Homeopathy Cured Stress Induced Gastritis in a Businessman with Family History of IBS and OCD

Mr. M.S., a forty-eight-year-old businessman (Patient ID: 12343), visited the Life Force Homeopathy Chembur clinic in July 2024 to start treatment for gastritis that had been troubling him for one month. The gastritis had developed following a period of intense stress after losing both his parents within a month, combined with dietary changes. He presented with a severe burning sensation and heartburn occurring 1.5 hours after meals, intense bloating, pain while eating and drinking water, reduced appetite, and frequent eructation with sour water brash.

Before seeking homeopathic treatment, he had been taking conventional medications, including various antacids and digestive aids, such as Capsule Rantac RD, Syrup Insta Raft, Capsule Bestozyme, and Capsule Vizylac. He had also taken antibiotics and probiotics previously.

Mr. M.S. also suffered from associated complaints of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) since 2009, arthritis, tinnitus, and renal calculi, which had been previously controlled with treatment at Life Force and were reported to be much better at the time of consultation. Additionally, he had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by uncontrolled thoughts, repetitive behavior, lack of concentration, and decision-making difficulties, which was controlled with cognitive therapy. Sleep disturbances were another concern, with him experiencing interrupted sleep patterns, waking up at 2-3 AM, and having dreams of deceased people.

Regarding his general constitution, Mr. M.S. maintained a mixed diet with cravings for chicken. He had a diminished appetite and drank 4-5 liters of water daily. His thermal state was ambithermal. He experienced easy perspiration, particularly on his back, and his micturition was asymptomatic.

Mr. M.S. lived with his wife and two children: a son and a daughter. He ran a leather shop in Vashi. His parents had both passed away recently, which had been the major stress trigger for his gastritis. Throughout his life stages, he had experienced periods of stress, relationship and business concerns, though he maintained marital harmony. 

Mr. M.S. presented as nervous and anxious with uncontrolled thoughts and a habit of repeating things. He demonstrated obsessive-compulsive tendencies, wanting everything to be organized, and experienced difficulty concentrating and making decisions. He was prone to overthinking, negative thoughts, and apprehensive fear. 

The family disease history revealed that his father had suffered from IBS and his mother had OCD, indicating a genetic predisposition to his complaints.

His past medical history included a surgery for a fissure in ano in 2007, and he had previously received successful homeopathic treatment from LifeForce for the same condition, which had been cured. He had also been treated for osteoarthritis, renal calculi, IBS, and migraine at LifeForce, which were reported to be under control and better at the time of consultation. 

Dr. Shah studied the case in detail and prescribed Phosphorus and Lycopodium clavatum in various potencies, targeting both the acute gastritis symptoms and the underlying constitutional factors contributing to his condition.

Follow-ups:

For the first follow-up in September 2024, the patient reported improvement with reflux and eructation being slightly better, burning and heartburn remaining static, pain while eating considerably better, increased appetite, and reduced nausea. His bowel movements improved with better digestion, showing an overall positive response to the homeopathic treatment.

During the follow-up in October 2024, the patient maintained his improvement status with reflux of water after meals, heaviness, and bloating after dinner, but with better heartburn. The patient had stopped all conventional medicines after starting homeopathic medicines. 

Mr. M.S. demonstrated continued improvement in November 2024, with better overall reflux occurring only 1-2 times daily, significantly better bloating, and heartburn. His digestive symptoms showed sustained improvement with better tolerance to meals.

In January 2025, excellent progress was noted, with burning in the abdomen occurring only half an hour after food, complete cessation of reflux for several days, much better bloating and heaviness in the abdomen, and improved appetite. The patient showed remarkable improvement in his overall digestive health.

Mr. M.S. reported being much better overall with no major complaints during his follow-up in February 2025. His gastritis symptoms were well-controlled, and he was maintaining a healthy lifestyle with dietary modifications.

From March 2025 to May 2025, the patient maintained his excellent progress and improvement in overall digestive health. Continued improvement was observed with better severity of abdominal pain after meals, reduced bloating and heaviness after meals, improved appetite, and significantly better acidity. The frequency of symptoms had reduced to once or twice weekly, which then further reduced to being associated with the consumption of Tea or caffeine. 

In June 2025, Mr. M.S. achieved a remarkable recovery with a 90% improvement in his gastritis symptoms. He reported no major complaints of reflux, was maintaining a healthy diet while avoiding triggering foods, had no episodes of acidity, no nausea or retrosternal burning, no abdominal pains, no bloating complaints, a normal appetite, and excellent digestive function. His IBS remained well-controlled with satisfactory bowel movements 2-3 times daily.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates the effectiveness of individualized homeopathic treatment in managing chronic gastritis, particularly when it develops secondary to emotional stress and lifestyle factors. The holistic approach addressed not only the gastric symptoms but also the underlying constitutional factors, resulting in sustained improvement.

• Case study written by Dr. Nafisa Dhorajiwala, Associate doctor to Dr. Rajesh Shah, MD (Hom)