Ulcers

Definition

An open sore or lesion of the skin or mucous membrane accompanied by sloughing of the inflamed necrotic tissue. (See SORES also)
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Simple ulcers may result from trauma, caustics, intense heat or cold, or arterial or venous stasis. They may occur as a complication of varicose veins due to stasis of blood leading to inflammation, necrosis, and sloughing of tissue. Ulcers of the mucous membrane of the stomach or duodenum (small intestine) are caused by the effect of gastric acid and pepsin. Introduced recently is the idea that gastric or peptic ulcers are caused by bacteria, treated by antibiotics.

The sores of acquired syphilis are caused by blockage of small vessels. The secretion from these sores contains the causative agent Treponema pallidum.

Amputating ulcer, destroys tissue to the bone by encircling the part. Also, ulcers may appear as bed sores.

An ulcer results, when, during stress, the body's defense of the lining of the stomach is damaged and the stomach cannot secrete sufficient mucus to protect it against the strong acid essential for digestion. The ulcer is aggravated by the level of anxiety of the individual before eating.

Stress, bacteria, irritation of the skin or mucous membranes, trauma, chemical or heat burns, poor circulations, varicose veins, chronic infections are some of the causes.
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Symptoms

If the sore becomes infected, pus is discharged, if external. Varied symptoms include: stomach pain, lower back pain, headaches, choking sensations, itching.

Aspirin and vitamin C may create more acid. When aspirin is taken for long periods of time, it can cause or worsen ulcers. Steroids taken for arthritis and even nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may contribute to stomach ulcers. Heavy smokers have trouble healing an ulcer.
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Nutrients

L-Glutamine, 500 mg daily on an empty stomach, is important in the healing of peptic ulcers. Pectin, taken as directed on the label, may have good results on a duodenal ulcer. Vitamin E, 400 IU per day, aids in reducing stomach acids and in relieving pain. Aloe vera juice or gel, 4 oz. per day, aids in pain relief and speeds healing. Iron (chelated form), taken as directed on the label, helps prevent anemia (which may result from bleeding ulcers). Unsaturated fatty acids, taken as directed, protects the stomach and intestinal tract. Vitamin A emulsion or capsules, 25,000 IU daily for one month, is needed for healing. It protects the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines. Vitamin K, 100 mg. per day. Zinc, 50-80 mg. per day, promotes quicker healing.
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Herbs

Adder's tongue
Agrimony
Alder
Alfalfa
Aloe
Alum root
Angelica
Arsesmart
Ash, prickly, bark
Balm of Gilead
Barberry
Bay leaves
Bayberry
Beech
Bethroot
Betony, wood
Bilberry
Bistort
Bittersweet
Bogbean
Bouncing Bet
Burdock
Calendula flowers
Carrot, wild, root
Castor bean
Catnip tea
Cayenne (also known as Capsicum)
Celandine
Chaga
Cheese plant
Chickweed
Chamomile tea
Cleavers
Clover, red, blossoms
Coltsfoot
Comfrey
Crampbark
Cranesbill
Dandelion
Dock, yellow
Echinacea
Elderberry
Elecampane
Elm, slippery
Eucalyptus
Fenugreek
Flag, blue
Flag, sweet
Flaxseed
Frostwort
Gentian
Goldenrod
Goldenseal root
Gum plant
Hops
Horseradish
Horsetail
Hound's tongue
Houseleek
Hyssop
Indian hemp, black
Indian gum
Indigo, wild
Ivy, ground
Knotgrass
Licorice
Life root
Lobelia
Marshmmallow
Mugwort
Mullein
Myrrh
Nettle
Oak, red, bark
Olive oil
Okra
Onion
Peach tree leaves
Pennyroyal
Pine, white
Plantain
Poke root
Pomegranate
Poplar
Psyllium
Ragwort
Raspberry leaves
Sage, purple
St. John's wort
Sanicle, wood
Sarsaparilla
Sassafras
Sheep sorrel leaves
Shrpherd's purse
Shin leaf
Solomon's seal
Stone root
Sumach
Tansy
Turkey corn
Walnut, black
White pond lily
Willow, black, American
Witch hazel
Wood sage
Yarrow
Yellow root

Recommendations

Gastric and duodenal ulcers can be diagnosed and treated only by a doctor! Do not smoke or take aspirin. Try to relax and avoid stress.

Freshly made cabbage juice is beneficial for ulcers. Drink immediately after juicing with a large glass of water. This dilutes the HCL and flushes it through the stomach and duodenum.

Do not drink milk. The calcium and protein in milk stimulates the production of more acid; milk has a rebound effect. Almond milk is a good substitute. Avoid fried foods, caffeine, tea, alcohol, salt, chocolate, strong spices, animal fats of any kind, and carbonated drinks. Instead of drinking soda, sip lemon juice and water.

Eat small and frequent meals. Eat well-cooked millet, cooked white rice, raw goat's milk, and soured milk products such as yogurt, cottage cheese, and kefir. If symptoms are severe, eat soft foods such as avocados, bananas, potatoes, squash, and yams daily. Put all vegetables through a blender or processor. Eat well-steamed vegetables like broccoli and carrots occasionally. For bleeding ulcers, consume baby foods and add nonirritating fiber such as guar gum and psyllium seed. Great results have been reported after 30 days on this diet. The foods are easy to digest, nutritious, and without chemicals.

Keep bowel habits regular and of normal consistency. Never become constipated.
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Suggestions

Blue grapes are used in Europe for ulcers.

Necessary for the breakdown and digestion of many foods is hydrochloric acid (HCL). A self-test is suggested to determine a need for HCL. Take 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. If this makes heartburn go away, then you need more stomach acid. If it makes the symptoms worse, then you have too much HCL and shouldn't take enzymes that contain HCL. If it helps the symptoms, sip pure apple cider vinegar mixed with water with meals.

For external ulcers, take one of the following teas: bayberry, goldenseal, ragwort, chickweed, sage, wood sanicle, slippery elm, bogbean, ground ivy, bittersweet, agrimony or raspberry leaves.
Use a heaping tsp. to a cup of boiling water, strain, and drink 4 cups a day, one an hour before each meal and before retiring.

Bedridden patients should be turned at regular intervals at prevent bed sores.

For internal ulcers, take the following tea:
Comfrey (2 parts)
Calendula (1 part)
Knotgrass (1 part)
Steep 1 tsp. in 1/2 cup boiling water. Take 1 1/2 to 2 cups a day, unsweetened, in mouthful doses.
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Bibliography

The Magic of Herbs in Daily Living, by Richard Lucas, Parker Publishing Co. (1988).

The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, England. (Out of print)

The Nature Doctor, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991

Earl Mindell's Herb Bible, by Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D., Simon & Schuster/Fireside, Rockefeller Center 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020

Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, Shambala Publications, Inc., Horticultural Hall, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, 1973

Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists, by Richard Lucas, Parker Publishing Company, Inc., West Nyack, NY, 1987.

Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke., Houghton Mifflin Company, 215 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10000

Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY

The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, Second edition, 1988.

The Healing Plants, by Mannfried Pahlow, Barron's Educational Series, Inc. 250 Wireless Blvd., Hauppauge, NY 11788, 1992