Overindulgence Remedy
This remedy is clearly indicated by any condition arising from over-feeding with rich food. This fits the underlying state of intensively managed cattle very well. The rumen becomes sluggish and perhaps bloated, the liver becomes overloaded and its action deficient. As a result the blood becomes loaded with abnormal by-products of rumen metabolism. The animal is torpid but highly reactive and bad-tempered. Dung can be hard and dry and expelled with difficulty in discrete clumps, and even some unproductive efforts can be made. Alternatively, it may be acid, fermentative and very loose. In extreme cases, overt toxicity can occur with incoordination. Acetonemia is another possible sign of this great disturbance. The remedy can therefore be used as a great constitutional remedy or as a more superficial detoxifying treatment. It is one of the ‘drainage’ remedies of homeopathy. Symptoms are often worse in the morning, worse for stimulation and for chilling. Complaints often follow a feed of concentrates.