Treat indigestion gently

Stress, greasy food, then sweet dessert or one beer too many: digestive problems have many causes. Numerous homeopathic preparations can alleviate the symptoms – an overview.

Do you also have a lot going on or do you eat unhealthily? Then maybe you feel like millions of other people. According to surveys, every eleventh adult suffers from bloating, stomach discomfort, stomach cramps, heartburn, diarrhea or constipation several times a month. Children are not spared from these symptoms. There are a variety of medications available to treat gastrointestinal symptoms. But the medicines have side effects – and are often unsuitable for pregnant women. Homeopathy promises gentle help.

Tips against heartburn

Naturopaths select homeopathic preparations based on the prevailing symptoms and the characteristic perceptions of those affected. If the acid rises into your mouth and even makes your teeth a little dull, it's worth trying Robinia D6 (Robinia). Anyone who generally suffers from indigestion and, for example, complains of heartburn after sweet dishes, is well advised to take Argentum nitricum D6 (silver nitrate).

If heartburn occurs after fatty food or as a result of stress, often with a feeling of fullness or cramp-like symptoms, Nux vomica D6 (Night nut) can provide relief. Heartburn with belching, chest pain, feeling of pressure in the stomach and a lot of thirst speaks for Capsicum D6 (paprika or chili). 

What to do if you feel bloated or flatulent?

If you suffer from a feeling of fullness or flatulence, classical homeopathy also shows a way. Sluggish or weak people with colic may benefit from Carbo vegetabilis D6 (vegetable charcoal). Hectic, nervous people should resort to other homeopathic remedies. If you suffer from a feeling of fullness even after small meals, this speaks for Lycopodium D6 (club moss). Pressure in the stomach after stress or hectic is an indication to use Nux vomica D12. Argentum nitricum D12 can provide relief when belching with a strongly distended stomach.

Cramping abdominal pain – what you should try

If cramp-like symptoms occur after eating, often with flatulence or a feeling of fullness, Nux vomica D12 can help. Stinging, burning symptoms in people who also suffer from constipation make Bryonia D5 (Bryngo) the drug of choice. Anyone who suffers from stomach ache even after small meals, often after sweets, can test Lycopodium D6. Cramps with the desire to curl up speak for Colocynthis D6 (a pumpkin plant) or Magnesium phosphoricum D6 (magnesium phosphate).

Homeopathic tips against diarrhea

There are different causes behind diarrhea and everyone reacts differently. When selecting suitable preparations, naturopaths ask for details about the symptoms. If diarrhea and constipation alternate, with fatty food, sweet or cold food being possible triggers, Pulsatilla D6 (pasqueflower) is a good choice. If you also have stomach cramps, it is worth trying Nux vomica D12.

Gastrointestinal infections with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea speak for Arsenicum album D12 (arsenic). If symptoms occur due to changes in diet, for example on vacation, one should resort to Okoubaka D3 (a sandalwood plant). And Ferrum phosphoricum D6 (iron phosphate) is the drug of choice if children suffer from summer diarrhea. The preparation has also proven itself in infections with diarrhea, vomiting and fever.

Correct dosing of homeopathic preparations

Unless alternative practitioners or doctors have given other recommendations, adults take homeopathic preparations three times a day, namely five globules, five drops or one tablet. Babies up to the end of the first year of life receive one third, small children up to the age of 6 half and children up to the age of twelve two thirds of the adult dose. 

Good to know

Homeopathy can relieve your symptoms. At the same time, you should take the time to eat, choose easily digestible, high-fiber foods, drink enough and exercise regularly. And if you are overweight, it is worth losing some weight.

Anyone who regularly suffers from such symptoms or suddenly has severe pain should immediately have possible underlying diseases clarified by a doctor. Gastrointestinal complaints can also be caused by serious illnesses