Homeopathic Relief for Indigestion & Heartburn

Heartburn, indigestion, flatulence and bloating are all caused by poor diet, stress, emotional disorder or stomach acid and enzyme imbalances. Chronic heartburn may be a symptom of serious disorder but the occasional bout of indigestion can be cured using homeopathic remedies. Homeopathic remedies offer safe heartburn relief without changing the delicate balance of enzymes internally.

How it Works

• Homeopathic medicines work under the rule that like cures like. This means that homeopathic practitioners will induce similar symptoms in their patient as the ones they are suffering in an attempt to prompt the body's natural healing process. According to Homeopathic.com, one of the best ways to use homeopathic remedies at home is to use a "combination medicine," which is described as a mixture of two to eight remedies useful for treating indigestion.

Let Your Symptoms Guide You

• Different homeopathic remedies address different types of indigestion. Heartburn caused by eating excessive fruit, spoiled foods or causes the patient to feel anxious after smelling foods will respond best to homeopathic remedies such as arsenicum album. According to True Star Health, a health-related online resource, arsenicum album is also effective against heartburn that is felt in the stomach and along the esophagus. However, caution should be used when taking arsenicum. Homeopathic.com, asserts that arsenicum or arsenic is dangerous in large doses.
  When the patient reports having a heavy stomach as well as a bitter or sour aftertaste, bryonia may be a better remedy. Bryonia often addresses indigestion that gets worse from motion or activity. In addition this form of heartburn results in dry mouth and discomfort. Other homeopathic remedies include lycopodium for patients with a large appetite yet they feel bloated after a few bites. Natrum carbonicum is helpful for people with extreme sensitivities to foods, specifically milk and dairy products. Patients with stomach ulcers as well as an unquenchable thirst that turns to indigestion when the liquids warm to body temperature, may need phosphorus to supplement their diet. However, indigestion that seems to stem from eating rich and fatty foods generally benefit from pulsatilla.

Administration and Dosing

• Homeopathic medicines can be purchased at a majority of health food stores as well as some discount chains. There are several brand name manufacturers of these remedies such as Hylands, Boiron and Standard Homeopathic. According to True Star Health most homeopathic practitioners recommend taking one dose according to the directions and wait for a response. "If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work," according to the site. If you see that the symptoms aren't improving, take another dose. "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," the site states.