Medicinal Herb Information
‘Barrett epithelium, syndrome (esophagus), ulcer’
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Barrett esophagus is the metaplastic columnar epithelium of the esophagus which is the
covering of internal and external surfaces of the body, including skin and the lining of vessels and other small cavities.
It consists of cells joined by small amounts of cementing substances. Epithelium is classified into the types on the
basis of the number of layers deep and the shape of the superficial cells. Barrett syndrome is a peptic ulcer of the lower esophagus, often with stricture due
to the presence of columnar-lined epithelium in the esophagus (sometimes containing functional mucous cells, parietal cells,
or chief cells) instead of the normal squamous cell epithelium. It is sometimes premalignant, followed
by esophageal Adenocarcinoma.
Called also Barrett esophagus.
Barrett ulcer is a chronic peptic ulcer of the esophagus, usually with heterotopic
gastric mucosa.
Peptic ulcers are circumscribed lesions in the mucosal membrane – can develop in the lower esophagus,
stomach, pylorus, duodenum, or jejunum. About 80% of all peptic ulcers are duodenal ulcers, which affect the proximal part
of the small intestine.
Esophagus peptic ulcers usually follow a chronic course, with remissions and exacerbations;
5% to 10% of patients develop complications that necessitate surgery. From a holistic and herbalistic point of view surgery
should always be the last resort and not the first.
∞ Causes and incidence – Researchers recognize three major causes of peptic ulcer disease: infection with
Helicobacter pylori (formerly known as Campylobacter pylori), use of NSAIDs, and pathologic hypersecretory
disorders. How H. pylori produces an ulcer isn’t
clear. Gastric acid, which was considered a primary cause, now appears mainly to contribute to the consequences of infection.
Ongoing studies should soon unveil the full mechanism of ulcer formation. Salicylates and other
NSAIDs encourage ulcer formation by inhibiting the secretion of prostaglandins (the substances that suppress ulceration). Besides peptic ulcer’s main causes, several predisposing factors are acknowledged. They
include blood type (gastric ulcers tend to strike people with type A blood; duodenal ulcers tend to afflict people with type
O blood) and other genetic factors. Exposure to irritants, such as alcohol, coffee, and tobacco, may contribute
by accelerating gastric acid emptying and promoting mucosal breakdown. Ulceration occurs when the acid
secretion exceeds the buffering factors. Physical trauma, emotional stress, and normal aging are additional
predisposing conditions. In the United States, about 1.6 million people acquire
peptic ulcers yearly. Males and females are affected equally, and incidence increases with age.
A higher percentage of H. pylori infection occurs in people older than age 50.
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PEPTIC ULCER
FORMATION
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Increased gastric
acid production
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Impaired
mucosal barrier
protection
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Increased number of parietal and chief cells
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Increase sensitivity to food and other stimuli such as caffeine
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Decreased inhibition of gastric secretions
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Inadequate mucosal blood supply
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Impaired mucus production
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Bile or pancreatic enzyme reflux from duodenum
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Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or alcohol ingestion
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Colonization by Helicobacter pylori
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∞ Signs and symptoms
– Heartburn and indigestion usually signal the beginning of a gastric ulcer attack. Eating stretches the gastric wall
and may cause or, in some cases, relieve pain and feelings of fullness and distention. Other typical effects
include weight loss and repeated episodes of massive GI/Esophagus bleeding. Duodenal ulcers produce
heartburn, well-localized midepigastric pain (relieved by anti acids), weight loss (because the person does not want to eat,
and a peculiar sensation of hot water bubbling in the back of the throat. Attacks usually occur about 2
hours after meals, whenever the stomach is empty or full, or after consumption of orange juice, coffee, aspirin, or alcohol.
∞ Treatment – Experts recommend treating the patient with antibiotics to
radiate H. pylori. The person taking NSAIDs may take a prostaglandin analog (misoprostol) to suppress ulceration
(or the person may take the analog with NSAIDs to prevent ulceration). Histamine-2 (H2) receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitors may reduce acid secretion. A coating agent or
bismuth may be administered to the patient with a duodenal ulcer to protect the lining.
What is important here is to remember that this is what traditional health care would do. As an
herbalist I would use nutrition and herbs first and make surgery and pharmaceutical medicine my last step. I would also work
with my primary health provider with resolving my health conditions. So let us look at this from an herbalist point of
view on GERD and Barrett’s Syndrome.
An
herbalist point of view – Heartburn
is a burning sensation and pain in the stomach and/or chest, behind the breastbone. It may be accompanied
by bloating, gas, nausea, shortness of breath, and /or an acidic or sour taste in the throat. Approximately
60 million Americans suffer from heartburn. It often occurs when hydrochloric acid, which is used by the
stomach to digest food, backs up into the esophagus (the tube between the throat and stomach), causing sensitive tissues to
become irritated.
Normally, the esophageal
sphincter muscle pinches itself shut and prevents stomach acid from surging upward. However, if the sphincter
is not functioning properly, the acid can slip past it and into the esophagus. This is gastro-esophageal
reflux. Conditions that affect the esophagus and cause a reflux of stomach acids into the esophagus are
now referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) rather than dyspepsia, chronic heartburn or acid indigestion.
GERD can strike anyone, at any age. GERD can scar
the esophagus, and if stomach acids make their way into the lungs, it can cause asthma-like symptoms. GERD
can also lead to a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, which is characterized by changes in the cells lining
the esophagus that can induce cancer.
People
with hiatal hernia often experience heartburn. It can also be triggered by certain foods. Common trigger
foods include alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits and products, fats and fatty or fried foods, peppermint, spicy foods,
and tomatoes and tomato-based foods Gallbladder problems, stress, allergies, and enzyme deficiencies are other possible contributing
factors.
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Traditionally used
Herbs and method of use for Barrett Esophagus Syndrome.
Aloe vera juice, Catnip, Fennel, Ginger, Marshmallow root, Papaya tea, Chamomile tea, Licorice root, Slippery Elm, Astragalus
root, Comfrey, Golden seal leaf, Gota kola and Gentian.
§ Aloe vera juice:
ÃPart used: Juice.
Aloe
vera juice nutrients are Amino acids, calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins A1, B1, B2,
B3, C, and E.
It soothes stomach irritation, aids in healing,
and acts as a laxative.
Aloe vera juice aids healing
of the intestinal tract.
 Time of Administration: Anytime.
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Catnip:
ÃPart used: Leaf.
Catnip nutrients are Calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, manganese,
phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc.
Catnip
dispels gas and aids digestion and sleep; relieves stress; stimulates the appetite.
Catnip tea aids in proper digestion and acts as a buffer to stop heartburn.
Time of Administration: Morning to evening.
§ Fennel:
ÃPart used: Leaves.
Fennel
nutrients are Amino acids, calcium, choline, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium,
vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, and E.
Fennel act as a laxative,
lubricates the intestines, and cleaning of the colon.
Fennel
tea aids in proper digestion and acts as a buffer to stop heartburn.
Time of Administration: Late afternoon.
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Ginger:
ÃPart used: Fruit.
Ginger nutrients are Amino acids, calcium, essential fatty acids,
iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and C.
Ground ginger also contains vitamin A.
Ginger
fights inflammation, cleanses the colon, reduces spasms and cramps, and stimulates circulation. It is a
strong antioxidant and effective antimicrobial agent for sore and wounds such as chronic ulceration.
Ginger tea aids in proper digestion and acts as a buffer to stop
heartburn.
ü Caution:
Not recommended for people who take anticoagulants for gallstones. Not recommended for extended use
during pregnancy. Can cause stomach distress if taken in large quantities. Consult primary
care giver when using in Chronic ulceration.
Time of Administration: Anytime as Needed.
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Marshmallow root:
ÃPart used: Root.
Marshmallow nutrients are amino acids, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese,
phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Marshmallow
root aids the body in expelling excess fluid and mucus. Soothes and heals mucous membranes and other tissues.
It is food for chronic ulceration such as GERD and Barrett’s esophagus.
The tea aids in proper digestion and acts as a buffer to stop heartburn.
Time of Administration: Though out the day.
§ Papaya:
ÃPart used: Fruit.
Papaya
nutrients are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and C.
Papaya stimulates the appetite and aids in digestion. It is good
for heartburn, indigestion and inflammatory ulceration.
Papaya
tea aids in proper digestion and acts as a buffer to stop heartburn.
Time of Administration: Though out the day.
§ Chamomile:
ÃPart used: Leaves and flowers.
Chamomile
nutrients are choline, vitamins B1, B3, and C.
Chamomile
reduces inflammation, stimulates the appetite, and aids digestion and sleep. It is a traditional remedy
for stress and anxiety, indigestion and insomnia.
Chamomile
tea can relieve esophageal irritation.
Time of Administration: Though out the day.
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Licorice root:
ÃPart used: Root.
Licorice root nutrients are calcium, choline, iron, magnesium, manganese,
phosphorus, potassium, selenium, silicon, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Licorice
root fights inflammation, viral, bacterial, and parasitic infection. It reduces muscle spasms, increases
fluidity of mucus in the lungs and bronchial tubes, and promotes adrenal gland function. Has estrogen and
progesterone-like effects. Deglycyrrhizinated licorice may stimulate natural defense mechanisms that prevent the occurrence
of ulcers by increasing the number of mucus-secreting cells in the digestive tract. This improves the quality
of mucus, lengthens intestinal cell life, and enhances microcirculation of the gastrointestinal lining.
Licorice root has effectively treated both heartburn and ulcers of
the stomach and esophagus. Sucking on a root or drinking it in a tea or in a formula for this problem is very effective.
Time of Administration: Though out the day.
ü Caution: Do not use licorice root if you have high blood pressure or on medication
for HBP.
§ Slippery Elm:
ÃPart used: Root.
Slippery elm nutrients are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,
potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
As a
urinary antiseptic and appetite stimulant it can be used in your breakfast cereal, capsules, teas, etc. This wonder herb should
be in all formula for ulceration problems.
Time of Administration: Though out the day.
ü Caution: Slippery elm should not be given to children under six.
§ Astragalus root:
ÃPart used: Root.
Astragalus
root nutrients are calcium, choline, copper, essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc.
Act as a tonic to protect the immune system. Aids adrenal gland function
and digestion, increases metabolism, produces spontaneous sweating, promotes healing, and provides energy to combat fatigue
and prolonged stress. It increases stamina.
Astragalus root powdered can be used in your breakfast cereal, capsules, teas, etc. This wonder herb should
be in all formula for ulceration problems.
Time of Administration: Though out the day.
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Comfrey Leaf:
ÃPart used: Leaf.
Comfrey leaf nutrients are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,
potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
It speeds
up healing of wounds and many skin conditions.
Comfrey
leaf can be used in your capsules. This wonder herb should be in all formula for ulceration problems.
ü Caution:
Comfrey leaf and root used internally should be followed by your primary health care giver.
Time of Administration: Though out the day.
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Goldenseal leaf:
ÃPart used: Leaf.
Goldenseal leaf nutrients are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese,
phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Goldenseal
leaf fights infection and inflammation.
Cleanses the body; improves digestion, regulates menses,
decreases uterine bleeding, and stimulates the central nervous system. It’s good for ulcers such
as GERD and Barrett’s esophagus syndrome.
The herb is an excellent helper in an herbal formula
for GERD and Barrett’s esophagus.
Time of Administration: Though out the day.
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Raw Honey:
ÃPart used: Fruit.
Raw Honey nutrients are carbohydrates [full carb. (sugars)], some
minerals, B-complex, vitamins C. D, and E. Raw Honey is used
to promote energy and healing. It is a natural antiseptic and used for sweetening foods and beverage.
Honey is twice as sweet as sugar, so not as much is needed for sweetening purposes, it is highly nutritious.
ü Buy only unfiltered, unheated, unprocessed raw honey, and never give honey to an infant
under one year of age. In its natural form, honey can contain spores of the bacteria that cause botulism.
This poses no problem for adults and older children but in infants, the spores can colonize the digestive tract and
produce the deadly botulin toxin there. Honey is safe for babies after age one.
Time of Administration: Though out the day.
§ Gotu kola:
ÃPart used: leave. Gotu kola nutrients
are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Gotu kola aids in neutralizing blood acids and lower's body temperature.
Promotes wound healing, and is good for liver function, stimulates a poor appetite and aids in sleeping. The herb is an excellent helper in an herbal formula for GERD and Barrett’s esophagus.
Time of Administration: Though out the day.
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Gentian:
ÃPart used: Leave.
Gentian nutrients are calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus,
potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C.
Gentian
aids in digestion, stimulates appetite, and boosts circulation. It kills plasmodia, worms, aids in
the correction of ulceration such as GERD and Barrett’s esophagus and is good for circulatory problems and pancreatitis.
The herb is an excellent helper in an herbal formula for GERD and
Barrett’s esophagus.
Time of Administration: Though out the day.
∞ Recommendations
· At the first sign of heartburn, drink a large
glass of water.
This often helps, than follow up with Melody Ann’s Heartburn tablets. Also eat live cultured
yogurt like Dannon’s Activea.
· Try raw potato juice. Do not
peel the potato – just wash it and put it in the juicer. Mix the juice with an equal amount of water.
Drink it immediately after preparation, three times a day.
· Try drinking a glass of fresh cabbage or celery juice every
day. Studies have shown that cabbage juice has remarkable healing powers for ulcers. It may be diluted with water or carrot
juice.
· Although you may not feel like
eating, good nutrition is essential for healing ulcers. Eat several small meals a day to avoid placing
a heavy burden on your digestive system.
· Eat plenty of fiber.
Although the smooth foods of the famous “bland diet” were once thought safest for ulcer patients, increased
fiber intake has been shown to repair ulcers. Focus on sources of soluble fiber, such as oats.
· Vitamin K has been shown to repair damage from gastric
juices. Eat several servings of green leafy vegetables a day, and drink lots of green juices.
· Cultured products will provide the friendly “bacteria”
that fight H. pylori. Drink kefir milk or eat some live cultured yogurt every day.
· Zinc is healing to the digestive tract.
Good sources include pumpkin seeds and whole grains.
· Consume garlic with your meals; test tube studies show it has
anti-Helicobacter pylori properties.
· Change your eating habits. Eat more raw vegetables.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Chew your food well. Eat slowly and enjoy your
food. Following a disciplined diet is an important aspect of managing GERD and Barrett’s
esophagus.
· Sip 1 tablespoon of raw apple cider
vinegar (read label to make sure that it is real apple cider vinegar), mixed with a glass of water, while eating a meal.
Do not drink any other liquids with meals.
· Eat fresh papaya and/or pineapple to aid digestion.
Chew a few of the papaya seeds as well.
· Do not eat three hours before bedtime. Wait
at least three hours after eating before lying down.
· Do not consume caffeine-containing products, carbonated beverages,
food known that can cause heartburn until you have had some time to heal. Then slowly add back the healthy
foods.
· Elevate the head of your bed.
· As much as possible avoid stress and anger by breathing
slowly while release the tension.
· Do not wear clothes that fit tightly around the waist.
Do not wear tight clothing to bed.
· The early symptoms of angina and heart attack sometimes mimic
those of “acid stomach.” If symptoms persist, if the pain begins to travel down into your left
arm, or if the sensation is accompanied by a feeling of weakness, dizziness, or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical
help at once.
∞ Authors notes – I believe that the American diet and consumption of Anti
acid is what will bring on GERD and then continuing into Barrett’s syndrome. This is due to the chronic condition of
a viral and/or bacterial infection that should be first treated with an herbal anti-viral formula and continued with a good
nutruital diet, herbal blended formulas and teas. This will bring about a life change that can change the
body response to a chronic condition.
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Procedure: please email Melody at melody@melodyanns.com for questions.
Listed below are some important tips to help you
through this difficult time. Unless otherwise specified, the dosages recommended here are for adults. For
children between the ages of twelve and seventeen, reduce the dose to three-quarters the recommended amount. For children
between six and twelve, use one-half the recommended dose, and for children under the age of six, use, one-quarter the recommended
amount.
NUTRIENTS
| SUPPLEMENT | SUGGESTED DOSAGE | COMMENTS | | Very Import | | | | PancreatinPlusBromelain | As
directed on label. Take with meals. 80 mg daily, in divided doses. Do not exceed doses. Do
not exceed a total of 100 mg daily from all supplements | Enzymes necessary for proper digestion. | | Chewable Papaya Enzyme
with Chlorophyll tabletsFrom American Health | As directed on label. | To
relieve symptoms. Use chewable tablets from a health food store. | | Vitamin
B complex Plus
extraVitamin B12 | 50mg of each major B vitamin 3times daily, with meals (amounts of individual vitamins
in a complex will vary). 1,000 – 2,000 mcg daily. | Needed for proper digestion. Use lozenge or sublingual
forms. | | Helpful | | | | Acid-Ease
from Melody Ann’s Heartburn tablets | As directed on label. | A soothing plant enzyme and herb formula that aids in the breakdown and assimilation
of foods. | | Acidophilus(Probiata from Cyclone
Nutrition – 4 x 6) | As
directed on label | Replaces friendly bacteria in the stomach. | | CalciumAndMagnesiumAnd
Potassium | 300 mg twice daily. 150-200 mg twice daily. 100
mg twice daily. Be sure to read the label. | These minerals have an alkalizing effect that binds up stomach acid. Take
these together between meals. Use calcium carbonate or calcium chelate form. | | Methylsulfonyl-Methane (MSM) | As
directed on label. | Relieves hyperacidity without disturbing the normal acid-alkaline balance. |
∞
Length of time –
This is a life changing event. Some of the herbal
products will only be for the duration of the pain. The Nutritional Diet will be life changing.
 ---References--- “Dorland’s Illustrated Medical 31st
Dictionary” 31st Edition – Saunders Elsevier; Copyright 2007; ISBN 978-4160-2364-7
(standard) – 978-4160-4998-2 (Deluxe) – 978-0-8089-2362-6 (International)
 ---References--- “Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine” by – Michael Murray,
N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D.; Copyright 1997; ISBN 0-7615-1157-1
 ---References--- “Medical Herbalism The Science and Practice of Herbal
Medicine” by – David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG; Copyright 2003; ISBN 0-89281-749-6 (hardcover)
 ---References--- “Nutritional Herbology” by – Mark
Pedersen; Copyright 2008; ISBN-10: 1-885653-07-7, ISBN-13: 978-1-885653-07-9
 ---References--- “Prescription for Natural cures” A self-Care Guide for treating
health problems with Natural remedies including diet and nutrition, nutritional supplements, body work, and more; by –
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D.; Copyright 2004; ISBN: 0-471-49088-1
 ---References--- “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”
Fourth Edition by – Phyllis A. Balch, CNC Copyright 2006, ISBN: 1-58333-236-7
 ---References--- “Professional Guide to Diseases” Eight Edition – Lippincott
William and Wilkins; Copyright 2005; ISBN 1-58255-370-X (alk. Paper) 2004025162
 ---References--- “School of Natural Healing
Herbal Reference Guide by – Dr. John R. Christopher. Copyright 2001,
ISBN-10: 1-879436-01-9
 ---References--- “The
Ultimate Healing System – The Illustrated Guide to Muscle Testing & Nutrition” by – Donald
Lepore, N.D.; Copyright 1985, ISBN: 0-94717-11560-7
Generated on April 14, 2009 Updated on April 22, 2009
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