How to Use Herbs to Treat an Ulcer

Herbs have been used traditionally and medically for years to treat ulcer symptoms. Herbs are not approved by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) to treat ulcer symptoms, but many herbs have been studied in clinical trials. Herbs are commonly ingested through a tea, tincture or pill.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Gather Information About Using Herbs to Treat an Ulcer

1. Visit a professional herbalist. An herbalist will ask you about your medical history and counsel you about the appropriate herbs to take.
2. Read the book "Herbs to Improve Digestion" by C.J. Puotin. This 90-page book provides lists of herbs that could be helpful for treating an ulcer based on symptoms.
3. Ask your doctor about the possible interactions of herbs with medications you are currently taking. For instance, some herbs render birth control pills ineffective.
4. Get advice from a Chinese herbal medicine practitioner. Inquire about the potential usefulness of herbs like Astragalus, Bupleurum and Licorice.

Use Herbs to Treat an Ulcer

5. Use cat's claw bark and root to reduce inflammation. Cat's claw has been used traditionally by indigenous rainforest people to treat ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders.
6. Take barberry to utilize its berberine alkaloids. Berberine alkaloids are known to fight infection and bacteria inside of the digestive tract.
7. Consider a cranberry supplement. Cranberry helps keep the system clean and may help prevent the growth of H. pylori, an ulcer-causing bacterium.
8. Utilize the effects of deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). DGL is a demulcent, which means it soothes and coats the digestive tract to treat ulcer inflammation and pain.
9. Try the herb slippery elm. The University of Maryland reports that slippery elm (sometimes called slippery elm bark) has a long clinical history of success. The herb is used to treat peptic ulcers and stomach inflammation.
10. Relax your digestive system and your body with a cup of chamomile tea. Chamomile is used to decrease stomach acid and is known to have a relaxing effect.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand that herbs may interact with prescription drugs and can cause side effects. Only use herbs under the care of an herbalist, and inform your physician of herbs that you are taking when being prescribed new medications.
• Avoid the herbs devil's claw and green tea. These herbs have the potential to make ulcer symptoms worse.
• Pregnant women should avoid many herbs commonly used to treat an ulcer. Ask an herbalist about safety concerns and read labels carefully.