Homeopathy 2009; 98(01): 68-69
DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2008.12.001
Book review
Copyright © The Faculty of Homeopathy 2007

Homeopathic prescribing pocket companion

Steven B. Kayne
,
Lee R. Kayne
Ananti Shah

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
29 December 2017 (online)

Steven B. Kayne and Lee R. Kayne
Pharmaceutical Press:London, July 2007
Price: 21.95, ISBN 978-0-85369-697-1

When one first studies homeopathic prescribing the process can feel like a minefield and can be bewildering: Selecting a specific remedy from over 3000 possible homeopathic medicines; matching the patient's symptoms using individualisation, totality of symptoms, keynotes and modalities requires training and skill. In this pocket companion the Kaynes have done an excellent job of summarising the process and making acute prescribing of homeopathy easier and more practical. This book is an excellent introduction for students of homeopathy, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals interested in prescribing homeopathic medicines.

The authors use a novel and user-friendly approach to facilitate homeopathic prescribing. The bulk of the book comprises of 56 commonly encountered minor ailments with a simplified, easy to follow flow chart, for each ailment, guiding the reader to a possible indicated remedy. The use of such flow diagrams may seem over-simplified and controversial to trained homeopaths and traditionalists who are well versed on using repertories and materia medicas, however, in my opinion as time and generations evolve homeopathy and its presentation also needs to evolve. This book has presented a model to make homeopathic prescribing simple, easy, practical and accessible, particularly for busy community pharmacists and students of homeopathy. Perhaps, the title of the book should read “Acute Homeopathic Prescribing” rather than “Homeopathic Prescribing” to avoid ambiguity. The authors comment on this unique presentation in the preface, highlighting the origins and reasons for its adoption and mention that this way of presenting homeopathy may be met with resistance by traditionalists.

The flow charts presented can be used as a first reference point to find the appropriate remedy for a particular condition before referring to more detailed texts like materia medica and repertories. Additionally, for homeopaths and people interested in looking for chronic, constitutional remedies the flow charts may provide a pointer in the right direction for remedy selection or perhaps help in confirming a constitutional remedy.

In addition to the flow charts there is a brief summary of each remedy included for the particular condition in a comparative table format including modalities and keynotes to help the prescriber to distinguish between remedies and find the right one. The flow charts have been constructed using various materia medicas which are referenced. The Kaynes’ personal experiences of prescribing homeopathy Over The Counter (OTC) in a community pharmacy setting have also been included in the flow charts, adding useful information which cannot be obtained elsewhere.

The first section of the book gives a good overview on the background of homeopathy including: definition and principles of homeopathy, history of homeopathy, preparation and manufacture of homeopathic medicines, dispensing and labelling, legal classification and evidence base of homeopathy. This part of the book will be very useful to anyone new to homeopathy. It also explains the different terminologies used in homeopathy. The authors attempt to define and explain various words and phrases used in the world of homeopathy. They also mention alternative words or phrases used when more than one term is used to describe a particular process. For example, they mention when describing, potentisation that it is also referred to as dynamisation or attenuation.

The preparation of homeopathic medicines is very well covered and illustrated. Information on dispensing and endorsing prescriptions is useful for all pharmacists preparing homeopathic remedies. Other forms of medicine related to homeopathy, including flower essences, anthroposophical medicine and complex remedies, homotoxicology and biochemical tissue salts are described, highlighting any similarities and differences; this information is very relevant.

I found some limitations in Part One. For instance in the chapter entitled “Types of homeopathic medicines, practitioners anxd practices”. The authors discuss classical and constitutional medicines. I found this a little confusing: it would make more sense if this section was described as methodologies of homeopathic prescribing. The information on types of practitioners is also limited and by no means complete. Under the description of types of homeopathic medicines there is a good explanation of allergodes, sarcodes and nosodes but no mention of the commonly used miasmatic nosodes.

A step by step approach on when to treat, when to refer, how to decide on a remedy is described. An attempt has been made to tackle the issue of potency selection and frequency of the prescribed remedy. This is a complex area, and in this book the discussion is rather general and does not highlight limitations. There is no mention, for instance, of using high potencies in acute situations or for more mental or emotional situations and lower potencies for chronic, long standing illnesses or weaker constitutions.

In summary, this is an excellent book, a quick reference guide for acute homeopathic prescribing and as the name suggests a great pocket companion!