Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

28 •MATERIA MEDICAHOW REMEDIES ARE MADERemedies are made by the process of dilution and succussion.Strictly speaking, remedies are not in themselves homeopathic;they become homeopathic only when they are prescribedaccording to the principle of “like cures like” (see page 18).When the remedy is given accurately and effectively “mirrors”the patient’s symptoms (see page 177), it can then beconsidered to be acting homeopathically. The experience,judgment, and skill of the practitioner are responsible forselecting the appropriate remedy. Remedies are preparedto exact guidelines, but may vary in strength.Remedy potenciesHahnemann laid down precise guidelinesfor the preparation of a homeopathic remedy(see opposite). Measurements and methodswere all strictly and scientifically controlled.He also developed a unique process called“potentization,” which allowed the fullstrength, or potency, of the substance to bereleased into the remedy mixture (see page 19).The theory of dilutionMany remedies are based on highly activeor even poisonous substances. Hahnemannestablished that remedies needed to be dilutedto a very great degree to avoid side-effects. Tohis surprise he discovered that, paradoxically,the more diluted the remedy, the longer itsaction, the deeper its effect, and the fewerdoses needed. Because the remedies arediluted to such a great degree, it is highlyunlikely that even a single molecule of theoriginal substance remains. This means that,although remedies may be based on highlypoisonous substances, they are completelysafe to use, even on children. However, thisis also the main reason why homeopathy isstill viewed with such skepticism by manyorthodox doctors and scientists (see page 24).The potency prescribed is gauged by thehomeopath according to the condition to betreated, the strength of the patient, and thecircumstances. Not only must the remedygiven be suitable, but the potency chosenmust also be appropriate for the individual.Scales of dilutionHomeopathic remedies are generally preparedaccording to one of two scales: the decimal(x) and the centesimal (c).In the decimal scale, the dilution factoris 1:10, and in the centesimal scale it is1:100. Remedies usually have a number,such as 6c or 12x, after the name. Thisnumber indicates how many times it hasbeen diluted and succussed, and on whichscale; for example, the remedy Allium cepa 6chas been diluted and succussed six times onthe centesimal scale.More rarely, however, scales such asmillesimal (m) and quinquagintamillesimal(lm) are prepared. According to these scales,remedies are diluted by factors of 1:1,000and 1:50,000 respectively. The former is usedmainly when a single, high-potency dose ofa remedy is considered appropriate by thepractitioner, while the latter is given whenregular gentle dosing is needed in stubborn,chronic cases.DILUTING & SUCCUSSINGREMEDY STRENGTHSPREPARING A POTENCY The mother tincture(see opposite) is usually diluted in a mixtureof pure alcohol and distilled water accordingto one of several scales (see above, right). Theratio of alcohol to water varies depending onthe base substance of the mother tincture. Toproduce a 1c potency, one drop of the motherDrop of tinctureis added tosolutionDilution factorSuccussions99 drops of alcohol/water solution1stdilution1c99 drops of alcohol/water solution2nddilution2c99 drops of alcohol/water solution3rddilution3ctincture is added to 99 drops of an alcoholand-watermixture and succussed. To producea 2c potency, one drop of the 1c mixture isadded to 99 drops of an alcohol-and-watermixture and succussed. To manufacture the6c potency illustrated below, this process isrepeated a further four times.99 drops of alcohol/water solution4thdilution4c99 drops of alcohol/water solution5thdilution5c99 drops of alcohol/water solution6thdilution6cDrop ofsuccussedremedy isadded totabletsLactosetabletsAccording to Hahnemann’s theories, themore diluted a remedy, the stronger it isand the higher the number, or “potency.”A less diluted remedy is not as strong andhas a lower number, or potency.REMEDY GETS STRONGER AND MORE DILUTED3c6c12c30cREMEDY GETS WEAKER AND LESS DILUTED