My wife went to our GP recently about a burning sensation in her stomach. she has had tests to check for an ulcer, but, as yet, no light has been shed on why she feels this discomfort. What can she take to ease the pain?

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Whenever I experience pain or discomfort in the digestive tract, I initially turn to slippery elm. Economical and effective, this herb creates a slippery, viscous coating on the inner digestive tract. It is superb for soothing any type of internal inflammation. It is even be used externally as a compress to help heal external wounds or burns.

Traditionally taken in the form of a nourishing gruel, it is made by adding 1 tbsp of powder to a little boiling water to make a paste. Flavour it with a little ginger, nutmeg or cinnamon. (Slippery Elm Powder, £5.90 for 50g, from Neal’s Yard Remedies.)

If your wife doesn’t like the consistency – and it can be a bit offputting at first – she could try BioCare Slippery Elm Plus (£9.95 for 90 capsules; 0121 433 3727). These capsules contain slippery elm, marshmallow and rice extract. Marshmallow is another herb that can soothe the stomach, and rice extract provides gamma oryzanol, a plant sterol with antiinflammatory properties. Take one capsule three times a day, 20 minutes before food.

Your wife should avoid acid-forming substances such as tea, coffee, alcohol and refined foods. She should also reduce her intake of dairy and wheat. Instead, she should favour alkaline foods, including millet, almonds and tofu.

Jennifer Harper-Deacon is a registered naturopathic physician; www.jenniferharper-deacon.com

If you have any questions, write to What’s the Alternative? Style, The Sunday Times, 1 Pennington Street, London E98 1ST. We can provide replies to published letters only

Before following any recommendation in this column, consult your GP

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