a supplement or tea. or you can drink licorice tea.

3. Honey

Honey is believed to be a natural antibacterial agent that also has antioxidant properties, according to Healthline. They note that honey may be able to inhibit H. pylori growth. They recommend that you use honey as a sweetener if you have normal blood sugar levels.

4. Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice may be able to fight against the H. pylori bacteria, according to Healthline. Since most commercial cranberry juice is heavily sweetened with sugar, Healthline recommends that you try naturally sweetened cranberry juice, cranberry supplements, or fresh cranberries.

5. Mastic

Mastic is a sap that comes from the bark of the mastic tree (a tree that grows in the Mediterranean). It may be effective for treating stomach ulcers, according to Healthline. They note that mastic has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help fight against H. pylori bacteria. If you want to try mastic, Healthline recommends that you chew mastic gum or take a mastic supplement.

6. Flavonoid-Rich Foods

Foods that are rich in flavonoids include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, according to VeryWellHealth. They note that these foods can help protect the stomach lining and reduce inflammation. You should make sure to choose a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to get the most benefit, according to VeryWellHealth. Some of the foods they suggest include:

• Berries
• Green tea
• Apples
• Onions
• Garlic
• Cabbage
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Soy
• Tomatoes
• Carrots

7. Cabbage Juice

Cabbage juice is a popular ulcer remedy, according to Healthline. Healthline notes that this is because it is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants which can help treat H. pylori infections. You can make cabbage juice at home using a juicer or blender.

8. Turmeric

Turmeric is an Asian spice that is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, according to Healthline. They note that it may help reduce inflammation in the stomach lining and promote the healing of ulcers by increasing mucus secretion (which can protect the stomach lining against irritants like H. pylori).

9. Chili Peppers

This may seem contradictory, but chili peppers may actually help reduce pain and inflammation, according to Healthline. They note that this is because chili peppers contain capsaicin, which seems to reduce stomach acid and enhance blood flow to the stomach lining. They may also increase mucus production, which coats the stomach lining and protects it from damaging H. pylori.

10. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe the stomach lining and reduce pain, according to Healthline. They note that you can drink aloe vera juice or take aloe vera supplements.

11. Plantain Bananas

Plantain bananas are similar to regular bananas and may have a positive effect on ulcers, according to Medical News Today. They note that unripe plantain bananas seem to have the most benefit for ulcers.

12. Chamomile

Chamomile tea can help soothe the stomach lining and reduce digestive pain, according to Medical News Today. They note that you can drink chamomile tea if you want to try this remedy.

Foods to Avoid When You Have an Ulcer

If you have a stomach ulcer, you may need to avoid certain foods that can irritate your stomach and worsen your symptoms, according to VeryWellHealth. Here are some foods they suggest you avoid:

• Alcohol
• Acidic foods
• Spicy foods
• Milk or cream
• Fried foods
• High-fat foods
• Highly processed foods
• Chocolate

What Medications Help Ulcers?

Some ulcers may heal with home remedies, however, some ulcers may require over-the-counter or prescription medications. Here are some common types of medications used to treat ulcers, according to VeryWellHealth:

1. Antibiotics

If your stomach ulcer is caused by H. pylori bacteria, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help eliminate the bacteria from your digestive system, according to VeryWellHealth. They note that common antibiotics used to treat H. pylori include amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole.

2. Antacids

Antacids can help neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary relief from ulcer pain, according to VeryWellHealth. Some common antacids include Alka-Seltzer, Pepto-Bismol, Maalox, Mylanta, Rolaids, and Tums. Antacids are available over-the-counter, at most retail pharmacies, grocery stores, and convenience stores.

3. Proton Pump Inhibitors

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach, according to VeryWellHealth. This can help promote the healing of your ulcer. Some common PPIs include Nexium, Prevacid, and Prilosec. Many PPIs are available over-the-counter, but you can also get stronger PPIs by prescription, according to VeryWellHealth.

4. H-2 Blockers

H-2 blockers can also help reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach, according to VeryWellHealth. Some common H-2 blockers include Pepcid and Zantac. Again, you can get some H-2 blockers over-the-counter, but stronger versions are also available by prescription, according to VeryWellHealth.

When to See a Doctor for an Ulcer

While some ulcers can be treated with home remedies, others may require medical intervention to prevent complications. Mount Sinai Hospital recommends that you see a doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• You have sharp stomach pain
• You're sweating a lot, feeling confused, or are light-headed
• Your stomach feels hard to the touch
• Bloody, or dark, tarry stools
• Chest pain
• Vomiting (especially if bloody or looks like coffee grounds)
• Weight loss

Summary of Home Ulcer Care

Stomach ulcers can be a painful and uncomfortable condition that can affect your daily life. It is important to see a doctor to establish the diagnosis and rule out complications. While medication is usually needed, there are also several home remedies that you can use to supplement your recovery. These include:

• Avoid foods and drinks that can irritate your stomach, such as spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee.
• Opting for a diet rich in fiber and flavonoids—like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Trying homeopathic remedies like licorice, mastic, turmeric, and chamomile
• Drinking cabbage juice
• Using a probiotic

In addition, using antacids, PPIs, or h-2 blockers that are available over-the-counter is also very helpful. You should see a doctor right away if you start having severe symptoms.