Natural Gastritis Treatment

Damage or irritation to the stomach’s protective lining can trigger inflammation, causing a condition called gastritis. This common digestive disorder affects more than half the global population.¹Definition and Facts for Gastritis and Gastropathy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated August 2019. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy/definition-facts#:~:text=A%20form%20of%20acute%20erosive,2 Gastritis can appear suddenly in an acute episode that lasts a day or two or develop gradually over time, becoming chronic. For some, it lingers for months or even years, with periodic flare-ups that disrupt daily life.²Feyisa ZT, Woldeamanuel BT. Prevalence and associated risk factors of gastritis among patients visiting Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2021;16(2). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246619

Gastritis symptoms and diagnosis

The inner lining of the stomach acts as a vital barrier, shielding the digestive tract from harmful acids, enzymes, and bacteria by secreting a layer of protective mucus. When this lining is damaged, a condition known as gastropathy can occur. There are four main types of gastropathy¹Definition and Facts for Gastritis and Gastropathy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated August 2019. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy/definition-facts#:~:text=A%20form%20of%20acute%20erosive,2:

1. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) chronic gastritis results from H. pylori infection.
2. Reactive gastropathy is caused by irritative substances like alcohol, bile, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
3. Autoimmune gastritis develops when the immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach lining.
4. Acute erosive gastropathy, also called stress gastritis, happens when reduced blood flow allows acid to damage the stomach wall.

Symptoms of acute gastritis include abdominal pain, bloating, gas, heartburn, belching, nausea (sometimes with vomiting), and a diminished appetite. Chronic gastritis may produce similar symptoms or remain mild and even asymptomatic.³Overview: Gastritis. InformedHealth.org. IQWiG. Updated November 10, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310265/?report=reader#_NBK310265_pubdet_

Accurate diagnosis relies heavily on symptom evaluation but may also include stool or breath tests (to detect H. pylori) and imaging studies such as an upper endoscopy for a closer look at the stomach lining.⁴Diagnosis of Gastritis and Gastropathy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated August 2019. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy/diagnosis

Potential causes

Nearly everyone infected with H. pylori develops some form of chronic gastritis.¹Definition and Facts for Gastritis and Gastropathy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated August 2019. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy/definition-facts#:~:text=A%20form%20of%20acute%20erosive,2

NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac) are generally safe for short-term use. But taken frequently or over long periods, they can irritate or erode the stomach lining. Other contributing factors include excessive alcohol intake, smoking, chronic stress, and a diet high in acidic, fatty, sugary, or spicy foods.³Overview: Gastritis. InformedHealth.org. IQWiG. Updated November 10, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310265/?report=reader#_NBK310265_pubdet_

Left untreated, gastritis can progress to more serious conditions, including peptic ulcers, pernicious anemia, and even stomach cancer.¹Definition and Facts for Gastritis and Gastropathy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated August 2019. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy/definition-facts#:~:text=A%20form%20of%20acute%20erosive,2

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Conventional treatment

Over-the-counter and prescription medications are often prescribed for symptom relief. If H. pylori is detected, antibiotics may be paired with acid-reducing drugs to resolve the infection and ease discomfort.³Overview: Gastritis. InformedHealth.org. IQWiG. Updated November 10, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310265/?report=reader#_NBK310265_pubdet_

“The conventional approach to treating gastritis typically focuses on symptom suppression, most often with acid-reducing medications like proton pump inhibitors or antacids,” says Tasmin J. Wilhelm, ND, a gastrointestinal specialist at Bellingham Naturopathic Clinic in Washington. “While those treatments can offer short-term relief, they typically don’t address why the inflammation is happening in the first place.”

Natural relief for gastritis symptoms

Naturopathic treatment for gastritis focuses not only on symptom management but also on restoring optimal function so the digestive system can heal itself. NDs begin the search for root causes—like H. pylori, food sensitivities, or gut microbiome imbalances—by taking a thorough health history.

“Instead of just shutting down stomach acid, which can create downstream issues like nutrient malabsorption or dysbiosis, explains Dr. Wilhelm, “I work to understand and resolve the underlying driver. It’s not just about what’s happening in the stomach, but how the whole digestive system, nervous system, and lifestyle factors are contributing to inflammation and poor healing.”

Six stomach solutions

A natural, whole-health approach to healing gastritis centers on soothing inflammation, supporting gut repair, and promoting long-term digestive health. This involves a combination of targeted supplements, diet changes, and mind–body support:

1. Botanicals such as deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL), slippery elm, and marshmallow root calm and coat the stomach lining, promoting healing and gastrointestinal comfort.⁵Setright R. Prevention of symptoms of gastric irritation (GERD) using two herbal formulas: an observational study. J Aust Trad Med Soc. 2017;23(2):68-71. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/INFORMIT.950298610899394
2. Natural antimicrobials like berberine, oregano oil, and mastic gum may maintain microbial balance in the gut.⁶Leyva-Lopez N, Gutierrez-Grijalva E, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia J. Essential oils of oregano: biological activity beyond their antimicrobial properties. Molecules. 2017;22(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22060989
3. L–glutamine, an amino acid, plays a key role in supporting the integrity of the gut lining and keeping a healthy intestinal barrier.⁷Deters BJ, Saleem M. The role of glutamine in supporting gut health and neuropsychiatric factors. Food Sci and Hum Well. 2021;10(2):149-154. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453021000112
4. Green tea has been studied for its ability to support a healthy inflammatory response and protect against oxidative stress in the digestive tract.⁸Shibata K, Moriyama M, Fukushima T, et al. Green tea consumption and chronic atrophic gastritis: a cross-sectional study in a green tea production village. J Epidemiol. 2000;10(5):310-316. https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.10.310
5. Aloe vera promotes a healthy stomach lining while supporting smooth digestion.⁹Retiu A, Budescu T, Menae I, et al. Aloe vera extract for stomach acid use safe and effective treatment. Int J Adv Sci Rev. 2021;2(2):59-64. https://igsspublication.com/index.php/ijpasr/article/view/125
6. Folic acid may support a healthy stomach lining and help maintain gastrointestinal function. In one analysis of 16 randomized clinical trials, folic acid supplementation was associated with improvements in gastric mucosal health.¹⁰Li H, Li J, Lai M. Efficacy analysis of folic acid in chronic atrophic gastritis with Helicobacter pylori infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;25:69. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-025-03644-1

“Ultimately, it’s about creating the right conditions for the gut to repair by removing what’s harming it and rebuilding what has been depleted,” says Dr. Wilhelm. “I prioritize calming the fire by reducing inflammation and soothing the gut lining, pairing natural remedies with anti-inflammatory dietary strategies and nourishing, healing meals to support digestive health.”

Mind–body strategies for gastritis pain

Chronic stress can impair digestion, weaken immune defenses, and trigger or worsen inflammation. Dr. Wilhelm emphasizes the importance of nervous system regulation to support recovery.

“Because stress can be a major contributor [to] gastritis, mind–body support and calming herbs like chamomile, lemon balm, or skullcap can be incredibly helpful, alongside lifestyle practices that regulate the nervous system,” she notes.

Breathwork, meditation, yoga, and gentle movement all help calm the stress response and improve digestion. Sleep hygiene, time in nature, and emotional support are also powerful tools for restoring gut health. When paired with targeted nutrition and herbal therapies, these lifestyle strategies not only help relieve symptoms but also strengthen and support long-term digestive resilience.

Footnotes

• 1
  Definition and Facts for Gastritis and Gastropathy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated August 2019. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy/definition-facts#:~:text=A%20form%20of%20acute%20erosive,2
• 2
  Feyisa ZT, Woldeamanuel BT. Prevalence and associated risk factors of gastritis among patients visiting Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. PLoS One. 2021;16(2). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246619
• 3
  Overview: Gastritis. InformedHealth.org. IQWiG. Updated November 10, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK310265/?report=reader#_NBK310265_pubdet_
• 4
  Diagnosis of Gastritis and Gastropathy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Updated August 2019. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gastritis-gastropathy/diagnosis
• 5
  Setright R. Prevention of symptoms of gastric irritation (GERD) using two herbal formulas: an observational study. J Aust Trad Med Soc. 2017;23(2):68-71. https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/INFORMIT.950298610899394
• 6
  Leyva-Lopez N, Gutierrez-Grijalva E, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia J. Essential oils of oregano: biological activity beyond their antimicrobial properties. Molecules. 2017;22(6). https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22060989
• 7
  Deters BJ, Saleem M. The role of glutamine in supporting gut health and neuropsychiatric factors. Food Sci and Hum Well. 2021;10(2):149-154. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213453021000112
• 8
  Shibata K, Moriyama M, Fukushima T, et al. Green tea consumption and chronic atrophic gastritis: a cross-sectional study in a green tea production village. J Epidemiol. 2000;10(5):310-316. https://doi.org/10.2188/jea.10.310
• 9
  Retiu A, Budescu T, Menae I, et al. Aloe vera extract for stomach acid use safe and effective treatment. Int J Adv Sci Rev. 2021;2(2):59-64. https://igsspublication.com/index.php/ijpasr/article/view/125
• 10
  Li H, Li J, Lai M. Efficacy analysis of folic acid in chronic atrophic gastritis with Helicobacter pylori infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;25:69. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-025-03644-1