Can Alcohol from Beeswax Cure Stomach Ailments?

Heartburn, stomach aches and indigestion are increasingly common in Korea, usually caused by stress, heavy drinking, and exposure to spicy food. Yet most people are reluctant to seek treatment for gastrointestinal disorders or stomach ailments.

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But they could be signs of ulcers and acid reflux that may develop into cancer.

◆ Gastrointestinal Disorders on the Rise

Stomach inflammations are a growing epidemic. According to the National Health Insurance Corporation, the number of patients treated for stomach inflammations rose 18 percent from 4.42 million in 2008 to 5.21 million in 2012. The number of cases of heartburn developing into acid reflux is also rising, up 69 percent over the same period.

As stomach inflammations worsen, they turn into ulcers and to a condition dangerously close to stomach cancer. The same goes for acid reflux. Heartburn medicines offer only temporary relief. For fundamental treatment, dietary changes are needed.

◆ Health Foods

Some health foods may help strengthen stomach cells and prevent gastrointestinal disorders. One of these is alcohols extracted from beeswax, which were approved by the Korea Food and Drug Administration in 2013.

The Cuban National Academy of Science says beeswax alcohol has antioxidant and gastro-protective effects. It soothes inflammations in the stomach and increases secretion of gastric mucus.

In one study, 60 patients suffering from ulcers took beeswax alcohol tablets for six weeks and their conditions significantly improved in terms of frequency and severity of stomach pain, heartburn, abdominal bloating, dizziness and vomiting.

Results of animal testing published in international medical journals shows no effect on normal stomachs, but reduced acid excretions in patients suffering from stomach ailments.

One leading beeswax alcohol product available in Korea is Abexol G.I.