Homeopathic remedies are homeopathic medicines selected for a patient by considering the following points :

1. Patient’s disease
2. Patient’s individual symptoms (other than those of the disease)
3. Patient’s emotional and intellectual characteristics
4. Patient’s past history, family history, and other factors

Homeopathic remedies are selected from among 3000 homeopathic medicines that are included in the repertoire of homeopathy. Only a few of these medicines will be selected for a patient at a given time on the basis of a patient’s characteristics, and they are prescribed in a particular order.

The primary requirement for the selection of the appropriate homeopathic medicines is a detailed case study. The homeopathic doctor investigates the patient thoroughly and gathers information about all the points stated above.

Homeopathic remedies can be classified into the following, according to their application :

1. Constitutional homeopathic remedies
2. Disease-specific homeopathic remedies
3. Inter-current homeopathic remedies

a. Constitutional homeopathic remedies are those that are selected on the basis of a thorough examination of the patient’s physical and mental constitution. Generally, deep-acting medicines, i.e., medicines that have the power to address the disease at a deep level, are selected as constitutional remedies. A patient may require one or may be a couple of constitutional homeopathic remedies during the treatment period.

Commonly used constitutional homeopathic remedies are Lycopodium clavatum, Silica, Kali carbonicum, Sulphur, Phophorus, Causticum, Sepia, Pulsatilla Nigra, and Zincum metallicum.

b. Disease-specific homeopathic remedies: Homeopathic remedies are sometimes chosen to relieve disease symptoms, while constitutional homeopathic remedies bring about changes at a deeper level.

1. Nature of the disease and its pathogenesis
2. Extent or stage of the disease
3. Curability or incurability of the disease
4. Reversibility or irreversibility of the disease

Commonly used disease-specific homeopathic remedies are Hepar sulphuricum, Arnica montana, Merc solubilus, and Sangunaria.

c. Inter-current homeopathic remedies :

These are the medicines that assist, augment, and enhance the effects of constitutional homeopathic medicines. Inter-current homeopathic remedies are selected largely on basis of the genetic makeup of the patient; these medicines are very powerful and deep-acting. Careful selection of these medicines is essential, in order to elicit their optimal effects.

For the selection of any of these homeopathic remedies, the homeopathic doctor requires an in-depth understating of homeopathy, medicinal science, and the art of patient interaction. The skill, training, wisdom, experience, and knowledge gained over the years are the fundamental requirements that will enable a homeopathic doctor select the appropriate homeopathic remedy in each case.