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From Tendon, Bone and Cartilage Problems to Healing with Homeopathy

Joette Calabrese, HMC, PHom M

November 15th, 2014  |  220 Comments

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Buster

Buster, the Bad Office Dog, was running in the fields by our pond a few months ago, when he apparently stepped into a hole or a depression in the ground. He let out a yelp and came limping back to us. He refused to put any weight on his back leg while yelping. Our poor dog was obviously in severe pain.

Now, sometimes a dog will limp for a bit but gradually start using the leg when the initial shock wears off. Not Buster. He was not about to put any weight on that leg for any reason.

As usual, I gave him a few doses of Arnica 200 for the initial pain and trauma, about 3 times per day for a few days.

But by the end of the week, the leg was no better. Buster was not putting any weight on it, and he would nip if anyone touched his hock. Fortunately, we have a holistic vet friend who lives just minutes from us and who is an excellent diagnostician. She said Buster had a torn meniscus.

The meniscus is a “fibrocartilaginous structure,” which is a fancy way of saying that it is like a spongy pad that sits between the bones at a joint. It acts as a buffer between the bones, absorbs energy like a shock absorber and contributes to joint lubrication. Injuries to the meniscus are not uncommon in athletic dogs and are often accompanied by tears to the cruciate ligament. The most common treatment is surgery. Unfortunately, these injuries often lead to the development of arthritis, bone spurs and degeneration in the joint.

Poor Buster!

If we had gone to a conventional veterinarian, we may have been told that surgery was our only option, and it would not have been a surprise if the cost was as much as $5000.

Hence, Buster immediately started to receive Symphytum officinale 200, one of the most useful remedies in our homeopathy kit. By the way, the cost of a bottle of this medicine is anywhere from a few dollars to about $20, so the decision was an easy one to make.

Symphytum is made from comfrey, a perennial flowering plant that is sometimes considered a weed, but herbalists and organic gardeners have cultivated this plant for centuries for its medicinal uses. You may know it as “knitbone” which gives you a clue to one of its main uses.

Symphytum excels at mending broken bones. In fact, we caution against using this remedy until there is a certainty that the broken bone has been correctly set in place because the remedy has been known to quickly knit bone even when it is not correctly aligned.

A common homeopathic response to a broken bone is to first give Arnica 200 (or higher) for the trauma, shock, bruising, blood loss, and pain, followed by Ruta graveolens (30 or 200) for several days to reduce the muscle bruising and tendon damage. After the bone has been properly set, Symphytum (30 or 200) is used to mend the fracture.

But broken bones are just the beginning.

Back problems? Knee problems? Injuries to tendons, cartilage, or ligaments? Eye injuries?

Symphytum 200 answers them all, quite effectively and elegantly.

Symphytum has a sterling reputation for treating mechanical injuries to the eye, especially the orbit, from blunt force trauma.

But perhaps the most useful quality of Symphytum is that it also deals with injuries to the cartilage, tendons, and ligaments that surround the bone. This makes it a useful remedy for many types of injuries, including sprains, strains, pain from overuse of a muscle, bruising and pain from a blow or fall, and arthritis.

Common problems that respond well to Symphytum include tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, twisted or sprained ankles, knee pain, joint pain, arthritis and bone spurs. It is even specific for osteomyelitis.

So, by giving Buster Symphytum, we address the immediate injury to the joint and reduce the potential for future problems.

The Banerji Protocol is to use this handy medicine in combination with other medicines to aid in many common chronic problems that plague humans and canines alike.

Here are a couple of protocols you will want to tuck away:

For a bulging disc, herniated disc, or back pain from over lifting:
Symphytum 200 mixed with Calc phos 3X, twice daily, and then if there's pain add separately Hypericum perforatum 200C, twice daily.

For arthritis of the knee: Symphytum 200 mixed with Arnica montana 200, taken twice daily. 

For plantar fasciitis and heel spurs: Symphytum 200 mixed with Rhus tox 30, taken twice daily.

And for torn ligaments and menisci, like Buster’s, Symphytum 200 twice daily.

These problems often take time to heal, sometimes many months, but in the meantime, the remedy also eases the pain and stiffness.

Buster is doing much better today. He is using his leg again, although he still occasionally limps. And doctor’s orders: no climbing stairs! He does enjoy being carried around. (We sometimes wonder if he’s faking the limp.)

From athletes to the aging, Symphytum can be a most accommodating remedy in your home.

Just ask Buster!

 

I am a homeopath with a worldwide practice working with families and individuals via Zoom. I'm also a teacher and most importantly, a mom who raised my now-adult children depending on homeopathy over the last 31 years. I lived decades of my life with food intolerances, allergies, and chemical sensitivities until I was cured with homeopathy, so I understand pain, anxiety, and suffering. You may feel that your issues are more severe or different than anyone else’s, but I have seen it all in my practice and in my work in India. My opinion is that nothing has come close to the reproducible, safe and effective results that my clients, students and I have achieved with homeopathy.

Call today and learn how homeopathy might just be the missing piece in your health strategy.


Joette is not a physician and the relationship between Joette and her clients is not of prescriber and patient, but as educator and client. It is fully the client's choice whether or not to take advantage of the information Joette presents. Homeopathy doesn't "treat" an illness; it addresses the entire person as a matter of wholeness that is an educational process, not a medical one. Joette believes that the advice and diagnosis of a physician is often in order.


We've provided links for your convenience but we do not receive any remuneration nor affiliation in payment from your purchase.


The Author disclaims all liability for any loss or risk, personal or otherwise incurred as a consequence of use of any material in this article. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.



 

220 thoughts on “From Tendon, Bone and Cartilage Problems to Healing with Homeopathy”

  1. Jo says:

    Interesting. Everything in mainstream medicine is painfully expensive. Glad you have an option in veterinary care. Nothing like that around our area.

  2. Susan says:

    Good morning!
    I just read about Buster and it just warms my heart that you’re taking such good care of him. It amazes me how such an easy remedy can do so much for us and our pets! I am just now learning about homeopathics and I am going to write down ailments and their remedies in a notebook. I am also going to look for books on it!

    Can I ask a question? I don’t think I have gout because my uric acid levels are always low but it seems like calcium deposits have formed at the base of my big toe and only on my right foot. Do you know of a remedy to dissolve it? My foot dr wanted to do surgery years ago but I didn’t want that so I have been living in pain since then.

    I also have to wear sandals or flip flops because any pressure on my toe makes walking very uncomfortable and today it’s going to be in the 40s and rainy in Tx so for me to wear warm boots will be awesome!

    I hope Buster continues to feel better. If he was my dog, I’d want to carry him around all day, too! He’s adorable.

    PS Wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving day.

    Kindly,

    Susan

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I’m afraid I am not able to take cases on this blog, but will plan to discuss this subject in a future blog.

      1. Susan says:

        I look forward to seeing this topic covered.

        Thank you.

      2. Traci says:

        Good day. Thank you for the great resource with your knowledge and blog. I will be looking further. You sure wrote an inspiring and articulate description here that gives encourages confidence to learn and use homeopathic therapeutics. I wouldn’t have trusted that I could learn unless I came across your blog.

        I wondered if I could trouble you for something not covered here. Have you heard of the flluoride antibiotics? They are very dangerous. They cause tendons to burst and have all kinds of terrible damaging effects. They are over-prescribed with many horror stories. My 90-year-old neighbor has damage to his achiles tendon. It was a year and a half ago. He still has the burning pain. I find out as I am researching it for him that the statin drugs and other were/are contraindicated. They only treat the pain. I’d love to repair it for him. He also has shoulder and neck stiffiness/damage from wear and tear. He outperforms most 30-year olds. I’d really love to be able to solve this for him.

        It sounds like Symphytum 200 and/or Arnica may still work for him even though the injury is 1.5 years old. He has advanced Macular Degeneration. I am researching to put together a protocol to get him off drugs that are contraindicated for his eyes and for the macular degeneration. The rmacula/retina rapid damage at the end is what causes blindness. I have a good protocol for his conditions and the macular degeneration that I’ve almost finished putting together. The damage to tendon is the one I’m having the most difficulty with.

        Would you be able to tell me which ones you would use for the tendon (strong burning pain – tendon and muscle) and macular degeneration. I”m not sure which category these would fit into for homeopathic. I’m hoping to start this soon for him. The macular degeneration is end phase. He can’t take any chances with the rapid progression. I’ve gotta find a way for him to find relief without the drugs which present extra danger to the eyes.

        I also wonder what the best source is for value. It sounds like he will take the homeopathic a long time.

        Thank you very kindly.

        Sincerely

        Traci

        1. Courtney Ingham says:

          I’m sorry but I can’t take cases on this forum. I will share however, that it matters not how long ago an injury occurred. MAcular degeneration would be approached as a visual/eye condition while the achilles tendon would indeed be a tendon condition.

  3. Shana says:

    Tx for this article, Joette. I wonder exactly HOW u give homeopathics to a dog… dissolved in water?? Buried in food?? Both seem like they’d “ruin” the remedy. My little dog is growing numerous skin tags/warts and I wonder about giving her Thuja….

    Tx for any help u might offer….

    Shana

    1. Sherri says:

      We use homeopathy for all our farm animals. There are 3 ways we have found. Take about 4 oz of water and dissolve 4 pellets in a clean glass jar with clean lid. Shake to incorporate. If the animal is approachable and gentle, you can put a syringe of the water remedy in their mouth. Just gently put the syringe in the side of their mouth. If the animal is fairly approachable but not that gentle, use a spray bottle to spray it on their nose/muzzle/mouth…any membrane will work. The final way for animals that are not approachable is to put it in their drinking water. You can buy syringes at a feed store, just don’t get the needles. It doesn’t matter if the animal is eating or not, we have found they still work.

    2. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I put the remedies in the water bowl and make the assumption that he’ll drink from it approx. twice daily.

    3. Gay says:

      With our dogs I wait until they are napping then lift their lip and dump the pellets between their gum and lip. I’ll usually sit with them for a few minutes and stroke them just to keep them quite. Often times they just fall back to sleep and leave the pellets under their lip. My understanding is that the remedy is just a coating on the outside and easily comes off so even if they spit it back out after a minute or two they still should have gotten the dose. Maybe Joette can confirm or correct this?

      1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

        It’s the old napping- dog- method. And yes, that’s correct.

  4. Shelley says:

    Very interesting! Thanks for the information. Incidentally, when our cat had to have surgery our vet sent us home with Traumeel for his pain and healing. I didn’t know very much about homeopathy at the time, but learning a lot very quickly here. My granddaughter’s teething problem went away in 10 minutes today after giving her a remedy. My husband and I have had several problems quickly healed recently also. I am totally amazed at how well homeopathy works and really want to learn as much as I can.

  5. Sherri says:

    I have personally used Symphytum for many animal’s wounds and have seen it literally “stitch” it back together, from the inside out. It is incredible to watch. Of course, when they heal from the inside out, infection doesn’t get trapped inside, like it would if the wound was stitched. I got the idea to use it when my first serious animal wound was on a cat’s backbone…the cut was very close to the bone, so tendons and other ligaments were involved. I had read it worked on those things close to the bone, so I gave it a try. It has worked everytime since then. If it’s deep enough to need a stitch, I give Symphytum twice a day until it is totally healed up.

  6. Jennifer says:

    Thank you for another helpful article! I am grateful for all the information you share empowering this heal-at-home mother!

  7. Paula says:

    I am going to try the protocol Of Symphytum 200 and Hypericum 200 for my 21 year old daughter who had a fracture in lumbar area and who has had surgery to see if that would help the continuous pain go away. Surgery did not help. We have ruled out everything that we could think of that might be causing the pain. She has been on pain pills for a long time (not narcotics) and they only help ease the pain. She needs to get off of them. So, I am looking forward to trying this protocol. My question is how long do I give her these remedies if I am not seeing any results?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      As far as pain is concerned, we usually see a shift within a month or 2. Watch for incremental decreases.

      1. Mohamed Farook Mohamed Thameezudeen says:

        Is there any specific Banerji Protocol for cervical spondylosis . Bcoz My friend is severely suffering from pain neck and shoulders for the past twenty years

  8. Lorna says:

    I’m going to try Symphytum 200 + Hypericum 200 for my mom who has been suffering from sciatica like pain in her hip and groin area.

  9. Angie says:

    What perfect timing. My dog just re-injured his ACL again! We’ve never opted for surgery, but choose to rest him until it heals. I’m going to try Symphytum 200 – hopefully it will shorten his confinement time.
    Thanks!

  10. Hannah says:

    That’s fascinating that you can use homeopathic remedies on animals. Our dog who is a year old has always been a timid shy dog. She is also a submissive pee-er. When she is in trouble, or someone approaches her she doesn’t know she’ll squat and piddle a bit. Not fun in a wall to wall carpet house! Is there anything we can do for a sensitive, shy dog?

  11. Debra says:

    The timing of this could not have been more perfect for us. My cat came limping and crying into the living room shortly after I read this blog! Not sure what happened, but I suspect he took too deep of a jump. And same as Buster, he cried and refused to put any weight on his hind limb. I immediately gave him Arnica 30 as I had it on hand, and then headed to a store in our area that carries 200 potencies -got the Arnica 200 and symphytum 200 and began the protocol Joette listed. I called the vet and told them I was monitoring him closely. He improved visibly and steadily over the next few days, and today he appears to be almost normal. Unlike Buster, he does NOT like to be carried, and the hard part is getting him to stop his high jumping/landing! Invaluable information here, and you can bet that it is being passed on to anyone who will listen!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I love animal stories because they indicate that homeopathy couldn’t possibly be considered placebo.

  12. Shana says:

    Inspired by this article, I used Thuja 30 on my small 8 yr old dog who has been growing a few warts … and after two doses, two out of the three warts/skin tags disappeared. The third is older and may take a bit longer. Told her I was going to give her medicine to help her before I gently spooned the few pellets into her mouth and she lay quite still — clearly she understood! Tx all, for this happy result!!

  13. Jean says:

    This is great! Thanks Joette. Is there an additional Banerji protocol for Baker’s cysts? I seem to get strains and sprains easily. Several professionals have mentioned very lax or loose ligaments and tendons and they have said that my body is just not designed for running. Are there remedies that would help to prevent these strains from continuing to happen? I would love to jog on a regular basis again…

  14. Jennifer says:

    Hi Joette, I’m trying to help a friend heal his meniscus cartilage. I got him symphytum 30 and it says on the bottle 5 pills 3 times a day- seems like a lot! you said symphytum 200 twice a day- how many pills should be taken each time? and how many pills per day if using symphytum 30? thanks so much you rock!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Whatever the number of pills is written on the side of the bottle is equal to a dose. The reason I don’t offer an exact number in my articles is because I don’t know which pharmacy you purchased it from and each has its own pill sizes, etc. If you want to follow the protocol I discuss, it is twice daily.

      Good luck!

  15. Ruth says:

    Would symphytum be the right protocol for tendonitis? Would you mix it with any other remedies? I ask because my husband has had knee pain for over a year and just found out it is tendonitis.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Symphytum is often a good choice and can be mixed with either Ruta or Rhus tox depending on symptoms.

  16. Eve says:

    Hi Joette, thank you very much for your always so helpful information. I wanted to ask you if the protocol for sciatica is safe to take during pregnancy?
    Also would like to take the opportunity to ask if there is any material of yours or that you may recommend to read on safety when taking homeopathic remedies. Are there any to be considered as “dangerous” like traditional medicine?

    Many thanks before hand and really appreciate your response

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Apis should not be taken frequently during pregnancy. All the rest have a reputation for being safe during pregnancy and nursing.

  17. Carolyn says:

    Love this! Would these also be effective for “growing pains” in children? That feeling of shin splints but no actual physical reason for the pain, yet seems like its a tendon/joint issue?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Growing pains in children often has to do with muscles and is a different protocol. However, it seems to me that I’ve written on the subject on this blog. Try the search bar.

  18. Paola says:

    Question: if the tendon is totally ripped, do you need surgery or will the symphytum put that tendon back together? Tendons are like rubber bands and so when they rip I imagine it would be hard for the body to place it together and stitch it back together.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I’ve seen Ruta, Symphytum and Arnica slowly repair a torn tendon as long as it is not stressed by use during the process.

  19. Janelle says:

    How long do you recommend using Symphytum 200 for a broken bone? Its hard to see when the bone has healed and the remedy can be stopped.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Until the bone is shown via x-ray that it has fused properly or until all bone pain is gone.

      1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

        Until the bone is healed fully. I consider bone pain an indication that there is something remaining to be addressed.

  20. Terri Harrison says:

    We have a down cow in calf. The vet says she has the equivalent of human ACL/torn ligament in back left leg. She can’t stand on it. We were told there is nothing to be done. Just sent for symphytum 200 and will follow dosage on bottle. Twice a day? Doing Arnica 200 orally plus cream on area today. Praying for a miracle.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      For a torn ligament, you’re correct, but i’d also add Ruta 6,30 or 200, 2D as well.

      1. Elise McKinch says:

        Would you use these same remedies for a torn acl and meniscus that has also been repaired surgically in an advanced athlete?

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

          Yes, but there can be more to it if there’s concomitant pain or scar tissue.

    2. Chris says:

      What was the outcome?

  21. Rashmi says:

    I have been taking Symphytum200 flowed by Rhustox 30 (after an hour) but see no improvement in my heel spur. Should I mix the 2 ?
    how many times should I take?
    How many pills of each?

    Thanks a lot.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      THe protocol is to take them mixed together, twice daily for a couple of months. The number of pills to be used as a dose is printed on the side of the bottle.

  22. Barb says:

    Would symphytum be useful for my upper arm/shoulder area? I slept awkwardly a couple of months ago and my upper arm still hurts a lot if I get it on the wrong angle. It feels as though there is a muscle or tendon catching on something, then releasing.

  23. Laurie T. says:

    I’d love to hear what the Banerji protocol is for Adhesive Capsulitis (Frozen Shoulder).

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      The medicines I discuss are those that are used for the likes of AC. If the symptoms fit, the remedy does good work.

  24. ljack4uk says:

    My dog tore her meniscus in her back leg about 9 months ago. Fortunately the doctor said it would heal if we gave it time so there was no surgery. But, from time to time she still limps – we have also been told she has bad knees 🙁 She has trouble jumping up on the couch, etc so I know she still has some issues in her joints. Since it’s been awhile, would the symphytum still do anything for her? She also has a heart issue – is it alright to give with that as well. Thanks

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      No matter the age of the injury, if the remedy is correct, it will do the job. And you may use a remedy for more than one condition at a time. I do it all the time.

  25. i have my right knee pain as severe pain like dislocated and caries of teeth sometime during mastication whats ur recomendation about this
    thanx regard

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I don’t take cases on this forum, but by reading the blog, you’ll likely find what will help you.

  26. Sheila says:

    Hello Joette,

    Is a bone spur the same thing as a heel spur? My chiropractor takes x-rays to determine progress, and discovered I have a bone spur on my upper spine. Also, in the last week and a half, I realized/discovered a “knob” on the joint of my pointer finger. Is this a bone spur? I don’t have pain. My daughter and I are both learning about homeopathy through your blog, and are both going through your good gut bad gut course. My daughter told me to take symphytum 200 for it. Would this be correct? It seems to be to me? Thank you for your help. Sheila Moser

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I can’t tell you what to take, but I think the information I offer in this article is pretty clear.

  27. i have my right knee pain in x ray cleared uric acid 4.0

  28. Connie Hendricks says:

    Hi Joette,

    If one has a couple of the above conditions and the Banerji Protocol has Symphytum mixed with different remedy for each (such as Arnica or Rhus Tox for one of the conditions and Hypericum for the other) how would one work with this? Is it possible to mix 3 remedies such as Symphytum + Hypericum + Rhus Tox?

    I love, love, love your site — you are such a blessing! Also thoroughly enjoyed and continue to digest the info in your Good Gut Bad Gut course. I’m so excited to help those around me with that info!

    Thanks!
    Connie

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Thanks for your kind words. I generally use the combo that addressed the most pressing condition and allow Symphytum to act in a few different ways, even though the 2nd remedy is not included. Then give it a few weeks, at least, to see how things are going and adjust accordingly.

  29. barb says:

    joette thank you for all the info you give I had to use some of it this week I fell on my stairs fell on a stair on my back and tail bone cracked a couple of ribs immediately grabbed arnia 1m in a lot of pain then went to see doctor to make sure nothing was broken only fractured ribs bruised spine thank god so then I started taking symphytum 200 for ribs and ruta 30 for bruising after 3 days happy to say feeling lot better still on arnia 1m for some pain but getting better not sure if it will help my tail bone yet any suggestions on that but thank you again for all your help

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Smart lady to have these medicines on hand. Tailbone injuries are best met with Arnica as well as Hyperiucm 200 or if there’s severe pain, 1M.

  30. Maggie says:

    Joette, In a future Buster Blog can you talk about how to clear up cat dandruff? I hope Buster won’t be offended by this cat question. I have 2 cats, but only one seems to have the dandruff. Thanks.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Check out my article on dandruff. Its often the same for animals as for humans.

  31. kim says:

    Would this protocol work on bone spurs in my neck and mild arthritis in my right shoulder.. I have been in pain for a year.. stupidly resorted to cortisone shots.. i was desperate and knew of nothing else.. it didnt help.im desperate. thanks. I am so glad a friend told me about you! Kim

  32. Shelly says:

    Would Symphytum 200 also be recommended for a 5lb poodle born with luxating patellas? She’s 6 years old and has learned to deal with it by giving a little kick when she runs. However, the vet has said she will eventually need surgery. I would love to avoid this for her as I worry about the side effects of surgery on her quality of life. What do you suggest?

  33. barb says:

    joette my dog has hip dysplasia is there something that works ive got him on some homeophathy that’s a mixture of homeopathic remedies and the vet is giving him dasuquin advance which has soy in it which I hate but it helps but now hes having problems again hes moving very slowly is there anything I can give him right now I have him on calcarea carb 200 once daily it seem to help for awhile then he slow down again

  34. Smbtv says:

    Could a person suffering from arthritis of the knee, General arhtritis, and chronic back pain use symphytum, hypericum, rhus tox, and arnica twice daily for two months to cover all the symptoms? I have ordered the remedy symphytum mixed with rhus tox, and hypericum mixed with arnica because of the symptoms presenting.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Without taking a case to learn of the little nuances that determine what exactly to use, its probably better to separate symphytum 200 from RT. All the rest are right on.

  35. winterskykim says:

    Hi Joette, I have been taking rhus tox 30 and symphtum 200 since november 2016, 2x a day.. i do miss a dose once in awhile, but rarely. I am taking it for arthritis in my shoulder and bone spurs in my neck. I do feel alot of improvement in my shoulder, but still need more improvement, not so much in my neck. how long do i continue taking same remedy or add try something different, maybe hypericum and or arnica? Thank you, I am in one of your homeopathy study groups right now and I love it!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Hypericum is specific for arthritic pain while Arnica is usually used when there’s swelling or the condition is as a result of an injury.

      1. Kimberly says:

        Thanks joette. My other question is, should I continue to take rhus tox 30 and symphtum 200 for the arthritis in my toes..bone spurs in my neck, and i also have low back pain, as they are not feeling much improved and as I said I’ve been taking for months..2x day..or should I add something else in that may help …just not sure if I need more time or more remedy or even different rremedy..shoulder is 80% better..thank you..

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

          It would require other medicines for those areas that remain, bit it would require that I take your case regarding them and I can’t do so on this forum. “happy to hear about your shoulder.

  36. Julie Swain says:

    Would you recommend rhus tox or ruta for ligament and tendon tears/injuries following an accident with broken neck and back? I have been giving symphytum 200 mixed with ruta 200 for a few weeks, but wasn’t sure if that was correct. Also, how long should you give the ruta or rhus tox and should it be 200 or 30?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Ruta sounds like a better choice and of course, Symphytum 200. If using 30th potency you’re a little more free to use it more often but you might want to test it out to see where the tipping point lies upon administering one or the other.

  37. Sarah H. says:

    Hi Joette. Does Symphytum 200 work for recurrent corneal erosions? I’ve also heard about using Senega 200 for this condition. What are your thoughts?

    Thanks!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I would not consider using Symphytum for corneal erosions and have no experience using Senega for such.

      1. Sarah A Hale says:

        Do you have another recommendation?

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

          I urge you to meet with a seasoned homeopath. Certain conditions such as this require that age, etiology, and other concomitants be considered.

  38. Jonella says:

    Is Symphytum ever used for gout?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I wouldn’t discount it completely but not usually.

  39. winterskykim says:

    Hi Joette,
    Thank you for all your help and the work you do. I really enjoyed meeting you at our home study group question and answer session! My question is, if you are treating chronic backpain (sym+hyp) and arthritis in shoulder (sym+rhus) and arthritis in knee (sym+arnica) would you just take the symph one dose and then every 15 min space a dose of arnica, then hyp, , then rhus tox? Thank you.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Yes. its taken alone and the others would also be taken alone.

  40. debbie says:

    My son injured his left shoulder three months ago. He had and mri done and was told he has a frozen shoulder and a very large ganglion cyst in the left shoulder as well. Can you please provide a protocol
    for it. Any one else can give suggestions as well if they like to.
    Thanks Alot
    Debbie

    l

  41. Heather says:

    Hi Joette. Hope your summer is starting off nicely. Our group had their first post class meeting and it went very nicely. Still learning so much. I have a trigger finger from hyper extending my middle finger last summer. In another post on your site with testimonials the commenter spoke of Rhus tox being the recommended remedy that worked. I don’t see a date on that post so not sure which is more current. Which would be the best choice, the Symphytum or the Rhus tox?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Both may be used trigger finger.

  42. anaathome says:

    Hello Joette, my son sprained his ankle and has an avulsion fracture (tip of bone came off) so it isn’t a broken bone. I purchased Symphytum 200 just in case it was a broken bone. I see you said it works on ankle sprains, but does it matter if he also had the bone broken off since it is a “knit bone” remedy? The doctor said everything will just heal around the fracture since there isn’t a bone to “fix”. Thanks.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Symphytum has many uses that include bone fractures, sprains and much more.

      1. Anastasia says:

        Thank you for replying. I appreciate your time.

      2. Holly Norris says:

        Hi, I’m recovering from a broken ulna, I’d like to take symphytum, but have found so many articles on the risk of liver damage from it. Even the Herbal Academy advises against it. Any thoughts on that? It’s healing, but a little more slowly than my doctor was hoping. Any alternatives or info on the safety woumm would be greatly appreciated.

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

          I’m afraid that you and those who offer caution don’t understand the difference between a homeopathic medicine that is diluted for example 200 times to the hundredth power compared to a gross amount of the original substance.
          Symphytum officinalis is indeed toxic if taken internally in the gross form.
          That’s not what I’m advocating for here.
          You might want to do a bit more studying on what homeopathy is before embarking on its use.

  43. Lisa says:

    Hi Joette. I have taken a few of your courses (gateway and GGBG) and love your work. Im ready to take another one. Which class offers the most information on injuries, especially sports related? I have 2 very athletic kids plus athletic husband. We are an active family and I am building my toolbox to be able to handle injuries. So far we have had sprained ankles, bursas, hyper extended elbows, knee pain, shin splints, and achy backs. Gymnast, soccer player and hockey…need I say more. ? Im also a homeschooling mom so want to take kids through course as well. Which one would be the best for us to take?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      My course, A Survivalist Guide to Homeopathy may be what you’re looking for. Take a look on the site or feel free to contact my office and ask for Eileen. She’s in the office from 10-4:30 EST Tues-Sat. and will help you find what suits you best.716.941.1045.
      Thanks for your vote of confidence.

  44. Bea says:

    Hi Joette. I’ve had weak ankles and flat feet (I’m told this means weak ligaments) my whole life…so several sprained ankles in my life time. Can I take the sympytum 200 to strengthen all the joints/tendons/ligaments in my body? If so, any other remedy with it? Thanks

  45. Jennifer says:

    Hi Joette,

    I am currently using your protocols to heal our guts from food intolerance to gluten, dairy, and even fruit (yes,…we supposedly don’t make the enzyme needed to break down fruit or high phenols foods and if we eat them we break out in hives, coughing, rashes, fevers, irregular cycles, miscarriages, and hair loss).

    In the mean time due to years of us being malnourished due to not properly breaking down food and having leaky guts, we have weak and brittle hair. Is there a remedy to address weak and brittle hair? Thank you!!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Weak and brittle hair (as well as other conditions related to food intolerances) will adjust once the gut corrects itself. Having said this, you might want to look into cell salts. I have a download or cd on the subject that covers this subject fully.

      Additionally, whenever you have a question such as this, Google my name and the name of the condition. I’ve probably written on the subject. Here’s an example: https://joettecalabrese.com/blog/homeopathic-remedies/homeopathic-tips-2/

  46. S.SANDILYA says:

    One of my friends has had her Left Thumb injured in an accident and the thumb bent backwards. While it has got straightened it is still paining. I had suggested Arnica 30 as the first remedy and she has been advised to take R55 which is a combination medicine by Reckeweg. She has been put on a slint as well for 3 weeks. Would you suggest any alternate treatment? Sandilya

  47. Karli says:

    Hi Joette-
    I am wondering about eye injuries to the cornea of the eye instead of the orbit. My 23 month old daughter has a corneal abrasion that we have been treating since she was about 6 months old. I am unsure if the Symphtom 200 would help this type of eye injury. Do you know of a remedy or if there is a Banerji Protocol for corneal health or healing? Right now, she has a partial tarrosophy (stitching together of her eyelids) and we treat it with eye ointment daily. I am very much looking forward to your response as I have not found anything in your blogs that addresses this exactly. Thank you for all of your hard work and for sharing your knowledge so generously with us!
    Karli

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Symphytum is generally not used for abrasions and I address injuries in my guide, “A Survivalist’s Guide to Homeopathy” but the length of time indicates to me that the case would need to be taken by a seasoned homeopath.

  48. Pam Newcomer says:

    I’m taking Symphytum 200 and Rhus 30 for my feet , legs, knees and hip. I don’t know what is wrong, I stay away from MD’s. 2009 my feet gave out as I was at a street fair. Lucky for me there was a booth selling insoles which were a God send. had trouble ever since that day. Homeopath gave me something but did not help (helped restless foot). Dr sent me to PT for Plantar Fas. PT said you are not responding….not PF. Dr shrugged his shoulders….end of treatment. Over the years pain has spread up to inner ankles…calves, knees and hips. I am very active…dog walker…walk miles. I stumble in the morning because of the pain in my feet, but subsides after a few minutes. Kind of scarey for me taking pellets so often, I think I’m on day 5 or 6, no relief yet, but will continue to take. I think I have to go back and find the other one you said to add as a booster. My dog had a broken front leg, both bones (that’s why I inherited her) I told her vet I was going to give Symph and he said no, it will heal her too quickly and her bones need to come back into alignment (they did). Thanx for all you do Joette. I gotta find the flea one again too, got my Psor in the mail

  49. Mayda says:

    My son hurt his knee at football practice. He said he was fine, but middle of noght we heard his whimpers he had woken up from pain. I gave him arnica first then symphytum. Should I have given him Ruta instead? I wasn’t sure from this article is Ruta, which seems to work well for the bruising, is given along with Symphytum, which seems to work well for healing of not just the bone. Or do you not mix the two? Honestly Joette, I am very thankful for your blog. I can’t seem to stop talking about you and what you teach, and it has been very helpful for me and my family.

  50. Shannon Hall says:

    Would the same dosages be applied to human adults and children?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Across the board, frequency, potency and dosage are the same in animals and humans alike.

  51. Bea says:

    Thank you Joette for this protocol! My 21 year old son sprained his ankle so severely about 1 year ago that he was on crutches for several weeks. He comes by weak ankles honestly thru me. After admonishing him for not telling me sooner that he still had pain in his ankle, I put him on the sympytum and ruta protocol. I fully expected to look forward to many months before complete healing occured. To my amazement, 5 1/2 weeks later my son was COMPLETELY pain-free….after an entire year of pain! WOW!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      You’ve just witnessed the miracle known as homeopathic medicine. Merry Christmas!

  52. Pam says:

    Joette, my son had surgery for a torn labrum in November. At that time I gave him Symphytum 200 twice a day until the bottle ran out. Since then he’s had the required physical therapy and now it’s time to wait for it to heal the rest of the way. He hopes to start lacrosse in March. Is there something else I need to give him to push that healing along faster? I might add that he slung a sledgehammer without problems on a missions trip a couple of weeks ago. Maybe it’s healed??

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      If all is well, all is well.

  53. Mayda says:

    My husband has back pain and usually it comes on when he carries kids or overuses his back. He also has been having shoulder pain and Rhus tox seems to fit the shoulder issue.
    Would it be ok to follow symphytum + hypericum protocol along with arnica and Rhus Tox protocol at the same time? Maybe one protocol in the morning and another one at night?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      We usually use each of these protocols twice daily.

  54. Kelly says:

    I have enjoyed reading your articles and am very interested in learning more. I am trying to organize a study group together with a few friends and am looking at taking your course on GGBG. My husband gets migraines and I have been able to determine that if I cut out gluten he doesn’t seem to get them. I also think he has abnormal gassy spells. Is this the class you would suggest? I have also tried to search your articles for information that might be helpful for older injuries (broken ankle) that continue with swelling and stiffness. Would you have any suggestions?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Yes, Good Gut, Bad Gut is the course most specific to your husband’s condition.

      As for stiffness, you might want to take a look at this blog using the keyword, “arthritis”. Hint: The remedies are pretty much the same.

  55. Lisa says:

    My husband was rear-ended (big impact) almost 2 years ago and has sustained an injury diagnosed as severe whiplash and consussion. He’s recovered from the concussion, but the neck (in the C1-C7) has chronic pain (stiffness, tender, aches). He’s also experienced twitching (myoclonus) and numbness in hands on right side. He has undergone nerve ablations as well to help with the chronic pain. Headaches come and go as well. It’s more the rule than the exception, though he’s never been a day without symptoms of some sort. I am actually just learning homeopathy and have been eager to do so to help him regain quality of life and eliminate the need for procedures. Meanwhile, I believe that his symptoms can be helped with the remedies mentioned, but I’ve not the knowledge to apply them. Is there a protocol for conditions such as whiplash and those mentioned above? He is scheduled for another MRI to see if anything has developed since he first had one in 2016 following the accident. Never had broken bones or fractures from injury, but did have bulging discs. I know cases are not taken via this forum, so I’m more or less wondering about protocols for whiplash in general that persists with symptoms.

  56. Cindy says:

    Which protocol would be most appropriate for tennis elbow?

  57. Lisa says:

    Can you suggest/recommend any particularly helpful remedies that address headaches which come on from chronic neck injury?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Did you check my blog for injury remedies? That’s where to start.

  58. Danielle says:

    Would the symphytum also address “there is no cartilidge left”? Partner being told no cartilidge left on hip in X-ray and recommending hip replacement. I know this is for repairing bones and cartilidge. But what about regeneration?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      There’s no way of knowing for certain that there is no cartilage remaining.

      1. Danielle says:

        The doc said that is what X-ray showed. So that Is what I have to go on. So would trying symphytum or symphytum /Rhus tox help with Cartlidge issues and hip pain? Seems like something would be worth a try before they get out their knives.

  59. BEA says:

    So if there IS cartilage left will this protocol actually rebuild/regenerate it?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Not every case is successful but I’ve witnessed it.

  60. Lisa says:

    How would a torn meniscus be seen? X-ray? My son broke his tib and fib completely, had a rod surgically placed into the tibula and is now recovering at home. I’ve been using Arnica 200c and Symphytum 200c as well as the Hypericum 200c giving each one separately. I was wondering if it would be wise at this point to switch or add in the Ruta 30. His back calf is tender and aches – I imagine that when his left leg landed in the trench and his body “kept moving forward” causing the breaks, he likely (most certainly?) sustained soft tissue damage, stretching his muscles, etc in a direction opposite of their natural movement. We are seeing his orthopedic surgeon to follow up… I’ll ask him about those possible injuries.

  61. Lisa says:

    I posted in #57 and you kindly offered your suggestion to my question. I did look into your blog to try to find the answer, but have not stumbled upon it yet. I searched using “injuries”, “injury”, and “headache” as well as “neck injury.” I did locate an article titled Headaches, but it was quite brief, and there were no remedies offered in that particular one. Other articles I found were helpful regarding headaches of different natures, but nothing pertaining to one resulting from neck/whiplash injury. We are on the calendar for an appointment with you, but it’s not until next month, so I was hoping to start trying some things to help my husband. He suffers nearly every day from his neck injury with these headaches and still has to maintain his full time work with a long commute. I wish I could give him something to relieve this. Thanks for any help you can give in assisting my search on your blog. I do realize cases are not taken on forums. God bless.

  62. Lisa says:

    Just an fyi… I’m the same Lisa that posted in #60 also. When it rains, it pours!

  63. Dave says:

    I’m sure the answer is somewhere, but I didn’t find it specifically even in the Gateway course material….when a Banerji Protocol calls for MIXING remedies, do you take a full dose of each or a half-dose of each mixed together to make a full dose? For example, if four pellets constitutes a dose, would you take 4 pellets of Symphytum and 4 pellets of Arnica for arthritis of the knee, or 2 pellets of each?
    Thanks!!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      It means you take an entire dose of one and an entire dose of the other.

  64. Lisa says:

    Joette, I’m wondering about something I came across in the Banerji Protocols book I recently acquired. A second line of treatment given for Musculaskeletal disorders was to give Symphytum 200c and Hypericum 200 c alternately every 3 hours. In this article, I see you mix the 2 remedies and give twice daily. Is one method preferred over the other? Your thoughts? Also, in their first line, Calc Phos 3x is offered as part of a remedy… which is very difficult to find in the U.S. and usually has to be ordered overseas. Would 6x seem a good fit or should I stick with 3x as they prescribe? Thanks for any insights on these 2 questions.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Its a variation on a theme.

      If you’re a client or student of mine you have access to the pharmacy in the U.S. that sells more unusual potencies/remedies.

      I urge folks to stick with the protocols as they’re written.

  65. Lisa says:

    Thanks….
    “as written” – do you mean from Banerji Book or your remedy cards – or just choose one and stay with that?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I don’t make the assumption that all readers own the Banerji Protocol book, so choose from the post and give the medicine time to act before considering moving on.

      1. Lisa says:

        Yes….that’s always my first step –reading your articles and following the your remedy cards. However, since acquiring the Banerji Protocols book and comparing, I am discerning and noting the slight variations at times between the two resources. Having not seen results over many many weeks of giving a protocol, I decided to give the one from the Banerji book a try – same 2 remedies we’ve been using but not given in the same way or frequency. Just did this two days ago. With the various nuances of homeopathy and posology, it got me thinking whether one over the other would actually yield results we are hoping for. I’m still on a learning curve…. but have actually launched a study group and will be looking into courses next. Yea!

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

          You may be surprised how much you’ll learn not just from my book and perhaps meeting with me with your group, but more importantly from exposure to individual cases by virtue of being in or running a group. You certainly are on a trajectory. ‘Wishing you the best.

          1. Lisa says:

            Joette, your words truly encourage me. It’s been a personal goal of mine since January of this year to delve as deeply as I can and try to overcome my tendencies to fear illness/conditions that occur. I have a lot of confidence that the study group will help me do so. Other more challenging problems our family has at this time have propelled me toward the blogs, articles, remedy cards, and Banerji Protocols book. Buying kits and special remedies have taken place. My prayers are that this FDA issue won’t shortchange us moms who have rolled up our sleeves to care for our families. Again, thank you for your support and all the responses and education you offer. Wishing the best for you too!

  66. Sara Kenyon says:

    Would this help with diastasis recti?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      It’s not specific for muscular conditions.

  67. Pat says:

    Would symphytum work well for knees that are stiff after kneeling on the floor? I’m only 54 but I feel like I’m 80 when I try to get off the floor after playing with my dog! I’m just getting into homeopathy and you are my go-to website. I’m so thankful for you! I’m in Upstate NY (Syracuse) and my son lives in Jupiter, FL so I feel connected to you in that regard! Thanks.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Yes, Symphytum is a good choice for knees.

      1. JKM says:

        Hi Joette,

        My (elderly) father is having knee surgery tomorrow for a torn meniscus. How long would you recommend Symphytum 200C 2x a day for recovery post-surgery to ensure proper healing? Or is it only to be used in the absence of surgery? Thank you!

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

          Surgery calls for the surgical protocol that is here on the blog.

          1. JKM says:

            Hi Joette,

            Ok, so the Symphytum 200C 2x would only be used in the case of trying to heal the meniscus WITHOUT surgery, then.

            I have read every surgery article here on the blog – thank you for all the info! I didn’t find an exact protocol of how you would integrate all of the remedies/decide which remedies to give and in what order following surgery. Here’s my (feeble) attempt at compiling them in a way my dad could understand. I won’t be able to be in the hospital with him so I need to make sure he understands what to take; how long to wait in between remedies, etc. Does this look about right?

            Ex: In the hour(s) immediately following surgery:
            1. 1 dose of Camphor 200 to clear anesthesia
            ***Wait 15 min? 30 min?*** (I don’t know how long it’s necessary to wait between remedies)
            2. 1 dose of Arnica Montana 200C for pain management (Can repeat every 1-3 hours according to pain. If finding that pain is so severe as to need it hourly, try switching to Hypericum 200; alternating between Arnica and Hypericum 200 every hour).
            ***Wait 15 min? 30 min?
            3. 1 dose of Staphysagria 200 for incision pain.(Repeat every 3-12 hours, depending on how often the pain appears at site of incision). 

            Other remedies in the kit to use as needed: 
-Phosphorous – headaches caused by anesthesia
            -Nux Vomica – nausea caused by anesthesia
            *Didn’t see anything about potency for these – 30C? 200C? How often? (Repeat every 1-3 hours?) 

Thanks for helping me to be the best ‘student’ – and daughter – I can be as I compile the info from your wealth of knowledge and try to make it understandable for my father’s surgery tomorrow!

  68. Carey says:

    Greetings! What an interesting article and discussion. I haven’t seen much about shoulders so I will ask: I’m wondering about a painful shoulder with a rotator cuff tear on a supraspinatis tendon that is “thin and fragile” (seen on an MRI) and a separated AC joint. Weak ligaments and tendons seem to be a periodic issue. Symphytum 200 and Ruta Graveolens? Or Symphytum and Rhus tox? PS I once had a wonderful Ruta salve made by Dolisos but am told it isn’t made any more. Thanks, Carey

  69. Carey says:

    Oh I forgot to mention that there is also a bone spur involved!

  70. Michelle says:

    Would Symphytum and Arnica be good for a miniscus that is worn down? I have a friend who has lost about 2/3 of one miniscus from years of strenuous activity (he’s in construction). I’d like to help him avoid surgery.

    Thank you,
    Michelle

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      You bet. However there’s often more that can be done with other homeopathics for pain, etc.

      1. Michelle Hall says:

        Thank you, Joette! What would you recommend for Potency and frequency of dosing …. 200c at least twice a day? Can Symphytum help rebuild the miniscus? What else would you recommend for pain (other than Arnica)? Are you thinking possibly Ruta? I’m not familiar with all of his symptoms … I’ll have to ask more questions, but I always see him walking very painfully and with a limp.

  71. Pam Gebert says:

    Hi Joette!
    I am very new to homeopathy, and am taking the Gateway II class and love them! My 16 month old dog has clicking joints, right leg pain, and trouble getting up after running a lot. I have been giving him Ruta 30, Rhus 30, Arnica 200, as well as Calc Fluor cell salt twice per day. I have been doing this for about a month and just want to make sure I’m on the right track. He seems to respond well to them, until he runs a lot. It’s hard to keep an energetic puppy calm. Am I doing this right and should we not allow him to run at all?
    Thank you so much for all you do, and I look forward to being able to meet you some day.

    1. Pam Gebert says:

      Sorry, all four of those are ‘mixed’.

    2. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      When we see medicines act, that usually means they are being used properly. What I can add is that given the condition, it’s a little overkill to use so many of them. I agree; it’s not easy to keep an energetic puppy from scurrying about. I’m not sure it’s necessary.

  72. Tanya Hudson says:

    Thank you for this post! I just finished giving my dog a few doses of Rhus tox 30. It’s what I happened to have on hand the first time he came home gimping around, and it seemed to work well. However, he will still occasionally strain the same hip so perhaps it’s more a tendon issue. I look forward to trying the symphytum next time. Am I correct to assume it could also address foraminal stenosis?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Yes, it is in the literature.

      Allow me to add that if you find a homeopathic that acts, I would not switch to another. Just stay with it and use as needed.

  73. Linda cammack says:

    Hi Joette, hoping you can verify the treatment I have set up for a torn disc.
    I am using symphytum 200 w hypericum 200 2xd, Am thinking of adding in ruta 30 with my arnica 1 m after reading that a disc is a ligament? Thanks for your consideration.
    Any estimates on recovery time? Lin

  74. Ana Carolina says:

    If I cannot get Sympithum 200 cc but only 30 cc, what should I do?
    I seem to have trouble with my left knee and took Ruta G 30 cc, have improved much. But would love to try Sump.
    I had surgery when I was a teen and the meniscus was taken out completely, then an injury to my knee affected tendons and ligaments, but I do not want any surgery. I am 64 now. Have improved a lot since my diet does not include gluten nor dairy, and stay at 125 lbs., no more pain until now. It feels as if kneecap is a bit loose.
    Love your posts, Joette, love what I am learning with you.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Have you clicked on the word “Symphytum 200” on the blog and it doesn’t connect you?
      30th potency will unlikely be of value.

  75. Catherine Kirk says:

    Hi Joette – My granddaughter (11 years old) has been diagnosed with Chondromalaca patellae. Would you recommend any of the above protocols for this condition? Many thanks for your advice.

  76. Rachael says:

    Might Symphytum repair a minor tear in the labrum? PT says nothing can regenerate cartilage. But when I hear that, I hear: “There are no conventional treatments available that can do this,” and I know to look elsewhere.

    Thanks for the wealth of information you provide. I discovered you about a year ago and have been obsessed!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      One of the best ways to learn the scope of a homeopathic medicine is to refer to a homeopathic materia medica. I’m delighted that you’re so interested in homeopathy so I assume you’re purchased a materia medica or two.
      Having said this, Symphytum is one of the better medicines for muscle/ligament/tendon tears.

  77. Rachael says:

    Thanks for your response, Joette! I have your materia medica and at least 2 others (so far), plus the Banerji protocols and a few other books on homeopathy.

  78. Marilyn says:

    Wondering if the remedy is same for arthritis in joints of fingers as in knee and if not, what works for finger arthritis?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Sometimes the same medicine acts for many joints but if not we have joint-specific, tissue-specific and organ-specific medicines. Should you be interested, I’ll be covering all off these in my upcoming course on “PAin”.

  79. Stephanie Coon says:

    Success story! My mother-in-law had a bone spur on her foot and she was experiencing a pain of 10/10 morning, noon and night for many months. She began the protocol from the article above: Symphytum off 200 mixed with Rhus tox 30 twice daily. After 2 weeks on the remedies she reported improvement- that she only had pain on days where she walked a lot and also the pain had reduced to 6/10. It has now been 7 weeks and she has cut back to taking the remedies to only at night and the pain is now completely gone. We are in the homestretch and hope to be able to stop the remedies altogether soon. Our entire family is amazed at what homeopathy is capable of healing. I am so thankful to you, Joette, for generously sharing so much free information. You are appreciated!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Hi Stephanie, I appreciate that you sent this to me and put it here for all to see. Folks need to know what is possible with this medicine.
      Keep up the good work and continue passing on the message.

  80. Abby says:

    Hi Joette- your blog is my favorite homeopathy resource and I’m so grateful for the help you give! Would Symphytum + Rhus tox be a good fit (in general, as I know you can’t take cases on your blog) for chronic ligament/sprain issues because of hypermobile joints and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome? Since it’s not a one-time injury, but rather repetitive stress stuff in my ankles from ligaments being too loose. Thank you!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Symph/Rt combo is a good choice for chronic conditions as well as acute, but make sure RT is also a fit for the kind of pains experienced.

      1. Abby says:

        Thank you so much!

  81. Tami says:

    Hi Joette. Thank you so much for changing my world with homeopathy! I read as much as I can and all the comments as well. So helpful! I read in the comment section here that arnica Montana 200 and hypericum 200 would be good for tailbone injuries. Would this be taken together 2X/day? I want to help a family member’s son who injured his tailbone recently while snowboarding. I am now so passionate about practical homeopathy but I struggle sharing with others bc those new don’t understand it at all and need specifics. I don’t know enough about dosing – when, what, potency etc. I love love love the fact that I can search your name and an injury or Illness and you simply put a protocol out there. As a busy mom of 4 I am trying to figure out how to take more classes but I so appreciate the efficiency of being able to look something up and reading what you suggest for an ailment. I thank God often that I came across your website. I never knew… so amazing.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Usually, if there’s pain in the tailbone from an injury (I hated when my kids snowboarded), the medicine is simply Hypericum 200, 2D until vmb. then stop and resume as needed.

  82. Rachel says:

    Dear Mrs. Calabrese,

    May I assume that Symphytum + Calc phos and Hypericum SOS would also work for Degenerative Disc Disease?

    Thank you very much!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      It’s pretty specific for DDD.

  83. Maureen says:

    Is Symphytum 200 contra indicated for a Breastfeeding mother?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      The homeopathics that need to be used with more caution during pregnancy are Apis, Sepia and Pulsatilla.

  84. Anjana says:

    I am facing issue in sacroiliac joint due lax ligaments, can it be cured with symphytum 200?
    I have inflammation over there.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I can’t tell you whether a specific medicine will cure. Symphytum may be helpful for this condition but there are others that may be more specific.

  85. Rachel says:

    Mrs. Calabrese,

    Might you ever add Belladonna SOS for throbbing pain while waiting for the Plantar Fasciitis protocol to act?

    Thank you!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      We certainly can include a pain remedy into the schedule while using the undergirding one. Belladonna is for a specific kind of pain and before choosing it you might want to read up on it in your materia medica before choosing it over others.

      1. Rachel says:

        Thank you Mrs. Calabrese. You don’t know how much God has used you in my life!

      2. Rachel says:

        I’ve been reading & trying to decide all day between Hypericum and Belladonna, I will give them more thought.

        Thank you Mrs. Calabrese. You don’t know how much God has used you in my life!

      3. Rachel says:

        I’ve been reading & trying to decide all day between Hypericum and Belladonna, I will give them more thought. Thank you Mrs. Calabrese. You don’t know how much God has used you in my life!

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

          keep at it Rachel, you’re doing it!

  86. Rachel says:

    Mrs. Calabrese,

    While waiting for the Plantar Fasciitis protocol to act, may we add Belladonna SOS for the throbbing pain?

    Thank you!

  87. Iumi Richard-Crow says:

    Thank you for your generosity. I just ran across a homeopathic site which is charging around $50 each for the Banerjii Protocols. Scandalous!

    I appreciate you very much.

    Iumi

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I’ve been aware and I fully agree with you.

  88. Rafy says:

    Hi

    Can’t find the protocol for SHIN SPLINTS.

    PLEASE YELP!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      On your browser use the phrase “JoetteCalabreseShinSplints”.

  89. Alex says:

    Hello. I have had rt hip surgery to repair torn labrum and impingement. I just re-tore it and found out I have hip displasia and possibly very little cartilage left, leading to eventual hip replacement.

    I just bought comfrey cream and thinking of applying daily. Do you believe this can help rebuild the cartilage to avoid arthritis? And I heard pyrrolizidine alkaloids can be harmful.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      I’ve never used comfrey cream for cartilage rebuilding.

      1. Alex says:

        Thanks Joette. Anything you recommend for cartilage rebuilding?

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

          The answer is in this article.

  90. lisa says:

    Comfrey is not the same as boneset, they’re very different plants used for different ailments. you’re correct in calling comfrey knitbone but referring to it as boneset is misleading

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      You are correct.
      It certainly emphasizes the importance that the Latin botanical be used rather than common, regional names.
      I may indeed have the correction made but I don’t believe that it’s misleading given that the botanical name is stressed, which is the focus of the article and the common name is simply incidental.

      1. lisa says:

        choosing to not correct the entry is certainly your prerogative as the author and I’ve seen this same error posted online by an herbalist which is flat out reckless on their part. Please be mindful that people sometimes remember only a portion of the information presented and don’t take time to re-read a posting or verify information so they might remember only boneset, not comfrey, and in their minds feel this is the herb they’re looking for; especially if they don’t have access to the correct homeopathic and look to use an herbal tincture in the short term. That’s the other side of posting information for general consumption, you don’t know how it will be used (not that how it’s used is your or any blogger’s responsibility) so whenever possible the more accurate the better

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

          You caught me at a busy moment.
          I’ve since made the correction and am grateful for your comment.

  91. klay says:

    My 12 week old puppy was in an accident yesterday and he has a fractured pelvis. I was told to crate rest him for 6-8 weeks. I have given him arnica 30 and aconitum. What should I give him? I was told to not give him Symphytum because the pelvis has to be set or else it can knit back together wrong. The vet didn’t mention anything about setting the pelvis only that the puppy is so young that crate rest is the best thing for him. Do you have any thoughts on this please? Thank you.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      Symphytum is excellent for completing bone fusing once the bones are in their proper place. I’m sure your vet is on the mark but if there remains any chance of a shifting of bones early on, it’s better to wait before administering Symph/CP.

  92. Ivy says:

    My son dislocated his knee 2 years ago, before I knew about homeopathy. When I started learning about homeopathy, I had heard about ruta grav and thought, “Oh man! If only I had known at the time.” However, about 10 months later, after being introduced and studied homeopathy, my son was simply getting out of the car at the sumpermarket when the same “MOM” scream escaped his lips. I knew instantly that his knee had dislocated again. He stood there, pale faced and vomiting. I gave him aconite and then arnica. He said it had gone back in but he was in a lot of pain. When I got home, I administered ruta grav the 4 times and he had settled quite well at this point and 6 hours later still made his shift at his job. He said he had zero pain and the knee looked great! Thanks for helping to teach the world about the useful benefits of homeopathy. It heals the kids and nurtures the momma soul.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      You’re welcome and nice job, Ivy!

  93. Suzy says:

    My young athletic dog was in an accident and his femur ripped out of the hip joint (hip luxation). The 2nd vet was able to get it back in there and screwed 2 metal pins into the pelvis bone, with an external bar connecting them and over the joint so it can’t pop back out before it heals. He wants this clamp to stay there 5 weeks. This is tricky to heal and often luxates again. With the support of homeopathy (and slow steady exercise), I’m hoping for all the muscles and tendons and ligaments to heal and tighten up, and keep that joint in place, so my focus has been on them, and ignoring the bone parts until the metal pins are removed. For some reason I was thinking Symphytum was “Boneset” so we’d need to wait for it, as well as Silica. I understand silica could push those pins out prematurely, and thinking Symphytum might also be inappropriate while the metal is still in the bone? But it sounds like it would actually be best for his ligaments and tendons. Is there any contraindication with these stainless steel pins and Symphytum? We do want the bone to remain strong and hold them in place for now (3 more weeks), but not to fuse or expel?

    Also, the first vet strongly recommended antibiotics for any bacteria that could develop in the bone. (Of course I don’t want to do that and he doesn’t want to discuss homeopathy.) Does Symphytum also address possible bone infection? Thank you for all of the information you’ve been providing!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      There’s no contraindication with Symph. As for infections, you might want to study from my online course, Antibiotic Alternative, or from my program, Survivalist’s Guide to Homeopathy.

  94. Tasha Byelich says:

    Hi! Would symphytum work for ‘trigger finger’ tendon issues as well? Thanks in advance!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      This remedy is great for tendon conditions in general.

      1. Tasha Byelich says:

        Ok, thanks so much!

  95. Bijay poddar says:

    I am a serious student of homeopathy as a hobby. and have gone through great results.but as i am 71year old and suffering from costochondritis. i tried ranunculus Bul and bryonia. i felt good effect fton ran b . bu it did not last more than a week i am confused now i started calc f 6x . but still no effect . my pain is aggravated esp from walking and talking.ihad checked my heart by there is no blocage . can you suggest me some remedy. this pains may have caused from sitting long hours on computer

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      Without fully taking a case, it’s difficult to advise. I urge you to crack open your repertory or consider taking my online course titled “Pain; Make it Stop”. It can be found at Courses.JoetteCalabrese.com.

  96. Sonia says:

    Would symphytum 200 and rhus tox 200 also work for spinal bone spurs where the pain radiates down the leg?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      Symphytum is specific for bone conditions but RT is not.

  97. Ann says:

    Hi Joette. My husband recently had a surgery to set his displaced ankle. He also has a broken fibula, which they said would heal naturally now that the ankle is set. He did have to have a screw put in which will come out once he is healed. I gave the surgery remedies when we had it and since have been giving him symphytum 200 and Ruta 30 together 3x a day to speed up the healing process in hopes to get him in a walking boot sooner than later. I’m now realizing that I was supposed to be spacing these 15 min apart from reading the comments and that really I may only need to be doing the Symphytum. I will also take it down to twice a day per the article. He had pretty stretched/torn ligaments from the ankle displacement is why I thought Ruta as well. Anyway, I was reading another comment on here mentioning surgery and they came to the conclusion that they should not be giving Symphytum after surgery. Is this true? He still has a broken bone, so to me it seems fitting, but I wasn’t sure if maybe having the screw would be a problem to take this remedy. I really hope you are able to get back with me. I have been using your blog as a search guide for years with other ailments and recently tried to become a client of yours only to learn you aren’t actually taking new clients currently. I do have hopes of taking some of your courses in the future though. Thanks for your time!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      I’m happy to hear that you use my blog but there’s more to know when dealing with sobering conditions.
      Symphytum should be used only when it’s clear that the bone is set in its correct position. If the pins were not put in place correctly and the bone needs to be adjusted, then Symphytum should not be used.
      I can’t urge you enough to run, not walk and join one of my online, live study groups. To piecemeal information from this blog is like having one hand tied behind your back.
      https://studygroups.joettecalabrese.com/
      Knowledge is never something we regret having.

  98. Andrea says:

    Can one start the bulging/herniated disc protocol without getting imaging to confirm and the chiropractor thinks this may be the issue?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      Chiropractors are usually pretty good at diagnostics.

  99. Maryann says:

    I’m currently taking Symphytum 200 for osteoporosis. If I mix in Ruta 30 for tendonitis, would that interfere with the protocol for osteoporosis?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      I can’t say definitively but its something that I would do.

  100. Ashley says:

    Based on what I read in this article it seems to me that Symphytum would be effective for patellar luxation as well. Am I correct?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, PHom M says:

      It’s certainly a consideration.

  101. Merryn says:

    What about in the case of Compaction Fractures – eg. in Vertebrae or the Femur or Tibial heads? Would taking Symphytum risk knitting the bone with the compaction? Or will it encourage the bone to expand out again?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, PHom M says:

      I’d be certain that the position is corrected before considering Symphytum.

  102. Abby says:

    Joette, I have read through these many comments and I can’t believe no one has asked how often symphytum is to be administered! My son broke his leg yesterday, hypericum helped 100% with the pain on the way to and from the hospital. I was going to start him on Arnica today and knew Symphytum was the choice for mending the bone but can’t find how often to give it!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, PHom M says:

      Are you sure you read the article fully?

  103. Zarine says:

    Hi Joette …can homeopathic medicines dissolve bone spurs in the heel or neck ? If yes which medicine should I use? Thanks and God bless you.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, PHom M says:

      Yes and I’ll be writing about it on my blog soon.

  104. Layla says:

    Joette,

    I am so happy to find this website.

    My daughter who is 8 now has an avulsion fracture in her ankle which is still swollen that has only just shown up 7 months later. Is it too late to start anything like the Symphytum 200 ? If not, how long can she take it for (months? One month on and one month off?) Is there anything else she should take with it. I’m trying to be optimistic that she’s young and will heal. I also had an naturopath make her comfrey salve and apply it daily and cover with cotton flannel. We are also doing PT.

    Any advice would be immensely appreciated. Please pray for her healing.

    Layla

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, PHom M says:

      Have you looked up what Symphytum is made from?
      Before choosing a medicine, I always urge folks to start with that step.
      Once you read up on it, the decision will be clearer.
      I would expect a positive outcome.

      1. Layla says:

        Hello again Joette

        Can’t thank you enough for this opportunity to speak with you. I have been giving my daughter whose 8 years the pellets as well as the comfrey salve (few drops of dmso andded) and it’s taken her swelling down after 7 months tremendously. I continued it for another 2 weeks for a total of one month and now I’ve stopped. am hoping to get some insight on how long comfrey salve can be used. At the time I completely forgot that she has growth plates in her ankle and leg and they close around age 13. I’m a little concerned using the salve for a month could have possibly fused the growth plates prematurely. Do you have any knowledge on this. If so, I’d love to hear your input cuz I can’t find anything and I’m a bit worried.

        1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, PHom M says:

          Homeopathy medicines won’t fuse what ought not be fused.

          1. Layla says:

            THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH
            You brought ease to my aching heart I really can’t thank you enough thank you thank you

          2. Joette Calabrese, HMC, PHom M says:

            What kind words!
            This is what homeopathy does: It brings ease to the aching heart.

  105. Layla says:

    Hi Joette

    Thanks a million for your reply. I have absolutely looked this up and have been using it for a month (the pellets 200 Symphytum) for my daughter. I’ve also used a salve with dmso on her ankle as well for 4 weeks. Being that she is 8 years and has growth plates on her ankle I was hoping to ask you if you have knowledge of using comfrey with children in areas with growth plates. I cannot thank you enough for this opportunity to connect.

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