Top 10 Homeopathic Remedies for IBS
13 March 2019 at 12:19
Top 10 Homeopathic Remedies for IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) or Gastritis
Tired of painful bloating, cramping and constipation? Homeopathy may be able to help.
IBS, Gastritis and digestive tract issues are becoming increasingly commonplace in Western countries where fast-food & takeaways are gaining in popularity. Up to one-fifth of the population in Britain have sought medical attention for the painful symptoms of bloating, cramps, constipation and/ or diarrhoea. According to the NHS website, the cause is unknown and there is no cure.The BDA (Association of UK Dieticians) suggest relaxation, yoga and massage as well as regular exercise to alleviate the condition.
Homeopathy has a proven track record in helping alleviate chronic symptoms. In 2005, a study at Bristol Homoeopathic Hospital showed over 70% of patients with chronic diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, reported positive health changes following treatment. More than 6,500 patients took part in the six-year study with problems such as arthritis, eczema, asthma, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, depression and chronic fatigue.
Here are ten remedies known to help IBS, Gastritis and digestive tract issues:
Lycopodium clavatum
This remedy is well-suited to people with IBS & food intolerances, especially onions, oysters, cabbage and beans. The pains are worse in the evening, typically from 4- 8pm and are relieved by passing wind. The inflamed digestive tract struggles to get enough nutrition from food, so there can be loss of weight with fullness and bloating in the abdomen. The appetite is very changeable and can go from being ravenous to very full after a few mouthfuls.
Colocynthis
This remedy has terrible stomach cramps that are better for doubling up and may be worse from anger or indignation. The pains are short, sharp & pinching and aggravated after eating, especially fruit. Heat & pressure give some relief to the pains which can extend to the lower back or into the buttocks. It is also a very useful remedy for sciatica and neuralgic pain in general.
Nux Vomica
This remedy suits people who burn the candle at both ends, working hard and playing harder. Eventually, this stressful lifestyle takes it’s toll and the digestive system suffers. There are severe stomach cramps and acid reflux that are aggravated by mental exertion. Hiccough, belching, fullness and indigestion are worse after coffee, spicy foods and smoking. There can also be a lot of nausea and feelings of being sea-sick. The remedy is also very useful to treat a hangover.
Arsenicum album
Stomach cramps that are worse after taking cold. This remedy suits people who always feel chilly; so much so that even eating cold food such as ice cream aggravates. There is a great deal of diarrhoea that can come on after drinking whilst moving around makes everything worse. Taking regular sips of a warm drink and lying down to rest bring relief.
Argentum nitricum
In this remedy there is a lot of wind, with very loud and forceful belching or flatulence. There is nausea and indigestion associated with nerves or anxiety, especially when anticipating a stressful event like a job interview or exam.
Sulphur
Stomach cramps aggravated by touch, with burning pains worse in the morning and at night. Appetite is usually increased, especially around 11am with an ‘all-gone’ sensation. The stomach feels very heavy straight after eating.
Bryonia alba
A useful remedy in IBS that is aggravated after eating bread and where the thirst is increased. The stomach may feel so heavy that it is like a stone is sitting there. Belching relieves the pain and tastes of undigested food. Tight clothing and walking about also worsen the condition.
Carbo veg
The remedy is well-suited to older people or those suffering from general fatigue with stomach pains that are burning, sore or pressing. There are cramps which feel like the stomach is being contracted with a lot of bloating after eating. Butter, fats & rich foods can cause belching, heartburn and indigestion with weakness or faintness.
China officinalis
Stomach acidity with a great deal of bloating & bitter or sour belching. The appetite swings from being ravenous to being completely off food, with a feeling of fullness after eating a small amount. Fruit and milk aggravate and the pains are pressing or sore. Digestion in general is very slow.
Natrum muriaticum
Indigestion after too much starchy food with sour belching & terrible hiccough. There are painful stomach cramps, aggravated by touch. Strong emotions such as grief, or stewing on the past can aggravate the condition.
For acute problems you could try self-prescribing but for long term chronic problems like IBS you should consult a professional homeopath; you can find registered homeopaths at www.findahomeopath.org or come and see one of the homeopaths at the School’s Homeopathy Clinic in Stroud.
For those that would like to learn more for themselves, The School of Homeopathy produces an excellent First Aid Course. The complete course takes around a month to complete and it is home-based, so it can be done at your leisure, as intensively or gradually as you want.
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