Before I start talking about how turmeric can help in ulcers and nausea, let me discuss a bit about what the actually are and why they occur at first place.
Ulcers
Our digestive tract is made up of the stomach, esophagus, duodenum, and intestines.
Ulcers are sores that form on the lining of the digestive tract. Depending on the area where they are formed, ulcers are given different names – duodenal ulcers, gastric ulcers that form on the stomach lining and esophageal ulcers.
Ulcers are usually caused when the digestive tract gets infected by the Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
When too much of acid gets formed in the body, this can eat up stomach linings and make us more susceptible to infections. Emotional and physical stress can aggravate ulcers.
Long term use of anti-inflammatory medicines could also cause ulcers since they damage the stomach lining. Smoking, long illness or radiation therapy could also cause ulcers to form.
Symptoms of ulcers include uncomfortable feeling an hour or two after eating, stomach pain especially at night, feeling of dull pain, burning or bloated sensation in the stomach, vomiting and unexpected weight loss.
Nausea
An uncomfortable feeling in the stomach that could result in an urge to vomit is nausea. Nausea is often a side effect of certain cancer therapies.
Other causes include pregnancy, stomach illness, stress or anxiety. When you are nauseous, you do not have an appetite and this can cause weight loss. Dehydration is another cause.
Persistent nausea is dangerous and you must consult your doctor.
Turmeric for Ulcers and Nausea
Turmeric with the botanical name of Curcuma longa is better known for its culinary use in curries and as coloring and flavoring agent.
It has also long been valued for its antioxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric products can be used to treat digestive tract disorders like ulcers, nausea, dyspepsia, kidney and liver problems.
Peptic ulcers are also called duodenal or gastric ulcers. Studies have been conducted on the long term benefits of turmeric in healing ulcers.
One study examined 45 patients – both men and women – with known symptoms of peptic ulcers in the 16-60 age groups. 25 patients had gastric or duodenal ulcers.
They were given 300mg of turmeric filled capsules 5 times daily, ½ to 1 hour before meals and at bedtime for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, tests revealed that in 12 cases, the ulcers were absent and in 18 cases, further treatment for 8 weeks cured the ulcers. In 19 patients, the ulcers disappeared after 12 weeks.
The remaining 20 patients did not have ulcers when tested.
Instead, they suffered from dyspepsia, gastritis, and erosions to the stomach lining. They were given turmeric filled capsules for 4 weeks.
Within the first 2 weeks, stomach discomfort and pain disappeared. They could also return to a normal diet. Hematological system, renal and liver functions and blood chemistry of all patients displayed no significant changes before and after taking turmeric capsules. Turmeric indeed did the trick here!
In another study, rats infected with H.pylori bacteria were given turmeric (Curcuma longa).
Their gastric acid secretion lessened and they did not develop gastric ulcers. This was believed to be because of the ability of turmeric to block H2 histamine receptors which then inhibited secretion of gastric acid and prevented the formation of gastric ulcers.
This strengthens the ability of turmeric to fight harmful microbes.
Turmeric is also found useful in case of Dyspepsia. Symptoms of dyspepsia include indigestion, nausea, upset or sour stomach, gas and bloating.
In one study done on the benefits of turmeric for dyspepsia, it was found that it contained curcuminoids and other volatile oils. These active ingredients could benefit patients with dyspepsia.
A study was conducted on 116 patients with various types of dyspepsia – acid, atonic and flatulent. Of this 41 patients were given a placebo and 39 and 36 in the Curcuma domestica Val. and flatulence groups.
In the placebo group, 53% showed signs of improvement whereas the figures were higher in the flatulence (83%) and Curcuma groups (87%). This difference in response demonstrates the benefits turmeric can offer to patients with dyspepsia.
A study by Swedish and Vietnamese scientists was conducted on the benefits of turmeric for duodenal ulcers. Patients suffering from duodenal ulcers were divided into 2 groups.
One group was given the placebo and the other 6g daily dosage of turmeric supplements. Investigations were done before and after treatment on all the patients. The ulcers were of similar size (5mm diameter) in the patients and they were not given other drugs.
In the follow-up study 4 weeks after treatment, the healing rate was the same in both groups.
After 8 weeks, the turmeric group demonstrated a healing rate of 27% and the placebo group 29%. Both groups tolerated their drugs well.
Another study was conducted on the anti-ulcer benefits of turmeric on rats. The rats were given an oral dosage of 500mg/kg turmeric.
The turmeric extract provided protection against cystodestructive agents and there was significant anti-ulcer activity.
Turmeric supplements helped by increasing gastric wall mucus levels and restored the content of non-protein sulfhydryl in the stomach glands of the rats.
Another study was done on fasting rats which were given turmeric root extracts to determine whether it protected the stomach during the acute phase of gastric ulcers.
When the stomach was examined, it was found that there was an improvement in the development of ulcers.
It as concluded that this could be because of the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of turmeric.
Turmeric Dosage
Turmeric supplements are available as capsules, extract or tincture. Some turmeric supplements include bromelain since this improves the anti-inflammatory and absorption levels of turmeric. There is no recommended dosage of turmeric for children.
The recommended dosage for stomach problems like dyspepsia is 500 mg turmeric at least 4 times daily.
Precautions while taking turmeric
Turmeric is generally safe when used in appropriate doses and does not cause serious side effects. Mild side effects include nausea, dizziness or diarrhea when high doses are taken for long periods of time.
Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, suffer from gall bladder problems or are scheduled for surgery must avoid taking turmeric.
Always inform your doctor before taking turmeric powder or supplements for it could interact with other herbs and supplements or anticoagulant drugs.
Have you used turmeric for ulcers and nausea, if yes please share your experience here with all others!
Turmeric is best for skin .I added 50 gm of grated green turmeric in 250 ml of mustard oil and kept it on low flame till mustard is burnt and became black. cool it and ready to use. I apply this oil on body before taking bath. Then i apply soap and wash. I feel very fresh whole the day and observe that the roughness and black patches which had come up during winter are reducing and the skin is getting back its smoothness and shining.
A brother of my dear friend just passed away from bleeding ulcers.
He had been taking tumeric supplements for a little over 3 years.
My Gastrointerologist told me that tumeric supplements can make ulcers WORSE. Now I tend to believe it.
My low gut moment stops sometimes leading to bloating & constipation, subsequently feels cramps in my stomach, Normally I take motillium tab (sometimes in combination with Risek 20mg) to revive my gut moment or green tea etc to break constipation. The problem remains for 2-4 days depending upon how much earlier or timely I have taken motillium tab, as if, I get late then it prevails for 3 to 4 otherwise in couple of days it is 80 to 90% settled. Kindly advice or suggest treatment.
Hi. Turmeric benefits gut and stomach health overall. It improves digestion and benefits in bloating as well. You can consider taking turmeric milk or turmeric tea daily. There is no direct evidence on turmeric for constipation but it can improve digestive health.
https://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-recipes/benefits-of-turmeric-milk
https://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-benefits/brew-a-cup-of-turmeric-tea
https://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-benefits/turmeric-for-healthy-stomach
https://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-cures/can-turmeric-ease-bloating
can I turmeric while on blood thinners
Turmeric in diet is safe. However it is advised to avoid turmeric supplements when on blood thinners. Please consult a herbalist or naturopath before taking turmeric when on blood thinners.
CAN I TAKE TUMERIC WHEN ON BLOOD THINNERS
I sometimes burp after taking my turmeric. After the burp a huge cloud of smoke comes out my mouth and is awful. It’s gritty and tastes terrible. The first time it happened is very scary. The doctors say they’ve never heard of that happening before so they don’t suggest anything. Thanks doc! From what I read it is the powder from the capsule that is being burped up.
Yes Sandy. Nothing to be scared about. It is just the Powder from the capsule as it dissolves in the stomach. You can take more water right before you notice this happening – to prevent this.
Hi. Please consult a doctor before taking turmeric supplements. Also check whether they are good quality supplements. You could consider switching to dietary turmeric and starting with small doses to avoid incidence of acid reflux.
I want to try turmeric (for nausea) but am having some minor gall bladder upsets. Should I not use turmeric, then?
As long as one is not suffering from gallstones that are obstructing bile duct it is safe to use turmeric in diet. Curcumin found in turmeric causes gall bladder contraction which is good for gallbladder function but is painful if one has gallstones. If you have gallstones please avoid turmeric.
I find that this useful, but I think the article should provide references. I would like to further read up on those studies.
Hi. The references to the studies are highlighted in orange.
My daughter has an ulcers and her Doctor said she can’t take tumeric as it could cause bleeding..you seem to feel its good and can help an ulcers…please explain…thank you..
Atacid and PPI actually make the problem worse. I try the home remedies for GERD and peptic ulcer (I try many herbs until I find this one) and it works tremendously for me. I stop using atacid and PPI right away. I take 2 capsules of turmeric and 2 teaspoons of probiotics drink diluted with a half glass of water after meal. Before bed, I take 4-5 capsules of slippery elm. Turmeric helps me with the bloating and now I dont have belching or burping at all and the heartburn is also gone within 2 days. The probiotics drink helps me with the digestion, I don’t have a consipation or diarrhea anymore. Now, I eat less because the body absorbs more nutrient and the cravings of sugar and bread are gone.
May i know what brand of turmeric or slippery elm did you use? Thanks a lot ;))
Could you please mention what type of ulcers are these and where are they located? If they are oral or gastric ulcers turmeric actually helps in healing them.
I m confused if can give it with milk to My father or not for peptic/ gastric ulcer…?
Turmeric works very good with olive oil or coconut oil. This is from my own experience.
Turmeric with milk will help soothe and treat the ulcer.
https://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-recipes/benefits-of-turmeric-milk
I’m a bit confused by this. On reading the benefits of turmeric for osteoarthritis it was noted that some patients had suffered some stomach discomfort. So how can something that upsets your stomach be used to cure ulcers and nausea? I have been drinking tumeric tea 2x a day and have experienced some minor stomach discomfort. I don’t know if it’s from the tumeric or something else like potato chips or frozen yogurt.
Hi, its just the overdose of turmeric for a long duration which has the side effect, otherwise when you take it as part of your diet it is very safe.