Stomach ulcers develop when the mucous lining is compromised. The acid burns a painful sore in the stomach or more often in the upper part of the small intestine called the duodenum. Chyme or food from the stomach along with the hydrochloric acid moves into the duodenum and then is neutralized by bile from the liver through the gallbladder. If the bile does not have sufficient minerals to neutralize the acid then it will burn sores or ulcers there. The duodenum does not have the same protective mucous lining as the stomach does, so it is easily burned by the acid. The other interesting thing about the duodenum is that it doesn't have many nerve endings, so you may not even feel the acid burning there...you just start bleeding. Ulcers are also caused by bacteria, so it is important that you have enough bacteria in the stomach to kill the bacteria before it reaches the duodenum. Other causes of ulcers are the overuse of NSAIDS (nonsteroid anti-inflammation drugs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Stress will make ulcers worse.
What are natural ways to help ulcers heal?
While allowing ulcers to heal, eat a low protein and low fiber diet. A high protein diet requires the body to make more acid; and although fiber is normally desired, with an ulcer it acts as a scrub brush irritating the sore. Herbs which ;might be useful for ulcers include: agrimony, aloe vera, bilberry, calendula, chamomile, cinnamon, comfrey, fenugreek, ginger, goldenseal, licorice, marshmallow, meadowsweet, mullein, and myrrh,. Slippery elm is very soothing and healing, especially to the mucous membrane, and is my first choice for use in healing the digestive system.
Dr. Christopher's Slippery Elm Gruel
Make a paste by adding (up to 8 oz.) distilled water a little at a time to 3 oz. slippery elm powder; add 1 tsp. honey and a dash of cinnamon.
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