Potency and Dosage
In homeopathy, potency is usually used to refer to the degree of dilution that a homeopathic remedy has undergone in its manufacturing process. This is indicated by the number and letter listed after the name of the remedy.
As a general rule, chronic illnesses (i.e. those that you’ve had for a long time) should be treated with low potencies and acute conditions (i.e. those that are relatively new) with high potencies.
Potencies of 30C or lower are considered low-potency remedies, and potencies of 200C or higher are considered high-potency remedies.
There are exceptions, particularly where an accident started off the symptoms and you might give the body a kick start with a high potency dose such as Arnica 200c first and then follow with a lower potency remedy.
If you are not 100% sure which remedy to take, usually a low potency should be taken before a high potency and the patient observed carefully. If symptoms improve but not fully, the same remedy should be taken in a higher potency. If after taking the low potency remedy relief is not felt, or the condition changes, a different remedy should be taken in a low potency.
Potency Scale
There are two scales of dilution in common use – the decimal and the centesimal.
Decimal Scale: This potency scale is expressed as ‘D’ or ‘X’. This substance is diluted in a ratio of 1:10.
Centesimal Scale: This is the most common dilution scale used and is expressed as ‘C’. This substance is diluted in a ratio of 1:100.
The letter ‘M’ refers to the 1000th centesimal dilution. Potencies higher than this (e.g. 10M and CM) are also used but generally only by professionals.
Potency Guide
Please note the table below is for informational purposes only.
Next: Which potency should you take?
