Natural and Home Remedies for Ulcers

1. Flavonoids

Research suggests that flavonoids, also known as bioflavonoids, may be an effective treatment for stomach ulcers. Flavonoids are compounds that occur naturally in many fruits and vegetables. Foods and drinks rich in flavonoids include:

• soybeans
• legumes
• red grapes
• kale
• broccoli
• apples
• berries
• teas, especially green tea

However, some foods and drinks that contain flavonoids — such as citrus fruits and red wines — can irritate a stomach ulcer.

Flavonoids are referred to as “gastroprotective,” which means they defend the lining of the stomach and could allow ulcers to heal. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, there are no side effects of consuming flavonoids in the amount found in a typical diet, but higher amounts of flavonoids may interfere with blood clotting. You can get flavonoids in your diet or take them as supplements.

2. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice

Don’t let that long first word give you a stomach ache. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is just plain old licorice with the sweet flavor extracted. One study showed that deglycyrrhizinated licorice might help ulcers heal by inhibiting the growth of H. pylori. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice is available as a supplement. You can’t get this effect from eating licorice candy, though. Too much licorice candy can be bad for some people. Consuming more than 2 ounces daily for more than two weeks can make existing heart problems or high blood pressure worse.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are the living bacteria and yeast that help keep your digestive system moving. They are present in many common foods, particularly fermented foods. These include:

• buttermilk
• yogurt
• miso
• kimchi

You can also take probiotics in supplement form. Studies have shown that probiotics may be helpful in wiping out H. pylori and increasing recovery rate for people with ulcers.

4. Honey

Honey is far from simply sweet. Depending on the plant it’s derived from, honey can contain up to 200 elements, including polyphenols and other antioxidants. Honey is a powerful antibacterial and has been shown to inhibit H. pylori growth. As long as you have normal blood sugar levels, you can enjoy honey as you would any sweetener, with the bonus of soothing your ulcers.

5. Garlic

Garlic extract has been shown to inhibit H. pylori growth in lab, animal, and human trials. If you don’t like the taste (and lingering aftertaste) of garlic, you can take garlic extract in supplemental form. Garlic acts as a blood thinner, so ask your doctor before taking it if you use warfarin (Coumadin) or other prescription blood thinners.

6. Cranberry

Cranberry is known for its ability to fight urinary tract infections by preventing bacteria from settling on the walls of the bladder. Cranberry and cranberry extract also may help fight H. pylori. You can drink cranberry juice, eat cranberries, or take cranberry supplements.

No specific amount of consumption is associated with relief. Too much cranberry in any form may cause stomach discomfort whether you have ulcers or not, so start with small amounts and increase gradually. In addition, many commercial cranberry juices are heavily sweetened with sugar or high fructose corn syrup, which can also cause stomach upset and add empty calories. Avoid those juices by buying juice sweetened only by other juices.

7. Mastic

Mastic is the sap of a tree grown in the Mediterranean. Studies of the effectiveness of mastic on ulcers are mixed, but at least one study shows that chewing mastic helps fight H. pylori. If your ulcers are not responding to other treatments, you might want to give mastic gum a try, since it doesn’t seem to be associated with any side effects. You can chew the gum or swallow mastic in supplement form.

8. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

A diet centered on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is not just good for your overall health. According to the Mayo Clinic, a vitamin-rich diet can help your body heal your ulcer. Foods containing the antioxidant polyphenols can protect you from ulcers and help ulcers heal. Polyphenol-rich foods and seasonings include:

• dried rosemary
• Mexican oregano
• dark chocolate
• blueberries
• black olives