A Nosode is a type of homeopathic” remedy” prepared from biological materials such as diseased tissues, pathogens (like a bacteria, virus or fungus), or a bodily discharge (e.g.: pus or mucus) or bodily fluids.  These substances are diluted through a specific homeopathic process (succussion or serial dilution) until no measurable quantity, or the original material remains, leaving only the energetic or vibrational “imprint” of the substance. 

So, a Nosode is a highly diluted homeopathic preparation derived from diseased tissues or pathogens, believed to stimulate the body’s vital energy to combat a similar imbalance or disease.  They align with the homeopathic principal of “like cures like” (similia siilibus curentur) and are used by homeopaths for prevention and for treatment with protocols being different. 

Although the original “disease material” in a Nosode is diluted out, it is thought or believed that the energetic imprint of the pathogen remains.  This energetic signature is believed to stimulate the body’s vital force to “recognize” and then tackle similar issues within itself, promoting self-healing.

Nosodes are a specialized category of homeopathic remedies used for purposes primarily focused on prevention, or in some cases treatment, and/or chronic disease management such as with Pigeon Fever, Lyme or EPM.  Their uses are rooted in the classical homeopathic principles to address a specific condition or for prevention in the case of a local outbreak of disease like West Nile.

Nosodes are sometimes tailored to the individual animal and their specific condition but for the sake of this article we are going to talk more about prevention using nosodes to prevent common horse illnesses/diseases, like Pigeon Fever and I will share with you how I went about collecting what we needed to make this Nosode.

Traditional homeopathic remedies, in contrast to nosodes, are derived from natural, non-pathogenic sources and can be used to treat a full spectrum of physical, mental, and emotional symptoms holistically, with both being powerful tools in homeopathy but their applications, sources and purposes are distinct, their roles in a case are distinct, but when combined, they aim to synergize the body’s capacity for recovery.

How Nosodes Vary from Vaccines

Nosodes lack the presence of active biological material, relying instead on energetic imprints, unlike vaccines, which stimulate a measurable immune response (e.g., production of antibodies), nosodes work based on holistic principles of rebalancing the body’s energy.

Nosodes can be used for chronic conditions where recurrent imbalance is present like Lyme, or skin condition.  But we also use them prophylactically (preventative), similar to how vaccines are administered in conventional medicine.

The goal of using nosodes is to help the body recognize and build energetic immunity against specific diseases like Lyme, EPM, Flu/Rhino, Pigeon Fever and more in horses.  But I also use them with my customers to keep their horses, dogs and cats’ immunity boosted energetically along with the vaccines they have had in their life time. 

When treating a specific illness/disease nosodes that are derived from the pathogens or diseased tissues are prescribed to address the infection or illness.  In the case of EPM we use both tissues, maybe blood from an original source of that illness, and the Herpes virus in the formula we use to treat that disease (like cures like).  This enhances the body’s capacity to fight infection and reduce symptoms in alignment with the discovery of the pathogen’s “energetic” imprint in order to set about a course of healing.

Nosodes can also sometimes be used to address unresolved health issues stemming from past illness or vaccinations (Vaccinosis) which a horse, dog or cat may exhibit, lingering effects from past vaccinations being one.  I have seen this in foals who were not vaccinated but had Vaccinosis from both sire and dam being way over vaccinated in their lifetimes, most often presenting with runny eyes and sometimes runny noses for no reason. 

We can also use complementary homeopathic remedies alongside using nosodes to enhance treatment outcomes, for example, in Pigeon Fever if the sores are not draining well, we might add Silcea or Pulsitilla to help expel which can assist in addressing a deeper layer of illness.   Using a complementary homeopathic remedy can synergistically aid overall healing when a standard Nosode is not sufficient on its own.

Other Ways Nosodes and Remedies Are Used in Diverse Ways

Nosodes can be used for frequent or chronic infections to help break cycles of illness thereby strengthening the body against recurring attacks like influenzinum, or seasonal allergies up to and including sinus infections.  While controversial to the main stream medicine homeopaths use them as an alternative or to complement the vaccines a horse, dog or cat may have already been given. 

They can be used to treat emotional or behavioral disorders as well i.e., for extreme fears, aggression or emotional instability we would use Lyssinum (from the Rabies Virus), but we also use Lyssin for some animals who have an adverse reaction to a Rabies vaccine as well, some owners use to prevent any side effects of the Rabies vaccine like aggression.

For obsessive-compulsive tendencies or perfectionism in show horses Carcinosin would be used (from diseased cancer cells).

For emotional trauma, sadness and despair we would use Psorinum or Medorrhinum to address underlying inherited emotional states or past trauma patterns. Again, there are homeopathic remedies we might select first like Aconite for sudden changes like when a stable mate unexpectedly dies, or Ignatia for grief, or a combination of both depending of course on the animal and their symptoms.

In the case of my horse, Jeep, when he first came to me 10 years ago, he would get a gas colic each time we had a severe weather change like a thunder storm.  I started paying really close attention to the weather patterns and would give him a preventative dose of Aconite (for sudden changes) along with maybe a dose of Nux Vomica depending on the storm or situation and after a year then no longer occurred, so something cleared from his past that the imprint on his body changed.

For clearing Vaccinosis from post-vaccination we would use Thuja for clearing the residual effects.  If any of my animals have a vaccine i.e. my horses only get Tetanus they get a dose of Thuja one time per day for 3-5 days. 

When I have a puppy from the get go, they receive  two sets of puppy vaccines, and especially Parvo, even though I do give the Parvo Nosode,  then they will get Thuja right after for several days, and only one Rabies in their life time at 6 months old by weight and again I use Thuja, and I may use Lyssin if I feel it is needed.

 If I do not know a horse, dog or cat’s vaccine history that come in to my life I will give them Thuja for 5-7 days is my preference to clear any residual imprints from past diseases, vaccines or treatments, while traditional remedies promote overall recovery this is one I use and recommend often and readily available in most health food stores and Amazon. 

I personally choose not to vaccinate my animals and instead use nosodes along with superior nutrition including keeping their guts healthy with our Equine Zyme Plus with added horse specific probiotics and added horse specific digestive enzyme and colostrum.

Timing and Sequence of Use

Nosodes and traditional remedies are not usually given at the same time but rather in succession depending on the case.  In some cases, Nosodes are used at the start of treatment to detoxify or target deep seated issues or illness, preparing the body for further healing with a follow-up of traditional remedies.  In other cases, a homeopathic remedy is started to relieve an acute symptom such as a fever which we would treat with Belladonna followed by a Nosode to address what is going on. 

Both Nosodes and traditional remedies can have a profound energetic influence.  An inexperienced “practitioner” or owner may create confusion or over stimulation by prescribing too many remedies simultaneously.   Best to consult with a homeopathic veterinarian or practicing homeopath in your area.

In Summary

Earth Song Ranch sells Nosodes for many of the common horse illnesses like EPM, West Nile, EW/Flu Rhino, Potomac, etc. as well as dog and cat nosodes including Canine Combo, Feline Combo.  We also have specialized nosodes for Parvo, Distemper, FIV and FIP.  All of the foregoing is used as a preventative to stimulate the animal’s body’s immune system against a particular disease, but we have also used them to treat once a diagnosis is determined.  This practice still remains a bit controversial and is distinct from conventional vaccination practices with the risk of side effects if you have a sensitive horse especially.  

Potency’s

There are varying potencies in both Nosodes and homeopathic remedies, the most common used are 30c and 200c – most animals, be it horse, cat of dog do great on 30c.  There are also 6c, 9c, 12c remedies that can be given more often, but then there are also the M potencies that we will occasionally use again depending on the case.  I use 1M or 10M Arnica when an animal has come through the trauma of a shelter or horse rescue situation to help with the mental, emotional or physical trauma they may have suffered, learned this from Dr Glenn Dupree DVM and homeopath who was one of my mentors.  I keep many of the most common remedies in 12c, 30c and 200c, the nosodes I typically sell are 30c as well.

Book Suggestions

I would recommend Dr Richard Pitcairn’s books for Cats, Dogs and Horses on homeopathy.

By Jessica Lynn Owner Earth Song Ranch, for Holistic Horse Collective Pod Cast 4.23.2025