Homeopathic Remedies for Heartburn

Homeopathic remedies for heartburn are, like all homeopathic remedies, based on the same principle as "hair of the dog" for curing hangovers. That is to say, just as a small quantity of alcohol can help undo the effects of too much drinking the night before, the homeopathic principle states that substances that might actually produce heartburn in larger quantities are beneficial when taken in very small, very dilute doses. Let us look at some of these homeopathic preparations that provide an effective home remedy for heartburn.

Arsenic is commonly known as a poison: who could forget the two dear little old ladies sweetly murdering their guests in the classic black comedy Arsenic and Old Lace? But ten drops of arsenic in a wine glass of warm water taken after meals is a common homeopathic remedy for heartburn. However, caution is recommended when dealing with such a toxic substance. A dose of more than 70 micrograms could be fatal. It is also worth bearing in mind that the average American consumes 12 to 60 micrograms of arsenic daily as part of his or her diet anyway, with fish, grains and cereals being the most common source. This needs to be taken into account when calculating the dosage.

Another poison used as a homeopathic remedy for heartburn is nux vomica, better known as strychnine. The seeds of the strychnine tree are rich in copper, which can cause stomach cramps when ingested in large quantities. Based on the homeopathic principle that "like cures like", this makes it an ideal candidate as a homeopathic remedy for heartburn.

There are also a couple of common household supplements that are used by homeopaths to treat heartburn. Zinc is best known as a cold remedy, but taken after a rich meal, it can also provide heartburn relief. Zinc helps to heal the gastric tissues that are damaged by heartburn. As with the other remedies mentioned above, it is important not to overdose, as too much zinc can be toxic.

Vegetable charcoal is made from the ashes of certain trees or vegetables such as oak or bayberry tree barks. A teaspoon of these ashes can be stirred into a glass of water, and this helps absorb certain toxins that can cause heartburn and other digestive disorders. Take a glass every hour until the symptoms subside. Charcoal can also help absorb gases, so this remedy is useful for gas as well as heartburn.