Ulcers

Etiology: An open sore or lesion of the skin or mucous membrane accompanied by sloughing of the inflamed necrotic tissue.

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.

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.

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.

HERBS:

• Bayberry
• >Chamomile tea
• Calendula flowers
• Comfrey
• Knotgrass
• Catnip tea
• Cayenne
• Psyllium
• St. John's wort
• Pennyroyal

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.

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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