Penn Herb Wellness Guide
Peptic Ulcer
- Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
- Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
- For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by some in the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
| Supplement | Amount | Why |
|---|---|---|
Chewable DG Licorice | 250 to 500 mg chewable DGL before meals and bedtime |  [3 stars] Licorice root has a long history of use for soothing inflamed and injured mucous membranes in the digestive tract. Flavonoids in licorice may also inhibit growth of H. pylori. |
Mastic | 1 gram mastic powder taken before breakfast and at bedtime | [3 stars] The gummy extract of Pistachia lentiscus |
Banana Powder | 1 gram four times per day |  [2 stars] Ayurvedic doctors in India have traditionally used dried banana powder to treat ulcers. Banana powder appears to protect the lining of the stomach from acid. |
Neem | 30 to 60 mg of freeze-dried bark extract twice per day | [2 stars] Neem bark extract led to a significant reduction in stomach acid levels and near complete healing of all people with duodenal ulcers in one trial. |
Vitamin A | Take under medical supervision: 150,000 IU per day | [2 stars] Vitamin A is needed to heal the linings of the stomach and intestines. In one trial, supplementing with vitamin A improved healing in a small group of people with stomach ulcer. |
Zinc | 25 to 50 mg daily | [2 stars] Supplementing with zinc may help speed the repair of damaged stomach tissue. |
Zinc-L-Carnosine | 150 mg of zinc carnosine complex twice per day | [2 stars] Studies have shown that a zinc salt of the amino acid carnosine protects against ulcer formation and promotes the healing of existing ulcers. |
Calendula | Refer to label instructions |  [1 star] Calendula is another plant with anti-inflammatory and healing activities that can be used as part of a traditional medicine approach to peptic ulcers. The same amount as chamomile can be used. |
Carnosine | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Carnisone may protect against ulcer formation and promote the healing of existing ulcers. |
Chamomile | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Chamomile has a soothing effect on inflamed and irritated mucous membranes. It is also high in the flavonoid apigenin, which has inhibited growth of H. pylori in test tubes. |
Comfrey | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Comfrey has history of traditional use for treating gastrointestinal problems, including stomach ulcers. |
Corydalis | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Corydalis extracts are useful in relieving pain and in treating stomach ulcers. |
DMSO | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] DMSO is believed to have antioxidant activity and was found in one study to reduce relapse rates better than the ulcer drug cimetidine (Tagamet). |
Garlic | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Garlic has been reported to have anti-Helicobacter activity in test-tube studies and may be helpful for peptic ulcers. |
Glutamine | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Glutamine, an amino acid, is the main energy source for cells that line the small intestine and stomach. Supplementing with it may help people overcome peptic ulcers. |
Marshmallow | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] High-mucilage-containing herbs such as marshmallow have a long history of use for irritated or inflamed mucous membranes in the digestive system. |
Plantain | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Because of plantain’s anti-inflammatory and healing effects, it may be beneficial in some people with peptic ulcer. |
Sea Buckthorn | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Sea buckthorn contains flavonoids and other constituents that promote healing. It has been associated with peptic ulcer improvement, though more research is needed.
|
Vitamin C | Refer to label instructions | [1 star] Vitamin C may be useful in treating peptic ulcers because of its ability to help eradicate H. pylori |
Copyright 2025 TraceGains, Inc. All rights reserved.
Learn more about TraceGains, the company.
The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.