Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria attach to the stomach’s lining. In some cases, they can cause peptic and duodenal ulcers. Natural treatments, such as honey, aloe vera, and probiotics, may help manage bacteria levels.

Experts say that over half the world’s population have H. pyloriin their stomachs, but only a few develop diseases from it.

If the body cannot manage levels of H. pylori, gastric inflammation can occur. This can lead to gastritis, ulcers, and even gastric cancer. H. pylori infections typically require triple therapy with two antibiotics and a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication.

People with H. pylori may like to try natural remedies alongside a doctor’s recommendations. Natural remedies may help the body’s systems work efficiently, including the immune system, which can help promote overall health.

Various studies have investigated natural approaches to treating H. pylori infections. Natural treatments that may help include:

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Honey has antibacterial properties, and people have used it as a medicine since ancient times.

One older study showed that Manuka honey suppressed the growth of H. pylori in gastric epithelial cells.

Other studies have demonstrated that honey has other anti-H. pylori properties, but more animal studies and clinical trials are necessary to assess honey’s efficiency as a complementary or alternative treatment.

According to a 2019 study, aloe vera gel has both antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Aloe vera is an herbal remedy used for a variety of purposes, including:

  • constipation treatment
  • detoxification
  • digestive health
  • wound-healing

In a 2022 study, the gel from inside the leaves of an aloe vera plant effectively inhibited the growth of H. pylori strains.

This suggests that aloe vera could be effective against H. pylori infection when combined with antibiotics.

Learn about the medical uses of aloe vera.

Sulforaphane, a compound found abundantly in broccoli sprout, has been shown to kill H. pylori.

Older studies performed both in test tubes and on animal and human subjects have demonstrated the favorable effects of sulforaphane against H. pylori bacteria. Broccoli sprout also decreased gastric inflammation in H. pylori-infected mice.

Read more about the health benefits of broccoli.

Lactoferrin, a glycoprotein found in both human and cow’s milk, has shown inhibitory activity against H. pylori. A 2023 article suggests that supplementing with lactoferrin alongside standard triple therapy medications may increase the chances of eradicating H. pylori.

A 2020 laboratory study looked at the activity of essential oils on H. pylori growth and urease activity. Urease is essential for bacterial pathogens to colonize a host. It has a toxic effect on human cells.

The researchers found that cedarwood oil and oregano oil were the most active at inhibiting the growth of H.pylori bacteria. Cedarwood oil was also effective at inhibiting urease activity at sub-inhibitory concentrations.

People must not ingest essential oils. Instead, they can inhale them and use them as aromatherapy.

Green tea is widely consumed around the world. It contains many antioxidants and nutrients. Various animal and human studies have shown that the main antioxidant compounds in green tea, catechins, inhibit the growth of H. pylori.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer various health benefits. Interest in probiotics as a treatment for H. pylori is increasing.

There are numerous types of probiotics. Many people use Bifidobacterium, which is found in dairy and fermented products, to prevent gastrointestinal infection.

A 2021 study looked at microorganisms in the feces of people with H. pylori-related gastric ulcers and gastric cancer. They observed that these people had low concentrations of Bifidobacterium in their gut microbiota, suggesting that the bacteria may be protective against H.pylori.

Learn more about prebiotics and probiotics.

Many people have H. pylori infection throughout their lives and do not experience symptoms. However, infection is associated with a higher risk of gastric issues, such as ulcers.

Once gastritis and peptic ulcers develop, a person may experience the following symptoms:

If someone experiences these symptoms, they should discuss them with a doctor. Do not replace antibiotic treatments for H. pylori with natural treatments without discussing this with a doctor.

Doctors use the following combination of medications, known as triple therapy, to treat H. pylori.

Doctors may avoid prescribing antibiotics a person has taken previously, as the H. pylori bacteria may have become resistant to them.

It is important to take the full course of antibiotics, exactly as a doctor prescribes, to avoid developing antibiotic resistance.

A doctor may recommend testing a person for H. pylori 4 weeks after finishing a course of antibiotics. If some infection remains, they may prescribe a different combination of antibiotics and other medications to ensure no H. pylori bacteria remain.

H. pylori is a widespread gastric infection that can lead to conditions such as gastric and duodenal ulcers.

It is becoming increasingly challenging to treat H. pylori as the bacteria have become resistant to conventional antibiotics. Natural remedies may be effective against H. pylori bacteria. They include honey, aloe vera, and probiotics.

A person should discuss natural remedies with a doctor and follow their recommendations for treating H. pylori.

Herbs and supplements can interfere with some medications. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not monitor supplements for quality and purity, so people should choose a reputable brand and speak to a doctor before trying them.