‘Uh huh huh,’ sings Elvis

It’s uncomfortable. You feel lethargic or dull, unmotivated or lacking in energy. You have no appetite or sense that when you do poo, you’re not finished, there’s more that won’t come out. Maybe you need to poo all the time but nothing or only a little is produced.

No matter what form of constipation plagues you, it’s a sign that some part of the gut is out of balance.

Below are top remedies that address the symptoms and target the roots of the constipation. Holistic and long-lasting, homeopathy offers a no side-effects solution, tailor-made for you:

Unsatisfactory Never Done Feeling
Nux vomica suits patients who have a constant ineffectual urge to pass stool. To little avail. Stool is passed but the patient feels there is more that has not emerged. Often sedentary, these patients may have piles, too,  which respond well to Nux.

No urge to stool
When your bowels don’t more for days on end, have a look at Alumina. There’s straining to pass even soft stool. The intestines are slow and sluggish and there is usually a lot of fecal matter there. Alumina is a key remedy for bottle feeding babies and for the elderly.

Balls, dry and hard
Opium is another remedy where there is no urge to pass stool. It is hard and dry and in the shape of balls. When constipated, patients who have a history of taking laxatives benefit from this.

A headache and a bloated abdomen accompanying constipation may point to Bryonia. Stool is passed with much difficulty. The lumps that emerge are dry and hard as if burned.

Bashful stool that protrudes and then slides back in suggests Siliciea

Bloating and gas are keynotes of Lycopodium, a remedy for dry hard stool that is hard to expel.

Oh Sugar,
oh honey, honey,
you are my candy girl,
and I can’t stop loving you…

You’ve scarfed your main meal. Now for a sweet to top it off.

You’ve had bad news, been through an arduous ordeal. Now for a pick-me-up: a piece of cake, a sugary cookie.

Whether your body is young or old, sugar’s not good for it. When you’re young, sugar can cause aggression and anxiety. In adolescence, it contributes to pimples and and poor skin. As you get older, it plays havoc with moods. Sugar provides energy when you’re flagging. But once the rush peaks, you plummet to a place still lower than where you started. It gets harder to concentrate and remember things. Must be time for another cookie? Ye… no! 

Reach for a remedy instead:

SIX SUGAR Addiction REMEDIES
Argentum nitricum: Impulsive and cheery with a fear of heights or closed spaces and anticipatory anxiety you can have intense cravings for sweets and  salt.

Calcarea carbonica: A bit overweight with a sweaty (round) head, you crave pastries and ice cream (and eggs, bread, milk and cheese)

Thin, brainy and windy (digestive issues) people benefit from Lycopodium. Intense sugar cravings and right-sided complaints dominate. Self- esteem needs a boost and there is worry about future events or ordeals.

Phosphorous treats the friendly, open-minded, sympathetic person who loves company. You crave chocolate, ice cream, cold foods and cold drinks; spicy and salty foods are much enjoyed.

If a child becomes belligerent or pushy after sweets, Saccharum officinale is the remedy: Children and adults who feel aggressive after eating sugar. Many have an oral fixation, putting everything in the mouth— sucking fingers, gobbling candies, smoking cigarettes when older. (others prefer not to touch things at all.) There’s often a craving for mother’s love, which seems in short supply.

Sulphur: This warm-blood scruffy philosopher is especially keen on ice cream and chocolate. Fatty, spicy foods and beer appeal while eggs often don’t.

For remedies to combat skin complaints that may arise from sugar addiction

This is the swelling and inflammation of veins around the anus or lower rectum. It results in blood stagnation and can cause severe anal pain, tenderness, itching and bleeding.

Homeopathy offers a natural, long-lasting answer to the pain and discomfort of Piles (Hemorrhoids). It can give prompt relief for anal pain, burning, bleeding, swelling, and itching. Better still, the right remedy corrects the internal disturbances of the venous system to reduce swelling of rectal veins and pooling of blood – that way, there’s an unobstructed blood flow which speeds recovery.

The main reason for piles is chronic constipation and the straining that accompanies the passing of hard stool. Homeopathy also addresses bowel problems by regulating bowel movements (not too large) and softening stool so it can pass smoothly.

You can go the conventional route, of course. Ointments, creams and painkillers will initially treat hemorrhoids quite well. Laxatives offer temporary relief. Both these treatments can have side effects from prolonged use. Surgery may be necessary in the end. But if you use homeopathy early enough, you may not need this invasive solution; you can reduce main symptoms naturally and address the root cause of why the piles first presented. Which means they may disappear for good.

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Here are top homeopathic remedies for hemorrhoids

Nux Vomica – constipation, urge to stool but no result
If you are constipated and can only pass small amounts of stool at a time, Nux Vomica is well-indicated. There’s pain and itching at the anus. The piles don’t bleed. This remedy is particularly effective if constipation or hemorrhoids are initiated or worsened after drinking alcohol. These patients often need to move more. They may have diarrhea as well as constipation.

Collinsonia Canadensis – constipation with hard, dry stool
If stool is hard and dry and monthly periods are painful, this is the best remedy. Hemorrhoids are usually external or protruding. The pain is accompanied by a feeling of sand and sticks in the rectum. Pregnancy can cause the piles. As they reduce in size and effect, there may be heart palpitations. Often there is laryngitis or a voice, weakened by over talking. Worse for cold, better for warmth. Patients are excitable and sweaty when anxious

Nitric Acid – protruding, bleeding and sharp Pain
When hemorrhoids protrude and bleed while passing stool, look at Nitric acid. Pain is sharp, stitching, pricking, cutting or burning. Constipation with dry, hard stool is common. Constant weight and pressure are felt in the rectum.

Aesculus Hippocastanum – painful, non-bleeding, external
A sharp pain arises during or after stool. It usually continues for hours after the passing of stool. The pain can extend from the anus to the lower back and feel like small sticks in the rectum. Aesculus is a specific medicine for external and blind piles (non-bleeding). The patient may have an achy back and an itchy rectum. She is worse for sitting, standing and walking. Sometimes hemorrhoids emerge after giving birth. Swelling is greatly reduced and pain decreases with this remedy.

Aloe Socotrina – protruding
Piles that stick out from the anus can be effectively addressed with Aloe soc. Sore and tender, they look like a bunch of blue grapes. Itching is severe. There’s a sensation that the rectum won’t close, that stool may leak out. Burning pains are worse for farting or sitting. Strong diarrhea occurs and the abdomen rumbles. Stool can be watery and explosive with jelly-like mucus. Cold applications help.

Hamamelis – bleeding, internal
Painless piles that bleed respond well to Hamamelis. There may be pulsing in the rectum.

Muriatic Acid – painful
If the hemorrhoids are highly sensitive, Muratic acid may be the best remedy. Protruding piles look like a dark purple bunch of grapes. Body parts may also be blue. The pains worsen with warm applications. The thighs are weak. Sphincters are compromised. Physical symptoms are accompanied by restlessness. Discharges and breath smell bad.

Ratanhia – intense burning
A severe burning sensation and a strain to pass stool point to Ratanhia. Piles may protrude. A sensation of little pieces of broken glass in the rectum can arise. The patient feels better for cold applications.

Arsenicum – burning like needle pricks
Hemorrhoidal lumps at anus which burn like fire, especially at night, may well need Arsenicum. In the daytime, violent stitches occur and walking makes them worse. The pains feel like the slow prick of a hot needle.

Bromium – neither warm nor cold applications ease pain
If you suffer from  severely painful hemorrhoids, worse during or after stool, look at Bromium. Easing of the pain does not happen after cold or warm applications, instead, perversely, by wetting the area with saliva.

As you can see, there a many effective remedies for piles. Get in touch to tell me what you experience. I can recommend one of the above remedies, or tell you about others.

If you suffer from bloating and digestive problems, struggle to lose weight, especially in the stomach, if you are moody around your period time and suffer from constipation, your liver may need support. Is your pee dark and your poo light? Look at liver function.

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Tiredness (brain fog, especially) that isn’t resolved with sleep, blood sugar that’s out of balance, vitamins and supplements that don’t do what they should – these are further signs that the liver is not doing its best work.  

The liver, your body’s largest organ, purifies the blood, regulates blood sugar, stores energy and aids digestion with bile production. It protects cells so the immune system is strong and facilitates blood clotting.

Top Homeopathic Remedies for Liver Support:

Chelidonium is a top remedy for digestive complaints caused by liver problems. It addresses nausea and a craving for fat or for warm drinks. Sometimes the face is yellow and there’s a sour or bitter taste in the mouth. A marked pain below the ribs on the right side points to tenderness in the liver, and probable trouble there.

Carduus marianus helps convert food to energy. This metabolic sluggishness and a history of toxins are effectively addressed with this remedy. It lessens and eliminates fatty degeneration

Nux vomica is for irritable, workaholics who reach for stimulants that cause them more problems. They are ambitious, easily frustrated, often constipated. Fats don’t agree.

If the above remedies don’t help the liver, there may be a block to healing. Perhaps you are taking or recently took conventional medicines? Or there is a history of drug use. Or you are recovering from a long illness. Here are two other remedies to look at:

Natrum sulphuricum is a top detox remedy, especially for those who are worse in wet weather. Sour vomit, acidic heartburn and flatulence are common. There’s thirst for cold drinks. Sometime the tongue is coated brown. Stools are often loose.

If you have allergies or food intolerances or suffer from sinus or upper respiratory sensitivities, Carcinosin may be an effective remedy. This is often the best solution for high achiever perfectionists who suppress anger and emotions. Carcinosin encourages detoxification and stimulates a slow metabolism.

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You can support healthy liver function:

Exercise daily. Move and sweat. Sweating is a wonderful way to eliminate toxins.

Bathe in Epsom salts as often as you can, at least three times each week. No bathtub? Soak your feet for 20 minutes in a large bowl of hot water with a half cup of these salts.

Eat foods that help the liver: broccoli, leafy greens, beets, black cherry juice, aloe vera juice, bananas and sweet potatoes (potassium). Fermented foods are supportive, too.

Drink dandelion tea or hot water with half a fresh lemon.

No alcohol, fizzy drinks, processed foods or refined sugar.

Liver malfunction may be more advanced.

An intense itch, mainly on palms and soles of feet, and dark urine and light-coloured stool suggest intrahepatic cholestasis.

Have a look at other digestive disorders that may be caused by liver dysfunction:
From Tums to Bums

When a baby cries and cries in the first months of life, he’s often suffering from abdominal pain. Colic makes him oh so irritable. A homeopathic remedy offers a gentle solution without side effects. With someone so young, start natural.

Commonly used homeopathic remedies for Colic

Arsenicum is well-indicated if there is smelly diarrhea and the baby is cold and restless. He may want small sips rather than gulps to drink.

If she calms when you put her on your arm or apply pressure to her abdomen, Bryonia is a good bet. The grumpy ‘leave me alone’ attitude and thirst for lots of water is characteristic. She is often constipated (‘dryonia’) and worse for the slightest movement. Better for cold applications.

Chamomilla
The abdomen is greatly bloated. Flatulence does not relieve extreme pain. Inconsolably irritable and restless. Relief may come with warm applications, rocking or being carried. Chamomilla is very useful to relieve teething pains.

Colocynthis
Intense, cramping abdominal pain that improves with pressure, especially hard pressure on stomach. The baby draws up the legs and may find feel better for warmth. Diarrhea is spluttery.

Magnesia phosphorica
Spasmodic, cramping pains, better for warmth and gentle pressure. The baby may feel better with bending double. Restless with gas which does not relieve symptoms. Worse at night.

Nux vomica
A tense abdomen. Pain often comes 1-2 hours after a feed. Relief is noticeable after passing gas or a bowel movement. Irritability, restlessness and sensitivity to external stimuli. Worse on waking. Constipation. Consider Pulsatilla instead if the baby has eaten fruit or rich food. There may be nervous diarrhea.

Dioscorea
Severe, twisting abdominal pain that improves by bending backward indicates this remedy. The baby may arch her back to seek relief.

Carbo vegetabilis
Bloating, distension and flatulence. A weak digestion. Symptoms lessen after passing gas. Better for fanning and fresh air.

Natural ways to reduce colic symptoms:

Try gentle rocking, swaddling or carrying the baby in a sling to provide comfort and relief.

Create a calm and quiet environment, minimizing noise and bright lights.

Apply a warm compress or provide a warm bath to help relax the baby’s tense muscles and ease discomfort.

Burp the baby after feeding to release trapped air.

If breastfeeding, avoid certain foods in the maternal diet that may contribute to colic symptoms, such as caffeine, spicy foods or dairy products.

Book a complimentary chat to tell me what your baby does when he is colicky.

If you dread mealtime for what happens afterward, this article is for you. Abdominal cramps, burning pains that rise into your esophagus and throat, nausea and vomiting – these are main characteristics of heartburn. Reduce and banish it naturally – watch my recent 15-minute interview below to see how...

Heartburn, also known as Acid Reflux, affects over a third of the western world. Chest pain, abdominal bloating, difficult swallowing and a sour taste in the mouth often compound main symptoms.

You can reach for the antacid or swallow the PPI; they work. But eventually they will probably come back to bite you, causing the very symptoms you wanted them to eliminate. The result: chronic acid reflux or Gastro-esophageal Intestinal Reflux Disorder GERD.

Why not try homeopathy, the world’s second most commonly used form of medicine? It ministers to the whole person on physical, mental and emotional planes, offering an individualised solution that sparks the body to heal itself, gently and without side effects.

Here’s my recent 15-minute interview summarising heartburn risk factors, top homeopathic remedies and tips to minimise your experience: https://homeopathy247.com/homeopathic-podcast/episode-146

A professional homeopath, I run the Homeopathy for a Healthy Gut Group, a vibrant FB community offering digestive advice and resources worldwide. If you haven’t already done so, come aboard: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeoforguthealth

When food and toxins slip into the bloodstream by penetrating the intestinal walls, it’s called Leaky Gut Syndrome. It’s uncomfortable and always present. What you need is a natural, holistic solution to repair the walls. Read on for top remedies.

Abdominal cramps, worsened by even slight consumption of food or drink, are often greatly reduced with Colocynthis. Cutting, gripping pains in the abdomen respond well to this remedy too.  You feel better by bending double or pressing the abdomen hard.

Bloating of the entire abdomen, especially when there’s rumbling, points to China off. There is a sense of heaviness after meals and bitter burping. Symptoms are worse for drinking tea or eating fruit. Movement makes you feel better.

When flatulence is the top offender, look at Lycopodium. Flatulence which arises after eating small portions, feels trapped and can cause a bursting pain. Certain foods trigger the flatulence: cabbage, beans and bread and potatoes (farinaceous foods)

If you are constipated and unable to produce stool, or bowel movements are scanty, Nux vomica is a good remedy. Even though the urge is there, there is a never done feeling that causes discomfort. Rumbling and gurgling noises often emerge from the abdomen.

Diarrhea after eating suggests Aloe soc. This remedy addresses abdominal cramps before and during smelly, flatulent loose stool. Often there is a sudden urge. Aloe soc is a top remedy for IBS.

Rhus tox addresses joint pains in leaky gut syndrome and Arsenicum album lessens breathing difficulties. Blood in watery stool points to Merc sol. 

What is Leaky Gut Syndrome?
The small intestines permit only certain nutrients and electrolytes into the bloodstream, normally. Toxins and microbes and food particles do not get through. When the gut barrier weakens, the bloodstream is contaminated; inflammation and eventual autoimmune dysfunction occur.

Symptoms include bloating, abdominal cramps. Diarrhea, constipation, excess flatulence, skin allergies, joint pains, migraines, joint pains and food sensitivities.

What causes it?
Too many courses of antibiotics, too much alcohol, infections, celiac disease, food sensitivities, Type 1 Diabetes and radiotherapy can contribute. A weakened immune system, chemotherapy drugs and yeast overgrowth in the bowel are other known causes.

What does it lead to?
It can result in Crohn’s Disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, eczema and psoriasis, fibromyalgia, asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Does this sound like you or a loved one?

Leaky gut and SIBO and IBS are just three of many gut dysfunction issues that homeopathy addresses.Get in touch to tell me what’s going on. I will tell you how homeopathy can help.

If your throat is on fire and you find swallowing difficult, you may be suffering from Silent Acid Reflux. Intense throat problems and a constant feeling of a lump may be caused by stomach acid that backs up into the throat. Normal heartburn symptoms such as chest pains and upper abdominal pains don’t necessarily feature here.

To learn how homeopathy addresses this painful condition, read on:

(LPR), Laryngopharyngeal reflux can cause hoarseness, a burning sore throat, hawking, severe inflammation, even vocal cord damage. While there’s a feeling of phlegm dripping down the back of the throat – throat-clearing is a common reaction – there are few heartburn symptoms: no squeezing in the chest, no pains high up in the stomach area.

Hawking, lump, and swallowing trouble

If you need to clear the throat and there’s an omnipresent sensation of a lump there. The throat feels inflamed. Nat phos is a top remedy. Swallowing is difficult. Post nasal drip, especially at night, wakes you from sleep. Phlegm is clear white.

Cough and dryness. Tough mucus.

Carbo veg treats an acrid, dry throat that makes you cough. It’s hard to swallow food. Mucus is thick and tough and there’s a lump sensation.

Sore throat and cough

The throat is dry, red and inflamed. The cough is tickly and dry and often gets worse at night. The sensation of a lump and difficult swallowing are present. Try Belladonna.

Hoarseness, worse in the morning and evening

A hoarse voice and hawking that are worse, morning and evening, point to Causticum. Sometimes there’s a dry tickly cough. The lump sensation is accompanied by an inflamed throat.

Ropy thick phlegm

Thick yellow mucus that often emerges in a ‘rope’ suggests Kali bic. Lots of post nasal drip. A dry burning throat is worse in the morning.

Think about main characteristics of the remedy. Yes, they overlap in the symptoms they cover. Uncertain of what to take or give? Get in touch.

Below is a link to my podcast on normal Acid Reflux, Heartburn and GERD symptoms

Abdominal pain (lower left side), blood in the stool, constipation, nausea, vomiting and fever are marked symptoms of Diverticulitis. Homeopathy offers a wholistic, natural and long-lasting solution. Read on to learn what you can do. 

Continue reading “DIVERTICULITIS: Top three homeopathic remedies” →

Irritable Bowel Syndrome occurs when bloating and cramps challenge intestinal function and bowel habits change notably. While there’s no known cause; stress and poor diet are main suspects. While IBS usually does not permanently damage the intestine (no bleeding of the bowel) its constant or erratic discomfort is debilitating. Homeopathy offers a natural, holistic solution by treating the person and not his ailment. How did you get where you are? A remedy addresses how you cope and your specific symptoms. Read on for a four-fold path to IBS relief 

Continue reading “Bloated and baggy? Here’s a four-fold path to IBS relief” →