Stomach Ulcer

A stomach ulcer refers to an lesion in the inner lining of the stomach and the adjoining intestinal tract called the duodenum. The ulcer located in the stomach is known as a gastric ulcer, and that located in the duodenum is called a duodenal ulcer. Usually, both are grouped together and termed as stomach ulcer. In Ayurveda it is a disease of tri-doshic nature i.e. Vata, Pitta, Kapha. But aggravation of pitta is noted in all cases.

Causes:

A stomach ulcer is the result of hyperacidity, which is caused by an increased in the hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This strong acid, secreted by the cells lining of the stomach, erodes the inner lining of the stomach. Dietetic indiscretion such as overeating, taking of heavy meals or highly spiced foods, coffee, alcohol and smoking are the main factors contributing to this condition. Other causes are the ingestion of certain drugs, food poisoning, certain infections, gout, emotional disturbances, stress, and nervous tension.

Symptoms:

The systems of stomach ulcer are sharp and severe pain and discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen. Gastric ulcer pain usually occurs an hour after meals and rarely at night. Duodenal ulcer pain usually occurs between meals when the stomach is empty. The pain is relieved by food, especially milk. As the disease progresses, there is distension of the stomach due to excessive flatulence, mental tension, insomnia, and gradual weakening of the body. Blood may also be detected in the stool.

Herbs & minerals which is useful :

Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) :

According to Ayurveda, Guduchi is a bitter tonic & diuretic. The entire plant is regarded as a valuable alterative and stimulant. It is useful in stomach ulcer, eye conditions, as a tissue builder, helps development of intelligence, and retains youth by helping to prevent premature aging. Its strength as a febrifuge in malaria is seen in the common name "Indian Quinine." It is also traditionally used for the management of dyspepsia, food allergies, convalescence, liver disorders, headache, and urinary disorders.

Amla (Emblica officinalis):

A rich source of Gallic acid, tannic acid, albumin cellulose, calcium etc and a extremely rich source of natural vitamin C (that is Vitamin C is present 20 times more than orange juice. It helps in balancing Tridoshas as it itself Pitta Shamak.

According to Ayurveda, Amalaki rebuilds and maintains new tissues and increases red blood cell count. It is very useful for stomach ulcer. It cleanses the mouth, strengthens the gums and teeth, nourishes the bones, and is the highest natural source of Vitamin C. It possesses all six tastes except for salty, and is a rasayana for Pitta with sattvic properties.


Moti (Pearl):

The medical virtues are described to Pearl are laxative, Sedative, emetic and nutritive. Pearl ash is chiefly carbonate and oxide of lime. The powder is used in stomach ulcer, heart burn and bilious affections. Pearl powder (Mukta-bhasma) is also useful in cough, phthisis and asthma, given twice a day with honey. It reduces the yellowish tinge in the conjunctivae and in the urine due to low fever and checks the burning during micturation. It is also used as a cerebral tonic in nervous disease as chronic headache, epilepsy and other convulsive attacks.

Pearl is extremely safe. Safety studies on Pearl have shown it to be absolutely harmless. It can be taken by anybody for the course of a lifetime without negative side effects.

Shankha (Conch Shell ):

Shankha Bhasma is one of the most important ayurvedic preparation to treat ulcer.

Shankha bhasma caused significant reduction in ulcer index (P<0.001) in both the indomethacin and cold restraint models. TBARS of stomach in indomethacin treated rat was also reduced (P<0.001) by Shankha bhasma but serum calcium level was not altered. Shankha bhasma induced dose dependent protection against experimental gastric ulcers.


Diet :

• Moti pisti

• Ayucid

• Avipatrikar Churna