Lycopodium is the other great “indigestion” medicine especially when there is abdominal pain, particularly in the right lower abdominal region, with distension and an excess of wind passing per rectum. The sufferer is often highly stressed, but in a different way, and for different reasons than the Nux vom patient. A Lycopodium type sets very high personal standards and must meet them. They lack self-confidence, but cover it up very well, often appearing outwardly rather arrogant. However this is all a front, and their inward anxiety is often manifested as gut problems.
Carbo vegetabilis is particularly good for the over-weight dyspeptic who suffers a great deal of distension with pain and wind, relieved (temporarily) by belching. These are very sluggish people, with a slow digestion. They are intolerant to fatty food and also milk.
Digestive problems are often amenable to self-treatment. However it is important to bear in mind that these symptoms, especially if new to a person or if associated with weight loss and change in bowel habit, may be markers of serious disease, so a medical opinion must always be sought.
Janet Gray MA MBBCh FFHom DRCOG DFFP, a GP for over 20 years, has used homeopathy in her Bristol practice for some 15 years. She lectures in homeopathy at the Bristol Teaching Centre and has a small private practice near Chippenham.