Many people today face significant work and life pressures, which often lead to irregular eating habits. Such lifestyles can easily result in various stomach ailments, with gastric ulcers being a common one. There are numerous folk remedies for treating gastric ulcers, such as honey and potatoes. Below, we'll explore a recommended remedy for you.
Contributed by Mr. Lü from Hunan: As a programmer at an IT company, I work day and night when deadlines loom, yet have ample free time otherwise—my schedule is extremely erratic. About five or six years ago, I developed a stomach ulcer. While undergoing treatment, I also began focusing on dietary therapy. A friend recommended a folk remedy: honey potato paste. Take 1000 grams of fresh potatoes and an appropriate amount of honey.Wash the potatoes, extract their juice, and pour it into a pot. Bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat. When the liquid thickens to a viscous consistency, add honey to taste and stir well. Continue simmering over low heat until it forms a paste. Let cool and consume on an empty stomach twice daily, one tablespoon each time. One course of treatment lasts 20 days.
Commentary by Professor Zhang Hudé, Health Preservation Department, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine: The reader-submitted recipe is for reference only. Generally, honey harmonizes the middle burner and strengthens the spleen, while potatoes may promote ulcer healing, potentially aiding gastrointestinal ulcers. However, its actual efficacy remains uncertain. Here are two recommended recipes for alleviating gastric ulcers: 1. Take one small cup of lotus root juice, 5 grams of Notoginseng powder, and one raw egg.Boil the lotus root juice with an appropriate amount of water, add the sanqi powder, and mix well with the raw egg to form a soup. Add a small amount of salt and sesame oil to accompany meals. Take twice daily. Lotus root juice nourishes yin, while sanqi powder promotes blood circulation and accelerates ulcer healing. This formula nourishes yin and benefits the stomach, suitable for gastrointestinal ulcers caused by yin deficiency. 2.30–60g cactus, 60–90g beef. Chop cactus and slice beef. Stir-fry cactus and beef until cooked, season, then consume the beef. Cactus promotes qi circulation and blood flow, while beef replenishes qi. This formula is effective for both gastric and duodenal ulcers.
Important notes: Stomach ulcer patients should avoid spicy foods like chili peppers, scallions, garlic, and alcohol; refrain from overeating and adopt smaller, more frequent meals; avoid extremely cold or hot foods; quit smoking and drinking; minimize or eliminate hard-to-digest foods like leeks, green peppers, and boiled corn to reduce gastric burden; limit fatty foods such as seafood and lamb.