Stomach ulcers or peptic ulcers are among the most common gastrointestinal conditions, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. If left untreated, stomach ulcers cause complications such as perforation, gastric outlet obstruction and internal bleeding, which can give rise to anaemia and associated symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness and heart palpitations. Fortunately, Ayurveda treatments for stomach ulcers are proven to be effective and can provide relief without the risk of complications.
Stomach Ulcers Treatment In Ayurveda: Herbal Home Remedies
- Custard Apple Leaves
Custard apples may themselves be delicious, but Ayurveda has long recognized the value of the leaves too. Custard apple leaves can be boiled and crushed to make a paste that may then be consumed. Studies show that active constituents like tannic acid protect against pyloric ligation, which can otherwise result in accumulation of gastric acids.
- Papaya
The papaya fruit is an effective stomach ulcer remedy that can be consumed either ripe or cooked and eaten if raw. This traditional Ayurvedic remedy for ulcers is inexpensive and effective, with research showing that papain and chymopapain in the fruit can relieve digestive disorders, even protecting the mucosal lining of the stomach, while reducing acidity levels so that stomach ulcers can heal.
- Neem
Neem is one of the most commonly used medicinal herbs in India today thanks to our rich Ayurvedic traditions. However, the herb is not just helpful for the treatment of hair and skin conditions, but can also promote healing of gastric ulcers. The herb has been found to strengthen the stomach lining and lowers stomach acid production, helping to heal and reduce occurrence of stomach ulcers.
- Turmeric
Haldi is highly valued for its wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects, commonly used to treat some of the most common health problems from sore throats to cuts and bruises. Haldi has powerful antimicrobial properties too, which are linked to its main active compound curcumin. These properties make it an effective natural remedy for stomach ulcers as research shows that haldi supplementation promotes rapid healing within 4 weeks in almost 50 percent of all patients. For others, haldi supplementation would be needed for at least 12 weeks.
- Garlic
The pungent odour and taste of garlic may seem counterproductive if you suffer from gastric ulcers, but Ayurveda tells us otherwise. In fact, garlic is regarded as one of the best Ayurveda treatments for stomach ulcers because of powerful antimicrobial properties that can inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria. This is notable as the bacterial infection is one of the main stomach ulcer causes. Not surprisingly, studies show that garlic can both treat stomach ulcers and reduce recurrence.
Ayurvedic Diet For Stomach Ulcers
Ayurveda emphasises addressing the root cause of disorders, rather than only treating symptoms and this also applies to stomach ulcers treatment. A diet for stomach ulcers should be bland with a variety of fresh fruits, cooked vegetables and whole grains. Intake of potential irritants should be restricted and this includes oily, fatty, spicy and processed foods, dairy, caffeine and alcohol.
In addition to the remedies listed above, you can also use other Ayurveda treatments for stomach ulcers such as mango leaves, moringa leaves, triphala and yashtimadhu. Some helpful ingredients that you can even add to your diet would include cabbage juice, ginger, honey, tulsi, karela and imli.
Although home treatments with Ayurvedic remedies are effective at fighting stomach ulcers, some patients may not experience relief. If the condition persists without improvement for more than two months or if symptoms worsen, make sure to consult your doctor as there could be other complications involved.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058214/
- https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0024-3205(04)00687-3
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11485087/
- https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0899-9007(16)00040-X
