A stomach ulcer is a sore on the lining of your stomach or small intestine (duodenum).
This sore usually causes pain and burning in the abdomen. This pain can come and go and may last for hours at a time.
Stomach ulcers occur when the acids that your body uses to digest food lead to damage to the stomach or duodenum walls. This can be caused by the infection H. pylori (Helicobacter pylori) or the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).1 Certain foods and stress can exacerbate the development of ulcers and associated pain.
Home Remedies for Stomach Ulcers
There are several options for natural remedies that may help to prevent or improve stomach ulcers.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are naturally found in fruits, vegetables, and other plant products with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They may improve the inflammation associated with ulcers and protect the lining of the stomach wall from NSAID damage.2
Flavonoid-rich foods include:3
- Berries
- Green tea
- Apples
- Onions
- Garlic
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Soy
- Tomatoes
- Carrots
Aloe Vera
Stomach ulcers can cause inflammation in the wall of the stomach or small intestine, which leads to pain and difficulty eating. Aloe vera helps to coat the lining of the stomach and has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects on the gastrointestinal tract. Researchers also found that aloe vera improved inflammation symptoms in individuals with ulcerative colitis.
Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms made up of bacteria and yeast. They are known as good bacteria that can keep your gut healthy. A study found that when combined with traditional triple therapy, probiotics improved the treatment of peptic ulcers and reduced the risk of treatment side effects.5 Triple therapy for ulcers includes amoxicillin, a proton pump inhibitor medication, and Biaxin (clarithromycin).6
Ginger is a spice that has been used to improve stomach upset for years. A study examined the effects of ginger on inflammatory bowel disease and found that it was able to target inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and block damage. It also promoted healing factors in the gut.
Ginger has also been shown to be effective in preventing gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori, stress, alcohol, and NSAIDs.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family and is a popular health supplement. Curcumin, the main component of turmeric, has been found to protect against inflammation. It may have a preventive effect on gastric ulcer disease. While more research is needed, the initial findings are promising.
Honey
You may have tried honey to relieve cold symptoms in the past, but it can do so much more. Studies have found that honey has both antimicrobial and antifungal properties, which means it can fight bacteria and fungus in the body. It also has antiviral and antioxidant properties. Honey has been used to treat inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.11
Garlic
Garlic has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. A study found that taking a garlic supplement can inhibit H. pylori colonization in the digestive tract, which helps prevent stomach ulcers. Garlic also reduces inflammation in the body.