How do we know a remedy is working?
Updated: Sep 15
When you start taking a homeopathic remedy, you may notice changes in your symptoms, energy, sleep, mood or general wellbeing.
But how do you know what these changes mean?
In this article, I share some of the changes that people may notice after taking a remedy, and why observing your symptoms carefully can be helpful when working with a homeopath.
"How do we know the remedy is working?"
I have been asked this question by many clients of mine.
There is no single sign that can tell us with certainty that a remedy is working. What matters is observing changes over time and looking at the whole picture.
American homeopath, Angelica Lemke, has published a book "Healing Complex Children with Homeopathy" and she has described it very well in her book.
I believe this healing process describes well not only homeopathy but also other natural therapies.
If you are thinking about having your first homeopathic consultation, or you are already in the middle of a homeopathic journey with your homeopath, you have some idea of what is going on in your therapy.
I explain by adding extra descriptions below.
#1 - Slow and gentle reduction of symptoms
People tend to focus on "unresolved conditions" rather than "resolved conditions". When having a consultation and a client complains "Nothing changes", the symptoms may actually be getting better, and they may not notice about it.
When you feel that there are no changes in the main symptoms, you may notice that other minor complaints get better first.
Try to check your symptoms objectively and notice even small changes over time.
#2 - A detox reaction such as skin problems or bad smell in stools
If you are new to homeopathy and have just started taking homeopathic remedies, you may think of "side effects" when eczema or a skin eruption appears, and you may become worried and give up. Your eczema may also temporarily become worse when you begin taking a remedy.
In homeopathy, these changes may sometimes be understood as part of a detoxification or healing response. When new symptoms appear or existing symptoms become stronger, it can be helpful to observe how they develop over time and consider them as part of the overall picture.
When your stool smells bad, you may also notice this as a change in your digestion. Paying attention to what to eat and your lifestyle may be helpful while observing these changes.
If you would like to know more about detox, please read the blog 'The Golden Rules of Detox".
#3 - May cause high fever as an immune system reaction
If you suppress the symptoms using antipyretics or antibiotics, your immune system cannot fight off viruses because the system is not used to them.
When you take a remedy and your body temperature goes up, some homeopaths may interpret this as part of the body's response. It can be helpful to observe how it develops and how you feel overall, rather than trying to interpret the fever on its own.
If you have a high fever or are concerned about your symptoms, please seek appropriate medical advice and speak to your GP. You may also wish to discuss your experience with a qualified homeopath.
If you would like to learn more about why we develop a fever, you may also find this article helpful:
#4 - Increase sleep or sleepiness
This may also be a sign that your body needs more rest. Sleep gives your body an opportunity to rest and recover.
If you feel more tired or need more sleep after taking a remedy, observe how this changes over time rather than assuming that it is necessarily a reaction to the remedy.
#5 - Dreams that are vivid, significant and old memories
It is often said that dreams are connected to our subconscious mind. During a healing process, some people may notice vivid or meaningful dreams, or dreams that bring up old memories.
When you wake up in the morning, you can write down your dreams before you forget them. keeping a dream journal regularly can be an interesting way to notice pattern and reflect on what you are experiencing.
In my blog "Let's keep a journal," I talk about tips on how to write. Click the button below for the blog.
#6 - You remember some events from your childhood
Old emotional experiences or unresolved feelings from childhood may sometimes come back into your awareness.
If you experience this, you may find it helpful to acknowledge your feelings and reflect on what you experienced at the time. You do not have to force yourself to revisit difficult memories, and if they feel overwhelming, consider seeking appropriate professional support.
#7 - You may feel energised
This is an obvious one. Some people feel more energetic or notice that their mood improves after taking a remedy.
If you suddenly feel that your energy has returned, notice how this change develops over time and whether it is accompanied by other changes in your general wellbeing.
#8 - Being emotional (sad, angry or happy)
You may find that emotions which you have been holding back for a long time become easier to express. you may feel sad, angry or happy more strongly than usual, or notice feelings of gratitude and happiness.
Rather than automatically suppress your emotions, it may be helpful to acknowledge and express them in a way that feels safe and appropriate for you.
If you are shy about ecpressing your feelings, you could write them down in a journal. Some people also find it helpful to write their feelings on paper and then tear it up, burn it or dispose of it afterwards. Please find a way f expressing your feelings that feels comfortable for you.
#9 - Your old issues or memories come back or your old wounds start to heal
When you take remedies over time, you may remember old experiences or memories. If they are unwanted memories, you may feel uncomfortable.
In homeopathy, this may sometimes be viewed as part of a process of bringing unresolved feelings or past experiences into awareness. It can be helpful to observe these memories gently and consider them alongside the other changes you may be experiencing.
If this happens, try to acknowledge your feelings rather than forcing yourself to solve everything at once. If the memories are distressing or overwhelming, it is important to seek appropriate professional support.
#10 - Better eye contact and communicate better, join the conversations, and gain confidence (especially for children)
When children have developmental difficulties, you may notice changes in their expressions, behaviour, communication or confidence
It is important to observe these changes carefully. Writing them down and keep a record can help you notice gradual changes that might otherwise be easy to miss.
Every child develops differently, so changes should be considered in the context of the individual child.
#11 - Over time, symptoms and emotional patterns may gradually change, like peeling away layers of an onion
Sometimes, changes happen gradually rather than all at once. You may notice that one problem changes first, followed by another, and that older or deeper concerns become noticeable over time.
In homeopathy, this gradual process may sometimes be described as being like peeling away layers of an onion.
Some people understand this as a process of releasing emotions or experiences that have been held for a long time and gradually reconnecting with a more natural sense of themselves. However, everyone's experience is different, and there is no single pattern that applies to everyone.
In conclusion...
If you have already experienced homeopathic treatments, Have you come across these experiences?
If you are the first time for using homeopathy, you may be nervous about what is going to happen.
But these processes above are important steps to experience.
Homeopathic remedies stimulate your healing abilities, and you don't want to interfere with these important processes.
Everyone responds differently to a remedy, and not every change necessarily means that a remedy is working. Looking at the whole picture, including your original symptoms, new symptoms, emotional wellbeing and changes over time, can help you and your homeopath understand what is happening.
If you are unsure about changes you have noticed after taking a remedy, a homeopathic consultation provides an opportunity to talk through your symptoms, your health history and your individual experience before considering whether homeopathy may be appropriate for you.
If you would like to talk with me, you are welcome to book a 15-minute introductory chat.
If you would like to understand more about potency and dose, you may also find this article helpful.
Thank you for reading.
Happy using homeopathy!
Reference ;
Lemke, A.(2021) Healing Complex Children with Homeopathy : ASD, PANDAS, LYME, ADHD, AND MORE. United States of America. Workplay Publishing
