When to Change to Another Remedy: A Homeopath’s Step-by-Step Guide

Nora Pettik
Jan 4
3 min read

In homeopathy, knowing when to change to another remedy is just as important as selecting the correct one. This process requires careful observation, attention to detail, and deep understanding of symptom evolution. A remedy may have been well-selected initially, but if it stops acting, brings out new symptoms, or fails to improve the most bothersome complaints, it may be time to re-evaluate.

Understanding when to change to another remedy is part of mastering the art of self prescribing and optimizing healing.

Collecting the Whole Symptom Picture

Before any change can be made, the complete symptom picture must be clearly understood. Use the CLAMS method to gather essential details:

C – Concomitants: What other symptoms occur at the same time?
L – Location: Where exactly is the symptom?
A – Aetiology: What was the cause or trigger?
M – Modalities: What makes it better or worse?
S – Sensation: How does it feel? (Burning, throbbing, stabbing, etc.)

Always be on the lookout for strange, rare, and peculiar symptoms – these are your best guides in choosing or changing a remedy. They help differentiate between remedies that match general symptoms.

Importance of the Minimum Dose

Homeopathy operates on the principle of the minimum dose – using the smallest amount necessary to stimulate healing. Overdosing or frequent repetition without observing results can cause aggravations or confusion in the symptom picture.

General Guidelines:

Give a single dose and wait.
Observe changes for several days to weeks, depending on the case.
Re-dose only if improvement stops and symptoms return.

When to Repeat a Remedy

Repetition should be based on response, not on time intervals. Look for:

Clear improvement → Wait and watch.
Partial improvement, then relapse → Repeat the same remedy.
Aggravation followed by improvement → Do not repeat too soon.
No change → Reassess the choice or consider potency adjustment.

When to Increase Potency

Consider changing to a higher potency in the following situations:

The remedy is well-indicated, but the current potency no longer produces improvement.
The patient responds well but needs frequent repetition to maintain progress: a higher potency may sustain the effect longer.
There is good improvement in physical symptoms, but mental or emotional symptoms persist, indicating the need for a deeper-acting potency.
The patient has already shown sensitivity and positive response to lower potencies.

When increasing potency, proceed cautiously and consciously — for example, moving from 6C to 30C, from 30C to 200C, or from 200C to 1M. Always observe carefully after dosing to track the effect and avoid over-stimulation.