When & Why to use combination remedies in homeopathy

In homeopathy we are always trying to find the closest homeopathic remedy to match the symptoms of the patient. There are many different ways of practicing homeopathy and classical homeopaths will ordinarily prescribe one remedy at a time and wait for the reaction in the patient before repeating or prescribing a different remedy if needed. While in acute situations this is the method I would generally use, when it comes to long standing complaints or conditions with more complex root causes including; trauma, intoxication from medication or environment as well as inherited factors, I often prescribe several remedies at a time or a series of remedies over a longer period. I am always guided by my patients.

Another method we may use is combination remedies where a group of remedies are used in one single potency and dose, this is not something I use often but occasionally it really can be the best and most practical choice in my opinion.

Often those interested in homeopathy and knowing a little about this one remedy philosophy will ask:

So why and when should I use combination remedies?

I use combination remedies in the following circumstances:

1. In an acute situation where there is more than one remedy indicated and there is an urgency to the case where I need to make sure they are receiving what they need quickly - this could be with threatening infection where the patient wants to avoid antibiotics and there isn’t yet a very clear picture of one remedy but several and time is of the essence!

2. In situations where there are several remedies indicated such as in cases of injury where there may be bruising to the tissue, spraining of the muscle and nerve pain AND it makes it easier for the patient to take the combination remedy, rather than several separate remedies. This is particularly useful in the elderly or if someone is in hospital for example.

3. In a n acute situation where there is a systemic condition where a ‘family’ of remedies are indicated - I find this more common in conditions where there maybe a deficiency or weakened state at the beginning of the illness and the indicated remedy isn’t quite working effectively enough so I sometimes prescribe a combination of tissue salts to enhance the action of the chosen remedy. I don’t usually use a combination of tissue salts on their own but as an addition and ordinarily not over a very long period.

4. In the case of OVERLOAD! Increasingly, I find that people need more than one remedy, I put this down to our environments - food, environmental toxins, exposure to digital content, medical interventions - our systems are very often overloaded. As I have treated many worm and parasite infestations I often use (alongside constitutional remedies and or specific bowel repair remedies) a combination remedy- this is carefully selected based on the symptoms of the patient as very often there is more than one parasitic infection active. I have found this more effective and more gentle than tackling one at a time.

   **This type of case, or where there is an overwhelmed system I do not recommend you try to treat at home yourself , it is something that requires a trained homeopath to work with over time.

   * This is how I use combination remedies in my own practice but different homeopaths have very different ways of practicing, this means some will never prescribe combination remedies, some will routinely prescribe them when using homeopathic protocols for certain conditions for example. The issue with prescribing combination remedies it’s easy to miss which remedy is working and which is not, so as with all chronic or complex conditions it’s best to work with a well trained and experienced homeopath who can guide you. The beauty of homeopathy is that the more you use it the less need you have for medical interventions and the more connected and informed you become about yourself and you and your families health.