Homeopathic remedies are the base of Homeopathy, a form of natural healing discovered in 1796 by Samuel Hahnemann, a German physician. Plants, minerals and animals are the sources from which homeopathic medicines are made. Strictly speaking, these aren’t homeopathic themselves, but become so when they are prescribed according to the totality of symptoms of disease. Homeopathic remedies are prepared to precise guidelines but may differ in strength.
Potencies
Hahnemann established exact instructions for the elaboration of homeopathic remedies. There was a strict and scientific control in the employed quantities and methods. He also invented a procedure known as “potentization,” which permitted the complete strength of a substance to be freed into the remedy preparation.
The Dilution Concept
Many homeopathic remedies are made from overly active or even toxic substances. To prevent adverse effects, Hahnemann determined that homeopathic medicines should be diluted to a certain point. He noticed that, to his amazement, the more diluted they are, the larger their action, deeper their effect and fewer doses required. Since homeopathic remedies are diluted to an extensive point, it is improbable that even a single molecule of the authentic substance remains. In other words, although they are created from overly toxic substances, they are totally safe to use, even on infants. Nonetheless, this is also why conventional medicine views Homeopathy with skepticism.
The homeopath prescribes the potency based on the disease to be treated, the vitality of the patient, and the occasion. The remedy given must not only be adequate, but the potency should also be indicated for the person.
Scales of Dilution
Homeopathic remedies tend to be produced according to one of 2 scales: decimal (x) and centesimal (c). In the former, the dilution rate is 1:10, while in the latter it is 1:100. Following the name of homeopathic medicines, there is typically a number included, such as 30c or 12x. This indicates the amount of times they have been diluted and vigorously shaken, and on which scale. The remedy Arnica Montana 30c, for instance, has undergone this process 30 times on the centesimal scale.
There are other scales which are rarely prepared: millesimal (M) and quinquagintamillesimal (LM). In these, homeopathic medicines are diluted by rates of 1:1,000 and 1:50,000 respectively. The former is prescribed when the homeopath considers a single, high potency dose is adequate. The latter is given when usual gentle dosing is required in obstinate, chronic diseases.
Conclusion
More diluted and vigorously shaken homeopathic remedies are stronger and have a higher number or potency. Less diluted ones are not as strong and have a lower number or potency. It is recommended to start with low potencies and gradually increment them.