Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

236 • HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPDISORDERNAUSEA & VOMITINGNausea, or the feeling of a need to vomit, is not necessarilyfollowed by vomiting, the involuntary expulsion of the contentsof the stomach, but the causes of the two are the same. Nauseaand vomiting may be symptoms of digestive disorders caused byeating fatty foods, drinking too much alcohol, food poisoning, orinfections such as gastroenteritis (see below). Stress, migraine, orthe hormonal changes associated with menstruation or pregnancy(see page 262) may also trigger these conditions. Nausea andvomiting may also indicate more serious ailments, many of whichare digestive disorders, such as a peptic ulcer (erosion of areas ofthe digestive tract by acidic gastric juices) or cancer of the stomach,but some of which are connected to the brain and nervous system.Self-help treatments are not appropriate in these cases.SELF-HELP Drink small amounts of cooled, boiled water frequentlyand avoid solid foods. If you smoke, stop.CAUTION If vomiting persists for more than 48 hours, or isaccompanied by fever, see a doctor within two hours. If there issevere abdominal pain or blood in the vomit, seek medical helpimmediately. If you think you may have vomited prescribed drugs,consult a doctor.GASTROENTERITIS (GASTRIC FLU)This inflammation of the digestive tract is usually caused by a virustransmitted directly from person to person or via contaminatedfood and water. Symptoms of gastroenteritis vary in severity butusually pass within 48 hours. At worst, there is nausea, vomiting,diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and exhaustion. Infants and theelderly are most at risk because of the danger of dehydration.SELF-HELP Rest and drink plenty of fluids, preferably salted, cooled,boiled water (1 tsp salt and 8 tsp sugar to approximately 1 quart/liter of water), to prevent dehydration. Avoid drinking milk and eatingany solid food until the stomach settles. Be meticulous aboutpersonal hygiene.CAUTION If symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, or if thereis blood in the feces or a fever, see a doctor within two hours.If symptoms are accompanied by severe abdominal pain thatlasts for more than an hour, consult a doctor immediately.BLOATING & FLATULENCEBloating and flatulence—a feeling of fullness in the stomachassociated with burping or the passing of air out through the anus—may be due to constipation (see page 238) or intestinal dysbios(an overgrowth of bacteria or fungi in the intestine). The conditionmay be worse prior to menstruation, and is aggravated by anxiety,food intolerance, or swallowing air.SELF-HELP Avoid eating legumes, onions, cabbage, and nuts, anduse cumin, aniseed, or ginger in your cooking.SPECIFIC AILMENTConstant nauseaVomiting with great thirstNausea and vomitingwith tearfulnessNausea and vomitingwith irritabilityVomiting and diarrheaat the same timeGastroenteritis withsevere abdominal crampGastroenteritis withdifferent types of stoolBloating after eating onlysmall amounts of foodBloating and flatulencerelieved by burpingPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Constant nausea with salivation that is notrelieved by vomiting• Vomit may include green mucus• Possible headaches, perspiration,and diarrhea• Spasmodic abdominal pain• Clean tongue• Craving for ice-cold drinks, which are thenvomited when warmed in the stomach• Burning pain in the pit of the stomach withretching and vomiting• Nausea and vomiting may be accompanied bycatarrh dripping down the back of the throat• Vomiting two to three hours after eating• Painful retching• Sensation resembling a hangover• Tendency to wake up at around 4 a.m.for a couple of hours• Vomiting with burning pain in the abdomen• Diarrhea that causes soreness of the anusand stinging in the rectum• Craving for cold drinks that may be vomited assoon as they are warmed in the stomach• Chilliness• Colicky pains that are better when the bodyis bent double• Possible diarrhea• Pain relieved by passing gas• Rumbling, gurgling stomach• Pressure under the breastbone after meals• No two stools are alike in texture or color• Possible vomiting• Hunger, but bloated feeling after only smallamounts of food have been eaten• Difficulty in passing stools without straining• Main discomfort is on the right side ofthe abdomen, and is not relieved bypassing wind• All foods produce flatulence• Burning sensation in the stomach• Craving for salty, acidic, and sweet foods andcoffee, and aversion to meat and milk