Originally published June 4 2010
Three Homeopathic Treatments Help Acid Reflux Symptoms and GERD
by Susan Laverie
(NaturalNews) Acid reflux is characterized by pain and burning in the esophagus as a result of food and stomach acids backing up in to the esophagus damaging its lining. Homeopathic medicines work to relieve gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD symptoms by initiating the body's innate response to a stimulus or to an irritation allowing the body to heal itself. Homeopathy offers a selection of remedies to relieve symptoms of acid reflux and GERD.
Nux Vomica: The Penultimate Acid Reflux Treatment
According to acclaimed homeopath William Boericke, in his "Materia Medica and Repertory", Nux Vomica helps relieve acid reflux symptoms when there are stomach pains of all types, including burning, bloating, flatulence, constipation, nausea and belching from overeating or eating hot and spicy foods. There may be body aches of all kinds and feelings of weakness. The person needing Nux Vomica is generally perceived as a workaholic or one who indulges his or her appetite for excesses in all things. The patient tends to be dictatorial, bossy, impatient and aggressive.
Arsenicum Album: GERD Symptoms Caused by Spoiled Food or Food Poisoning
Boericke points out if the person has severe burning pains from acid in the stomach with food backing up into the esophagus accompanied by burning pain all the way up to the throat, arsenicum will help. There may be severe, watery, burning, yellow diarrhea with terrible burning in the rectum and anus. Most pains are better after drinking hot drinks like tea or applying warm applications to the painful abdomen. The person needing arsenicum may be thirsty for continual sips of cool water, restless, anxious and fearful. Arsenicum is often the ideal remedy for treating acid reflux symptoms and other abdominal pain due to ingesting spoiled food resulting in food poisoning.
Pulsatilla: Relief from Reflux Symptoms and GERD with Weeping
Pulsatilla relieves acid reflux pains that feel like digestive acid is burning a hole in the lining of the stomach. The patient may experience much flatulence at the same time from putrefaction emitting gasses. Pulsatilla helps relieve acid reflux symptoms when the person feels over-stuffed after eating and wants to loosen the belt for relief after a meal. Pulsatilla is indicated for GERD symptoms when the patient is weepy, desires company and abhors being left alone. It is prescribed more commonly for women than men. The person is not thirsty, often feels warm and prefers open, cool air or going outside.
Additional homeopathic remedies are available that relieve a variety of GERD symptoms or prevent the causes of acid reflux. The three mentioned here are the most common and are effective in a majority of cases. Consult with a qualified homeopath for additional recommendations if needed to relieve reflux symptoms. Following an acid reflux diet may help prevent the majority of symptoms associated with GERD.
Sources:
"Materia Medica and Repertory", William Boericke, 1987 Indian edition
"Synoptic Materia Medica", Frans Vermeulen, 1992
"Desktop Guide", Roger Morrison, M.D., 1992
"Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicines", Stephen Cummings, F.N.P. and Dana Ullman, M.P.H. 1984
"How to Plan an Acid Reflux Diet Menu"
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About the author
Susan Laverie is a freelance writer whose focus is on alternative healthcare, holistic nutrition, foods that heal and green living. Laverie has written articles for Homeopathy Today, The American Homeopath, LiveStrong.com and Suite101.com, as well as elsewhere online. With a passion for history and design, her hobby has been collecting and selling antique jewelry. Having retired from practicing classical homeopathy and natural medicine for 25 years, Susan now spends much of her time writing about health, nutrition and alternative methods for healing body, mind and spirit.
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