Several herbs have genuine evidence behind them for easing gastritis symptoms, with licorice root, chamomile, ginger, and aloe vera among the most studied. Each works differently: some coat and protect the stomach lining, others reduce inflammation or help the stomach empty more efficiently. The best choice depends on your specific symptoms and what’s driving them.
Licorice Root (DGL Form)
Deglycyrrhizinated licorice, or DGL, is one of the most well-supported herbal options for gastritis. Unlike acid-blocking medications, DGL works by strengthening the stomach’s own defenses. It increases blood flow to the damaged lining, boosts the number of mucus-producing cells, increases the amount of protective mucus those cells generate, and extends the lifespan of the cells lining your stomach. That combination helps the tissue repair itself rather than simply masking the problem.
The standard approach is two to four 380 mg chewable tablets taken 20 minutes before meals. In clinical studies, patients with gastric ulcers took 760 mg three times daily for a month and saw meaningful improvement. Most protocols recommend continuing for 8 to 16 weeks depending on how you respond. The “deglycyrrhizinated” part matters: regular licorice contains a compound called glycyrrhizin that can raise blood pressure and cause fluid retention. DGL has this removed, making it safer for ongoing use.
Chamomile
Chamomile has long been a go-to for stomach complaints, and the science backs up the tradition. Its key active compound, a flavonoid called apigenin, reduces the production of inflammatory signaling molecules in the body. In animal studies, apigenin significantly lowered levels of TNF-alpha, a protein that drives inflammation in the gut lining. Chamomile also has antispasmodic properties, meaning it can ease cramping and the tight, gnawing discomfort that often comes with gastritis.
Drinking chamomile as a tea is the simplest way to use it. Steep dried flowers or a tea bag in hot water for five to ten minutes. Some people find that drinking it between meals or before bed works best, since an empty or nearly empty stomach allows more direct contact with the irritated lining.
Ginger
Ginger tackles gastritis from a different angle. It reduces intestinal cramping, lowers pressure on the valve between the stomach and esophagus, and speeds up gastric emptying, meaning food moves through your stomach faster instead of sitting there and triggering more acid production. In one clinical trial, a ginger extract equivalent to about 2 grams of fresh rhizome taken twice daily significantly improved gastrointestinal motility compared to a placebo. Another study confirmed that ginger accelerates gastric emptying and stimulates contractions in healthy individuals.
These properties make ginger especially useful if your gastritis comes with bloating, fullness, or nausea. Fresh ginger steeped in hot water makes an effective tea, and ginger extract capsules are widely available. Its antiulcer effects have been demonstrated in multiple studies, though most of the strongest evidence comes from animal models rather than large human trials.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera’s reputation as a wound healer extends to the stomach lining. The inner leaf gel reduces inflammation by lowering white blood cell activity at the site of damage and decreasing levels of TNF-alpha, the same inflammatory molecule that chamomile targets. At the same time, it raises levels of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory compound. In animal studies, aloe vera treatment reduced gastric ulcer size, enhanced the growth of new epithelial cells, and lengthened the gastric glands responsible for producing protective mucus.
Part of aloe’s protective effect comes from stimulating the stomach to produce more prostaglandins, natural compounds that shield the mucosal lining from acid. If you’re using aloe vera for gastritis, look for inner leaf gel products specifically designed for internal use. Whole-leaf preparations contain latex compounds that act as strong laxatives and can irritate the gut.
Slippery Elm and Marshmallow Root
These two herbs work through a shared mechanism: mucilage. When they come into contact with water, they form a thick, slippery gel that physically coats the stomach lining, creating a temporary barrier between your tissue and stomach acid. Slippery elm is particularly rich in polysaccharides and is considered more mucilaginous than licorice. It has a long history of use as a demulcent, a substance that soothes and protects irritated mucous membranes throughout the digestive tract.
Marshmallow root works similarly and is easy to prepare at home. You can steep dried root in boiling water for five to ten minutes for a standard tea. For a more potent preparation, mix marshmallow root powder with room-temperature water in a sealed jar and let it sit overnight. The cold infusion draws out more mucilage, producing a thicker liquid that coats the stomach more effectively than a quick hot tea. Both herbs are gentle and well-tolerated, making them good options for people with sensitive stomachs who want immediate, if temporary, symptom relief.
Turmeric and Curcumin
Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has demonstrated the ability to reduce gastric acid secretion by lowering levels of gastrin, the hormone that signals your stomach to produce acid. In animal research, curcumin treatment significantly raised the pH of stomach fluid, meaning the environment became less acidic. It also has broad anti-inflammatory effects throughout the digestive system.
The challenge with curcumin is absorption. Your body doesn’t absorb it well on its own, so look for formulations that include piperine (from black pepper) or are designed for enhanced bioavailability. Taking turmeric as a spice in food provides relatively small amounts of curcumin, so supplements are typically needed for a therapeutic effect. Start with a low dose, as some people find that high amounts of turmeric can paradoxically irritate the stomach, especially on an empty stomach.
Mastic Gum: Promising but Limited
Mastic gum, a resin from a tree native to the Greek island of Chios, has shown strong antibacterial activity against H. pylori in lab settings. Early research found it could kill the bacteria at very low concentrations, regardless of whether the strain was antibiotic-resistant. That generated significant excitement, but clinical results have been disappointing. In one study, patients took 1 gram of mastic gum four times daily for 14 days, and every single participant still tested positive for H. pylori afterward. A later trial using doses of 350 mg and 1 gram three times daily cleared the infection in only about 31% to 39% of patients.
Interestingly, one animal study found that mastic gum reduced H. pylori colonization by about 30-fold but did not actually resolve the chronic gastritis itself. So while mastic gum may help reduce bacterial load, it is not reliable enough to replace conventional H. pylori treatment. It may have a role as a complement to standard therapy, but not as a substitute.
Herb and Medication Interactions
If you’re taking a proton pump inhibitor like omeprazole, lansoprazole, or similar medications, be aware that certain herbs can interfere. St. John’s wort dramatically lowers omeprazole levels in the body, which could make your PPI far less effective. Ginkgo biloba increases bleeding risk when combined with PPIs, and kava can amplify sedative side effects. The herbs most commonly used for gastritis (chamomile, ginger, licorice, aloe) don’t have well-documented PPI interactions, but the broader point stands: combining herbal and pharmaceutical treatments without thinking through the interactions can undermine your treatment or create new problems.
It’s also worth noting that herbs work best for mild to moderate gastritis symptoms. If your gastritis is caused by H. pylori infection, you’ll likely need conventional antibiotic therapy to clear it. Herbs like mastic gum or even ginger can support recovery, but the bacterial infection itself requires targeted treatment. For gastritis caused by chronic NSAID use, alcohol, or stress, herbal options have a stronger standalone case, particularly the combination of a mucosal protector like DGL or slippery elm with an anti-inflammatory like chamomile or ginger.