Millions of people around the world suffer from stomach ulcers, also called gastric ulcers. These are open sores that form inside the lining of your stomach or small intestine. They often cause burning pain, especially when your stomach is empty. Many times, these ulcers are caused by a bacteria called H. pylori or from overuse of painkillers like NSAIDs. Instead of relying only on medication, many people now turn to natural remedies for ulcers to help heal their digestive system.
In this article, you will learn about 10 natural and home remedies for ulcers that actually work. We’ll also cover foods to eat, what to avoid, and lifestyle changes that support healing Natural Remedies For Ulcers. All remedies listed here are backed by research and are safe to use alongside your regular treatments.
Why Natural Remedies Help With Ulcers
Ulcers in the stomach can be painful, especially when stomach acid touches the sore area. Over time, these ulcers may bleed or cause serious problems if untreated. While doctors usually treat them with antibiotics or acid reducers, many people prefer using home remedies for ulcers because they often come with fewer side effects.
Natural remedies work by reducing inflammation, killing bacteria like H. pylori, and helping the stomach lining repair itself. Unlike some medications that block stomach acid completely, many natural treatments help restore balance in your gut. This supports your body’s own healing process. They are especially useful for people looking to avoid long-term medication or who want to improve digestion naturally.
10 Natural and Home Remedies That Work
1. Flavonoid-Rich Foods (Plant Compounds That Heal)
Flavonoids are natural plant compounds found in colorful fruits and vegetables. Foods like apples, kale, berries, soybeans, and green tea contain high levels of flavonoids. These compounds are known to fight H. pylori bacteria, which is one of the main causes of ulcers. They also protect the stomach lining by reducing inflammation and helping it produce more mucus, which acts like a barrier.
Research shows flavonoids stop ulcer growth and even speed up healing. For best results, you should eat a mix of raw and cooked vegetables daily. Avoid frying them, as this can reduce their healing power. Adding green tea to your diet can also help since it contains a powerful flavonoid called catechin.
2. Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe vera is well known for soothing burns, but it also works wonders for your stomach. Drinking a small amount of aloe vera juice daily can help reduce inflammation and stomach acid. This gives the ulcer time to heal naturally. Aloe vera also helps with digestion and may ease bloating and cramps.
Some studies show that aloe vera may even help stop the growth of H. pylori bacteria. However, it is important to choose pure aloe vera juice without added sugars or artificial ingredients. Drinking too much can cause diarrhea, so it’s best to stick to the recommended dose.
3. Deglycyrrhizinated Licorice (DGL)
Licorice root has long been used to treat stomach problems, but the regular kind can raise your blood pressure. That’s why many people use deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL. This form removes the harmful chemical glycyrrhizin, making it safer to use. DGL helps by increasing mucus in the stomach lining, which protects the ulcer from acid.
You can find DGL as chewable tablets or powders in health stores. Taking them before meals helps coat the stomach and gives your body time to repair. Some studies suggest that it works just as well as common antacids, but without the side effects.
4. Probiotics (Gut-Healing Good Bacteria)
Probiotics are live bacteria that help keep your gut healthy. They are found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, and kimchi. These good bacteria can fight off H. pylori, which makes them helpful for treating ulcers naturally.
Adding probiotics to your daily diet helps bring balance to your digestive system. They also reduce bloating, gas, and upset stomach. In studies, people taking probiotics while being treated for stomach ulcers healed faster than those who didn’t. For people avoiding dairy, plant-based probiotics from fermented vegetables are a good option.
5. Raw Honey (Especially Manuka Honey)
Raw honey has been used as a natural medicine for thousands of years. It contains antibacterial compounds that can kill H. pylori and help ulcers heal. Manuka honey, from New Zealand, is especially powerful. It forms a protective layer over ulcers and helps reduce pain and swelling.
Eating a spoon of raw honey in the morning and evening may reduce ulcer pain. It also helps soothe sore throats and digestion. But make sure it’s raw, unfiltered honey—not the processed kind sold in most stores. Processed honey loses many of its healing properties.
6. Garlic Extract (Natural Antibacterial)
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is a natural antibiotic. Studies show that eating garlic or taking garlic extract can help kill H. pylori bacteria. This makes it a great addition to any ulcer treatment plan.
You can eat raw garlic, cook with it, or take it as a supplement. However, raw garlic can irritate the stomach in large amounts, so it’s best to start small. Some people prefer aged garlic extract, which is easier to digest but still offers strong antibacterial effects.
7. Turmeric (Curcumin for Inflammation)
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice commonly used in Indian food. It contains curcumin, which is a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Curcumin can help ulcers by reducing inflammation, fighting off bacteria, and protecting the stomach lining from further damage.
Turmeric is best absorbed when taken with black pepper, which increases its effect. You can cook with turmeric, take it in capsules, or mix it into warm water or tea. It’s safe to use daily and has other health benefits like supporting your liver and immune system.
8. Ginger Root
Ginger is another powerful root that helps with digestion and stomach problems. It reduces nausea, bloating, and stomach pain. It also has antibacterial properties and may help fight H. pylori. Drinking ginger tea or chewing a small piece of fresh ginger before meals can soothe the stomach and reduce irritation.
Studies also show that ginger may speed up the healing of ulcers. It helps the stomach empty faster and reduces the amount of acid sitting in your gut. Always use fresh ginger instead of powdered, as it has more active compounds.
9. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile is a calming herb that helps reduce stress and stomach pain. Drinking chamomile tea can relax the muscles in your digestive tract, reduce acid, and protect the stomach lining. It also helps with sleep, which is important for healing.
Though more research is needed, many people report fewer ulcer symptoms when they drink chamomile regularly. Make sure to brew the tea with pure chamomile flowers and avoid blends with added caffeine or flavors.
10. Mastic Gum
Mastic gum is a natural resin taken from the mastic tree, which grows in the Mediterranean. Studies show it can kill H. pylori and help repair ulcers by forming a protective layer in the stomach. It also reduces acid and protects the gut lining.
You can chew it like gum or take it as a supplement. Many people notice relief within weeks of using mastic gum. It’s safe for most people and often used in traditional medicine for various stomach issues.
Foods and Habits That Make Ulcers Worse
When healing stomach ulcers, it’s just as important to avoid things that can make them worse. Foods that are spicy, fried, or very acidic can irritate your stomach lining. Coffee, alcohol, and soda also increase acid and make the pain worse. If you smoke, quitting will help ulcers heal faster.
Eating large meals or lying down right after eating also slows healing. Your stomach needs time to process food properly. Try eating smaller meals more often and chewing your food well. Reducing stress through breathing exercises, meditation, or light walking can also make a big difference.
| Foods to Avoid | Why They Harm Ulcers |
| Spicy Foods | Increase stomach irritation |
| Caffeine | Raises acid levels |
| Alcohol | Damages stomach lining |
| Citrus Fruits | High in acid |
| Fried/Greasy Foods | Hard to digest, inflame the stomach |
Ulcer Healing Diet and Lifestyle Tips
A healthy diet is key to healing gastric ulcers. Focus on high-fiber foods like oats, brown rice, and steamed vegetables. These foods help digestion and reduce pressure on the stomach. Lean proteins like fish and eggs are gentle and easy to digest. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt and kefir help balance the gut.
Also, drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid skipping meals and don’t eat too late at night. Stress reduction is just as important as diet. Practice deep breathing, yoga, or spend time outside. A relaxed body heals faster.
| Ulcer-Friendly Foods | Benefits for Healing |
| Bananas | Coats stomach lining |
| Oatmeal | Gentle on digestion |
| Cabbage Juice | Contains healing vitamin U |
| Lean Chicken/Fish | Easy-to-digest protein |
| Yogurt (Probiotic) | Rebuilds gut flora |
When to See a Doctor
While home remedies for ulcers can be helpful, there are times when you need medical help. If you notice black or bloody stools, sharp stomach pain, or vomiting blood, you should go to the hospital immediately. These are signs of bleeding ulcers, which can be life-threatening.
Also, if your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back, you may need antibiotics or other treatment. A doctor can test for H. pylori with a breath or stool test. It’s best to combine natural remedies with professional medical advice to heal completely.
Conclusion
Stomach ulcers are painful but treatable. With the right combination of diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies, your body can heal. Remedies like aloe vera, probiotics, turmeric, garlic, and honey work by reducing inflammation, killing bacteria, and helping your stomach repair itself. Eating ulcer-friendly foods and avoiding harmful ones also speeds up healing.
If you use these natural treatments consistently and make small changes to your habits, you’ll start feeling better. Just be sure to check with your doctor, especially if symptoms are severe. Natural remedies for ulcers can be a safe, powerful way to take control of your health and find long-term relief.
