1. Cabbage Juice
Cabbage is a popular natural ulcer remedy. Doctors reportedly used it decades before antibiotics were available to help heal stomach ulcers.
Its rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant shown to help prevent and treat H. pylori infections. These infections are the most common cause of stomach ulcers.
In fact, several animal studies show that cabbage juice is effective at treating and preventing a wide range of digestive ulcers, including those affecting the stomach.
In humans, early studies observed that daily consumption of fresh cabbage juice appeared to help heal stomach ulcers more effectively than the conventional treatment used at the time.
In one study, 13 participants suffering from stomach and upper digestive tract ulcers were given around one quart (946 ml) of fresh cabbage juice throughout the day.
On average, these participants ulcers healed after 710 days of treatment. This is 3.5 to 6 times faster than the average healing time reported in previous studies in those who followed a conventional treatment.
Cabbage juice contains compounds that may help prevent and heal stomach ulcers. Cabbage is also rich in vitamin C, which appears to have similar protective properties.
2. Honey
Honey is an antioxidant-rich food linked to a variety of health benefits. These include improved eye health and a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and even certain types of cancer.
Honey also appears to prevent the formation and promote the healing of many wounds, including ulcers.
Moreover, scientists believe that honeys antibacterial properties can help fight H. pylori, one of the most common causes of stomach ulcers.
Several animal studies provide support for honeys ability to reduce the risk of developing ulcers, as well as healing time.
Regular consumption of honey may help prevent ulcers, especially those caused by H. pyloriinfections.
3. Garlic
Garlic is another food with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
Animal studies observe that garlic extracts may speed up recovery from ulcers and even reduce the likelihood of them developing in the first place.
Whats more, lab, animal and human studies all report that garlic extracts may help prevent H. pylori growth one of the most common causes of ulcers.
In a recent study, eating two cloves of raw garlic per day for three days helped significantly reduce bacterial activity in the stomach lining of patients suffering from H. Pyloriinfection.
However, not all studies were able to reproduce these results and more are needed before strong conclusions can be made.
Garlic has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that may help prevent ulcers and heal them quicker. However, more research is needed.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric is a South Asian spice used in many Indian dishes. Its easily recognizable by its rich yellow color.
Curcumin, turmerics active ingredient, has been attributed tomedicinal properties.
These range from improved blood vessel function to reduced inflammation and heart disease risk.
It appears to have immense therapeutic potential, especially in preventing damage caused by H. pylori infections. It may also help increase mucus secretion, effectively protecting the stomachs lining against irritants.
Limited studies have been done in humans. One study gave 25 participants 600 mg of turmeric five times per day.
Four weeks later, ulcers had healed in 48% of participants. After twelve weeks, 76% of participants were ulcer-free.
Curcumin, turmerics active compound, may protect the stomach lining and help ulcers heal. However, more research is needed, especially in humans.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a plant widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. It is widely known for its antibacterial and skin-healing properties.
Interestingly, aloe vera may also be an effective remedy against stomach ulcers.
In one study, aloe vera consumption significantly reduced the amount of stomach acid produced in rats suffering from ulcers.
In another study in rats, aloe vera had ulcer-healing effects comparable to omeprazole, a common anti-ulcer medication.
However, few studies have been done in humans. In one, a concentrated aloe vera drink was used to successfully treat 12 patients with stomach ulcers.
Aloe vera intake is considered generally safe and the above studies show some promising results. However, more studies in humans are needed.
Aloe vera may be an easy, well-tolerated remedy against stomach ulcers. However, more research in humans is needed.
