Gastritis

What you need to know

This inflammation of the lining of the stomach often causes Indigestion, and can be soothed by much of the advice given under that category in the health section.

The most useful Supplements:

The most useful Herbs:

Homoeopathy

The following homoeopathic remedies could help:

• Bismuth
• Capsicum
• Nux vomica

Aromatherapy

The following oils properly diluted can be massaged over the abdominal area or as a compress:

• Lavender
• Melissa
• Roman chamomile

Dietary changes that may be beneficial:

• Eating regularly and often - five small meals a day instead of three big ones is very important.

• Include regular use of all culinary herbs that are aids to digestion: Parsley, Sage, rosemary, thyme, mint, Ginger, dill, fennel and Caraway in particular.
• Do not smoke, nicotine is an irritant.
• Don’t drink too much alcohol or coffee (particularly instant). Decaff coffee is usually ok.
• Avoid foods that are irritant to the stomach: hot chilli or curry, smoked food, pickles, vinegar, raw onions, very sour fruits, Citrus juices, pastries and Dairy products.

Traditional remedies:

It sounds pretty disgusting, but in many mainland European countries a traditional natural treatment for Stomach ulcers is to drink a glass of cabbage and potato juice before each meal.

Other useful advice:

Honey is also a great soother - particularly the New Zealand variety, Manuka, now available in most good supermarkets, pharmacies and health food stores. Spread it on your bread, or mix it with boiling water and a squirt of lemon - a great cure for sore throats, too.

Reflexology may be a useful therapy for Gastritis.

It’s important to remember that if you’re taking conventional over-the-counter medicines containing Magnesium, you’re at risk of developing diarrhoea; and if your chosen remedy is based on aluminium, you might become constipated.

Gastritis is frequently caused by taking aspirin and the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief - particularly long-term treatment of arthritis and other joint diseases.

Natural remedies which are equally effective anti-inflammatories include:

• Cats claw  - protects against the damage done by conventional pain-killers
• Cod Liver Oil
• Devils claw
• Fish-oil
• Ginger

Back

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.