glossaryBy Homeopathy Network TeamMarch 4, 2026

Single Remedy

The single remedy principle is the practice of prescribing only one homeopathic remedy at a time. This allows the practitioner to observe the remedy's effect clearly, without the confounding influence of additional prescriptions. It is a cornerstone of classical Hahnemannian prescribing and closely linked to the concept of the simillimum — the one remedy whose picture most closely matches the patient's totality of symptoms.

In Practice

By giving a single remedy, the practitioner can attribute any changes in the patient's condition — whether improvement, aggravation, or new symptoms — directly to that prescription. This clarity of observation is essential for accurate case management, guiding decisions about whether to wait, repeat the dose, or change the remedy entirely.

The single remedy approach demands thorough individualization during case-taking. Rather than matching multiple remedies to multiple complaints, the practitioner seeks the one remedy that covers the patient's complete picture — physical, mental, and emotional. This discipline distinguishes classical prescribing from combination approaches, and it remains a defining feature of Hahnemannian methodology.

For a full exploration of this principle — including its historical development, its practical implications for case management, and its relationship to other prescribing approaches — see our dedicated page.

Historical Context

Hahnemann established the single remedy principle in the Organon of Medicine, insisting that the effects of any substance could only be known through individual proving and observed through individual prescription. He regarded the mixing of remedies as incompatible with methodical prescribing.

Related Terms

  • Simillimum — the most similar remedy, identified through single-remedy prescribing
  • Individualization — the process of matching one remedy to the unique patient
  • Law of Similars — the foundational principle that guides remedy selection

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