Try TCM herbs for treating upset stomach, ulcers

If you are one of the millions of people that suffers from a stomach ulcer, or even if you just occasionally get an upset stomach after eating, there is hope beyond simply taking antacids or other pharmaceutical drugs, all of which merely address the symptoms of the problem rather than the cause. Instead, you may want to try incorporating one or more of these all-natural, stomach-healing foods and herbs into your everyday diet for lasting, curative relief.

Raw cabbage juice
A study dating back to 1949 found that ulcer patients who supplement with raw cabbage juice can heal -- yes, heal -- from their condition within as little as ten days. And numerous studies conducted after that, including a double-blind study out of California involving prisoners with Duodenal Ulcers, have confirmed these findings.

Raw cabbage juice contains a little-known compound called S-Methylmethionine, which is also sometimes referred to as "vitamin U," that is particularly potent at healing gastrointestinal ulcerations. Instead of just treating ulcerative symptoms, vitamin U, as well as the many other probiotic and healing enzymes found in cabbage, help to literally repair damaged stomach lining, and restore proper digestive function.

Aloe vera
Though commonly used to help heal sunburns and other skin issues, aloe vera is a potent digestive aid that can also help heal gastrointestinal dysfunction of various types when consumed. Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), for instance, a condition that leads to poor absorption of minerals and nutrients from food, can derive much benefit from supplementing with aloe vera juice, gel, or dried flakes.

The synergistic blend of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, lignans, amino acids, anthraquinones, saponins, fatty acids, and other amazing nutrients found in aloe vera have been shown to effectively heal damaged intestinal tissue. Drinking just a few spoonfuls of whole-leaf aloe vera juice or concentrate before or with meals, for instance, can help spur the release of pepsin, a stomach enzyme responsible for digesting food.

Bitter herbs
Consuming "bitter" herbs just before a meal can help promote digestive secretions which, of course, aid in proper digestion. According to The Herb Companion, herbs like gentian (Gentiana lutea), barberry root (Berberis vulgaris), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and artichoke (Cynara scolymus) are all useful in helping to reduce gas, bloating, and other digestive discomfort associated with indigestion.

To go along with this, fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), dill (Anethum graveolens), cumin (Cuminum cyminum), caraway (Carum carvi), and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) all help warm up the digestive tract, which facilitates the easy digestion and passage of food through the digestive tract.