A Unique And Immersive Experience: My Journey To India And Beyond

Wonderful group of Worldwide Homeopaths

This article was published in the New Homeopath journal (Society of Homeopaths) in Summer 2025.

Carmen Adamou lives in West Oxfordshire and has a busy family practice in Witney. She runs short courses and workshops on how to use homeopathy safely at home.

Carmen’s quest for knowledge and continuing professional development has taken her to Greece and

India. She is a member of the Oxford Homeopaths group, so I have been lucky to hear of her trips at our local meetings.

You’ve been away Carmen, tell us about your trip...

At the beginning of this year, I spent ten days in Kolkata at the clinic of renowned fourth and fifth-generation homeopaths, Dr Subrata K. Banerjea and his son, Dr Saptarshi Banerjea. The trip, organised by Allen College, was truly a unique and immersive experience - at times over 20 people, including patients, were in the consultation room together.

The clinic offered a rare chance to witness pathology that we simply wouldn’t encounter in the UK. Over the course of ten full days, from 9:30am to 5:30pm, we observed around 160 live cases. Each patient was seen for just 5–10 minutes. Dr Banerjea would ask about key symptoms and modalities, quickly refer to the Materia Medica - Boericke is his bible - and he consults Rehman’s Remedy Relationships to support his decisions. Remedies are administered in water using just a single poppy seed-sized granule. Ayurvedic tinctures are often used to support patients withdrawing from conventional medications.

One of the most impressive aspects was how our questions were always referred back to the Organon, grounding every decision in classical homeopathy. Dr Banerjea’s assistant homeopaths take detailed notes, including keynotes and modalities, which are then passed on to him. He focuses intently on the most troubling issue for the patient. Aetiology is critical, and when it is clear, he often prescribes using two potencies in line with the teaching of Dr Foubister.

Why India?

This was actually my second visit to India. I had gone the previous year and found the experience so enriching that I knew I had to return. I thrive on stimulation and feel it's important to regularly step outside of my comfort zone. The energy, pace, and depth of knowledge there is so inspiring.

How did homeopathy first come into your life?

My journey into homeopathy began with my own family. When I was younger, my mother was unwell and taking numerous medications. I started questioning if there was another way. Like many homeopaths, my real entry point came through my children. My daughter suffered from recurrent ear infections and was constantly on medication. A friend recommended a homeopath, and I was intrigued by how many questions she asked and how deeply she listened.

We were about to go on holiday, and I was worried about the flight— my daughter would scream in pain due to the pressure in her ears. As soon as she started crying on the plane, I gave her Chamomilla 200c.

“

One of the most impressive aspects was how our questions were always referred back to the Organon,”

“I love that lightbulb moment when students suddenly get it. Supporting the next generation of homeopaths is something I care deeply about.

Within moments, she calmed down and was cheerful for the rest of the flight. It was a transformative experience. My mother then saw a homeopath too – Jane Wood – who helped her greatly. I picked up Miranda Castro’s Mother and Baby book and knew I had found what I was looking for.

Where did you study?

I began my studies in 2003 at Purton House and when the college moved, I completed my final two years at Salisbury Homeopathy College. I went straight into practice after qualifying, but never stopped learning. From 2010 to 2019, I spent time every year in Alonissos, Greece, studying with George Vithoulkas. I completed his online course and attended several international summer schools. I love being a student and am always on a quest for knowledge.

My passion is to make homeopathy accessible to those who might not usually be able to access it. When I first qualified, I worked at the Sunrise Clinic in London, where students observed experienced homeopaths in action. It was an incredible learning experience. One of my dreams is to work in a low-cost, community-based clinic.

Are you qualified in any other therapy?

I’ve never been interested in studying another therapy - there’s simply so much to learn within homeopathy alone. That’s part of what drew me to India, watching skilled homeopaths at work is endlessly inspiring.

What have you learned from your visits to India?

These experiences have given me confidence, especially in case-taking. In India, we learned to truly observe and focus on symptoms - we’re not counsellors, after all. The depth of materia medica knowledge among Indian homeopaths was awe-inspiring. I’ve become more familiar with lesser-known remedies and learned how to use polychrests for deep healing while supporting the case with smaller remedies.

I’ve also begun using more herbal tinctures. It’s broadened my approach and helped me become more effective in practice.

Where do you practice now?

I used to work in a clinic in Oxfordshire, but since the pandemic, I’ve moved to working primarily from home - around 60% of my patients are now online.

I taught at Salisbury College for over seven years, covering case management, materia medica, and philosophy. I love that lightbulb moment when students suddenly get it. Supporting the next generation of homeopaths is something I care deeply about. I am currently lecturing at South Downs college.

What hopes and fears do you have for homeopathy?

I want my children and grandchildren to grow up knowing that homeopathy is there for them. I can’t imagine my life without it, and I want others to have access to this beautiful medicine. That’s why I continue to study, teach, and advocate for it.

When you’re not travelling, doing CPD and being a homeopath, what do you love to do?

When I’m not working, you’ll find me in the garden. Gardening is my meditation—it keeps me grounded. I love sowing seeds; they remind me of homeopathy, full of potential and transformation. I’m happiest in my greenhouse, surrounded by new life. I also love travelling and meeting new people. Sometimes, you just need to leave everything behind and truly rest. l

“

I’ve never been interested in studying another therapy - there’s simply so much to

homeopathy alone.

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