Natural Home Remedies For Stomach Ulcers

Stomach ulcers, characterized by open sores in the lining of the stomach, often occur due to infection by a type of bacteria known as Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. Ulcers do not occur as a result of eating spicy foods or from stress, contrary to popular belief. In some cases, ulcers may result from long-term use of over-the-counter pain medications, though this happens less frequently. Luckily, several natural home remedies exist for treating stomach ulcers. In addition, the Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding smoking, alcohol and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, all of which may exacerbate the condition.

Cranberry

Cranberry juice may help treat and prevent stomach ulcers caused by bacteria. A study published in the April 2005 edition of the journal Helicobacter found that regular consumption of cranberry juice can suppress H. pylori infection. At the end of the study, 14 percent of infected patients who consumed 500 mg of cranberry juice daily for 90 days tested negative for the bacteria. Try taking 400 mg of cranberry in capsule form twice a day or drink two or three 8 oz. glasses of juice a day to help treat stomach ulcers. This treatment may not work for all types of ulcers or for every patient, but drinking a few glasses of cranberry juice a day certainly won't hurt.

Peppermint

A common remedy for upset stomach, peppermint may also benefit sufferers of stomach ulcers. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, taking one standardized, enteric-coated peppermint tablet two to three times per day may help relieve peptic ulcer symptoms. Individuals susceptible to heartburn should only take enteric-coated tablets. This coating, commonly applied to oral medications, controls the location of absorption in the digestive system, which prevents heartburn and other side effects.

Corn Oil and Fish Oil

In his book "Alternative Cures," Bill Gottlieb recommends fish oil and corn oil to treat ulcers and prevent their recurrence. He states that these oils may inhibit the growth of H. pylori bacteria. Increase dietary intake of these oils by cooking with corn oil and consuming two to three servings of fish per week. If you don't like fish, Gottlieb recommends taking fish oil capsules. The standard dosage of fish oil consists of 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day, but always check the manufacturer's instructions and consult your doctor before taking any new supplement for the best results.

Red Clover Tea

Red clover tea, a common home remedy, may help relieve pain from ulcers and reduce excess acidity, according to Jude C. Todd in her book "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies." Make red clover tea by steeping 2 tbsp. of fresh or dried red clover flowers in one cup of boiling water. Cover and steep the tea for 10 minutes, then strain and sweeten the tea with honey, if desired. For the best results, Todd recommends drinking one cup of red clover tea before each meal and before bedtime.

Other Remedies

Other home remedies for stomach ulcers include the following: eating yogurt on a daily basis to destroy harmful bacteria, eating an onion once a day or eating 1 to 2 tbsp. of pure honey each day. You can also try these drinks: a cup of lemon balm tea before going to bed, fresh goat's milk, a cup of hot water with 1 tsp. cayenne pepper up to three times per day or the leftover water after boiling potatoes once a day. While no evidence exists to prove the efficacy of these claims, people have used these treatments for centuries to relieve the pain caused by stomach ulcers.