IPECAC: When children have a persistent nausea that is not relieved by vomiting, this medicine should be considered. Another distinguishing symptom is that they have a clean tongue, despite disordered digestion. They have little thirst and feel disgust for food. They feel nauseated after eating, especially veal, pork, indigestible foods, rich foods, pastry, ice cream, or sweets. They have a sensation as though their stomach was empty and flaccid (a sense as though it were hanging down). They tend to have excessive salivation. Their abdomen is bloated and tender to the touch. Pulsatilla is often preferred for nausea and vomiting when there is food in the stomach (if the child has other Pulsatilla symptoms), while Ipecac is more often indicated when the stomach is relatively empty.

Iris: A combination of headache with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (or constipation) typifies this medicine. The vomit is sour and acidic, commonly with a taste of vinegar. The child has profuse saliva and a burning of the whole digestive system (see Headache).

Lycopodium: When children have much gas and bloating after anything they eat, they tend to need Lycopodium. They don't like belts or any type of tight pants due to the pressure caused on their bloated abdomen. They typically experience the worst bloating between 4-8 p.m. Warm drinks provide some relief, and they are particularly aggravated by cold drinks, oysters, milk, peas, beans, cabbage, and pastry.

NUX VOMICA: This medicine should be considered when children have a digestive upset after prolonged mental or emotional stress or after overindulging in food, alcohol, or drugs (either by the child or the breastfeeding mother). They may want to vomit but have difficulty and instead retch frequently. When they are able to vomit, it provides relief. They also suffer from distension of their abdomen which is tender to the touch; they usually need to loosen the pants around their waist. They are also very flatulent and feel better if they are able to pass gas. They tend to have heartburn, much bloating and gas, and constipation with constant ineffectual urges for a stool and a sense of never being finished. These children are irritable, and they often have a headache concurrent with their digestive problems.

PHOSPHORUS: Burning pains in the stomach that accompany nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea are characteristic of children who need this remedy. They feel worse after warm drinks or food and desire cold or ice drinks; however, these lead to nausea and vomiting once they warm in the stomach. There is a sense of emptiness in the stomach, especially worse at night before bedtime when they become very hungry. They have a general weakness, anxiety, and restlessness.

PULSATILLA: This medicine is invaluable for children who are Pulsatilla types (see General Characteristics) or for those who develop digestive problems after eating too much fruit, or greasy or rich foods. These children are also apt to develop digestive problems after ingesting cold or iced food or drinks, after exposure to cold, or after being emotionally upset. They develop their worst bloating and nausea at night, especially after dinner. Their stools are changeable--sometimes watery, sometimes formed, and sometimes formed in changing ways. Infants tend to have watery greenish diarrhea at night. These children feel chilly, though they are averse to warm or stuffy rooms and prefer cool and open air. Their nausea is aggravated in a warm room. They also benefit from walking slowly in the open air. They tend to be indecisive about what they want to eat. They burp frequently.