Treating tummy troubles with homeopathy

Homeopath David Needleman shares his go-to remedies for symptoms of indigestion and colic

Some of the most common problems I’m consulted about are gastric, especially symptoms of indigestion.

Many of us have resorted to antacids at some point for heartburn (a burning sensation in the chest), nausea, bloating and other symptoms of indigestion. But when the symptoms become a regular occurrence, they require more than just a quick fix. And long-term use of over-the-counter antacids is not recommended.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)—the term for repeated acid reflux, or stomach acid traveling up toward the throat and causing heartburn or a horrible taste in your mouth—you’ve likely been prescribed a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) like omeprazole. But these have been linked to serious side effects, including bone fractures, potentially fatal infections and even heart attacks.¹

Plus, around a third of patients suspected of having GERD still suffer from symptoms despite taking PPIs.²

Until recently, ranitidine (Zantac), once hailed as a wonder drug, was commonly prescribed for GERD, but it’s now been withdrawn worldwide due to contamination and cancer concerns.

A far safer option for GERD and other gastric issues is to consult with an experienced homeopath who can offer an in-depth consultation and the most suitable remedies, along with regular follow-ups.

Here are some useful remedies to have on hand for treating indigestion in the short term, depending on the particular symptoms. I’ve also included my top remedies for colic, another problem I’m commonly contacted about, which is often related to digestive problems.

Remedies for indigestion

I suggest using 30C potency, which is the easiest to obtain. It’s commonly available in any store that stocks a range of homeopathic remedies.

Take one dose immediately, followed by a second dose half an hour later if the symptoms are unresolved. Take a third dose after another hour if you’re still experiencing symptoms.

If the indigestion is still a problem or you find it occurs regularly, it’s best to consult a homeopath for an individual prescription.

Arsenicum Album (Ars Alb)

Use this remedy if you’re suffering from burning pains in the stomach, retching and vomiting. Diarrhea may be a symptom, too.

You may feel better after a warm drink and worse after midnight, especially between 12:00 and 3:00 a.m. You may also feel incredibly weak and have a constant thirst for sips of water.

Arsenicum Album is a useful travel remedy to combat “holiday tummy.”

Bryonia

This remedy is ideal if you’re experiencing sharp, stabbing pains, like a stitch, and heaviness in the stomach soon after eating, like there’s a stone in the stomach. The stomach may be sensitive to touch, and there is often constipation with little or no desire to pass a stool. You may have a thirst for large amounts of water, too.

You may feel better with firm pressure and worse when the pressure is released.

Bryonia is often a first-line remedy for appendicitis.

Carbo Vegetabilis (Carbo Veg)

Use this remedy if you’re suffering from heaviness, bloating, pain and tenderness in the stomach, along with belching and flatulence. This may come on even after the simplest of foods, or after bad fish or water.

You may feel worse after eating fatty foods and better when sitting up and after releasing wind.

Carbo Veg is especially useful in pregnancy as it’s completely safe for both mother and child. This kind of indigestion is very common in pregnancy.

Lycopodium

Go for Lycopodium if you have indigestion and your food tastes sour. You may also feel full after eating only a little food. Symptoms are usually worse in the evening and nighttime.

Lycopodium is a useful remedy for infant jaundice, too.

Magnesium Phosphoricum (Mag Phos)

Mag Phos is indicated if you have restlessness often accompanied by belching. You may feel better with pressure and warm applications, like a hot water bottle.

Mag Phos is also a helpful remedy for premenstrual cramping.

Nux Vomica (Nux Vom)

This is an excellent remedy for the symptoms of overindulgence, such as feelings of weight and pain in the stomach one or two hours after eating. You may feel better after a bowel movement and worse after consuming alcohol, coffee or tobacco and on waking.

More natural ways to beat indigestion.

Remedies for colic

Colic is usually associated with babies and defined as when a baby cries a lot for no obvious reason. But colic can affect adults, too. In this case it refers to pain in the intestinal or urinary system that can occur once or recur for days, weeks, months or even years.

In infants, colic is often brought on by bottled baby formula being made too strong (an extra scoop may be added) or by putting the powder in the bottle before the water.

In breastfed babies, the problem may relate to the mother’s diet. Foods associated with symptoms of colic in breastfed infants include chocolate, cow’s milk, cruciferous vegetables and onions.³ Colic is also often related to citrus fruits, in my experience.

The following remedies are useful for both adult and infant colic. Dosing for colic is more frequent than for indigestion, so I suggest one dose every 10 minutes, up to three doses. If there is no response, try a different remedy, but usually I find the first or second dose makes the difference.

Colocynthis

This remedy is indicated for abdominal pain that feels better when bending double, knees to chest (applying pressure is an attempt to relieve the pain).

The fastest I have seen this work is approximately 20 seconds. A mother brought her baby into the pharmacy who was screaming in pain and doubled over exactly as described.

I made the remedy, and the mother gave a single dose straight into the baby’s mouth. A few seconds later, the baby burped, smiled and fell asleep.

Dioscorea

This remedy is ideal for anyone with colic who is bending backwards like a board with a grimace on their face and a stomach that feels hard to the touch.

Chamomilla

Try this remedy if your child is lying on their back with their legs bicycling in the air (alternately extended and retracted, like riding a bicycle).

This remedy is also great for toothache or teething. 

Homeopathy for babies

These are the two best ways to give a homeopathic remedy to a baby:

1. Place a pilule (small pill) into the child’s mouth without touching it. The only caveat with pills for very young babies is obviously the fear of choking, so just watch your baby carefully until the pilule is dissolved.
2. Put the pilule in a little water and dribble a few drops into the baby’s mouth.

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