A repertory, a materia medica: what are they?

In homeopathy, the concepts of medical materia medica, homeopathic repertory and pathogenesis play a central role in the diagnosis and choice of the appropriate remedy. Here is an explanation of each of these terms and how they are used by homeopaths during consultations.

Pathogenesis: the origin of homeopathic symptoms

Pathogenesis refers to all the effects and symptoms that a homeopathic substance can cause when tested on healthy individuals. These tests involve administering the substance in small doses to observe the physiological, emotional and mental reactions of the participants. The symptoms identified in this way are categorised and form the basis of the homeopathic materia medica.

Homeopathic materia medica: a collection of remedies and their effects

The homeopathic materia medica is a reference collection of all the substances used in homeopathy and their observed effects on the human body. Each remedy is described in detail, covering the physical, emotional and mental symptoms that it is supposed to treat or cause in a healthy individual.

Use in consultation

During a consultation, the homeopath refers to the materia medica to identify the remedy that best corresponds to all of the patient’s symptoms. This meticulous work makes it possible to determine the remedy that is closest to the patient’s overall profile.

  • Holistic approach: We do not treat an isolated symptom, but the individual as a whole.
  • Detailed analysis: The characteristics of the patient influence the choice of remedy.
  • Personalised treatment: Each prescription is unique and tailored to the patient.

The homeopathic repertory: a quick search tool

The homeopathic repertory is a tool for classifying symptoms. Unlike materia medica, which describes the effects of substances in detail, the repertory is an index that links a symptom to a list of corresponding remedies.

Use in consultation

The homeopath uses the homeopathic repertory to quickly filter possible remedies according to the symptoms reported by the patient.

Example: If a patient suffers from pulsatile migraines, the homeopath consults the ‘Headaches’ section of the directory and identifies the homeopathic remedies most often associated with this type of pain.

Once the potential remedies have been identified, the homeopath refines their choice by consulting the ‘medical subject’ section, to ensure that the remedy corresponds to all of the patient’s symptoms.

  • Quick filtering of relevant remedies
  • Classification by symptom categories
  • Time saving for the homeopath

How does a homeopathic consultation work?

During a consultation, the homeopathic practitioner proceeds in several stages:

Collection of symptoms

The homeopath asks the patient about his physical, emotional and behavioural symptoms, as well as about elements such as:

  • How the state of health worsens and improves (e.g.: pain aggravated by the cold, improved by movement, etc.)
  • The potential causes of the illness (trauma, stress, genetic inheritance, etc.)
  • Rare, strange and curious symptoms, often decisive in finding the right remedy

Consultation of the homeopathic repertory

The practitioner uses the homeopathic repertory to select the remedies most likely to correspond to the patient’s main symptoms.

Analysis of the materia medica

Then, he refines his choice by consulting the materia medica, in order to identify the most appropriate single remedy.

Example: If a patient presents high anxiety with palpitations and a fear of loneliness, several remedies will be considered (for example Arsenicum album, Phosphorus). The homeopath will choose the remedy closest to the patient’s overall profile.

Prescription and follow-up

Once the remedy has been administered, follow-up is carried out to observe the evolution of the symptoms and make adjustments if necessary.

Conclusion

Homeopathy relies on key tools: materia medica, the homeopathic repertory and pathogenesis. These resources enable a personalised and precise approach to treatment, by identifying the remedy that best corresponds to the patient’s set of symptoms.

Want to know more? Consult our virtual homeopathic assistant ‘Hugo’, for a personalised analysis of your symptoms and advice on the most suitable remedies!