Remedy Relationship : According to Homoeopathic Materia Medica

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Different Authors Explain The Relationships Between Homeopathic Remedies in Different ways. Some of the important points mentioned by them can be summarized as follows:
Remedy Relationship

1. As per Dr.Hahnemann: 

  •  Antidote – In aphorism 249 of his book Organon of Medicine, he wrote, "If the aggravation be considerable (after a medicine), be first partially neutralized as soon as possible by an antidote before giving the next remedy chosen more accurately according to similarity of action."

2. As per Dr. Ernest Albert Farrington

( Clinical Materia Medica – Pages. 23,24,404 & 405.)

  1. Family relation – From the similarity in their origin. It implies that there is a link or similarity between their starting points or sources. Example: The halogens, Chlorine, Iodine, Bromine and Fluorine, have many similitudes, because  they belong to one family . 
  2. Concordant Similar drugs with dissimilar origin. Relationship between specific remedies that have a similar action or effect on the body. When remedies have a concordant relation, it means they share similar therapeutic properties and can be used interchangeably to treat similar symptoms or conditions. This relation allows homeopaths to select from a group of remedies that have comparable effects, enhancing the chances of finding the most suitable medicine for an individual patient.     Example: Baptisia Tinctoria 》Nitric Acid
  3. Complement The drug that completes the cure which the other begins, but unable to effect. Relationship between remedies that have different but complementary actions. Complementary remedies are used together to enhance the overall therapeutic effect and address multiple aspects of a patient's symptoms or condition. They work synergistically, with each remedy complementing the action of the other. This approach allows homeopaths to create a more comprehensive and balanced treatment plan, targeting various dimensions of a person's health. By combining complementary remedies, the aim is to achieve a more profound and holistic healing response. Example: Belladonna & Calcarea, Nux Vomica & Sulphur, Apis Mel. & Natrum Muriaticum

  1. Antidote – Relationship between remedies that can neutralize or counteract the effects of another remedy or substance. An antidote is a remedy that can be given to mitigate or eliminate any unwanted or adverse effects caused by a previous remedy. When a patient experiences aggravations or unfavorable reactions after taking a specific remedy, identifying the appropriate antidote can help restore balance and alleviate the symptoms. Homeopaths carefully consider the potential antidote relations to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and minimize any unwanted reactions. The medicine which modify the effects of a wrongly selected potency or an apt potency. Example: Nux vomica, Coffea; Belladonna, Hyoscyamus (Skin)
  2. Inimical –  Relationship between remedies that are considered incompatible or antagonistic to each other. When remedies have an inimical relation, it means that using them together can hinder or counteract their respective therapeutic effects. Combining inimical remedies may lead to a less effective treatment outcome or potentially aggravate the patient's symptoms. Homeopaths need to be aware of these inimical relationships to avoid prescribing conflicting remedies and ensure the best possible results in patient care. They also will be similar, but the resemblance will be so great, in fact the drugs are so nearly “idem” that it is not well to follow one with the other. Example: China and Psorinum, Apis and Rhus, Phosphorus and Causticum, and Silicea and Mercury. 

3. According to Dr. John Henry Clarke

  1. Complementary remedies;
  2. Remedies that follows well (after);
  3. Remedies followed well by;
  4. Compatible remedies;
  5. Incompatible remedies;
  6. Remedy antidotes;
  7. Remedy is antidoted by;

4. According to Dr. Clemens Maria Franz von Bönninghausen

  1. Remedies related to mind and localities;
  2. Other remedies (Represents a general relationship of the remedies in the unclassified symptom groups, to the remedy under consideration);
  3. Antidotes;
  4. Injurious;

5. As per Dr. Cyrus Maxwell (CM) Boger

  1. Remedies related to mind and localities;
  2. Related remedies;
  3. Antidote;
  4. Inimical – Two very similar remedies do not follow each other well.

6. According to Dr. James Tyler Kent

  1. Chronic remedy – When treating a chronic illness, it is helpful to know the remedy that corresponds to an acute form of the illness. This is because the chronic remedy is often the same remedy that corresponds to the symptoms of the acute illness.
    For example, if someone has a chronic cough, the remedy that corresponds to the acute form of the cough (such as Belladonna) may also be the chronic remedy that will help to cure the cough. Of course, not all chronic illnesses have an acute form. However, if you know the remedy that corresponds to an acute form of your illness, it is worth trying it to see if it helps with your chronic symptoms. (e.g.: 1. Calcarea is the natural chronic of Belladonna and Rhus tox, 2. Natrum mur is the chronic of Apis & Ignatia)
 
  1. Complementary – Medicine that completes the action of the first one when it is no longer acting.
  2. Inimical – They do not like to work after each other .(e.g.: Causticum & Phos, Apis & Rhus tox)
  3. Antidote – when there appears new symptoms, the new symptoms combining with the old ones must be again studied and the second remedy must correspond more particularly to the new than to the old.

7. According to Dr. Constantine Hering

  1. Complementary to;
  2. Follows well after;
  3. Followed well by;
  4. Antidotes (Lyco. antidotes Cinchona);
  5. Antidotes to (Antidotes to Lyco.: Acorn,Camphor);
  6. Inimical;
  7. Collateral relation (Belonging to the same family);
  8. Concordances;
  9. Conjunctive relation (Bryonia & Colocynth);

8. As per Dr. Elizabeth Wright  Hubbard

  1. Complementary – (a) Acute complements of chronic remedies (b) Chronic complements of acute remedies (c) Remedies in series.
  2. Incompatible- E.g.  Acon - Acet. ac.
  3. Vegetable analogues & Chemical analogues - Loganiaceae; Brucea, Curare, Gels, Hoang nan, Ign, Nux, Spig, Upas.

9. According to Dr. Robert Gibson Miller

  1. Complements;
  2. Remedies that follow well;
  3. Inimicals;
  4. Antidotes;
Understanding the relationship between homeopathic remedies requires a deep knowledge of the materia medica, which encompasses the detailed study of individual remedies. Homeopaths continually expand their understanding of remedies through provings, clinical observations, and research. This ongoing exploration helps refine the understanding of remedy relationships and improves patient care.

In conclusion, the relationship of homeopathic remedies plays a significant role in the practice of homeopathy. By considering complementary remedies, identifying antidotes, and avoiding inimical remedies, homeopaths can make informed decisions to promote optimal healing for their patients. The study and exploration of these relationships contribute to the growth and advancement of homeopathic medicine as a viable alternative for holistic healthcare.

References:
1. Hahnemann Samuel. The Chronic diseases: Their peculiar nature and Their Homoeopathic cure; Translated by Prof. L. H. Tafel
2. Allen TF. The Principles And Practicability Of Boeninninghausen’s Therapeutic Pocket Book For Homoeopathic Physicians To Use At The Bedside And In The Study Of The Materia Medica
3. Kent JT. New Remedies, Clinical Cases, Lesser Writings, Aphorisms And Precepts
4. Kent JT. Repertory of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica
5. Clarke John Henry. A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica; Volume 1;
6. Boger CM. A Synoptic Key of the Materia Medica(A Treatise for Homoeopathic Students)
7. Wright Elizabeth. A Brief Study Course in Homoeopathy

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