Who Has Had an Inguinal Hernia?

My client consulted with me about having an Inguinal Hernia. She said that it seems more pronounced when she is constipated and when she starts to have a bowel movement. I told my client that she needed a Homeopathic Remedy for hernia and a Homeopathic Remedy for constipation. If we don’t address the constipation, the hernia may develop again. My client said she starts seeing the hernia bulge when she gets bloated in the lower abdomen. The hernia bulge decreases after she moves her bowels. She went on to say that she developed the hernia when she was constipated during her last pregnancy. I asked her about her eating habits, and she replied that she is so bloated in the morning, that she doesn’t eat breakfast until 2 or 3 hours after getting up. She also said that when she does eat, she cannot finish what she has put on her plate and doesn’t end up finishing her meal until a few hours later.

After asking a few more questions about her hernia and digestive symptoms, I selected the Homeopathic Remedy Lycopodium 6c, which will be taken daily with 10 succussions (taps) using a Remedy Solution Bottle (RSB). As it turns out, the Lycopodium fits my client’s hernia symptoms and constipation. One of the main symptoms of Lycopodium is filling up quickly when eating and will finish the food a couple of hours later because of the fullness from the bloating. When the abdomen is bloated, the digestive system slows down. The bowel can then become sluggish, which can lead to constipation.

After taking the Lycopodium, my client called a week later, stating her bloating was decreasing. She still doesn’t eat until 2 to 3 hours after getting up in the morning, but she can eat more of her usual-sized meals. Her bowels are moving, which means the hernia is not bulging out as much. I advised my client to continue taking Lycopodium daily with 10 succussions.

Ten days later, my client reported that her bloating has greatly diminished, and she can now eat breakfast in the morning when she gets up. Her bowels are moving daily now, so the hernia rarely bulges out. I told my client to continue taking the Lycopodium daily, and we can see how much the Lycopodium addresses the Inguinal Hernia symptoms. However, suppose the Lycopodium only addresses the digestion/constipation issues. In that case, she will need to take a different Homeopathic Remedy to completely address the hernia she developed from constipation during pregnancy. Suppose Lycopodium doesn’t completely address the Inguinal Hernia too. In that case, my client will need to take one of the following Homeopathic hernia Remedies, Calcarea Carbonica, Nux Vomica, or possibly Rhus Toxicodendron to address the weak lower abdominal muscles.

What is a Hernia?

A hernia is when part of an organ extends too far into an area such as your belly or a weak muscle or fatty tissue squeezes through the connective tissue causing a bulge or lump in your body (i.e., abdominal cavity walls). Hernias can occur on any part of your body, however most hernias form when an internal organ, (such as the bowel, bladder, or part of the intestine), pushes through the surrounding muscle. Most hernias cause pain, a lump in your belly, or heartburn.

Hernia pain can range from mild to extremely painful when visible. The hernia usually will go away when you press on the bulge when lying down. Coughing, sneezing or crying can cause pain in the hernia location.

Signs You are Experiencing a Hernia

Hernia symptoms, pain and what causes the pain to become worse, can vary depending on the location, and to what extent the size of the bulge or lump is.

Hernia Signs in Adults:

• A bulge in the area on either side of the pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when upright, especially when coughing or straining
• A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
• Pain or discomfort in the groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting
• A heavy or dragging sensation in the groin
• Sometimes, hernias do not cause pain
• Weakness or pressure in the groin
• Occasionally, pain and swelling around the testicles when the protruding intestine descends into the scrotum

Hernia Signs in Children:

• Sometimes the hernia is visible only when the infant or child is crying, coughing or straining during a bowel movement or when the child stands for a long period
• The infant or child can be irritable and have less of an appetite than usual

Possible Causes of Developing a Hernia in Adults and Children

A hernia can be present at birth (infant) or are developed later in life from one of the following causes:

• Chronic constipation
• Heavy lifting or other strenuous activities
• Chronic coughing
• (Infant) cries a lot
• Having a hernia during a prior pregnancy or from childbirth
• Being overweight
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Taking certain medications

There are 6 Main Types of Hernias:

1. Umbilical (near the navel)
2. Inguinal (inner groin)
3. Femoral (outer groin)
4. Strangulated (small intestines)
5. Incisional (occurring at site of a recent surgical scar, usually abdominal)
6. Hiatal (upper abdominal)

1). Umbilical Hernia

Umbilical Hernia’s occur at the belly button and epigastric area (in the upper part of the abdomen). They are most common in infants. The hernias usually resolve on their own within the first five years. Umbilical hernia is rare in adults but can occur.

Infant’s Umbilical Hernia from Constipation

My client, a 1^st time new mom, calls me about her 5-month-old baby having an Umbilical Hernia. She said that the doctor has told her baby has the hernia “from crying a lot”. My client started getting emotional, telling me about her daughter’s crying. She said, “I don’t know what to do. She has colic. She cries all the time. I am constantly nursing her to help soothe her.” She told me that the baby has a bulge on the left side of her belly button. I selected the Homeopathic Remedy Nux Vomica 6c to be administered using a Remedy Solution Bottle (RSB) with 10 succussions, daily.

I also asked my client about the colic symptoms. She stated that the baby thrusts her legs up and down while she cries. She said she tries to nurse her, put her in a warm bath, and rock her when she has the colic. This all only seems to help for a brief time and then she is back to crying again. I selected the Homeopathic Remedy Chamomilla 30c, to be given to the baby every 15 minutes until she starts to quiet down. I told her to repeat the Chamomilla when the baby starts crying more intensely. Chamomilla is one of the many colic Homeopathic Remedies. Chamomilla is for colic symptoms that no matter what you do, you cannot relieve the pain, or if you are able to soothe the colic, it’s only for a brief time. I explained that in order to address the hernia, we have to address the colic, then the hernia will heal.

My client called a few days later, telling me that the Chamomilla has helped her baby’s colic. She said she has been giving the baby 1 to 2 doses a day and it really calms her right down. “I can’t believe how well she is responding to the Chamomilla”,she said.” I had my client continue administering Nux Vomica 6c daily for the Umbilical Hernia and repeat Chamomilla when she has the colic pain.

A week later, my client reported back that she only had to give Chamomilla 30c 2 times in the past week. The baby is so much happier and sleeping well. She went on to tell me that she is more relaxed now that the baby is doing so well. I told my client we will continue giving Nux Vomica 6c daily for the Umbilical Hernia for a couple more months or so, until the hernia is addressed. She is to repeat the Chamomilla 30c when the baby has the colic pain, approximately 1-2 times a month, eventually not needing the Chamomilla at all. That is when you will see the Umbilical Hernia really start to improve.

• Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal Hernia occurs when fatty or intestinal tissues from abdomen or bladder protrudes through the abdominal wall or inguinal canal (inner groin). You will have a noticeable swelling, lump or bulge that can be pushed back in or disappears when you lie down. The hernia can also protrude through intestine and push into the scrotum causing pain and swelling in the testicle.

• Femoral Hernia

Femoral Hernia occurs when fatty tissue or a part of your bowel protrudes into your groin at the top of your inner thigh. You can have a sudden pain in the groin or thigh, abdominal pain, nausea and or vomiting. Women are more likely than men to suffer from a Femoral Hernia.

• Strangulated Hernia

A Strangulated Hernia is when the fatty tissue or a section of your small intestines protrudes through a weakened abdominal muscle. The surrounding muscle, clamps down around the bulging tissue, and cuts off the blood supply to the small intestine. The strangulation of the small intestine can lead to intestinal perforation, shock, or gangrene of the protruding tissue, which can lead to death. A Strangulated Hernia can be a life-threatening medical condition and may requires emergency surgery.

Symptoms of a Strangulated Hernia:

• Hernia pains suddenly becomes more intense
• Hernia bulge suddenly becomes larger
• Nausea, and/or vomiting
• Inability to pass gas
• Constipated or has bloody stools
• The bulge turns red, purple or dark
• Have a fever
• Have an increased heart rate

Incisional Hernia (Scar from a recent abdominal surgery)

An Incisional Hernia is a hernia from scar tissue that formed at the site of an abdominal surgical procedure that bulges out. You are able to see the hernia bulge when you are standing straight or when doing heavy lifting. Incisional Hernias are more apt to develop 3-6 months after abdominal surgery from doing strenuous activities, putting on significant amount of weight, or pregnancy. These can cause excessive stress on the abdominal tissue’s healing process. Hernia surgery is done to push the bulging tissue back in place and remove scar tissue. In most cases, a Homeopathic Remedy can do the same thing without a surgical procedure, by dissolving the scar tissues and using a Homeopathic Remedy for the hernia bulge.

Scar Tissue is the Cause of an Incisional Hernia

A woman calls asking if Homeopathy can address Incisional Hernias. I told her, yes, Homeopathy can help with an Incisional Hernia. I asked her to share with me her symptoms of the Incisional Hernia, and I would explain how Homeopathy can help. She went on to tell me that her doctor recently diagnosed her with having an Incisional Hernia. She explained she had abdominal surgery last year. The incision at the abdominal surgery area always has a slight bulge. She said, “I thought the area was taking a long time to heal, it never really went down. Plus, the fact I am about 15lbs over weight, I thought that was why I had the bulge, too. I started doing an intensive work out, which included a lot of abdominal exercises, and I started to have pain from the workouts. The doctor said I have scar tissue from the abdominal procedure and need to have surgery to remove the scar tissue and the mesh used to fix the hernia. I don’t want to go through another abdominal procedure.”

I told her that from what she described to me, I would select the Homeopathic Remedy Thiosinaminum 30c to be taken daily in a Remedy Solution Bottle (RSB) with 10 succussions, to help dissolve the scar tissue. Thiosinaminum will be used for a period of time until the scar tissue is dissolved. I asked her if the abdominal pain she has after working out was better when she moved around. “Yes”, she said,” after the workout, I would have pain in my abdomen when I got up from sitting and it does feel better once I get moving.” I told her that she is describing the Homeopathic Remedy Rhus Toxicodendron, which is often selected for pain and stiffness from working out that is better with movement. As it turns out, Rhus Toxicodendron is also used to strengthen weak abdominal walls, which is what I thought she would need. She will take Rhus Toxicodendron 200c daily in a Remedy Solution Bottle (RSB) with 10 succussions along with Thiosinaminum. Once the scar tissue has dissolved, we will then select another Homeopathic Remedy to address the hernia, such as Calcarea Carbonica or Nux Vomica, which are specific for hernias.

• Hiatal (upper abdominal)

A Hiatal Hernia occurs when part of your stomach pushes upward through your diaphragm from muscle tissue becoming weak. You have a small opening called a hiatus, where your food tube (esophagus) connects to your stomach. When your stomach is pushed up through the hiatus you develop a Hiatal Hernia. A small Hiatal Hernia doesn’t cause problems in most cases. However, when you have a large Hiatal Hernia, it can allow food and acid to back up into your esophagus. You can develop Hiatal Hernia from an injury to the area, persistent coughing, vomiting, straining to have a bowel movement, or from lifting heavy objects. I often find Hiatal Hernias associated with gall bladder problems.

Hiatal Hernia Symptoms:

• Heartburn
• Belching
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest or abdominal pain
• Feeling full after eating
• Vomiting of blood or passing black stools a sign of gastrointestinal bleeding

Hiatal Hernia Better with Robinia

My client called about her having heartburn and regurgitation of acid taste come up her esophagus. She said that her doctor diagnosed her as having a Hiatal Hernia. She went on to tell me she feels nauseous with burping and she vomits a sour fluid almost daily. My client stated that her symptoms are worse at night when lying down. I selected the Homeopathic Remedy Robinia 30c, for my client’s Hiatal Hernia, to be taken daily in a Remedy Solution Bottle (RSB) with 10 succussions.

My client called a week later, after taking Robinia daily, stating that she is not vomiting the sour fluid as often, and the burping may also be a little less. I advised my client to continue taking Robina every day with 10 succussions.

Two weeks later she calls stating that earlier in the week she rarely vomited up the sour substance and that the burping has very much improved, until the last 2 days. She has been burping more often and she is vomiting up a little of the sour tasting fluid. I had my client make the Robinia a stronger dose by having her increase her succussions to 12 and continue taking daily.

A week later, she reported back how much she has improved since succussing the Robinia 12 succussions each day. She hasn’t had any vomiting, the burping has decreased, and she is starting to sleep much better at night. My client continued taking Robinia 30c for several months to address the Hiatal Hernia. We would increase the succussions by increments of 2 should her symptoms would worsen.

Homeopathic Remedies for Hernias

Like any other health condition, selecting the correct Homeopathic Remedy will depend on your (hernia) symptoms, such as:

1. Location of Hernia: Inguinal, abdominal, left or right side of body.
2. Modalities: What makes the symptoms better or worse (i.e., crying, movement, sitting)?
3. Etiology: Never Well Since and Incident (i.e., over lifting, developed at infancy, surgery).

The selected Homeopathic Remedy will be taken in a 6c potency daily:

• Abies Nigra – Selected for a Hiatal Hernia with the sensation of a “hard-boiled egg” is lodged in the cardiac end of the stomach or esophagus. A distressful and constricted feeling above the pit of the stomach, as if everything were knotted up. There is a pain in the stomach soon after eating. Waterbrash (acidic bitter regurgitation from the stomach) with a choked feeling in the throat.
• Aurum Metallicum – Is selected for Inguinal or Umbilical Hernias for children and adults. The hernia is worse from a child crying, causing intense pain while bulging out. Aurum also selected for right sided inguinal.
• Baryta Carbonica – Foran Inguinal Hernia with testicles that are indurated (hard) with sweat on single parts (i.e., 1 hand, 1 foot, testicles).

• Belladonna – Is selected for an Umbilical or Strangulated Hernia with a burning sensation. The hernia is worse from sitting.

• Bryonia Alba – Is selected for an Umbilical Hernia from chronic constipation. Bryonia is worse from movement and pressure.

• Calcarea Carbonica – Is selected for an Umbilical Hernia in babies, children and adults with excessive fat in the abdomen, causing weak abdominal muscles. Calcarea Carbonica helps to strengthen the relaxed weak muscles. Calcarea Carbonica is also commonly selected for infants with Inguinal and Hiatal Hernias. The Hiatal Hernia symptoms are heartburn and loud belching. There is pain in the upper middle part of the abdomen (epigastric region) worse to the touch. The Hiatal Hernia is worse while eating.

• Carbo Vegetabilis – Is selected for a Hiatal Hernia with difficulty in breathing and a contractive pain extending to chest, with a bloated abdomen. Waterbrash (acidic, bitter regurgitation from the stomach) with asthmatic breathing from flatulence. The burping is better after eating and drinking, and the pain is temporarily relieved from bupring. There is a fullness in the stomach ½ hour after eating.

• Cocculus Indicus – Is selected for an Inguinal Hernia to help relieve bloating, flatulence and has a cutting pain in the intestines. You can have difficulty in standing from the Inguinal Hernia.

• Lachesis – Is selected for Inguinal, Umbilical and Strangulated Hernias. The skin over the hernia is mottled and dark.

• Lycopodium – Is selected for Femoral, Hiatal, and Inguinal Hernias, especially a right sided Inguinal Hernia. There is a weak digestive system with excessive bloating from fermentation in the abdomen, along with a hernia. The hernia is worse after eating and from pressure in the abdomen. The symptoms are better from hot foods (cooked), hot drinks and eating less food.

• Mercurius Solubilis – Is selected for an Inguinal Hernia with testicles that are swollen and hard (indurated) with shiny red scrotal skin. You can have profuse perspiration, without relief during sleep, especially when lying on the right side.

• Natrum Phosphoricum – Is selected for a Hiatal Hernia with heartburn and sour burping. The burping is worse after eating. There is heaviness and pressure in the upper middle part of the abdomen (epigastric region) with an acidic, bitter regurgitation from the stomach (waterbrash).

• Nux Vomica – Is selected for Femoral, Inguinal, Umbilical, Strangulated, and Hiatal Hernias, with weakness around the abdominal muscles, pushing down towards the genitals, coming from chronic constipation and diarrhea. The Inguinal Herina is worse on the left side, which can also have a burning sensation from a Strangulated Hernia. The Umbilical Hernia, especially on the left side occurs in infants from constipation or crying. The Hiatal Hernia has an acidic, bitter regurgitation from the stomach (waterbrash) and can have nausea, and vomiting after eating highly spicy food, or drinking coffee and alcoholic drinks.

• Opium – Is selected for Strangulated, Inguinal, and Umbilical Hernias, which can also be incarcerated (part of the intestine or abdominal tissue is trapped in the sac of a hernia). The Strangulated Hernia has a twisting and turning feeling in the intestines with intestinal spasms. You may have a red face, an inability to pass urine, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which can cause difficulty in passing gas.

• Phosphorus – Is selected for a Hiatal Hernia with a sour taste and sour burping after every meal, with large quantities of burping after eating. The pain in the stomach, is better from eating cold food and ice. You may have vomiting after drinking water as soon as it warms in the stomach.

• Pulsatilla – Is for a Hiatal Hernia after eating greasy, fatty, and rich foods that cause the stomach to feel heavy or queasy. You can have an acidic, bitter regurgitation from the stomach (waterbrash) in the morning. There are heartburn symptoms with a tight feeling in the stomach.

• Plumbum – Is selected for Umbilical and Strangulated Hernias with the navel feeling like it’s pulled in, with the abdomen drawn into uneven lumps. There are radiating abdominal pains to all parts of the body with a desire to stretch.

• Rhus Toxicodendron – Is selected for weak abdominal muscles with a hernia. Rhus Toxicodendron helps by strengthening the weakened area.

• Robinia – Is selected for a Hiatal Hernia with heartburn and regurgitation of the acidic contents of the stomach, especially at night when lying down. You may have nausea with sour burping and profuse vomiting of sour fluid. There is a heavy, aching, dull feeling in the stomach. The pains in the stomach can be severe, sharp during the day and at night from bloating of stomach and bowels.

• Silicea – Is selected for an Inguinal Hernia with the inguinal glands being swollen and painful. May have vomiting after drinking.

• Thiosinaminum – Is selected to dissolve the excess scar tissue from a surgical procedure that is causing an Incisional Hernia. May have indigestion and flatulence of the stomach and bowels that is worse after eating.

A Hernia will not go away on its own. In the Allopathic world, surgery is the only way to repair a hernia. However, I have seen Homeopathic Remedies address hernias, providing the hernia has not gone too far and reached the point of needing surgery. If surgery is needed, Homeopathic Remedies can help with the healing process and avoid scar tissue that could cause an Incisional Hernia.