I recently realized I have to eat my hat … or rather, Samuel Hahnemann’s beret.
In the early years of my practice, I was reluctant to consider combination remedies. Due to my classical training, the idea of combining several homeopathic medicines for a specific condition sounded almost heretical.
Why? I was taught that using multiple medicines together could potentially compromise the effectiveness of each individual medicine. I was taught to use one medicine, and one medicine only.
However, in the years that followed, my thinking changed.
I started using two or three medicines in the same schedule myself and observed better success rates. Then, I witnessed the tremendous power of certain combined medicines as described in the Banerji and French protocols. I’m also in a unique position to hear success stories from my students and clients regarding their use of the combination remedies that noteworthy homeopathic pharmacies have created.
In other words, can you pass the butter? I have a hat to eat.
Rethinking My Position
Permission to speak freely? I was hesitant about leaning on combination remedies because I worried their use would bypass what I teach about choosing the tightest-fitting homeopathic medicine(s).
You see, some combination remedies can include 8, 10, or even 12 different medicines, all in different potencies. That is a lot of remedies all in one dose. My concern was that it could potentially undermine people’s desire to learn more deeply how to use these medicines and understand the character of each medicine. If we’re going to provide our own health care and be autonomous healers in our families, we must endeavor to grasp the totality of homeopathy — both its principles and its medicines.
BUT (and it’s a big “but”), I keep hearing personally from my clients and students — and in large numbers — about how useful these remedies are. People report to me, “Oh my gosh, it works! It’s so great.” So, let’s face it, I’ve got to be realistic about their use.
(And take another bite of my hat.)
Certain Combination Remedies Provide an Influential Introduction to Homeopathy
In fact, when certain, well-developed combination remedies are effective, they provide an undeniable service to sufferers. PLUS, I have come to realize that they are an effective introduction to the power of homeopathy. These convenient combinations, available at many common drug and grocery stores, serve as an entry point for those unfamiliar with homeopathy, encouraging them to learn more.
I also should add that these combination remedies aren’t just slapped together willy-nilly. Manufacturing pharmacies have thoroughly researched their formulations to provide the most effective medicines for the most commonly experienced symptoms in a given situation.
Let’s Look at ColdCalm®
For instance, one of our frequently discussed homeopathic medicines for colds is ColdCalm® by Boiron. For many families, it’s their proven go-to for effective and side-effect-free cold intervention. My son even successfully used it for his dog (as you can read in this previous blog post).
In addition to their goal of softening symptoms and reducing the duration of their cold, I also encourage cold sufferers to read the ingredients with an educational goal in mind. Reading the back of the box is a capital way to learn more about homeopathy.
Boiron has listed each homeopathic remedy contained in ColdCalm®, along with the aspect of the common cold they address.
It’s virtually a micro-materia medica on the back of the box. Sufferers can easily pinpoint which medicine successfully tackled the causes behind their most prevalent symptoms by familiarizing themselves with the specific keynotes of each remedy.
They may, then, consider purchasing that single remedy to have on hand for the next time they experience that specific symptom alone.
Indeed, the combination remedies provide a tremendous way to learn more about homeopathy!
Side note: Don’t forget, when you order directly from Boiron’s website, you’ll receive 20% off your order by using my name as the discount code (joette) at checkout. For your peace of mind, let me clearly state that I don’t receive any remuneration for your purchases. I believe that receiving affiliate payments would create a conflict of interest with my goals as an educator.
ColdCalm is not the only combination remedy Boiron manufactures. I hear feedback on other products such as SleepCalm®, StressCalm®, AllergyCalm® … and the list goes on.
And Boiron is not the only respected homeopathic pharmacy offering combination remedies. Hyland’s offers the highly regarded BioPlasma®, a combination of all twelve cell salts. OHM Pharma (a non-retail homeopathic pharmacy exclusively available to professionals, students and clients) offers many as well. I also hear excellent reviews from my students on the complexes developed by Newton Homeopathics. And I tend to agree.
(Last bite of my hat …)
An important underlying message in this post is that science is never settled. We should always be open. We should always consider, reconsider and question what we believe and be our own devil's advocate. We must learn and grow. In fact, if you read the very first of my blog posts, you’ll see I was quite classical in my approach. I leave all those posts there so that you can see my evolution as a homeopath (and they also show that in homeopathy, there’s generally more than one way to butter a biscuit).
You know that I now espouse Practical Homeopathy®, and I must admit, these combination remedies are quite practical! So, I have faith in you, my friends. I know that while you will enjoy the ease and efficacy of the combination remedies, you will also continue to develop your understanding and skills in properly utilizing homeopathic medicines.
Pass on the good news of Practical Homeopathy®!
Warmly,
P.S. I encourage all devoted students of homeopathy to own a good materia medica as the perfect place to look up more information on the ingredients contained in combination remedies.
There are several available online for free, but most of them are written in a technical style. Their information may be difficult for new homeopathy users to absorb at a glance, especially in an emergency.
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