Understanding Homeopathy Potency
Homeopathic remedies are prepared through a process called potentization.
Potentization involves a series of systematic dilutions and successions
(a forceful shaking action). Potentization is important, because
it removes all risk of chemical toxicity while activating a remedy
substance and enabling it to affect the body therapeutically.
Homeopathic pharmacies operate according to strict guidelines,
to ensure that the remedies and potencies are consistent and
reliable. The first step in producing a homeopathic remedy
is acquiring a pure preparation of the original substance in
its natural form (a solution of a mineral salt, a “mother tincture” of
a plant, etc.). The original substance is then put through
a measured series of dilutions, alternating with succussions,
until the desired potency is made.
Homeopathic potencies are designated by the combination of
a number and a letter (for example, 6X or 30C). The number refers
to the number of dilutions the tincture has undergone within
a series to prepare that remedy. The letter refers to the proportions
used in each dilution of the series (the Roman numeral X means
10, and the Roman numeral C means 100), as well as the number
of succussions the vial of solution undergoes in each successive
stage.
For example: To prepare a 6X potency of Ledum palustre,
one part of the Ledum mother tincture is combined
in a vial with nine parts of the carrier liquid, and succussed
ten times again, making a 2X solution. The process is repeated
four more times, for a total of six dilutions and succussions—and
the final result is a 6X potency of Ledum. (To make
a 30C, one part of the tincture would be combined with ninety-nine
parts of the carrier liquid and succussed 100 times in each of
thirty steps.) Pellets, tablets, or powders are then medicated
with the potentized liquid, or drops of the remedy are taken
in liquid form.
The more dilutions and succussions a substance undergoes,
the higher the potency will be. Higher potencies of homeopathic
remedies (anything higher than 12C) have been diluted past
the point that molecules of the original substance would be
measurable in the solution. This is a major stumbling block
for skeptics when it comes to understanding and accepting the
idea of homeopathy. Homeopathic remedies, when correctly chosen,
clearly work—but
not in the way that drugs do (through chemical actions that
affect the body processes). It is not completely understood
why potentized remedies can work so deeply and specifically,
but many likely theories have arisen through research and observation.
It appears that they function on an energetic level to stimulate
the body to heal itself more efficiently.
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