Student Question: I have a question: I think I read in Dr. Hobbs materials that no matter the quality of a remedy, it does little good if the taste is unpalatable to the patient and cannot get him/her to ingest it. As such, he seemed in favor of sweetening. Of course, I cannot locate this passage in my books to reread the context, but after reading the materia medica for this course, and discovering how one needs to be very careful to watch the contra- indications, I find myself wondering how careful one needs to be with sweetener? Especially with things like stevia? Are there contra- indications of which to be aware? Generally I use honey, are there times when honey is inappropriate? Similarly, I’m interested in working with stevia and would like to know more about when it shouldn’t be used.

Answer: I absolutely agree! That is why my “toolbox” is so diverse with remedies all the way from aromatherapy (you don’t have to drink anything at all) to reflexology (non-edible) to teas, tinctures and homeopathic pills that taste like sugar. Your client will not enjoy and will not continue with a therapy that is unpleasant and it will furthermore stress the body. Part of the healing is the emotional connection they have with the remedy. However, keep in mind that some people DO need the tea or remedy to taste BAD to feel they are healing – so keep that in mind, too. There are a few clients I have had like that. I used to be one of them a long time ago.