In simple words, ulcer is an open and painful wound that can occur in any part of the body. So ulcer is a kind of problem in the membrane of the body part which obstructs the normal functioning of that membrane. The ulcers can be of any type like peptic ulcer, genital ulcer, mouth ulcer, venous ulcer etc.
Some of the common symptoms of ulcers include pain, bloating, nausea,inflammation, weight loss, difficulty to eat and digest it. Some people say that stress, hot food stuff and alcohol leads to ulcers but now a days it is proved that most of the ulcers are caused by the bacterial infection in the stomach and intestine, or as a side effect of a very strong medicine or excessive intake of alcohol and cigarettes.
Herbal Remedies For Ulcers
Slippery Elm
This herb will give you immediate relief from the pain in the ulcers. You can take this herb in the form of powder, extract or capsules. It contains mucilage which has healing properties.To get a good taste you can take this herb in combination with honey, raisins, lemon or cinnamon.
Cayenne Pepper
The herb cayenne pepper helps to heal ulcers as it stimulates the flow of blood to the affected area and provides the nutrients to that particular area. The ulcers can be caused due to deficiency of some essential minerals and vitamins and a change in your diet will definitely help you to get rid of them.
Cabbage
One of the effective vegetable that helps to cure ulcer is cabbage. You can take cabbage in the form of cabbage juice and vegetable. It also helps to speed up the process of healing of ulcers.
Parsley
This herb is very good for the cure of stomach ulcers. One of the important components of parsley known as bioflavonoid helps to prevent the growth of the bacteria H. pylori which is the main bacteria causing ulcers.
Bilberry
Bilberry herb contains quinic acid and tannin which helps in the healing process of ulcers. It also got antioxidant properties. You can take this herb in the form of dried bilberry powder or tea. However, this herb is not recommended for pregnant females and patients of heart diseases. The inflammation in the ulcers will reduce and helps you to get rid of the pain.
Goldenseal
Goldenseal root contains two important compounds known as berberine and hydrastine which makes goldenseal an anti bacterial herb. This herb can be taken in the form of salves or tincture. The tincture can be directly applied to the ulcer for immediate relief.
Myrrh Resin
This herb contains a volatile oil that includes heerabolene, limonene, dipentene, pinene, eugenol and resins that contain coniferous acids and the remaining amount is of gum. It has antifungal, antiseptic and astringent properties which heal the ulcers. Myrrh resin can be taken in the form of tincture, extract, oil or less often as a tea or capsule.
Calendula
The two most important constituents of calendula are arytenoids and flavonoids which helps to heal ulcers. Calendula has got anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties which prevents the growth of bacteria causing ulcers. This herb can be applied on the ulcers in the form of tincture or poultice. You can also take calendula tea or gargle with it.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil gives a very good fragrance that gives strength to the body’s immune system. It contains gamma-linolenic acid and omega-6 fatty acid that helps in the production of prostaglandin that plays a significant role to heal ulcers and inflammation of the ulcers. It can be used as a supplement or decoction.
Agrimony
Agrimony herb should be used in the form of dried powder or as a decoction. It contains palmitic-acid, quercitrin, silicic-acid and tannins which are effective for healing ulcers particularly peptic ulcers.
Yarrow
Yarrow herb has got astringent properties. This herb contains active medicinal compounds that are anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial in nature. Tea made from fresh or dried leaves are effective or poultice made from yarrow essential oil can be applied on the ulcers. This herb is not recommended for pregnant women and for long time use.
Alfalfa
The herb alfalfa is a very good source of Vitamin K which helps in the prevention of bleeding in the ulcers. This herb expedites the process of absorption of the nutrient in the body and when the deficiency of the nutrients gets fulfilled the ulcers get healed. Alfalfa is available in the drug stores in the form of tablets, capsules or extract which can be applied on the ulcers. It is important to note that the seeds of the alfalfa contain some toxic chemical compounds so use only fresh leaves of this herb.
Licorice
The root of the licorice helps to ease out the pain and burning in the ulcers whenever we eat anything. However this herb is not recommended for hypertension patients as it contains a compound named glycyrrhizinci acid which aggravates the heart problem. This herb can be taken in the form of dried or fresh powder tea or tincture.
Marshmallow Root
This herb is very effective for the treatment of the peptic ulcers. The inflammation in the walls of the stomach will be reduced with the use of this herb. But it may cause diarrhea or nausea in some of the people so consult your doctor before using this herb. Marshmallow should be taken in the form of tea as it will provide you the immediate benefit of mucilage and tannin contained in it. This is a safe plant and is considered more as a food rather than herbs.
Comfrey
Comfrey is a wonderful herb and it is the best healing herb. The main components of this herb are turning, rosmarinic acid, steroids, mucilage, inulin, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, gum, carotene, glycosides, sugars, beta-sitosterol, triterpenoids, vitamin b-12, protein, zinc. It also contains many essential nutrients like magnesium, calcium, iron and they help to fulfill the deficiency of the nutrients. You can take this herb in the form of tea, poultice or skin wash by the fresh comfrey leaves. Comfrey salves and ointments can be used topically for the treatment of ulcers.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.