Peptic Ulcers: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

A peptic ulcer is an open sore that develops on the inside lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum.

Caused by factors such as infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption, peptic ulcers can lead to severe abdominal pain, nausea, and bleeding. If left untreated, peptic ulcers can cause complications such as perforation and obstruction. Herbal remedies like slippery elm, licorice root, and aloe vera can provide relief by soothing the stomach lining and reducing inflammation.

However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before using medicinal herbs, as they may interact with other medications or exacerbate underlying conditions.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of peptic ulcers, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of peptic ulcers?

The main causes of peptic ulcers are primarily related to the overproduction of stomach acid, which can be triggered by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress.

The H. pylori infection can cause chronic gastritis, leading to mucosal thinning and an increased risk of ulcer formation. Long-term NSAID use can cause gastric mucosal damage and inhibit prostaglandin production, which normally protects the gastric mucosa. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can exacerbate the damage caused by H. pylori and NSAIDs by increasing stomach acid production and reducing blood flow to the stomach lining.

Additionally, certain genetic predispositions, such as variations in the GSTT1 gene, can also contribute to the development of peptic ulcers.

• NSAIDs: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can cause peptic ulcers by reducing the production of stomach mucus, which protects the stomach lining, and increasing the production of stomach acid, which can erode the stomach lining.
• H. pylori infection: H. pylori infection is a common cause of peptic ulcers because the bacteria can infect the stomach lining, leading to chronic inflammation and ulceration, and also produce enzymes that can break down the stomach lining.
• Stress: Stress can cause peptic ulcers by increasing the production of stomach acid and reducing the production of stomach mucus, leading to inflammation and ulceration of the stomach lining.
• Smoking: Smoking can cause peptic ulcers by reducing blood flow to the stomach lining, making it more susceptible to damage from stomach acid and enzymes.
• Aspirin: Aspirin can cause peptic ulcers by reducing the production of stomach mucus and increasing the production of stomach acid, leading to inflammation and ulceration of the stomach lining.
• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, can cause peptic ulcers by increasing the production of stomach acid and reducing the production of stomach mucus, leading to inflammation and ulceration of the stomach lining.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease: Gastroesophageal reflux disease can cause peptic ulcers by causing stomach acid to flow back up into the esophagus and stomach, leading to inflammation and ulceration of the stomach lining.
• Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: Zollinger-Ellison syndrome is a rare cause of peptic ulcers, characterized by excessive production of gastrin, a hormone that stimulates the production of stomach acid, leading to inflammation and ulceration of the stomach lining.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for peptic ulcers?

The main medicinal herbs used for peptic ulcers are Glycyrrhiza glabra, Zingiber officinale, Curcuma longa, Ulmus rubra, Aloe vera, Althaea officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, Aloe barbadensis, Silybum marianum, Terminalia chebula.

Glycyrrhiza glabra's licorice root exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting the production of gastric acid and mucus, which helps in the healing of ulcers. Zingiber officinale, or ginger, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of ulcers, while Curcuma longa, or turmeric, contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Ulmus rubra, or red elm, and Althaea officinalis, or marshmallow root, have mucilaginous properties that soothe and protect the mucous membranes, promoting the healing of ulcers, while Aloe vera and Aloe barbadensis have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that aid in the healing process.

Silybum marianum, or milk thistle, and Terminalia chebula, or haritaki, have antioxidant properties that help in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the stomach, contributing to the healing of peptic ulcers.

• Glycyrrhiza glabra: Glycyrrhiza glabra helps with peptic ulcers by inhibiting the production of stomach acid and reducing inflammation due to its glycyrrhizin content.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and pain due to its gingerol and shogaol content, which also helps to stimulate digestive enzymes.
• Curcuma longa: Curcuma longa helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress due to its curcumin content, which also helps to protect the stomach lining and promote healing.
• Ulmus rubra: Ulmus rubra helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its flavonoid content, which also helps to protect the stomach lining and reduce oxidative stress.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its aloe-emodin content, which also helps to protect the stomach lining and reduce oxidative stress.
• Althaea officinalis: Althaea officinalis helps with peptic ulcers by forming a protective barrier on the stomach lining, reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its mucilage content.
• Foeniculum vulgare: Foeniculum vulgare helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting digestion due to its anethole content, which also helps to stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce stomach acid production.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its aloe-emodin content, which also helps to protect the stomach lining and reduce oxidative stress.
• Silybum marianum: Silybum marianum helps with peptic ulcers by protecting the stomach lining and reducing inflammation due to its silymarin content, which also helps to promote healing and reduce oxidative stress.
• Terminalia chebula: Terminalia chebula helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing due to its chebulagic acid content, which also helps to protect the stomach lining and reduce oxidative stress.

What are the main herbal preparations used for peptic ulcers?

The main herbal preparations used for peptic ulcers are Decoction, Tincture, Capsule, Gel, Cream, Ointment, Suppository, Salve, Poultice, Tea.

Decoction is a liquid preparation made by boiling herbs in water, often used for soothing stomach issues like peptic ulcers with herbs like Licorice root, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, is used in capsule form for its potent anti-ulcerative properties found in herbs like Slippery elm and Meadowsweet, which protects the mucous membrane. Capsule, a dried powdered herb in a gelatinous shell, is used for its anti-inflammatory properties in herbs like Marshmallow root and Aloe vera, which reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

Additionally, herbal preparations like Gel, Cream, Ointment, Suppository, Salve, Poultice, and Tea are used to deliver the active compounds directly to the affected area, providing quick relief from peptic ulcer symptoms with herbs like Aloe vera, Chamomile, and Licorice root.

• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of the Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra) helps with peptic ulcers by forming a protective mucous barrier over the inflamed tissues in the stomach and intestines, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Tincture: A tincture of the leaves of the Peppermint (Mentha piperita) helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and relieving symptoms of nausea and indigestion through its antispasmodic and carminative properties.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the extract of the leaves of the Plantain (Plantago major) helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Gel: A gel of the extract of the Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) helps with peptic ulcers by forming a protective mucous barrier over the inflamed tissues in the stomach and intestines, reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
• Cream: A cream of the extract of the Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing through its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Ointment: An ointment of the extract of the Calendula (Calendula officinalis) helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing through its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Suppository: A suppository of the extract of the Myrrh (Commiphora molmol) helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing through its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, applied directly to the affected area.
• Salve: A salve of the extract of the Arnica (Arnica montana) helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Poultice: A poultice of the roots of the Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, applied directly to the affected area.
• Tea: A tea of the leaves of the Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps with peptic ulcers by reducing inflammation and promoting healing through its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.