Explaining Homeopathic Potencies and Dosage
- Nora Pettik
- Mar 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 12
What is a homeopathic potency?
Samuel Hahnemann, the first homeopathic physician and the father of homeopathy, initially worked with undiluted substances, which caused severe side effects. To reduce these, he experimented with dilutions. He also noticed that the more his remedies were shaken during long carriage rides, the more effective they became. This led him to systematically shake (succuss) the diluted substances, resulting in today’s method of potentization, which involves repeated dilution and shaking. I am going to explain homeopathic potencies and dosage.
What potencies do we use?
The three most common potency systems are decimal (D or X), centesimal (C, CH, or CK), and LM potencies. These letters indicate the dilution ratio: D (1:10), C (1:100), and LM (1:50,000).
The process of potentization
The starting substance (mother tincture) is diluted according to the desired potency:
For D/X potency: 1 drop of tincture + 9 drops of water
For C potency: 1 drop of tincture + 99 drops of water
For LM potency: 1 drop of tincture + 49,999 drops of water The mixture is then shaken vigorously 10 times. This process increases the potency by one degree (D1, C1, LM1). Lower potencies act closer to the original herbal effect (e.g., Calendula), while only higher potencies can be used when the raw substance is toxic (e.g. Lachesis), as the dilution eliminates toxicity. No need to worry, such low potencies that could cause issues are not allowed on the market.
How to dose homeopathic remedies in acute conditions
Dosage depends on the illness, symptoms, and the patient's general condition.
Low potencies (6X, 12X, 6C, 9C, 15C, 30C): Used for local, physical symptoms without unique characteristics. Often used alongside conventional medication.
Medium potencies (30X, 15C, 30C): Used when symptoms have a general pattern (e.g., all pains are burning).
High potencies (200X, 200C): Used for mental symptoms (e.g., fear of death during fever) or emergencies. The most widely available potency is 30C, suitable for most cases.
Classical dosing:
We take a single dose of a carefully chosen remedy, after which five things can happen:
NO CHANGE – repeat the remedy (maximum 3 times, then reconsider the remedy choice)
NEW SYMPTOM appears – If this is a completely new symptom then choose a new remedy.
IMPROVEMENT – wait until the improvement lasts, then it can be repeated.
CONDITION WORSENS – wait, as this could be an initial aggravation of symptoms.
OLD SYMPTOM reappears – if the first symptoms of the illness return, this is considered improvement and we proceed accordingly.
Acute dosing:
C9: 4-6 times a day
C15: 1-2 times a day
C30: 2 times a day or once every two daysIn severe cases (e.g., high fever), prepare a solution (1 pellet in 200 ml water) and take a sip every 10 minutes. Stop immediately symptoms worsen.
Plussing method:
Reduces the risk of symptom aggravation and increases effectiveness.
Dissolve 1 pellet in 11 teaspoons of still mineral water.
Shake once, then take 1 teaspoon every 15 minutes.
On the next day, add 10 teaspoons of water and repeat.
Dispose of the remainder and start fresh after the second day.
Split dose method:
One dose taken in parts throughout the day (morning, midday, afternoon, evening). Dissolve 1 pellet in 100 ml water and take one-quarter each time.
Five-glass method:
Dissolve 1 pellet in the first glass of water.
Stir 10 times with a plastic spoon.
Take a drop from the first glass (take the spoon and hold vertically so a tiny amount of liquid willstick to the spoon), stir the second, and repeat the process up to the fifth glass.
Your remedy will be the fifth glass. Drink a sip. .Alternatively, use a single glass, pouring out the solution while leaving 1-2 drops clinging to the sides for the next dilution.
5 glass method
Divided dose method:
Dissolve 2 pellets in 500 ml of water with 1 teaspoon of alcohol.
Shake 10 times, take 1 teaspoon, and mix with a glass of water.
Take a sip and discard the rest.
Keep the original solution for future use, shaking before each dose.
LM potency with succussion:
Dissolve 2 pellets 200 ml of 25% alcohol in a bottle.
Shake 10 times, take 1 teaspoon, and mix with 200 ml of water.
Take one sip. Repeat as needed, following specific instructions.
Disclaimer: The information provided here should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified and licensed healthcare provider. The information provided is for informational purposes only. For professional assistance, please book a consultation!
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