Homeopathy Handbook: Guide to Commonly Used Remedies

Homeopathy Handbook: Guide to Commonly Used Remedies (2022) by Neeraj Agrawal and Avghi Constantinides. 6”x9”; 100pp; quality paperback. ISBN: 978-1-66785-217-1; $40.00 Published by: Los Angeles School of Homeopathy: www.lahomeopathicschool.com

Authors, Neeraj Agrawal and Avghi Constantinides both associated with the Los Angeles School of Homeopathy, decided to produce, primarily for students, a ‘handy reference’ of 45 remedies. An easy to read and concise reference it is.

Each remedy is presented on two pages and maintains the same format throughout: remedy name, three small photos (picture of remedy and two pictures depicting the main symptoms), introductory paragraph, remedy characteristics, modalities, common clinical uses and a case study.

In attempting to clearly and briefly summarise the remedies, many of the authors introductory comments tend to create confusion. I offer a few examples; of course, in their exact words: ‘Aconitum Napellus is useful in complaints triggered by shock, violent event, exposure to cold winds, panic attacks, fear of death, and for acute situations of sudden onset. Most ailments accompany anguish of mind and body, restlessness, mental anxiety, worry, or fear. It is very useful in first stages of acute ailments of sudden onset’.–p. 6.

‘Bellis Perennis is well suited for people prone to restlessness, insomnia, and angry dreams that are sensitive to cold weather. It is often used for acute treatment of muscle strain, sprains, deep bruising of muscles like pain after surgery or deep injury. It is also used when tumour forms at the site of an old injury or pain and bruising in the uterus following abortion or miscarriage. This is a deeper acting Arnica and useful when Arnica does not help’.–p. 26.

‘Ignatia Amara is useful in ailments from grief and emotional stress such as from a broken relationship or death of a loved one. It works well for moody people with contradictory symptoms who tend to yawn and sigh frequently and have a fear of birds. They are romantic and idealistic’.–p. 52.

I am not necessarily disputing remedy characteristics but rather the way in which the authors have expressed those characteristics. Despite my searching, I was unable to ascertain whether the book had an editor. Throughout, remedies are not presented in italics.

The last section (half of the second page) contains a Case Study. The case is described in another brief paragraph which offers the main symptoms. Kent's Repertory is used and a repertory chart is included.

This short volume, in colour, is beautifully produced on glossy, thick stock. There is an index yet no bibliography nor other citings or notes.

Though a bit expensive and not aimed especially for the more advanced practitioner, the beginner might find this ‘quick guide’ useful.

Publication History

Article published online:
05 September 2023