I’m often asked why I travel each year to Kolkata, India, to spend weeks in the Prasanta and Pratip Banerji Homeopathic Research Foundation, studying beside father and son doctors Prasanta and Pratip Banerji.
There are certainly many closer places I could spend my professional time; I could go to Greece or England or Italy.
So, why do I consistently gravitate toward this particular clinic/research center?
It all comes down to surprises. (And everyone loves surprises!)
Twenty-two years ago, while I was a practicing classical homeopath in New York, a colleague mentioned to me in passing that there were doctors in India who, using only homeopathy, each saw 100 patients per day (who had diseases such as AIDS, TB and various cancers), and their methods had consistently high cure rates.
At the time, I was incredulous. “That’s not possible to take that many cases in a day,” I thought, and dismissed the idea as someone’s misinterpretation of the facts.
Two years later, I heard the same statement … this time from a different, older, respected colleague. I pricked up my ears.
As a classical homeopath, and as much as I loved my craft, I was too often disappointed with not only the amount of time to take a case and the inconsistency in the method but more importantly, the difficulty in teaching the method to families because of its complexity.
At the time, it was impossible for me to travel to India to witness something of this order, given the ages of my children. So, I tucked this information away in my head as something I would look into some time in the future.
Then six years ago, another colleague emailed me that he was sponsoring a father-son team of doctors from India to speak locally at the college where he and I had taught homeopathy.
He said, “Joette, these are the doctors who see 100 patients each per day and …”
I leaped to my feet.
Do you ever have that feeling when you know that something important is about to happen in your life, and you know that in your response, you said the exact right thing at the exact right time?
That doesn’t happen to me often. But at that moment, I knew down to my toes that what was forthcoming would be perfect and profound.
I replied, “I’ll be there. And would you be so kind as to arrange for me to have lunch with them?”
And so, I met the Drs. Banerji and thus, the surprises began.
During that lunch, when I asked if I could join Dr. Pratip Banerji at his research center to observe, he said, “Certainly!”
We instantly clicked and to this day, after six awesome and eye-opening years of working with him, we have become fast friends. He calls me his American sister and I call him my Indian brother.
The first year I sat with Dr. Pratip and his esteemed father, Dr. Prasanta Banerji (whom I now affectionately and reverently refer to as “Baba”, which means esteemed father), there were more surprises than I had ever thought possible.
What I witnessed was an established scientific research and data collection center that is unrivaled in the world today — not only in the homeopathic world but the world of medicine in general.
His and his family’s data spans over 150 years — encompassing not only his lifetime, but the lifetimes of his father, his father’s father, and his great-uncle.
At the time of this writing, their patient database has more than 40,000 cases inputted, with over half a million visits recorded.
This ongoing research initiative is the epicenter of these doctors' work, which makes it particularly attractive for research to premiere institutions throughout the world.
I fully expected greatness, but was astounded by the sweeping accolades from the Indian, as well as American and European, governments who heap praises and awards on these doctors and their research. (See the previous blog on the stamp designed in their honor.)
What they have amassed is indeed an international consortium research foundation with collaboration from around the globe.
But what struck me most on my first visit was a jaw-dropping revelation; the sheer number of patients the Banerjis and their staff of senior doctors see in one day.
Patients are simply not turned away, even if it means Dr. Pratip Banejri must take cases well into the night … every night. (And I know how late he works with patients because I have sat by his side many a time.)
I was very surprised by Dr. Pratip Banerji’s unwavering expectation of near-perfection (not only from himself but also from his junior and senior doctors).
He runs his operation with a kind but overtly austere hand. Not a single mistake is tolerated. Attention to every detail in case taking, assessment of lab reports, MRIs, and X-rays must be perfect.
Even spelling and penmanship are critically reviewed. Nothing less than accuracy and professionalism is allowed on every level.
At first glance, the clinic appears chaotic. It’s sensory overload, as hordes of people dressed in brightly colored traditional (as well as Western) garb amass outside the clinic, in the waiting rooms and pharmacy.
But even more shocking is that the clinic is anything BUT chaotic. It is highly structured, orderly, and precise. It was the sheer mass of people that startled me on my first visit and still moves me to this day when I try to negotiate and navigate my exit from the compound through the crowds to grab a cup of tea.
So thick are the crowds that my dear friend, Dr. Vivekta Sharma (one of the esteemed senior doctors) and I clasp hands as she confidently pulls me through the multitudes.
This all takes place on the first level of the clinic.
On the second level, junior doctors are perched at their computers inputting information from the MRIs, photos, X-rays, and blood labs, with the prescription that is always strictly homeopathic medicines for each case that is taken for the day.
There, they record data of the treatment of all cases of various types of cancers and other life-threatening diseases such as renal failure, multiple sclerosis, TB, and even leprosy.
The staff guard directs the crowds that await their turn outside the clinic.
That means that there is often input for over 1,200 cases daily. In spite of Dr. Pratip’s education as a conventional medical doctor, his patients count on his and all of the doctors using only homeopathy, most often because conventional medicine has failed them.
This is why they flock here. The word is out: this is where you come when all else has failed. They come on gurneys, on homemade stretchers, on the backs of relatives, in ambulances, in chauffeur-driven cars.
They just come.
This is also why the likes of the National Institute of Health in the US, Anderson Cancer Institute, Roswell Cancer Institute, Columbia University, The University of San Diego, St Luke’s Hospital, and other orthodox medical institutions ask the Drs. Banerji to present their methods in hopes of collaborating with these great minds.
Apart from these well-known institutions in the USA, the Drs. Banerji receive offers from medical research institutions in Spain, Japan, Israel and various South American and African countries.
Dr. Pratip Banerji’s laser-like focus on diagnostics also surprised me, and here’s why: most homeopaths don’t rely fully on the typical method of diagnosis employed by conventional doctors.
That is because they employ classical homeopathy in which the diagnosis is not as important as the symptoms. However, Dr. Pratip Banerji is a different kind of homeopath.
He possesses an extraordinary diagnostic ability, not only because of his conventional medical training but because he believes the diagnosis, as well as the symptoms, is paramount to choosing the correct homeopathic medicine.
How do I know that he was correct in his diagnosis and treatment, time and time again, even with conditions that were sometimes vague?
Because when I have returned each year, I have followed up on certain cases from the previous year that I found particularly fascinating — and the patients invariably improved; often to cure.
His patients include high governmental officials (including the President of India, Royalty of India, and the Kingdom of Bhutan), the most influential merchants in India, as well as village dwellers from across the country.
I am introduced to a broad demographic of patients that convinced me — this was no ordinary doctor that I was sitting beside.
So, to those who have asked why I would travel 23 hours across the globe every year for years, to sit next to this extraordinary man day after day, for as many as 13 weeks, my answer should come as no surprise: I am sitting next to history in the making.
Warmly,
P.S. I didn’t include a Banerji Protocol for this article. But stay tuned; more will be forthcoming.
Thank you for this intimate view into the Banerji process and your experience with them!
This story consists of two miracles. First, Dr.Banerji is a visionary of the highest being. He is contributing to the evolution of health and healing that is unheard of. The second miracle is that Joette has the eyes, heart and mind to see it AND to give her time and energy to study and partake in this creation. Oh, also, that she also cares to invite all of us to ride the waves with her. Please continue to keep us informed every step of the way! Thank you Joette Calabese!
What lovely words. Many thanks.
This is great, Joette!
Safe travels! Speaking of traveling, when you fly and want to bring remedies along- Is it better to take them in your carry on luggage or the checked luggage?
I’ve traveled with my medicines having been in both places and they remain potent. Additionally, I usually separate those that I carry on and ask that they not be put through x-ray but some have inadvertently gone through and yet still fully act.
I’ve come to recognize that they’re more sturdy than we have all imagined.
Are there any practitioners who practice his exact protocols here in the US?
I do.
That is so cool. I wish we had that clinic here in the u.s. but the next best thing is your blogs! Thank you!
i am taling Dr banerjee remedies for the past 1 yr but i have an improvement of only 30% for my chronic low back pain.i am not sure as whether i will cured or not ??
Thanks for sharing. Shared on Twitter. https://twitter.com/BrownBagPantry/status/885340518858620928
I am thoroughly enjoying this blog. Thank you so much. You have changed my life.
This is tremendously important information, as so well presented. So appreciative of the details of your story and experience. Who knows, it may just change and/or save a life!
Joene Denning Bone
are you VS antony i want to ask a question
I don’t understand your question.
I am a retired professor of English literature living in Cochin, an ancient historical town in the southern most part of India. Banerji clinic comes alive through your description of your annual visit to it.
Incidentally, I am an ardent student of homeopathy at my age of 67. I fell in love with this mysterious branch of medicine three years ago. Ever since have been spending almost all of my waking life in the study of it. I have acquired books on the original masters as well as all well known present experts and scholars of homeopathy.
Though in my childhood days my mother used to take me to a local homeopath, when I grew up I completely abandoned using homeopathy. For my asthma as well as gerd I depended entirely on conventional medicine from the best physicians including an M.D. in my family. But my problems were just kept in control, not eliminated. Then I happened to read an article on nux vomica on the internet. Some of the symptoms in its drug picture suited my problems. I just bought nux vomica 30 and started using it for a couple of days. The acidity problem which was not amenable to the conventional medicine was soon cured to a great extend. Then whenever I had some difficulty with the stomach I put a drop of nux vomica in one third cup of water, take a sip and through the rest away. This has helped me immensely and has made me an admirer of homeopathy.
For my other problems of both mind and body I take liquid doses of alumina 200. I also use various other medicines such as gelsemium, arnica, phos. acid, etc almost all in 30c. whenever needed. Now I am thinking of trying LM potency which I have obtained from Schawbe India. My wife and daughter also have become admirers of homeopathy.
Incidently, along with English literature I have also been a student of psychology for the past 40 years. I am also interested in history, especially the history of Kerala and its spice route. Every year I give a series of 30 lectures on spice route and globalization to American visitors brought to Kerala by Tauck international
if you are VS antony i like to ask if you know someone who skypes and a good homest homeopath that does not live in india because cant send money there i lost 500 dollars trying to send once.i have slow thyroid what is best to take and what is good for detox oif you have amalgum fillings are you a homeopath?
Thanks for a glimpse into your travels to India and the wonderful photos! I for one, am so grateful for the invaluable information you have shared as a results of your time with the Banerjis! Also, would you kindly give a phonetic pronunciation of “Banerji”? I have been saying “Ban-ur-gee” but I’m not sure that is correct! Thank you!
Thanks and you’ve got it right.
As a first year homeopathy student this was a very interesting read – thanks!
Thank you so much for bringing awareness of this form of homeopathy. How long do you think it is going to take for homeopaths is America to embrace the Banerji protocols? Is it possible that because
this method does not follow the true homeopathic paradigm it might eventually have to be called something else?
There’s no way of predicting. We, homeopaths, are a stubborn bunch; often harder to convince than some conventional MDs.
Thank you, Joette, for sharing this amazing story with us about the Banerjis’ clinic and their approach in homeopathy. I so love homeopathy and I love how straightforward these protocols are. Thank you for teaching them to us! Looking forward to more articles about the clinic and their protocols.
Thank you, Joette, for passing on your education from the Banerji doctors to your students. Please convey my deepest gratitude to the Banerji doctors. Through the application of the knowledge gained under your tutelage, my health has been transformed, and I have my life back! I’m still taking Banerji Protocols to uproot illness, but the issues I deal with today are very minor. I look forward to continued study in your courses. Blessings and hugs to you!
Thank you for sharing this story! It’s great to learn more about the Banerjis. Thank you for bringing their expertise to the US, Joette!
I love this Joette!!! They sound almost as awesome as you are and I’m blessed to be working with you. 🙂
Thanks Kelly! Its actually my pleasure to work with you.
joette i wanted to see you but you are booked out.i have slow thyroid what is best to take to bring it back it was radiation that did it i had nuklea medicine testing 6 years ago and i am 66years maybe?but thia occured 1 years after the testing.i also like to ask if TRS detox for heavy metal is good i have amalgum.will it harm my throid?it is by Coseva advanced TRs heavy metal detox
Thank you, Joette , for this AMAZING read! Blessings to all of you for the work that you all do. The Banerjis are so dedicated!! I took Classical Homeopathy for 3 years, but I can see how their type of homeopathy is so effective and life changing. What a joy it must be to work with them every year!!!!
By the way, I am originally from Rochester NY, but now live in Arizona. I follow you and hope to take some courses from you………..love and hugs……….Concetta ( Connie )
‘Love your name…I had an Aunt Concetta and thanks for your kind words
Do you know if The Banerji Protocols (2013 edition) will be revised in the next few years? It has been sitting in my Amazon cart for months because the price is steep but I’ve noticed it dropping lately. Would you recommend it? I’ve been paying close attention to your posts and am compiling 90% of your info for my personal reference but this seems like a wonderful resource to have. Your thoughts?
The book is priceless and I don’t know that it will be edited beyond the latest edition.
MANY thanks! I just ordered it. YOUR site is a priceless resource for me! I appreciate all your posts and especially love that even when the subject matter doesn’t apply directly to me (childbirth, nursing mothers etc.) there is always a nugget or two useful in other ways. Am looking forward to navigating Banerji Protocols for more treasure. Thank you for your wisdom.
Your admiration and praise of the Banerji’s gave me goosebumps! Have you ever thought of organizing a guided tour to visit the Banerji Research Foundation with some of your students? Thank you for a lovely and inspiring article!
Dear Joette,
I agree what Drave says above! Would you, please, arrange a travel to Banerji clinics. I attended Banerji seminar on London 24-26 of June and really want to know more, everything! After struggling with real classical homeopathy for twenty years, I realise that this is what I want to learn properly. I even bought the Banerji book and the Basic remedies from London seminar. But I only need to gain more knowledge.
Dear Joette, I am still waiting for your answer 🙂 How do you think about the idea above?
I’m sorry but I can’t organize a tour since the Banerji’s determine who comes to the clinic as an observer.
Congenital or aquired we are group on Facebook having Syringomylia
can homeopathy cure this disease could you discuss this with Banerji s
Feel free to contact them yourself.
I received the Banerji Protocol book as a gift last May…. I wanted to begin using 2 separate protocols which both entail 2 remedies each within the specific protocol. The book states to alternate the 2 remedies (one protocol) e2h; since I’m going between 2 protocols, this is becoming very difficult to keep up with – 4 remedies total plus an SOS remedy choice …. the remedies are taken so frequently I can hardly keep up. For example: Protocol A has 2 remedies taken alt e2h; Protocol B has 2 remedies alt e2h; and then there’s an SOS remedy I chose as well. Given the need to take remedies 15 minutes apart when they come from separate protocols, every hour, all the remedies are taken spaced as needed. OHM sells these protocols mixed, but the Banerji Book does not indicate mixing them (+) … any help on how to keep up would be so much appreciated as these are not for me, but rather my husband. He commutes to work and I know it would be very very challenging for him to keep these going all day long (and taking into account not eating 15-20min before and after.) What would you advise?
I’d advise you to consider taking one of my courses that explain this step by step. I teach how to integrate protocols and what to watch for.
It’s a goal of mine to do so…. I’m hoping to be able to get set up after I complete the GW2 study group I’m taking. Thanks, Joette.
What a beautiful text,
that made my tears ascend,
so much love in action –
thanks for sharing Joette
Hi Joette,
Thanks for the abundance of material on your site. I am working my way through the podcasts. Question: is there an autism protocol in the Banerji’s. Specifically thinking of a child with demand avoidance.
Thanks.
There are specific protocols for autism, however, in my experience, it requires more than a simple protocol. Usually, food intolerances, chemical sensitivities, etc. must also be addressed.
Should you be interested, I cover autism in my courses, titled Mindful Homeopathy as well as Good Gut Bad Gut.
Mrs. Calabrese,
I am so grateful to you for sharing the beautiful Banerji Protocols with us! I utterly respect the precision of the remedies & potencies used, but may I ask, do you feel that the frequencies are as set in stone?
In using them in my family, I have found that at times the protocol acted but didn’t hold. Is it sacrosanct to up the frequency in these situations? That always felt more respectful to the mountains of research behind the protocols than playing with the potency. Do you feel this is okay for a lay person to do or does this deviate too far?
There are indeed times that we might alter the potencies but only when the protocol has been given for the requisite amount of time and been found failing.
Thank you Mrs. Calabrese. That is reassuring to know that I am doing the right thing regarding potencies in those situations.
Would you say the same about the frequency of a protocol? If I see that the symptoms are helped but the progress doesn’t hold, may I feel the freedom to give it more often than the protocol dictates?
If you’re talking about a chronic condition, it usually should not be increased. If you’re referring to an acute, frequency can be adjusted to the need.
Thank you Mrs. Calabrese!
Mrs. Calabrese,
I know it is statistically unfounded to jump directly to a 2nd or 3rd Line Protocol, but is it ever warranted if the symptom picture screams out for those remedies?
Can you even match symptoms like that when using Banerji Protocols or do you go soley on condition alone?
Thank you very much.
There are times when it’s appropriate to skip over the 1st protocol but it’s not as often as one might think.
Thank you very much!
This account of Joette’s time spent in India brings me to tears. Thank you to the Banerji’s and thank you to Joette and her husband. Very grateful for your teachings.
So glad that you did all that to teach us what you learned…. thank you so much for everything you have done for us.
Dear Joette, thanks for all that you learned from the Banerji Drs. and are passing onto us! I am 63 yrs old and need to learn as much as possible to help heal my body of food allergies, GERD, a constant cough-from Bronchiectasis, and I also have the old amalgam I need to get removed but need your opinion on that, and to get detoxed from black mold and the COVID vaccines too. Please reply back, thanks and God bless you!
I urge folks to absoletly be certain that amalgms need to be removed. For some there are no problems associated with them insitu. Removing them can kick up the dust.
Thank you for this valuable interesting information.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience with us!
Thank you for sharing your experience in India that have helped so many.
I am anxious to go to India and meet these two drs. Now
Unfortunately, they have both passed away.
Thank you for your explanation and expertise about India,we learned a lot from you.