Guest guest Posted March 20, 2005 Report Share Posted March 20, 2005 Herbal Help for Ulcers JoAnn Guest Mar 19, 2005 16:42 PST ------ by James A. Duke Ph. D. Back in 1991, I had an injury that caused the most excruciating pain I've ever had. My doctor prescribed large doses of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) which are powerful pain relievers. Unfortunately for me and for anyone who's ever taken NSAIDS, these drugs are also " notorious " for causing ulcers. Luckily for me, however, I knew about licorice, and I still sweeten some herb teas with it. Now I'd say that I may owe my freedom from ulcers to this habit. I never got an ulcer from taking all those NSAIDS. And even more amazing, I never developed one during the 30 years that I was employed by the federal government in the US Dept. of Agriculture. I don't think this proves that I have a stomach of steel. Rather, I think I owe my freedom from ulcers to the fact that sweet licorice root contains compounds that have remarkable anti-ulcer effects. And perhaps I also benefited from eating many of the ulcer-preventing herbs and foods discussed in this chapter. The Sore that Won't Heal Technically, any ulcer is a sore. But when people say that they have an ulcer, they almost always mean an internal sore in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, the gateway to the small intestine just downstream from the stomach. These kinds of ulcers are also called " peptic ulcers " because they occur in areas that are exposed to the digestive enzyme 'pepsin'. An estimated 10 percent of Americans have an ulcer at some point in their life, with about one million new diagnoses a year. Men are four times more susceptible than women, and risk rises with age. Allergies somehow make people more ulcer-prone. In one study, 98 percent of people with peptic ulcers also had respiratory allergies. Not long ago, scientists thought that stress caused ulcers. It may well play a role, but now we know that the real culprit is often an infection caused by the bacteria " Helicobacter pylori " , sometimes known as Campylobacter pylori. Simply having H. pylori bacteria in your system doesn't mean that you will get an ulcer. However, more than 75 percent of people with 'ulcers' show " evidence " of H. pylori infections, and that's straight from the pages of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Green Pharmacy for Ulcers These days, doctors generally treat ulcers caused by H. pylori with a combination of antibiotics plus bismuth (Pepto-Bismol) or similar drugs. In addition, you might try a number of herbal " anti-ulcer " approaches. Anti-Ulcer Cocktail Every one of the ingredients in this tasty, no-fat dessert contains significant amounts of stomach-soothing anti-ulcer compounds. You'll probably have a hard time thinking of this scrumptious treat as potent medicine, but that's exactly what it is! Unripe Banana Pineapple Blueberries Ground cinnamon Ground cloves Ground ginger Raw Honey (optional) Cut up the bananas and pineapple, the amount and proportions will vary depending on how many people you're serving and which fruits you like the best. Place them in a serving bowl and add the blueberries. Season to taste with the cinnamon, cloves and ginger (try to be generous) and sweeten with raw honey (if using). If you like, you can also make a between meal anti-ulcer drink by blending blueberry juice, pineapple juice, a banana and the spices listed above. Garnish each serving with a peppermint sprig. Ginger is well known for its " anti-inflammatory " activity, but its considerably less known as an herbal treatment for ulcers. In fact, ginger contains 11 compounds that have demonstrated anti- ulcer effects. These chemical compounds are a real mouthful, but I think that you might find it interesting to know just how much anti-ulcer chemistry can be concentrated in a single humble spice. Here they are in order, from most to least abundant: 6 shogaol, 6 gingerol, 8shogaol, 8 gingerol, 10 gingerol, ar-curcumene, beta-bisalene, 6-gingediol, betases quiphellan-drene, 6 gingerdione and 6 paradol. Eating ginger root is a pleasant tasting treatment for ulcers, according to Paul Schulick, New England herbalist and author of " Ginger: Common Spice and wonder drugs " . The combination of raw honey and ginger in particularly effective, he notes. In addition to the antibacterial compounds, that are available from ginger, honey has antibacterial action, and the two together seem to produce " synergistic " effects. Ginger is a key ingredient in my " Anti-ulcer Cocktail " . Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – German physicians have always been more open to herbal medicine than doctors in the United Sates, and they have researched herbal alternative extensively. Commission E, the body of scientists that advises the German counterpart of the Food and Drug Administration, approves licorice as an " ulcer treatment " . This recommendation is based on the medical traditions of Asia, the middle east and Europe, plus literally dozens of scientific studies. Licorice contains several anti-ulcer compounds, including " glycyrrhizin acid " . Licorice and its extracts are safe for normal use in moderate amounts, up to about three cups of tea a day. Use a lightly processed form of the herb called deglycyrrhizated licorice (DGL). In one good study, DGL was at least as effective in speeding ulcer healing as the newest class of 'pharmaceutical' drugs called histamine blocking agents that were designed to do this. DGL also seems to protect the digestive lining from aspirin's " ulcer promoting " effects. Commercial licorice preparations containing DGL are readily available in natural food stores that sell herbs. If you have an ulcer, this the preferred form of licorice to take. If you'd like to take licorice from time to time, as an ulcer preventive you can do what I do. When you're brewing some other herbal tea, add a little licorice. Licorice by itself makes a sweet, pleasant tasting tea, and when added to other teas, it serves as a sweetener. Yellowroot If the late Alabama herbalist Tommie Basis experience with yellowroot can be believed—and I'm inclined to believe it –this herb is worth a try. Yellowroot is an " antibiotic " that should work by helping to control H. pylori bacteria. I personally would try a teaspoon of yellow root tincture in juice or tea once or twice a day before trying the antibiotics the doctor might prescribe for ulcers. If you've already taking antibiotics, however, do not make the switch without first discussing it with your doctor. Be warned,untreated " H. pylori virus " in linked to stomach cancer, so you must take these conditions seriously. Banana - Bananas are an old folk remedy for many gastrointestinal problems because they sooth the digestive tract. And studies with experimental animals suggest that bananas do, in fact, have an anti-ulcer effect. One researcher noted that " bananas may b another useful addition to such well established anti-ulcer foods as raw cabbage, green tea, garlic, lentils and legumes. Raw Cabbage juice — is a hallowed folk remedy for ulcers. It turns out that cabbage and its juice contain considerable amounts of two compounds with anti- ulcer activity, glutamine and S-Methyl-methionine. Melvin Werbach, M.D. assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles, school of medicine and author to the excellent nutritional influences on illness, cites a study of people with ulcers who were given raw cabbage juice as a treatment. Ninety-two percent showed significant improvement within three weeks compared with 37 percent of those taking a placebo without cabbage juice. In studies of just the active compound glutamine, daily doses of 1,600 mgs proved more effective than conventional antacids in treating ulcers. The folk recommendations for treating ulcers is to drink one quart of raw cabbage juice a day. This may be hard to swallow so I offer a recipe that might help. Anti-ulcer Cabbage Soup. Calendula-- Calendula, sometimes known as pot marigold, has antibacterial, antivirus and immune stimulating properties. Calendula has been shown to alleviate symptoms of chronic stomach inflammation which doctors call " hypersecretory gastritis " , a condition that has been associated with ulcers. Clinical trials in Europe suggest that this herb may also be useful for treating ulcers. You can make a tea with the dried herb or take a tincture. I personally enjoy a cup or two of tea made with about five teaspoons of fresh calendula flowers. It's especially good with lemon balm. Its wise to go easy on alcohol if you have an ulcer. Finnish researchers have discovered that alcohol abuse increase the risk of H. pylori infection by 500 percent. If you have hay fever, however, you might want to avoid taking the herb, because people who are allergic to ragweed might react to calendula as well, if you take it and have a reaction –itching or any other discomfort— discontinue use. Chamomile— several herbalists I admire recommend chamomile tea for ulcers, notably Rudolf Fritz Wiess, M.D. the dean of German medical herbalists, and author of Herbal Medicine. He writes that for stomach ulcers, `the remedy of choice is chamomile… There can be no other remedy more tailor-made, including all synthetic products. Widely used as a " digestive aid " in Europe, chamomile is uniquely suited to treating digestive ailments, including ulcers. This is because it combines anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic and stomach soothing properties. Pineapple - Like cabbage, pineapple is fairly well endowed with glutamine, a compound with experimentally verified anti-ulcer effects. Pineapple also contains bromelain, a general digestive aid. Bilberry and blueberry - Both of these fruits contain compounds known as " anthocyanosides " . In studies with experimental animals, these compounds have been shown to offer significant protection against ulcers. They help stimulate the production of mucus that protects the stomach lining from digestive acids. Meadowsweet-- Like willow bark, meadowsweet is a type of " herbal aspirin " . Aspirin in high doses " causes " ulcers, so it may seem strange to recommend it as an ulcer treatment. Many prominent herbalists do, however, among them British herbalist David Hoffmann author of several good herbals including " The Herbal Handbook " . The active compounds in meadowsweet are " salicylates " . Aspirin, on the other hand,...is nothing but salicylates, Hoffmann says that while " pure salicylates " do indeed cause ulcers, whole meadowsweet helps prevent and treat them " despite " its " salicyate content " . Moderator's Note: The salicylates in Meadowsweet are purely natural, unlike the salicylates in aspirin. Natural components are more " bioavailable " than components are " isolated " in drug formulations. This is the primary reason that willow bark, meadowsweet and other natural remedies are more effective in relieving pain without the accompanying " devastating " side effects. Other chemical compounds in " whole " meadowsweet, among them tannins, phenolid glycosides and the herbs essential oil, give it an " anti-ulcer " effect. Hoffmann unflinchingly maintains that meadowsweet is one of the best digestive herbs and recommends it for ulcers and heartburn. This makes sense to me. Several plants with proven anti-ulcer effects, including chamomile, also contain salicylates. Rhubarb - In a Chinese study of 312 people with bleeding ulcers, rhubarb helped improve some 90 percent within a few days., I'd be careful when using this herb, as its also a powerful laxative,. If you experience diarrhea, cut back the amount you're taking or discontinue use altogether. Turmeric - This culinary herbs used in Indian and Asian curry dishes, might be called the poor persons " ulcer treatment " . In a good study by physicians in Thailand, turmeric (250 mgs capsules taken three times a day) relieved ulcer pain as well as pharmaceutical antacids after six weeks, However, the antacid was eight times more expensive than the turmeric. If you're low on dough, these herbs might be a good way to go. Red Pepper (Cayenne Pepper) - Many Americans believe that hot spices cause ulcers. The truth is, they don't. In fact, they may even protect the stomach and duodenal lining against them. Capsaicin, he compound that gives red pepper the heart, has been shown to prevent ulcers in experimental animals that were given high, ulcer causing doses of aspirin,. Gentian — this is one of several bitter herbs traditionally used to aid digestion. Commission E reports that the bitter compounds in gentian stimulate the flow of saliva and stomach secretions. Garlic - Garlic is a potent, broad spectrum antibiotic. Paul Bergner, editor of Medieval Herbalism suggests that those who are wary of " pharmaceutical antibiotics " for ulcer treatment might want to try a course of garlic therapy. This would involve eating almost nine raw garlic cloves a day. You can chop the garlic and mix it with any food that makes it palatable, such as carrot juice. Try blending two raw cloves of garlic with one carrot, for instance, I tried it and the combination tasted better than I thought. It's a painless way to take a couple of cloves of garlic. You can also try whipping up an antic ulcer gazpacho, heavy on the garlic and red pepper. Anti-Ulcer Cabbage soup Heres a basic cabbage soup thats chock full of antic ulcer compounds. You'll have to do a little experimenting to arrive at a flavor that pleases your tastebuds. If you try the optional spices, use them sparingly, they are delicious in cabbage soup. The flavor is rather exotic. 3 cups pure spring water 2 cups shredded cabbage 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup diced organic potatoes ½ cup chopped okra ½ cup diced onions ½ cup chopped green pepper Ground red pepper Ground ginger Ground black pepper Ground cinnamon Ground clove Dried licorice root Place the water, cabbage, celery potatoes, okra, onions, and green pepper in a soup pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, Reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Season to taste with the red pepper, ginger, black pepper, cinnamon cloves and licorice. Other Useful Supplements & Herbs Fennel Alfalfa Aloe Vera Juice Celery Brown rice Black Walnut Kelp Peppermint oil Yarrow Acidophilus Pineapple Organic Yogurt Organic Papaya Proteolytic Enzymes Ginger (Zingiber officinale) How about ginger as an herbal alternative to cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid)? It would sure taste a lot better! Taken " The Green Pharmacy " by James A. Duke Ph. D. ==================================================================== In the stomach, muscular contractions thoroughly mix foods with " hydrochloric acid " . Stomach acid-powerful enough to strip paint-is a " vital " part of good digestion. A thick mucous layer 'protects' the stomach walls from harm as the " acid " kills bacteria and parasites and " frees up " minerals and B vitamins so that they can be 'absorbed' in the small intestine. If sufficient stomach acid isn't produced, digestion suffers and the passage of food out of the stomach into the small intestine is delayed, which can lead to " heartburn " as the stomach pushes food mixed with acid back into the esophagus. Burning is caused by acid coming in 'contact' with the 'lining' of the esophagus, which isn't protected by a " mucous layer " like the stomach is. Before You " Take Two for Relief of Stomach Pain, " Read on.... Contrary to what the huge drug companies that make antacids and H2 blocker drugs say, " excessive " 'acid' production is almost 'never' the REASON for heartburn, acid digestion or ulcers. In fact, it is now estimated that up to one-third of all bleeding ulcers are 'caused' by taking NSAID drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Antacids and H2 blockers " alleviate symptoms " for a short while by " buffering " acid and decreasing acid " secretion " , but can actually 'aggravate' the underlying problem; which is actually " too little " acid in the stomach. With 'chronic' use of these medications, digestion is compromised and " decreased absorption " of vitamins and minerals can result. Once the food finally makes its way into the intestines, it isn't " broken down " enough to be properly 'absorbed'. A few years ago, if you asked your physician what causes ulcers, he or she would promptly reply that " too much " stomach acid was to blame. Now we know that a spiral-shaped bacteria called Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori for short) is the primary " culprit " . It " suppresses " acid 'production' and creates 'holes' in the stomach's protective mucous layer, allowing acid to seep through and burn holes in the delicate tissue under neath. An H. pylori infection can also cause symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. Natural Alternatives to Ulcer Drugs: The bacteria H.pylori is found in 90 percent of " duodenal ulcer " and 70 percent of " stomach ulcer " patients. This bacteria increases your risk of insufficient acid 'secretion' (atrophic gastritis), ulcer and stomach cancer. Your doctor can give you a helicobacter pylori IgG antibody blood test to see if this nasty little bacteria is at the root of your problem. If it is, you'll be put on a course of antibiotics and a bismuth preparation (you know it as Pepto-Bismol) for a week. Quick eradication of H.pylori is important for healing of ulcers. There are some herbal remedies you can try first if you want to avoid antibiotics. Licorice extract (deglycyrrhizinated licorice or DGL) - is a wonderful herbal healing aid for ulcers. It increases the production of " protective mucus " in the stomach. Use 300 mg four to six times a day. Unripe bananas also have anti-ulcer effects, as do the herbs slippery elm (take 200 mg four to six times a day) and the juice of raw cabbage. You can buy extract of unripe plantain banana (take 150 mg four to six times a day). If you have any type of ulcer, be sure to eliminate " gastrointestinal irritants " , such as tobacco, NSAIDS, coffee and alcohol. Once the ulcer heals, ensure that you keep gastrointestinal irritants out of your diet, and try taking steps to " enhance " your body's secretion of digestive acids and enzymes to prevent a recurrence. " Alternatives " to Heartburn Drugs If you have chronic heartburn you probably know what triggers it. If you don't, here are the most common culprits; low stomach acid; overeating; too much fat and/or fried food, processed meats with nitrates or nitrites in them; too much sugar, alcohol, chocolate; drugs, stress, obesity and pregnancy. Eating a balanced diet of " unprocessed " , organic whole foods is your foundation for a healthy stomach. Eat an organic green salad or raw organic vegetables at least once a day. Sprouted legumes, raw nuts and seeds are excellent " sources " of " enzymes " . To help increase stomach acid, you can drink a glass of 'room temperature' water a half-hour before eating. If that doesn't help, you can add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. If neither of these solutions work, try taking a " betaine hydrochloride " supplement (HCI) with your meal. Follow the directions on the bottle, starting with the smallest dose and increasing it if needed. Do not take HCI supplements after you have an ulcer. Since stomach acid production 'declines' as we age, HCI supplementation can be a good anti-aging strategy. Natural heartburn therapies include " deglycyrrhizinated licorice " extract or DGI. Try one or two 380 mg tablets on an empty stomach, three to four times a day. A glass of room temperature water, raw cabbage or potato juice (organic) or herbal teas, (lukewarm, no lemon) can bring quick relief. Fresh organic papaya, pineapple or banana can help as well. If you do need to lower your stomach 'acidity' you can use a form of " organic sulfur " called MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) in supplement form, 1,000 mg daily. Remember, your " stomach acid " is one of your front line defenses against harmful bacteria. Suppress it with anti-acids and the rest of your systems have to work overtime to protect you. Earl L. Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D is a best-selling author in the field of health and nutrition. This excerpt is from his latest book, " Prescription Alternatives " co-authored with Virginia Hopkins ============================================================Helicobacter pylori --- Helicobacter pylori - General Information http://www.helico.com/ Helicobacter pylori is a spiral shaped bacterium that lives in the stomach and duodenum (section of intestine just below stomach). It has a unique way of adapting in the harsh environment of the stomach. The inside of the stomach is bathed in about half a gallon of " gastric juice " every day. Gastric juice is composed of digestive enzymes and concentrated hydrochloric acid, which can readily tear apart the toughest food or microorganism. Bacteria, viruses, and yesterdays dinner are all consumed in this deadly bath of chemicals. It used to be thought that the stomach contained no bacteria and was actually sterile, but Helicobacter pylori changed that. The stomach is protected from its own gastric juice by a thick layer of " mucus " that covers the stomach lining. Helicobacter pylori takes advantage of this protection by living in the mucus lining. Urea hydrolysis: urea is broken down to ammonia and carbon dioxide Once H. pylori is safely ensconced in the mucus, it is able to fight the stomach acid that does reach it with an enzyme it possesses called urease. Urease converts urea, of which there is an abundant supply in the stomach (from saliva and gastric juices), into bicarbonate and ammonia, which are strong bases. this creates a cloud of acid neutralizing chemicals around the H. pylori, protecting it from the acid in the stomach. The reaction of urea hydrolysis is important for diagnosis of H.pylori by the breath test. Gram stain of H. Pylori Another defense H. pylori has is that the body's natural defenses cannot reach the bacterium in the mucus lining of the stomach. The immune system will respond to an H. pylori infection by sending white cells, killer T cells, and other infection fighting agents. However, these potential H. pylori eradicators cannot reach the infection, because they cannot easily get through stomach lining. They do not go away either, though, and the " immune response " grows and grows. Polymorphs die, and spill their destructive compounds ( " superoxide radicals " ) on stomach lining cells. Extra nutrients are sent to reinforce the white cells, and the H. pylori can feed on this. within a few days, gastritis and perhaps eventually a peptic ulcer results. It may not be H. pylori itself which causes peptic ulcer, but the inflammation of the stomach lining; i.e. the response to H. pylori. H. Pylori causing a " neutrophil reaction " (active chronic gastritis) in the lining (mucosa) of the stomach H. pylori is believed to be transmitted orally. Many researchers think that H, pylori is transmitted orally by means of fecal matter through the ingestion of waste tainted food or water. In addition, it is possible that H. pylori could be transmitted from the stomach to the mouth through gastro-esophagal reflux (in which a small amount of the stomach's contents is involuntarily forced up the esophagus) or belching, common symptoms of gastritis. The bacterium could then be transmitted through oral contact. _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjo- DietaryTi- www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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