Homeopathic Remedies: what are they made from and what are the numbers?

Homeopathic remedies are made from plants, minerals or bacteria to name a few of the most common substances.  During the process of making a remedy the ‘substance’ is diluted many times and shook repeatedly (successed) and thus a homeopathic remedy is created.  The liquid dilution is than poured over sugar pellets which then absorb the liquid.  The sugar pellets are put into a vial and labeled. On the bottle you will find the name of the remedy i.e, Belledona and then a number and letter. The number and letter correspond to the remedy’s strength, or potency. The numbers range from 6x, 6c, 12c, 15c, 30c, 200c, 1M, 10M.  The number represents the amount of times the remedy was diluted and shook (succussed).  The philosophy with homeopathy is that the more the substance is diluted the stronger it becomes.   So, diluting the substance 200 times makes it stronger than diluting it 6 times. This means that a homeopathic remedy at 200c is stronger than 6c.

Lower numbers or ‘lower potencies’ are used for conditions that you can see or that affect the skin or mouth.  So, if you have a canker sore you may try a remedy called Borax 6x.  Since this remedy is relatively weak- in a low potency- it can be repeated up to 4 times a day until the canker sore is resolved.  If a person experienced a trauma like witnessing a terrible car accident and is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder they would require a remedy at a ‘higher potency’ that is given less often.  The homeopath may prescribe a remedy called Aconite 1M which is used for emotional shock.  Since the ‘potency’ is higher the patient is advised to only take the remedy one time and wait a week or month to see how he or she responds.

The job of the homeopath is to match not only the homeopathic substance aka its’ name, but also the potency.  For example, if a person has a terrible fever, he or she may be prescribed a remedy called Belledona 30c.  30c is chosen because it is a potency that is in the middle and fevers are considered middle level illnesses.  With fever comes pain as well takes a toll on the body.  The 30c works on the physical and mental states of the patient in a more specific way then the Borax 6x for example, works on a canker sore.  Why choose Belledona? Belledona is a poisonous plant that if ingested in its natural form would cause the symptoms of fever; sweating, and dilated pupils, but if diluted and ingested in microscopic amounts the person’s fever will subside and the person will get better.  It is thought that the energy of the remedy collides with the energy of the illness and dissipates the imbalance.

If you are new to homeopathy a basic and easy to use remedy is remedy called Arnica.  I recommend purchasing the Arnica at a dose of 30c.  Arnica 30c is for bumps, bruises, or muscle pain.  This is a great universal remedy that is a great to have in your first aid kit at all times.  It can be used for pain caused by a strained muscle after an intense workout or after dental work.  Arnica is great to have at little league games for kids, or if you go on a family hick!  Let this remedy be your first taste into the world of homeopathy.