Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, results when digestive fluids containing acid and pepsin back up--or reflux--into your esophagus, causing a burning sensation in your chest or throat. Mayo Clinic advises seeing your doctor if you have acid reflux more than twice a week. Homeopathy attempts to treat symptoms by using infinitesimal amounts of a substance that would cause those same symptoms in a healthy person and in larger amounts might be extremely toxic or even deadly; homeopaths take the patient's personality and lifestyle in account when advising a remedy. Homeopathy is an alternative therapy, not meant to replace medical treatment.
Nux vomica
Nux vomica is made from strychnine, the toxic alkaloid from the seed of the poison-nut tree, but the minute amounts and successive dilutions of homeopathic preparation render it harmless. According to Chris Meletis, N.D., a naturopathic and medicinary director at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, OR, you should take Nux vomica if you have excess gas and a bitter taste in your mouth along with heartburn. According to AltMD.com, homeopaths are particularly likely to precribe Nux vomica to patients who are perfectionistic, impatient and driven, with a history of overeating and overindulging.
Antimonium crudum
Antimonium crudum is made from black sulphide of antimony, which occurs in the mineral stibnite. AltMD.com notes that homeopaths often prescribe Antimonium crudum for heartburn accompanied by nausea, which improves upon warm applications on the abdomen. A homeopath is likely to prescribe antimony if he feels that the patient's overeating was triggered by feelings of frustration or sadness. Beneforce warns that the remedy may not succeed unless the patient has a thick white coating on the tongue; the presence of this coating is a very strong indication for Antimonium crudum, as is a patient who is sluggish, overweight and irritable.
Lycopodium
The homeopathic Lycopodium remedy is made from the spores of the lycopodium, also known as club moss, used medicinally since the middle ages to treat digestive disorders. AltMD.com recommends Lycopodium for
acid reflux that is accompanied by headache above the eyes, as well as bloating under the belt that occurs even when the patient has not overeaten. A homeopath is more likely to prescribe Lycopodium if symptoms are worse between 4 and 8 p.m., and if the patient feels better after being exposed to cool air.
Carbo vegetabilis
Carbo vegetabilis is made from charcoal. Charcoal has a long history of use as a deodorant and disinfectant, and has been used medicinally for relief of gas and bloating. Homeopaths recommend Carbo vegetabilis if the patient is bloated above the belt, and particularly if the acid reflux is due to greasy or fatty food. According to AltMD.com, if good air circulation and fanning gives the patient relief, this is another indication for Carbo vegetabilis.
Zinc metallicum
Zinc is the metal used to galvanize steel, and to protect other metals against oxidation and corrosion; it is also an important trace mineral in the body. Chris Meletis, N.D., recommends Zinc metallicum if you tend too eat too fast, and if you experience gurgling and bloating after the meal.
Natrum muriaticum
Natrum muriaticum is made from sodium chloride, or salt, by a process of boiling, filtering and evaporation. Meletis advises using Natrum muriaticum if your acid reflux pain is accompanied by nervousness and tension. Pain high in the upper abdomen is another indication that Natrum muriaticum might be the right acid reflux remedy for you.
