Contents:
Definition | Causes | Symptoms | Nutrients
Herbs | Recommendations | Suggestions | Bibliography
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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Causes
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,
Pectin, taken as directed on the label, may have good results on a duodenal ulcer.
Aloe vera juice or gel,
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.
Zinc,
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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
- Black Walnut
- Blue Flag
- Bogbean
- Bouncing Bet
- Burdock
- Calendula flowers
- Carrot, wild, root
- Castor bean
- Catnip tea
- Cayenne (also known as Capsicum)
- Celandine
- Chaga
- Chamomile tea
- Chickweed
- Cleavers
- Coltsfoot
- Comfrey
- Crampbark
- Cranesbill
- Dandelion
- Echinacea
- Elderberry
- Elecampane
- Eucalyptus
- Fenugreek
- Flaxseed
- Frostwort
- Gentian
- Goldenrod
- Goldenseal root
- Ground Ivy
- Gum plant
- Hops
- Horseradish
- Horsetail
- Hound’s tongue
- Houseleek
- Hyssop
- Indian hemp, black
- Indian gum
- Indigo, wild
- Knotgrass
- Licorice
- Life root
- Lobelia
- Marsh Mmallow
- Mugwort
- Mullein
- Myrrh
- Nettle
- Oak, red, bark
- Olive oil
- Okra
- Onion
- Peach tree leaves
- Pennyroyal
- Plantain
- Poke root
- Pomegranate
- Poplar
- Psyllium
- Ragwort
- Raspberry leaves
- Red Clover, blossoms
- Sage, purple
- St. John’s wort
- Sanicle, wood
- Sarsaparilla
- Sassafras
- Sheep sorrel leaves
- Shepherd’s purse
- Shinleaf
- Slippery Elm
- Solomon’s seal
- Stone root
- Sumac
- Sweet Flag
- Tansy
- Turkey corn
- White Pine
- White pond lily
- Willow, black, American
- Witch Hazel
- Wood sage
- Yarrow
- Yellow Dock
- 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
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
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Bibliography
The Magic of Herbs in Daily Living, by Richard Lucas, Parker Publishing Co. (1988).
The Herb Book, by John Lust, Bantam Books, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. copyright 1974.
The Magic of Herbs, by David Conway, published by Jonathan Cape, Thirty Bedford Square, London, England. (Out of print)
The Nature Doctor: A Manual of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 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
Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994
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
The Old Herb Doctor, by Joseph E. Meyer, Meyerbooks, publisher, PO Box 427, Glenwood, Illinois 60425, copyright 1984, sixth printing 1994.
Secrets of the Chinese Herbalists, by Richard Lucas, Parker Publishing Company, Inc., West Nyack, NY, 1987.
The Complete Medicinal Herbal, by Penelope Ody, Dorling Kindersley, Inc, 232 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016, First American Edition, copyright 1993
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, Fifth Edition: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., Avery Publishing Group, Inc., Garden City Park, NY
Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, C.A., N.D., O.M.D., Lotus Press, PO Box 325, Twin Lakes. WI 53181., Copyright 1988, published 1992
The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine, 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