Are there any natural, alternative cures for stomach ulcers?!
Question:
Are there any natural, alternative cures for stomach ulcers?
I was just diagnosed with a stomach ulcer and started taking Prevacid. I don't like the side effects (or the cost!) and was wondering if anyone has any natural, alternative remedies or if medication is the only answer. Thanks, any replys would be appreciated!
Answers:
First I need to say that I'm not a doctor so you can take my advice or leave it accordingly. :-) I have been using alternative medicines for over 10 years prompted by my having three conditions that the American Medical Association has either no good treatment for or no treatment at all.
I would try aloe vera. You can get aloe vera juice at just about any health food store. As with most things you get what you pay for, the more expensive the bottle the higher quality. I would expect to pay at least $10-15 for the bottle but you only need a few ounces a day so one bottle will last a while. I'll be honest, it doesn't taste that great. It has a little bit of a "soft grass" taste but if you put it in an acidic/tangy juice (I find white grape works best) you won't really taste it. Aloe has been used for centuries and it can help with all sorts of things, internal and external. Like I said, I am not a doctor, but I don't think there are any side effects or risks with taking aloe. What aloe can do externally healing burns and wounds it can also do internally.
If ulcers are from a bacterial infection you'll also want to boost your immune system. Olive leaf is good for that (I use it to cure sinus infections, I get them chronically and I don't need antibiotics anymore). It comes in capsules and the price varies with the milligrams ($8-15 per bottle), get what you can afford and take it twice a day. I am not sure about taking olive leaf long term, I would probably do only once a day if I were taking it for more than a week. I use it as a treatment while I feel sick rather than a preventative.
Whatever you try, I hope that you get some relief. :-)