Ayurvedic Medicine For Stomach Ulcers

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Stomach ulcers come under the condition of peptic ulcer, which are open sores in the digestive tract. While duodenal ulcers occur in the beginning of the small intestine, stomach ulcers occur on the inside lining of the stomach or the beginning of the small intestine. Let us understand why these happen.

The stomach produces Pepsin and other digestive enzymes, which are highly corrosive in nature. These enzymes are secreted by the body to help with the digestion of food by breaking it down. Normally, the stomach is protected from the corrosive nature of these enzymes by a mucosal lining. But, due to certain reasons, when this protection breaks down, or the amount of enzymes secreted increases abnormally, it results in the formation of open sores that we call ulcers.

The most common symptom of a stomach ulcer is a burning, gnawing pain in the upper abdomen. Common causes include an infection with the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium or the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin.

How Stomach Ulcer Is Seen According to Ayurveda

Stomach ulcers are a part of digestive disorders. The primary cause of stomach ulcer, according to Ayurveda, is an imbalance between the three doshas. This condition is predominantly caused due to an aggravation in the Pitta dosha (the fire and water element, which is responsible for metabolism, digestion, and transformation in the body and mind. It is responsible for the Agni of the body (the digestive fire).

Impaired or irregular Agni causes improper digestion and, therefore, accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the body, which irritates the stomach lining, allowing corrosive digestive enzymes to come in contact with the stomach.

Signs Of Stomach Ulcer

Some common and most noticeable symptoms of a stomach ulcer are:

A burning and gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, which often gets worse between meals or at night.
Bloating and belching.
Nausea or vomiting.
Indigestion.
Feeling full.
Loss of appetite.
If the ulcer bleeds, symptoms may include:

Vomiting blood, which appears red or black
Having dark blood in stools, or tarry stool
Feeling dizzy or fainting

Dosha-specific Symptoms

Stomach ulcers are mainly associated with an excess of Pitta, which causes the burning that’s experienced by people who have them.
Vata dosha imbalance, associated with dryness, irregular eating habits, and stress, can also be a contributing factor by weakening the mucosal lining and causing pain.

Common Causes And Contributing Factors

Some of the common causes and contributing factors of stomach ulcers are:

Modern Causes

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection is one of the most common causes. This infection can be caught through contaminated food and water, or by contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, vomit, or feces of an infected person.
Frequent or long-term use of NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen inhibits an enzyme that helps protect the stomach lining, which increases the risk of stomach ulcers.
High alcohol consumption can cause increased stomach acid to be released, causing ulcers.
Smoking can weaken the stomach’s protective lining, making it vulnerable to corrosive digestive enzymes.
High levels of stress can also increase acid release and weaken the stomach lining.
Spicy foods may not cause stomach ulcers, but they can aggravate the condition.
A person's genetic history and age can also influence the occurrence of stomach ulcers.

Ayurvedic Causes

The imbalance of the three doshas is the primary cause.
Aggravation of the Pitta dosha, which governs metabolism and digestion and is associated with the fire and water elements, is predominantly responsible for this condition.
Vata dosha imbalance can also contribute to the disruption in digestion, therefore, leading to irregular eating habits, causing drying up of the mucosal layer in the stomach.
Kapha dosha imbalance can lead to slow digestion, leading to the accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the body, aggravating the condition.
Eating at irregular times or skipping meals.

Poor hydration.

Suppressing natural urges to eliminate wastes.
Ayurveda mentions a correlation between Shlesmaja Krimi and the modern understanding of the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium, which is a major contributor to ulcer formation.

Known Ayurvedic Medicines (Herbal Remedies) For Stomach Ulcer

The goal of Ayurvedic medicines for stomach ulcers is to balance Pitta, improve the absorption of nutrients, and cleanse the digestive system. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective herbal solutions:

Licorice root (Yashtimadhu): It promotes mucosal healing, reduces inflammation, and strengthens the stomach lining.

Amla (Indian Gooseberry): It is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C; therefore, it helps in neutralizing acidity and aids healing

Aloe vera: It possesses cooling properties; therefore, it helps produce a cooling effect on inflamed stomach tissues.

Turmeric: This also produces strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Shatavari: It is known for its cooling qualities, which help pacify the excess heat in the digestive system and support healing.

Guduchi: It is an anti-inflammatory herb that boosts the immune system.

Triphala: It is a traditional blend of three fruits that helps in detoxifying the digestive system and improving overall gut health.

Although these medications are generally safe, you should consume any medication under the guided expertise of Jiva Ayurvedic doctors, who will help you regarding the dosage, along with the lifestyle changes that should be made.

Ayurvedic Therapies For Peptic Ulcer

Treatments include panchakarma therapies, yoga, and pranayama (breathing exercises).

Various panchakarma therapies include:

Virechana: It is a detoxification therapy used to get rid of excess Pitta, to reduce excess heat and acid, which are the primary causes for ulcers.
Basti (medicated enema): It is used to balance Vata dosha and help reduce inflammation and support gut healing.
Abhyanga (oil massage): massage with medicated oils helps in relaxation of muscles and stress, and helps balance the doshas of the body.
Shirodhara: It is a deeply relaxing therapy where a warm stream of oil is poured over the forehead. It helps in easing anxiety and stress, which increases the symptoms of peptic ulcer.
Takradhara: A cooling therapy that uses medicated buttermilk. It is used to pacify Pitta.
Gentle yoga poses like Supta Baddha Konasana (reclining bound angle pose) and Setu Bandhasana (bridge pose) can help relax abdominal muscles and, therefore, improve circulation in the digestive organs.
Pranayama techniques like Anulom Vilom (alternate nostril breathing), Sheetali (cooling breath), and Shitakari can help reduce stress, calm the nervous system, and balance the digestive system.

Dietary And Lifestyle Factors To Be Considered

Stomach ulcers are greatly affected by what we eat and how we live our daily lives. Our eating habits and lifestyle are greatly responsible for the aggravation of the condition, as well as its healing.

Dietary tips:

The diet for stomach ulcers is based mainly upon Pitta and Vata pacification.

Foods To Inculcate:

Fibre-rich food: Oats, barley, beans, lentils, and fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can help reduce stomach acid.

Cooling and bland foods like whole-grain cereals and pulses.

Probiotics: The good bacteria. Ex: yoghurt, buttermilk, and other fermented milk products.

Leafy vegetables: Pumpkin, ash gourd, bottle gourd, ridge gourd, and boiled or steamed vegetables in general.

Lean proteins: Skinless chicken, fish, eggs, and tofu instead of red or fatty meats.

Hydrating beverages: Coconut water, plain water, and mild herbal teas like chamomile and licorice root to help soothe the digestive tract.

Soothing spices: Turmeric, cumin, fennel, coriander, and ginger (in moderation) to help with digestion.

Foods To Avoid:

Spicy and acidic foods: They irritate the ulcer even more.

“Heating” foods or drinks: Coffee, black tea, chocolate, and carbonated drinks stimulate acid production.

Fatty and fried foods: These are hard to digest; therefore, they increase acid production.

Refined foods: Foods like pasta, white bread, and packaged processed foods should be avoided.

Smoking and alcohol: Both irritate the stomach lining and disrupt healing.

Lifestyle Habits:

Avoid large meals.
Avoid eating late at night.
Avoid eating while being stressed or distracted.
Avoid prolonged use of NSAIDs.
Practice healthy stress management.
Stay hydrated.
Ensure adequate and quality sleep.
Carry out physical activity to help digestion.

When To Consult An Ayurvedic Expert

Suppose you notice that your symptoms, like nausea, heartburn, bloating, and indigestion, are persisting for an abnormally long period of time, even after taking conventional medications like antacids. In that case, you should seek Ayurvedic help to treat the root cause.

Moreover, if you notice:

Blood in your vomit
Black, tarry stool
Sudden, sharp, or severe abdominal pain
Feeling dizzy or fainting
Unexplained or unintended weight loss,

You should immediately contact professional health experts, as this can be a sign of internal bleeding or perforation.

Conclusion

Ayurvedic treatment for stomach ulcer predominantly focuses on pacifying the Pitta dosha, the aggravation of which is the main cause of this disease. Ayurvedic philosophy aims to help the patient heal by focusing on the root cause of the disease rather than just focusing on the symptoms. Our treatments provide a holistic treatment program after assessing the bodily constitution of the patient. This allows doctors at Jiva Ayurveda to make treatment programs that are unique for each individual, pertaining to their unique body types and needs.

FAQS

What are stomach ulcers?

A stomach ulcer is a sore on the inner lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine.

They form when the protective mucus layer is weakened, allowing stomach acid to damage the tissue.

What causes stomach ulcers?

pylori bacteria: This is the most common cause, as the bacteria can disrupt the stomach's protective lining.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Long-term use of pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can cause ulcers.

Other factors: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk.

While stress and spicy foods can make symptoms worse, they do not cause ulcers.

Can stress or spicy food cause stomach ulcers?

No, stress and spicy foods do not directly cause stomach ulcers. However, they can worsen existing ulcer symptoms and interfere with the healing process.

Is stress management part of the Ayurvedic approach?

Yes, emotional and mental stress are considered major triggers for aggravating Pitta and contributing to ulcers. Practices like meditation, yoga (gentle poses like Setu Bandhasana), and deep breathing exercises (Pranayama) are recommended to calm the mind and balance the doshas.

How long does it take for Ayurvedic treatment to show results?

Improvements are often noticed within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent treatment, but the full duration of healing depends on the ulcer's severity and adherence to the personalized plan. Long-term wellness involves sustained dietary and lifestyle changes.

Is stomach ulcer fatal?

While not typically fatal, it is common and treatable; however, if left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as bleeding, perforation (a hole in the stomach wall), or gastric cancer. These complications require immediate medical attention.