A blog on homeopathy -- Ruminating on Remedies

Potency Books, part 1

1/31/2026

A quickie look at the books where I started my dive into homeopathic potency.

Margriet Plouvier-Suijs’ About Potencies

It says in the forward: “Suijs has created an extremely workable overview of the functioning of different potencies by systematically and logically arranging her observations of the therapeutic effect after prescription. This is a great support when we try to choose the appropriate potency for a case.”
She then works through the potencies. For example, she begins with the heading, “3x-6x, 3c, 4c” and talks about the effects of these low potencies (they have a stimulating effect) and how they are used in organotherapy.
For each potency group, we learn “characteristic words or language related to these potencies” and then followed by various cases which follow each characteristic word.
- she provides the words for 9c, but says, “Unfortunately I have no example…” fortunately for us, the rest of her sections do have examples.
She also, interestingly, equates C/K potencies to LM potencies.
This book is unlike any other I have used and though it has been sitting on my shelf for a long time, mostly unread, I am going to be digging in a little more frequently from now on.

Select your Dose and Potency by Dr. P.S. Rawat

I found the introduction to be the most useful — it’s short, but full of information.
The bulk of the book is a list of homeopathic remedies and which historical homeopaths (denoted by initials) used which potency, plus any notes of relevance. Sometimes a potency is tied to a specific condition, but more often not. For example, Eupatorium perforliatum says: “1. Tincture, to third attenuation (WB). 2. 20th and 200th potencies are generally used. 3. Bears repetition well (KNM). 4. Allen recommends it to be applied locally in sore nipple and sore mouth.” This entry continues through number 12, and I won’t be putting it all here, but I wanted to give a flavor of the book.
Some entries are much more fleshed out and more useful than others. Magnesia Phosphorica, for example, goes on for a couple of pages, with 35 entries, most with specific uses and potencies.
- Irksome, but not a big deal: not all the initials line up with the abbreviation list. The first entry for Abies Canadensis attributes point 1 to (WB) and point 5 to (BW). However, in the list, BW = A.C. Blackwood but there is no WB. There is a WKB (W.K. Bond), but we can only assume this is the same as WB.

The Potency: Advanced Prescribing in Homeopathy by Dr. Joe Rozencwajg (I have more coming soon using this book)

Dr. Rozencwajg begins this book talking about various methods of potency, but what it is mostly about is the Fibonacci Potencies: “a unified theory and practice of modern homeopathic posology.”
I have not completed this book yet, but I look forward to learning this system. So intriguing! But, this is not what my upcoming article is about.

Michelle Shine’s What About the Potency: (A Comprehensive Guide to Homeopathic Potency and Dosage)

I found this book the most helpful out of the four for my purposes. The first half of the book is a series of the author’s cases and what happened with each. Interspersed are short write-ups of various topics, such as:
- the constitutional remedy v prescribing for the disease
- what is homeopathic potency
- changing potency
- depths and layers
- plussing remedies
The second half of the book (and what I found most interesting) are transcripts of her interviews with 10 well-know homeopaths and their thoughts on potency selection.
- Mike Bridger, Ian Watson, Jeremy Sherr and others

Happy Reading!

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

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A Ruminating on Remedies reader (who had read The Narayani Kit) emailed the other day asking about the books mentioned in that article. That email prompted this brief breakdown of the available Narayani books.

Bear in mind, all of these books all have the same basic information. The Narayani Remedies are what they are and I don’t think they are going to change any time soon.

The first book I purchased was edited by Robert Davidson. It has ~100 pages and is the most basic option. Thinking back, there was something missing in this book for me to go off and find other options. I can’t elaborate, but it didn’t feel complete. Amazon shows this selling for $59.99.

A-Z listing of all the remedies.

Nimisha Parekh’s book followed Davidson in my collection. At ~130 pages, this has much more information. Amazon shows this selling for $48, but the price listed on the book is $60. Narayaniremedies.com sells it for $39.95. Taproots sells it for $49.99. Nimisha Parekh also runs webinars on the Narayani Remedies and I believe she works directly with narayaniremedies.com.

This one gives more basic information at the beginning, specifically, describing the 8 remedy groups. ex. “The 117 mixtures are mainly combinations of homeopathic remedies and Gem or Bach remedies. Their potency range is 3x to 50M.” She breaks down what each of the remedy groups are.
- Includes:
  - A-Z listing of all the same information found in Davidson’s book.
  - Chakra Healing information
  - Gem Colour Healing
  - Meridien Remedies
  - The New 44 Crystal Remedies
  - Omkar Remedies
  - Five Elements
  - Cranial Nerves
  - Single Organ Remedies
  - Therapeutic Index
  - Plus, a mini book tucked into the back cover with Addendum (useful combinations) + Thymus Gland Combination Remedies

Helios (~123 pages) was my third addition and I was sold when reading the description saying it was “updated and revised.” (“Cleaned up” might be a better description, though; it’s a neat, tidy and smaller edition.) Available at Helios for £9.95.

The preface says it is “a reworking of the original ‘Soham Series of Natural Healing Volume 3,’ by Swami Narayani… It also acknowledges Robert Davidson’s ‘Materia Medica’ [first book listed above]… a much needed opportunity to correct some errors in both numbering and potency that have crept in over time in the printed documentation.… modernized the more archaic language from the original… some of the remedy names have been updated so they are clearer to identify and differentiate. The indexes have also been re-worked in order to make it easier to search for remedies and each entry has now been cross-referenced so navigation through the text is simpler.”

Swami Narayani’s Soham Series of Natural Healing, Volume 3. I felt the need to see what I was missing in other people’s interpretation. Turns out it’s not much**; the others did a good job compiling the information. Plus, I find this version doesn’t flow as nicely visually and it is laid out numerically, not alphabetically. (The other 3 list “Acidity Mix 37” first and this one lists Mix 1 Amoebic Dysentery first.) It does, however, offer rates, so if that’s your thing, here they are.

What do all three books share? Almost everything:

A-Z directory of remedies with pretty much identical information. (Any differences I found are not relevant, except Parekh’s extended information which I find helpful.)
Using the first entry in all three books, The Acidity mix 37, the information is identical between 1 & 2 (with the exception of what has been singled out as bold type — Davidson bolds the conditions in the body and Parekh bolds which remedies can be used in conjunction with it). The Helios copy has removed the bold type and italicized the mix names and added their specific combo (e.g. Liver Mix 22 or Liver Balance BR12) with which the Acidity Mix can be combined.
- This inclusion of the specific remedies is actually helpful. There are 3 different “Liver” combos and there are 3 different “Digestion” combos. Not a huge deal, but it does make it easier and faster.
They are each spiral bound. (Narayani’s Soham Series of Natural Healing, volume 3 is not.)
“Therapeutic Guide” pages at the back of each. There are a couple of differences here, primarily in how they are laid out.
- Davidson has “A Small Therapeutic Guide” listing 11 “conditions” and then lists: “Parts/Organs; Sensory; Allergy; Psycho-Spiritual Combinations; General Diseases and Other Diseases.”
- Helios has “A Concise Therapeutic Guide” listing the same 11 “conditions” and then: “Parts/Organs; Sensory; Allergy; Psycho-Spiritual Combinations.” However, Helios has a few different combinations mentioned under some of these headings.
  - “Immunity,” Davidson lists 4, Helios lists 5.
  - “Trauma/Fear,” Davidson lists 4, Helios lists 6.
- Parekh’s “Therapeutic Index” is laid out differently.
  - For instance, “Immunity” is not listed and all the “Trauma/fear” remedies are under “Mind” but it also includes “Exam Nerves” separately. This is one very minor area where Parekh’s book falls short.
A few of the remedies have different names. e.g., Mix 117, according to Narayani, (and Davidson and Parekh), is “Anti-Smoking Remedy.” Helios calls it “Smoking (Cessation)”.

Which one to buy?
For the money, Helios wins that one hands down. Yes, it has to ship from the UK, but you know you need to purchase a few remedies from them anyway — making the whole thing worth it!

From the information standpoint, Nimisha Parekh provides the most and this is info that is not readily available elsewhere.

The Helios book is the most clearly written (and smallest). But, I like the Nimisha Parekh copy, too — more information.

I hope that helps. I’ll be back soon with some more Narayani info.

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellness awaits

*All prices are valid at the time of this writing.
*I have no affiliation with any authors or shops or websites listed.
**Full disclosure, I have only skimmed through Swami Narayani’s books and I have yet to comb through to see if there are any nuggets that speak to me which the other gatherers of this information didn’t choose to highlight. If I come up with any, I’ll let you know!

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Book Review: Homeopathy at Home: Everyday Treatments for Common Complaints

1/10/2025

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My copy of Homeopathy at Home: Everyday Treatments for Common Complaints by Marcus Fernandez has arrived and it is every bit as good as I expected! (See here and here for a little about Marcus.)

Let me begin by saying how much I enjoyed his introduction. Following his own story of finding homeopathy (I love to hear how people have found their way to homeopathy! -- see below), he states:
“My aim is to enhance the health and wellbeing of humankind through the use of homeopathy.” What a wonderful goal!

He continues: “I wanted to write a simple and accessible guide to managing common acute and minor complaints using homeopathic remedies at home. I want people to feel empowered. We all have innate health. Homeopathic remedies act like keys to a lock — choose the correct key and it turns the lock, stimulating the body to heal itself. It’s good to remember that the body has a natural healing wisdom; we just need to turn the key and remind it what it needs to do.” I told you I enjoyed reading his introduction!

What follows is a simply organized A-Z list of common complaints with a page or so describing each condition suggesting possible causations, as well as some “actions that might help” to relieve symptoms. Then, a nice selection of (mostly) commonly available remedies to choose from with clearly written descriptions of each to help the reader differentiate between them . This book is just what the beginning homeopath/mom/family/student needs in their life!

In addition to his well chosen homeopathic remedies for each symptom, he also offers suggestions for other home remedy ideas. For instance, since we’re in the middle of the flu season, he suggests a couple of lovely sounding drink blends to soothe sore throats and reduce inflammation.

If you are ready to take the next step in helping yourself and your families, Homeopathy at Home is the perfect place to start.

But wait, there’s more!

I have a copy to give away. Write in the comments below how you were introduced to homeopathy and I will put those names in a hat and choose one commenter at random and ship the book to you, free of charge. (I will be picking the name at random on 1/16/25.)

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

* I have no affiliation with Marcus Fernandez or this book. I’m just a big fan!

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This is the year!

12/31/2023

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This is it! This is the year to fully embrace homeopathy.

If you have already made the jump - congratulations! If so, then this is the year to learn more and/or share what you know. (Find the appropriate step number for you below and proceed from there.)

How does one go about fully embracing homeopathy?

Step 1: Purchase a homeopathic kit.
I suggest a kit because then you have everything you need in one place. Don’t make this harder than it has to be. Don’t make the distribution of various remedies around your house an obstacle to cure. I guarantee you know where you keep your Tylenol or your Advil. Am I right? Now, give this homeopathic kit pride of place. Once you learn to use these remedies, your over the counter medications will be relegated to the back of the cupboard, and that’s a good thing — you want to engage your immune system to help heal you, not bypass it.

If you already have a good assortment of remedies, it’s time to wrangle them. See here for some ideas.

Step 2: Buy a good “starter” book.
There are lots of them out there, I am happy to say. I particularly like the following:

The Homeopath in Your Hand by Lisa Strbac
Homeopathic Remedies by Asa Hershoff
Homeopathy: An A to Z Home Handbook by Alan Schmukler
Family Guide to Homeopathy by Andrew Lockie
What’s the Remedy for That by Kathleen Fry

If you are already comfortable with steps 1 & 2, I suggest it’s time to purchase a repertory and a materia medica. These books aren’t cheap, but they are so worth it. I know there are plenty of free versions on line, but I highly suggest purchasing an actual book. Working your way through the book has many benefits that just doing an online search can’t give you. You will get a feel for the method behind the madness when you can flip between pages of symptoms and mark up your own copy of a materia medica.

Many homeopaths would recommend starting with Kent. I’m not going to do that. Start in the modern age and treat yourself to a Murphy. It doesn’t have to be brand new, good used copies are out there. It doesn’t have to be the newest edition. Just purchase whatever version you can get of Dr. Robin Murphy’s Repertory and Murphy’s Nature’s Materia Medica. As I write this, these books are on sale at Lotus Wellness Cottage. (Dr. Murphy is no longer with us, but his wife Judith Toscano, ND carries on the goodness.)

Another option for someone who has “outgrown” the starter books (you will never outgrow these books, but it was the best word I had for someone who is hungry for more) is Roger Morrison’s Desktop Guide: To Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms. Dr. Morrison describes 100+ of the most commonly used homeopathic remedies and breaks them each down into keynote symptoms. Note: I have heard rumblings that Dr. Morrison is updating this marvelous book but I have not heard any details.

Step 3: Try it!
Try your hand on your own symptoms. I’m not suggesting you tackle years’ long migraines on your own to start (though, you might pleasantly surprise yourself if you do). Start with something small.

Upset stomach from New Year’s Eve over-indulgence? Try some Nux vomica and see what happens.

Sore back from hefting the Christmas tree out the door? Try some Arnica or Rhus tox and see what happens. (See ...Rhymes with Box.)

Try it on your pet. Homeopathy to the rescue for dogs; What hurts?; PTSD

Loved one have the sniffles? Try some Cold Calm.

The next time you have over done it or are feeling poorly, stop and think. What is it I have done? When did these symptoms start? What is it my body needs to heal? What am I feeling? What makes me feel better? What makes me feel worse? (Things that make you feel better or worse are termed “modalities” and can be helpful guiding symptoms to the “right” remedy.)

The more you use homeopathy, the more impressed you will become with this method of healing.

Step 4: Share it!
Once you have a few. homeopathic “wins” under your belt, see how you can help your friend or neighbor.

Best friend have plantar fasciitis?

Nephew get a little too much sun?

Neighbor having knee trouble?

Mother-in-law suffering with her arthritis?

Step 5: Listen to some podcasts.
I was pleasantly surprised to see how many homeopathy podcasts are actually out there. Here are just a few… some of which I have listened to and some I am still waiting to tune in (there aren’t enough hours in the day for all the marvelous homeopathy things out there!)

Homeopathy Hangout, Eugenie Krüger
The Home Prescriber, Marcus Fernandez
Intuitive Homeopathy, Angelica Lemke
Homeopathy at Home with Melissa, Melissa Crenshaw
Homeopathy for Mommies, Sue Meyer
Strange. Rare. Peculiar, Denise Straiges and Alastair Gray
Health and Homeopathy, Angela Bloch
Raw Health Rebel, Lisa Strbac

Step 6: Join some groups, or start a group.
Once you catch the homeopathy bug, you’re going to want to talk about it. There are many free groups on Facebook. Joette Calabrese has her Mighties group. Or, grab a friend or two and bring them along on the journey.

Step 7: Ready for more?
Sign up for an online class. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

CHE, the Centre for Homeopathic Education, has a great free introductory class taught by Hilary Dorrian.

Once you see how marvelous that class is, you can sign up for CHE Pro, which they call the “Netflix of homeopathy” — you can try it free for 30 days.

School of Health has many courses to offer. Each of the below courses are £249 for international (not based in the UK) students.

Joette Calabrese is where I got my homeopathic start. Joette offers many courses beginning with her Gateway classes ($67.91) to a variety of “protocol” courses focusing on the Banerji Protocols… Allergic, Feminopathy, Good Gut Bad Gut, etc.

Homeopathy Heals: Everything you need to get started, Lisa Strbac: £122

Homeopathy 101, taught by Judith Toscano, C. Hom, $150

Step 8: Spread the good word!

2024 feels like a good time for Homeopathy to come into its own… 200 years later!

The other day I saw an interview on a UK morning talk show all about homeopathy after it became known that King Charles has appointed an MD/homeopath as head of the royal medical household. (This was a role founded by his mother in 1973. Did you know the royal family have been big proponents of homeopathy since the early 19th century?)

Then, the other night we saw an ad on television for a (semi) homeopathic product. Shocking, I tell you!

Introducing Homeopathy: The Film is in production. I can’t wait for this one!

For whatever reason, homeopathy has been kept in the closet for too long. It is more than time to bring this incredible healing modality into the light.

I wish you a joyful, healthy and prosperous 2024!

Julia Coyte, CHom
Classically Practical homeopath

#wellnessawaits

*I have no affiliation with any of these books, authors, podcasts or courses. Some of them I have used/taken myself. Some of them I am just aware of their existence.

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Potency Books, part 1

Quickie: Narayani Books

Book Review: Homeopathy at Home: Everyday Treatments for Common Complaints

This is the year!

Julia Coyte, CHom

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