Skip to: site menu | section menu | main content
Use the menu below to read more about the herbal remedy for each sickness or disease.
Menu:
Sponsors:
Herbal Remedies for Ulcers
LICORICE (Glycyrrhiza glabra) The active constituent of licorice is glycyrrheunic acid. Since this compound can elevate blood pressure, deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) is the preferred form of licorice for ulcers. Unlike the drugs cimeridine and ranitidine, which temporarily suppress the production of stomach acid, DGL improves the integrity of the stomach's lining and intestinal tract by increasing blood supply and mucosal secretions. While acid suppressors certainly provide quick relief, they fail to address the underlying cause and are many times more expensive than DGL supplements. Furthermore, DGL has demonstrated an ability to inhibit H. pylori colonization. Another important consideration in DGL supplementation is that since it improves the protective action of the intestinal lining, it is highly suitable for those who require long-term treatment with drugs known to promote ulcer formation, such as corticosteroids, aspirin and other NSAIDs. In fact, researchers are beginning to explore the benefits of coating aspirin with licorice derivatives.
BUPLEURUM (Bupleurum chinense) Bupleurum is a group of shrubby plants with a family membership of about 75 annuals and perennials. It is sometimes referred to by its common name, hare's ear. Several Japanese and Chinese studies have shown that the root of bupleurum contains bioactive pectic polysaccharides with significant anti-ulcer value. Of particular interest are the compounds bupleurum 2IJb and bupleurum 2IIc. The former stimulates macrophage activity, while the latter promotes mucosal secretion and has an anti-secretory activity on acid and pepsin. Bupleurum is often used as an anti-ulcer treatment in combination with angelica and licorice root.
COMFREY (Symphytum officinale) Comfrey has enjoyed a long history of use as a wound healer and skin-disorder remedy. In fact, its genus name is from the Latin verb meaning "to heal or grow together." Taken internally, it repairs the digestive tract lining by inhibiting the inflammatory activity of prostaglandins. A word of caution about using this herb is definitely warranted: Cancer-causing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) occur naturally in about 3% of the world's plants, and comfrey contains its fair share. The fresh root of comfrey contains at least 10% more PAs than the leaves, which average 22% in early spring. The mature leaves, however, average .003% and PA concentrations in the dried leaves are negligible.
Suggested dosage: DGL therapy is most effective when continued for eight to 16 weeks. The dosage is 2 to 4 chewable tablets of 380 mg taken 15 to 20 minutes before meals.
Dosage: Take 3 to 9 gm daily. Follow label instructions when it is prepared with other herbs. Note: Some members of this genus, especially B. longiradiatum, are poisonous.
Dosage: While this herb is beneficial in treating gastric ulcers, it is not intended for long-term use and should only be administered by a qualified health-care practitioner. Follow label instructions for use.
