ULCERS
The mouth ulcer is the most common form of ulcer in humans. There are two types — aphthous and traumatic.
Aphthous ulcers usually develop when you are rundown or stressed. Some women are prone to them just before a period. Traumatic ulcers are, as the name implies, the result of injury to the inside of the mouth. Mouth ulcers usually heal on their own within a couple of weeks, but they can be healed more rapidly and prevented by careful attention to diet. Fruit juices, fruit, vegetables and grains are all helpful. Junk food, chocolate and refined sugars should be avoided. Antioxidants and Vitamin C should be taken to boost the immune system.
Stomach ulcers are caused by a loss of tissue lining the lower oesophagus, the stomach or the duodenum. Stomach ulcers are also called gastrointestinal or peptic ulcers. They are the result of erosion of membranes by pepsin and acid found in the digestive juices. It is not known what causes the changes that make membranes unable to resist pepsin and gastric acid when ulcers occur. Genetic, environmental, psychological, viral and chemical causes have all been put forward. Relatives of those suffering from gastric ulcers, for example, have three times the likelihood of developing them than the rest of the population. Stomach ulcers are more likely to occur in people who are poorly nourished. Stress is also given as a cause of ulcers, and chemicals like asprin and alcohol can induce them in some circumstances.
Herbs useful in the treatment of stomach ulcers include slippery elm, liquorice, marshmallow root, arrowroot and chamomile. These should be taken before meals, but individual tolerance to each herb should be tested by taking them separately at first. Dietary recommendations include large amounts of grains and vegetables and a reduction in red meat, spicy foods, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes. Cigarette smokers have a higher incidence of ulcers than non-smokers and require a longer healing period. Vitamin A and the tissue salt ferr phos are also helpful. Relaxation, massage and meditation are beneficial for stress-related ulcers.
*66\69\2*
