Homeopathy for Natural Wellness: How I Use Homeopathic Remedies at Home
How I Use Homeopathy in Our Home: Favorite Remedies & Resources
One thing you'll notice around here is that I don't believe there is one magic food, supplement, or protocol that fixes everything.
I believe in building a foundation first: getting enough nutrients through food, quality sleep, sunshine, movement, time outside, and taking care of our bodies in the simple ways that we often overlook.
And then, for my family, there are some other natural tools I've learned to use along the way.
Homeopathy is one of them. A BIG one of them.
I've been learning about, using, and sharing about homeopathy for years, and while it isn't the sole foundation of how I think about health, it has become one of the BEST tools I keep in my natural wellness toolbox.
It’s not an exaggeration to say it’s changed my family’s life and health!
This compilation will be a great starting place to learn more, but can in no way be comprehensive of all that homeopathy has to offer; I hope it helps spark your interest in getting started!
What Is Homeopathy?
Let’s establish this important definition, first.
The term “homeopathic” is often incorrectly applied to ANY “natural”, herbal, or other more holistic support, but homeopathy is a very specific lane of medicine.
The concept is deeply rooted in scientific principles and hundreds of years of practice, and is based on the “law or similars”, or “like cures like”.
This is the same concept we see in glandular (organ) therapy as well - desiccated liver for liver support, desiccated thyroid for thyroid support, etc!
I LOVE this succinct snippet from Paola Brown (a fantastic resource, by the way!):
“Homeopathy was developed by Samuel Hahneman in the late 1700’s. He was a medical doctor who was shocked by the number of deaths occurring in traditional medicine. Perhaps blood letting, leeches, and mercury weren’t the best methods of treating sick patients… In a historical moment of illumination, Hahnemann made some connections between an herb, cinchona bark, and the symptoms it produces when one overdoses it. He learned that while large amounts of cinchona bark produces the symptoms of intermittent fever, if you take a much smaller amount (even a minute amount) of cinchona bark, it will cure a person who is sick and suffering from those very same symptoms.”
Remember that “like cures likes” bit from above? The first law of homeopathy is exactly that - if you take a substance that produces certain symptoms when given in large amounts, the same element can reverse those exact symptoms in small amounts!
My favorite example of this is using the idea of coffee. That nice morning cup of coffee wakes you up and gives you a bit of energy. But what about 5 cups? 😅 That would likely lead to shakiness, sleeplessness, anxiety, too many bathroom trips…you get the picture.
One of my most-used homeopathic remedies - Coffea Cruda, is derived from (you guessed it) coffee, but this little handy remedy can bring about the exact opposite feelings that too much coffee would bring. It’s a lovely remedy for insomnia, anxiety, restlessness and sleeplessness, and an over-active mind.
And THIS is the perfect example of how homeopathy works!
Homeopathy is most often found in pellet form (those little white sucrose balls in small bottles), and is super accessible - it’s typically available at health foods stores and online, and for cheaply, as well!
Here’s one more poignant description, before we move on:
“Homeopathy has been a medical practice recognized worldwide for over two hundred years, developing care, teaching, and research activities in various health institutions and medical schools. It employs a clinical approach based on heterodox and complementary scientific assumptions (principle of cure by similarity, homeopathic pathogenetic trials, use of dynamized doses and individualized medicines), with the aim of triggering a curative response from the organism against its own disorders or illnesses.”
In plain language: homeopathic medicine is highly scientific and supports the body’s innate healing ability. It is not new age medicine, placebo, or unfounded - it is a truly God-given tool that when used thoughtfully, has powerful implications, in a safe and gentle way!
Why Homeopathy Became Part of My Natural Wellness Toolbox
I’ll never forget the first time I heard about homeopathy nearly seven years ago. I barely knew how to pronounce it, but as someone already deeply invested in holistic health and wanting to find more and more tools to step further away from pharmaceuticals and build our family’s resiliency, I was enamored.
When I learned there was a specific homeopathic remedy to help food allergy reactions, as a mom who had been in the trenches of anaphylactic food allergies with my son, I was SOLD.
I connected with an amazing homeopath, grabbed a few basic books, and started learning as much as I could!
I was quickly shocked at how beautiful this realm of medicine is - remedies are typically under $10, have no interactions, and have no side effects when used properly and safely (which is not tough to do, hang tight!).
From the beginning of our homeopathic journey to now, I’ve seen more incredible stories than I can even count.
My son’s allergies are healing.
I reversed my mystery Fibromyalgia type pain (more on this later!).
We have not had sick visits in years.
We have supported and reversed dental decay.
The list truly goes ON.
That’s not even including the incredible stories of how I’ve gotten to support family and friends with it as well!
Is There Research for Homeopathy?
If you start doing web searches related to homeopathy, you’re likely going to get a generalized response that it’s not well-documented enough to support scientific claims. That’s only a part-truth. I would absolutely like to see more funding go toward this research, but case studies are also very powerful.
We also have to live with the reality that homeopathic medicine is not “profitable” in the same sense that pharmaceuticals are, so the “research” is going to look a bit different and more limited, however, it’s not non-existent.
For example, this study on cancer patients being treated until regression.
Or this on an 87%+ improvement rate in respiratory allergies.
And here’s one on homeopathic support lowering thyroid antibodies
So, is there good scientific evidence? Read more here.
From the available evidence - both through clinical trials and also thousands upon thousands of case studies from trained practitioners, and the first-hand experience I’ve had in myself and my family, I have no doubts at all on the effectiveness. You’ll believe it when you see it work, truly!
Homeopathy Is One Piece of a Big Picture
Nourishing Food Comes First
There’s the old adage that you can’t out-supplement a bad diet. While I do believe homeopathy is one of the most powerful tools you can use in isolation, it also isn’t always a magic bullet - like any one thing, in any category!
So with any pursuit I have, I keep the whole picture in mind. Even with the beauty and potency of homeopathic medicine, food is always the first foundation. Eating real whole food that is based around nutrient-density (i.e. like all the recipes in my cookbooks!), building your nourishment around bio-available protein, carbs, and fats, focusing on mineral support, and leaning into seasonal eating where possible - these all matter!
We Don't Ignore the Basics
Sleep, sunlight, movement, time outside, hydration, managing stress, etc. 😊
I have posts that dive into these a bit more, so this is more of a quick reminder that again, I don’t ever forsake the foundations!
I Don't Believe in Making Wellness Complicated
Which is exactly why I love homeopathy, actually! There’s a peace and freedom that can come with incorporating homeopathy in an educated way, and often one tiny bottle can support what several other expensive supplements were intended to do. The key is knowing how to prescribe, which I’ll get into a bit more later on!
The Homeopathic Remedies I Keep in Our Home
Confession - I have a LOT of remedies 😅 So if you’re just starting out, getting a starter kit can be a really great choice. If I were starting from the ground up, however, here are the top remedies I would prioritize, below. This is a very simplified overview of how to use these remedies, and will just be a launching pad!
I have linked both Boiron and another lactose-free brand throughout, both are great options!
Arnica 30c - This is likely the one you’ve heard about, if any! It’s great for bumps and bruises, among other things.
Apis 30c & 200c - I use this for minor food allergy reactions (done safely), bee stings, etc.
Arsenicum 30c - This handy remedy can be wonderful for when the stomach bug hits!
Aconite 200c & Bryonia 200c - This combination is used as a Banerji Protocol for when any respiratory or other viral illness comes on. Taking them immediately at the first sign of illness has stopped many coughs, tickly throats, and other symptoms nearly in their tracks in my family.
Pulsatilla 30c - Often called the “Queen of Remedies”, this has such a wide range of potential benefits it’s a must-have. Great for thick, “stuck” respiratory symptoms, especially those that are “changeable”.
Sepia 200c - Known as the “hormone balancer”, this is a wonderful addition to any mommas’ toolkit.
Cells Salts - This is less particular than the others, because there are 12 different cell salts and I love ALL of them. Ferrum Phos especially can be wonderful for those first-signs-of-illness support!
Hepar Sulph 30c - Often used for sore throats and infections, this is a great one to have on hand!
Nux Vomica 30c - A good remedy for “over-doing it” and ending up with digestive issues in particular.
Belladonna 30c - A great fit when you have a sudden high fever - this remedy pairs well with “sudden” symptoms, including throbbing hot headaches.
Rhus Tox 30c, 200c - I talk in more detail about this remedy below, but as it is truly one of my most-used, it deserves another shout-out. This is the “rusty hinge” remedy, that fits well with any condition that is worse upon first movement - joint stiffness, arthritis, injury, etc. Usually fits when someone is “better” for light movement, heat, and stretching it out!
Boiron blends can also be a fantastic starting place - AllergyCalm, ColdCalm, NauseaCalm, etc!
*a note for beginners - the numbers on the bottle do MATTER, and the descriptions on the bottle, often don’t 😂
Now, you can also certainly take the approach of buying remedies as you have them either prescribed by a homeopath or indicated from a Banerji Protocol, etc - that approach works well, too!
The Homeopathy Resources I Recommend
Books:
Miranda Castro’s Homeopathy Handbook - The very first book I bought on homeopathy was Miranda Castro’s and it’s still my most used!
Impossible Cure - This is a great book to get a look into the true power of how homeopathy can change lives, especially in terms of chronic illness. The author used homeopathy to reverse her son’s autism.
The BioChemic Prescriber - A cheap and handy pocket guide to cell salts!
Let Like Cure Like - A great deep dive into the why of homeopathy, as well as the major philosophies and principles involved.
Blogs, etc:
Joette Calabrese - Hands down my favorite homeopathy resource. Joette has truly changed my life from afar. Her brand of practical homeopathy takes the confusion and nebulas out of learning homeopathy and makes it truly, practical! Her blog search bar is possibly my most-used website tab 😂 Her blogs, free resources, and podcast are immeasurably helfpul!
Banerji Protocols - I’ve referenced these enough that it needs its own section! The Drs. Banerji created and implemented hundreds of homeopathic protocols in their medical practice for specific conditions - everything from cancer to high blood pressure, from thyroid disease to fibromyalgia. I often consult this list to see their protocols written out.
Paola Brown - Another fantastic educator with many blogs, a great email list, etc. She also has a kids’ homeopathy curriculum that looks fantastic!
Cristina Villacorta - She’s got tons of wonderful blogs and free resources, as well as many Banerji Protocol snippets!
Project Homeopathy - The team I personally use for acute calls and constitutional care!
How Homeopathy Fits Into My Approach to Inflammation
While I have been studying and practicing homeopathy for over half a decade now, I saw it truly change my life this year. I became more confident in my family prescribing ability and saw it do incredible things in my own home and with some close family and friends I took on as pro-bono nutritional clients. It is SUCH a beautiful God-given tool!
I experienced really severe and completely puzzling symptoms this last year that including muscle pain and twitching, intense insomnia, and fairly severe fibromyalgia-type pain. I found a lot of things that helped, but I struggled to make it go away completely. As someone who cares deeply about my health and have all the other boxes “checked” in terms of my lifestyle, environment, etc, this was a really challenging and difficult season that I truly believe the Lord used to deepen both my trust in him and His word, and also my understanding of the beauty of homeopathic protocols for long-standing conditions!
I have been a big fan of Joette Calabrese for a long time, and between researching on her site and digging more into the Banerji Protocols, I finally stumbled across a combination of remedies for musculoskeletal issues that matched EXACTLY what I was experiencing: Rhus Tox 200c and Bryonia 200c. Within 2-3 months of consistently taking 3 pellets of each twice a day, all of the above-mentioned symptoms and issues were completely gone!
The beautiful thing about these protocols is that they are also meant to be stopped once improvement is seen, unlike prescriptions and even supplements! I stopped taking these remedies several months ago now, and only find that I need Rhus Tox specifically if I have those fibromyalgia-like body pains come up again (usually after or during traveling/being out of my normal!). Homeopathy is NOT typically meant to be used indefinitely when addressing conditions or symptoms - the goal is to stop when you’re better! (And that right there y’all is GOOD medicine - we don’t become a slave to it!)
(and PS - that Rhus Tox 200c is amazing for arthritis.)
I also fell more in love with cell salts this year, and dove more into Ferrum Phos in particular. This remedy can help balance iron issues in the body (anaemia, iron overload, etc.) and is a huge help in supporting the immune system while also reducing overall inflammation. I like the 6x potency and used this remedy nearly daily (1 pellet 1-2 times a day with this formula).
You can see my additional favorite homeopathy resources here!
When I'm thinking about inflammation, I don't start with a remedy, however.
I start with the foundation.
Are we eating enough?
Are we eating nourishing, nutrient-dense foods?
Are we getting enough protein and quality fats?
Are we sleeping?
Are we getting outside?
Are we moving?
Are we supporting the body instead of constantly restricting and stressing it?
Those things matter!
Some Extra Thoughts on Homeopathy & How to Use Homeopathy Safely
Homeopathy is safe and effective and is also medicine. We use it thoughtfully and not willy-nilly! However, there are no known drug interactions, unlike some herbs and supplements and of course medications, and I LOVE how affordable it is.
My best advice is to start with either direct work with a practitioner, or start perusing the resources above - like Joette’s site or the Mirando Castro handbook.
Reminder - homeopathy is meant to be used specifically, intentionally, and for a purpose. The goal for most remedies is to stop once you are “better”.
As long as you are not dosing remedies every five minutes, totally thoughtlessly, etc, it’s hard for it to cause any negative response, which is amazing. If you’re choosing a remedy, either do it alongside a practitioner or on purpose, for a season, and for a reason (that was very Baptist preacher of me, I know).
As an extra aside, I’ve seen some wonky misunderstandings of homeopathy from a Biblical perspective circulating, and I’d love to share a more precise and accurate view here - this blog article by a trusted Christian homeopath is a beautiful explanation of how this medicine fits amazingly and perfectly within a Biblical worldview!
This post obviously only scratches the surface of all that homeopathy has to offer, but I hope it can serve as a launch pad for you! The resources mentioned throughout will help guide you on how to choose remedies, potencies (the number on the bottle!), etc, and of course, working alongside a trained homeopath is also a wonderful choice!
Want to Start With Food?
Before you worry about adding another remedy, supplement, or protocol, I'd start with the foundation.
Real food. Enough food. Nourishing meals.
That's why I created Nourish.
It's the approach I've built around eating well without making food complicated, restrictive, or overwhelming.
