Indigestion and Gas (Homeopathy)

Primary Remedies

Carbo vegetabilis

This remedy relieves bloating and gas in the stomach, with belching.

Lycopodium

This remedy relieves discomfort and indigestion, with bloating around the waist and gas, especially after eating onions or garlic.

Natrum carbonicum

This remedy can be helpful to mild people who have trouble digesting and assimilating many foods and have to stay on restricted diets. Indigestion, heartburn, and ulcers can occur if offending foods are eaten. Milk or dairy products can lead to flatulence or sputtery diarrhea that leaves an empty feeling in the stomach. Cravings for potatoes and sweets are common; also milk, but it makes these people sick, so they have usually learned to avoid it.

Nux vomica

This homeopathic remedy relieves nausea and cramps from indigestion, especially after excessive eating of spicy foods or drinking of alcohol.

Pulsatilla

This helps relieve gastric discomfort caused by eating too much fatty food, cakes and ice cream, with bloating, belching and slow digestion.

Other Remedies

Antimonium crudum

This relieves indigestion from eating too much, especially rich or acidic foods or cured meat. Symptoms are relieved by applying heat to the abdomen.

Arsenicum album

This remedy may be indicated if a person feels anxious, restless yet exhausted, and is worse from the smell and sight of food. Burning pain is felt in the stomach and esophagus, which often is relieved by warmth and sitting up. Vomiting and diarrhea are possible. Upsets from spoiled food or from eating too much fruit often respond to this remedy.

Bryonia

When this remedy is indicated, the stomach feels heavy, with rising acid and a bitter or sour taste. Pain and nausea are worse from motion of any kind. The person may have a dry mouth and be thirsty for long drinks, which may increase discomfort. Bryonia is strongly suggested if a person is grumpy and wants to stay completely still and not be touched or talked to.

Cinchona officinalis

This remedy relieves bloating of the abdomen and foul-smelling gas, sometimes with painless, but exhausting, diarrhea.

Colocynthis

This relieves abdominal cramps improved by bending over, with strong pressure and heat.

Magnesia phosphorica

This remedy relieves abdominal cramps improved by heat and bending over.

Natrum phosphoricum

A sour taste in the mouth, an acid or burning sensation in the stomach, sour vomiting, regurgitated bits of food, and a yellow coating on the tongue are all indications for this remedy. The person may have problems after consuming dairy products or too much sugar. Another indication for Natrum phos is a craving for fried eggs.

Phosphorus

Burning pain in the stomach that feels better from eating ice cream or other cold, refreshing foods suggests a need for this remedy. The person is usually thirsty for cold drinks, but often feels nauseous or vomits once liquids warm up in the stomach. People needing Phosphorus may have a tendency toward easy bleeding and sometimes develop stomach ulcers.

Homeopathy Dosage Directions

Select the medicine that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.

Many homeopathic physicians suggest that medicines be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the medicine work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient. If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different medicine.