Episode 14: The Lac Remedies with Dr. Philip Bailey

Episode Description:

In this fascinating episode of Homeopathy 247, Mary Greensmith speaks with Dr. Philip Bailey, a medical doctor, homeopath, psychotherapist, and well-known author. Dr. Bailey shares his journey from studying conventional medicine to embracing homeopathy as a way to treat both physical and mental health without relying solely on drugs.

The Path from Medicine to Homeopathy

While studying medicine in London, Dr. Bailey realized he was more interested in mental health than physical ailments. However, he didn’t want to follow the traditional psychiatry route, which heavily relied on medication. Instead, through exposure to meditation and homeopathic practitioners, he found homeopathy — a method that allowed him to help both mind and body naturally.

After qualifying, he trained at the London Homeopathic Hospital and later studied under influential teachers like Misha Norland and George Vithoulkas. Eventually, he moved to Australia, where he practiced as a homeopathic GP for 18 years.

Writing “Homeopathic Psychology”

Dr. Bailey’s first major book, Homeopathic Psychology, was born from his deep understanding of how specific psychological profiles matched homeopathic remedies. At the time, most homeopathy books offered very basic psychological descriptions. Dr. Bailey saw the need for a more nuanced guide and created one, offering richer insights into remedies like Pulsatilla and Lycopodium.

His Approach to Prescribing Remedies

Dr. Bailey practices classical homeopathy, usually prescribing one remedy that fits the person as a whole — physically, mentally, and emotionally. He places a strong emphasis on identifying a patient’s constitutional remedy, looking closely at how they describe their emotions and experiences.

He often uses LM potencies for chronic conditions because they work gently yet deeply. In some cases, after initial improvements with LM potencies, he may use a higher potency like 1M or 10M to deepen the healing process.

Discovering the Lac Remedies

One of Dr. Bailey’s later works focuses on the “Lac remedies” — homeopathic remedies made from milk. He noticed strong patterns, such as difficulties with nurturing and emotional sensitivity, among patients who responded well to Lac remedies.

He particularly highlights Lac Felinum (made from cat’s milk), a remedy for people who crave intimacy but struggle with closeness, much like a cat who seeks affection on its own terms. His book explores these remedies in far greater depth than was previously available.

Expanding the Range of Remedies

Dr. Bailey believes many homeopaths still limit themselves to a small set of “classic” remedies. He advocates for a broader approach, using hundreds of lesser-known remedies, including many newer plant and animal remedies. Thanks to resources like Jan Scholten’s work on mineral remedies and Michal Yakir’s plant system, he has been able to match remedies more precisely to individual psychological profiles — achieving better healing outcomes.

Combining Homeopathy with Other Medicines

Importantly, Dr. Bailey stresses that homeopathy can complement, not replace, conventional medicine. For example, a patient with asthma may still need inhalers while homeopathy works to strengthen their overall health. In emergencies like meningitis, he fully supports the use of antibiotics when necessary. Homeopathy, he explains, fits beautifully alongside traditional care.