One of the main principles of homeopathy is ‘use the minimum dose’.
Samuel Hahnemann, the doctor who discovered homeopathy, also discovered that if you dilute the remedy until it is no longer physically present it will still be effective. He also found that vigorously tapping and shaking the medicine during this dilution process increased the curative action. This process of embossing the energy of the substance into the fabric of the surrounding solution is called potentising or dynamisation.
All homeopathic remedies have both a name and a number. The number refers to the number of times the remedy has been diluted and sucussed. There are 2 main methods of dilutions:
Decimal (1:10) is denoted by an x or dCentesimal (1:100) is denoted by a c
In homeopathy the dose is very small and may only need to be given once to initiate a healing response. This is because with homeopathy you are simply kick-starting the body’s own natural healing abilities. Once the engine is going there is no need to turn the ignition again!
The remedy is only repeated when the progress started by the first dose has run out and symptoms have begun to come back or progress has stopped. Therefore it is important to stop giving the remedy once the symptoms have improved.
Potencies
Remedies come in a variety of strengths. To determine the strength of a remedy look at the number – the higher the number the deeper the potential action of the remedy.
Potencies 6x, 6c and 30c are commonly sold over the counter and are appropriate for basic self-prescribing. Most first aid kits come in a 6c or 30c potency although some emergency first aid kits are in a 200c potency. 6x and c are used for more physical complaints and can provide materials needed to nourish the body on a structural and cellular level.
When there is weakness and exhaustion think of using the lower 6c potency. It can be repeated more frequently whereas the high potencies should be used more sparingly. The lower 6c potency is also one to think of when the patient is very sensitive. The Schussler tissue salts are 6x potency and are often used for tissue repair, organ support and restoring mineral deficiencies. They work well repeated frequently over a longer period of time.
With the 30c, 200c and higher potencies we have the capacity to access not just the physical but also the mind and emotions. The 30c is a good place to start with home prescribing. 30c is a great ‘go to’ mid-potency for most situations: cuts bruises, mild fevers and coughs for example.
The 200c can sometimes be used for the more intense, immediate of symptoms such as in the case of accidents and emergencies or a very acute symptom. If there is a sudden or violent shock to the body, the higher 200c potency is most suitable although if you only have a 30c that is also fine to use.
Higher potencies such as 200c, 1M, 10M and CM are best prescribed by a practitioner. The potencies of 1M and above delve into the realms of the psyche and spirit. They resonate with the highest levels of the aura and can reach back through one’s only history into the history of family members. They are useful for clearing the powerful vibrations of shock, trauma and inherited ancestral patterns. They can also be occasionally used in acute illnesses but are not usually suitable for people with very low vitality.
Dosage
A dose generally means 1 tablet/1powder/1drop
Never, ever assume that you should finish a complete bottle of remedies (unless it is a LM liquid format, these have different rules and designed to be taken over a long period for chronic longstanding conditions).
The golden rule is take the minimum dose required to achieve the desired effect. This is likely to be within a short space of time: hours or days – not weeks unless your condition is a long standing (chronic).
The best way to gauge how frequently to dose in any potency is to give a remedy then wait and watch.
Look for the desired effect in the state of well-being initially, rather than symptoms dramatically clearing up. For example a child with earache will still have earache, but will be less miserable and perhaps want to eat.
Should the symptoms lessen but after a time appear to worsen again – repeat the remedy. Once again, wait and watch -if the symptom picture changes as the body goes through it’s healing process, change the remedy by reassessing the symptom picture.
If there is no change then the remedy choice is probably not a good match, reassess the symptoms and try a different remedy. In this instance also look for anything that might be preventing the remedy from working. Peppermint essential oil diffusing in a room for example may antidote the remedy action.
The correct remedy should produce an ‘energy-shift’ within a short period space of time; for example, within 24 hours or less in a person with high vitality; perhaps 2-3 days in someone with low vitality. Do not go on taking the remedy regardless as it is perhaps the wrong remedy.
An initial aggravation of existing symptoms followed by improvement is a good sign of healing. Don’t take any more of the remedy if this occurs.
The lower potencies can be repeated more frequently than the higher ones. A low potency (6-30c) can be repeated more frequently (e.g. 2-6 times within 24 hours) and maybe up to a week. A higher potency (200c and above) less frequently (maybe twice daily for 3 days maximum).
These are rough guidelines only so always be guided by the response of the body. Match the dosage and potency to the person’s vitality and/or the severity of the situation.
After three doses which might be every ten minutes or every two hours, reassess the symptoms to check you are still giving the correct remedy. If progress is steady you can gently space out the dosing frequency of the remedies until they are no longer required.
Remember less is more and observation is key. If symptoms persist, then it’s a good idea to check in with a professional homeopath.