Download Ulcers: this term refers to ulcerations of the mucous membrane

Ulcers: this term refers to ulcerations of the mucous membrane of the stomach or
duoderal portion of the small intestine.
1) Gastric/Peptic Ulcers: found in the fundus/lesser curvature of the stomach.
•
Symptoms include increased pain right after eating,
bloating and gas, nausea and vomiting right after eating,
may cause GI bleeding.
There is no clear pattern to the pain and it generally
presents as a gnawing pain that is there most of the time.
There is a tendency for this type of ulcer to run in families.
Can lead to development of stomach cancer in some cases.
Causes are similar to gastritis.
•
•
•
•
2) Duodenal Ulcer: found in the first few centimeters of the duodenum (small
intestine).
• Pain decreases after eating, but returns after 2 - 3 hours.
• Symptoms often present at night and will cause person to
wake with discomfort.
• Symptoms can come and then go away for several weeks
at a time.
• Significant link to helicobacter pylori bacteria and as a
result conventional medicine will treat this condition with
antibiotics.
• No increase in rate of cancer as a result of this condition.
Treatment protocol for both conditions should include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Decreasing stress is a priority. Stress increases gastric
secretions and lowers immunity.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco.
Reduce sugar and salt intake as both have been linked to
increased incidence of peptic ulcerations.
Eat small, frequent meals to reduce symptoms and
decrease need for prolonged gastric secretions.
Keep a food diary and check for food allergies as they
have been implicated in peptic ulcerative conditions.
The helicobacter pylori bacteria are the major cause of
duodenal ulcers and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) and
garlic should be used to eliminate this bacterium.
Eat more bananas and drink cabbage juice. Both have
been shown in studies to heal ulcers. One quart of cabbage
juice a day for 10 - 14 days is suggested.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Increase the amount of fibre in diet. This has shown to
improve duodenal ulcers and keep them from returning.
As in esophageal reflux and gastritis, digestive bitters
should be avoided in acute cases.
Avoid medications such as aspirin and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, Motrin etc.) to eliminate
drug-induced ulcerations.
Herbal actions in acute flare ups should emphasize
soothing the mucosal tissue (demulcents) healing the
tissue (vulnerary) reducing acids, decreasing inflammation
and killing any bacterial infection present (antimicrobial).
Once the condition has improved, emphasis should be on
strengthening and toning mucosal tissue.
Nutritional supplement that are suggested include amino
acid glutamine 500mg three times daily and those
supplements listed under gastritis.
A suggested formula for acute peptic ulcers:
25 ml/g Glycyrrhiza (licorice) (anti-microbial, demulcent, anti-inflammatory)
20 ml/g Althea off (marshmallow) (demulcent)
20 ml/g Symphytum* (comfrey) (demulcent/vulnerary)
20 ml/g Filipendula ulmaris (meadowsweet) (anti-inflammatory, antacid)
15ml/g Chamomilla (chamomile) (carminative/anti-inflammatory)
5ml/1tsp. tincture or l cup/250ml standard infused tea three times daily a 1/2
hour before meals until symptoms are completely gone.
*Symphytum should not be used long term or in hepatic compromised individuals
A suggested formula for toning tissue and strengthening the area:
30 ml Calendula off (calendula)
(vulnerary, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory)
20 ml Avena Sativa (oat tops)
(demulcent, nutritive)
20 ml Plantago spp. (plantain)
(demulcent, mucus membrane tonic)
15 ml Chamomilla (chamomile)
(anti-inflammatory, carminative)
15 ml Filipendula ulmaris (meadowsweet) (anti-inflammatory, antacid)
5ml/1tsp. tincture or l cup/250ml standard infused tea three times daily a 1/2
hour before meals. Take for 4-6 weeks.