CHAPTER 8: POTENCY & DOSAGE

from ‘Basic Homeopathic Therapeutics’ by Karen Johnson

In the orthodox medical world, the amount of a drug present in each dose or its strength is indicated by a measure e.g., Paracetamol 500mg, Penicillin V 250mg, Amoxil syrup 125mg/5ml etc. This is not the case in homeopathic medicines. The number given after the name of the medicine is called the potency and is an indication of how many times the serial dilution process has been carried out and which scale of dilution was used. e.g.

Arnica 12X indicates that a one in 10 dilution was carried out serially 12 times. (The X is the roman letter for 10, denoting the dilution factor. The 12 indicates it was done 12 times.)

Arnica 30C (also 30 with no x or c after it) indicates that a 1 in 100 dilution was carried out serially 30 times. (The C being the Roman letter for 100, denoting the dilution factor and the 30 indicating that the dilution was carried out 30 times)

Arnica 1M indicates that a 1 in 100 dilution was carried out serially 1000 times. (The M being the Roman letter for one thousand).

In effect the higher the number, the more dilutions have occurred, and less physical substance is present! Unlike orthodox drugs where a weight e.g., Amoxil 500mg indicates twice as much Amoxil as in an Amoxil 250mg capsule, Arnica 24C is not twice as strong as Arnica 12C. Arnica 24C has had 24 serial dilutions of 1 in a 100 carried out on the Arnica, while Arnica 12C has only had 12 serial dilutions of 1 in 100 carried out on it. The Arnica 24C is therefore much more dilute/ weaker in terms of the amount of physical substance present than the Arnica 12C. It can be clearly seen that two Arnica 12C do not add up to one Arnica 24C as two Amoxil 250mg would be equivalent to giving one 500 mg capsule. The Arnica 12C would have to undergo another 12 serial dilutions by a factor of 1 in 100 each time to make Arnica 24C.

In potencies above 13C (a 1 in 100 dilution carried out serially 13 times) there are no molecules of physical substance present. A fact which confounds many orthodox scientists! However once one gets away from the idea that you must have molecules present for anything to happen (as physicists are doing), this is not a problem to understanding homeopathy. Potencies such as 1M, 10M, 50M are an invaluable tool in aiding homeopathic patients in such emotional states as acute shock or grief (acute or long-standing) etc. where the lower potencies would not have a profound effect on the emotional state. Many homeopaths and their patients can attest to the practical results of using the higher potencies which contain no physical substance.

ADVICE ON DOSAGE FOR ACUTE CONDITIONS

Dosage is a very complex science. The best dose has to be assessed for each patient. However, some general guidelines can be given. The aim in Homeopathy is to give the minimum amount of the remedy (in potency, quantity, and frequency of administration) that will stimulate a response in the patient. This amount may vary, for example:

1 single tablet of Belladonna 200 may start to reduce a fever but in another patient 2 or 3 doses at close intervals may be required to start reducing the fever. Each is a minimum dose.

If remedies are obtained from a reputable source, then a single tablet is sufficient to constitute a dose. Homeopathic remedies are not cumulative as, for example, paracetamol or aspirin.

If a response occurs after the first dose, such as:

– An easing or amelioration of symptoms i.e., a fever begins to subside, or
– A mild and temporary increase in intensity of symptoms.

No more doses should be administered until the relief is seen to be ending, noted by a return of or increase in intensity of the symptoms.

The dose should be re-administered in the same potency when “relapses” occur, if the length of time between subsequent doses is the same or longer. If after 2 or 3 doses the time interval between doses is lessening the next higher potency should be considered, i.e.

Belladonna 30 is given to a patient, the fever begins to subside, but after 2 hours starts to increase. Another Belladonna 30 is given, the fever again subsides but the amelioration only lasts 45 minutes before the fever returns. Belladonna 200 should now be given.

If nothing appears to have happened shortly after giving the first dose, but you are certain it is the most indicated remedy, repeat for 2 more doses. The interval is variable depending on the urgency of the situation, but guidelines are:

For normal acutes i.e., coughs, colds, flu repeat at 1- 2-hour intervals up to the 3rd dose. In high fevers repeat the next two doses at 15–30-minute intervals.

As soon as a response occurs, follow the guidelines given above for dose repetition. If nothing changes after the third dose, consider another remedy or a higher potency. i.e. go from a 6c to 30c or from a 30c to a 200c. If choosing a higher potency of the same remedy, BE SURE THAT THIS IS STILL THE MOST INDICATED REMEDY, (N.B. in some situations e.g. acute constipation it is best to wait a little longer before trying another remedy.)

If at any time the symptom picture changes, the new symptoms should be carefully assessed to see if another, more suitable remedy is indicated.

If no response occurs within 24 hrs, OR SOONER if you have any concerns for the patient’s wellbeing consult a reputable practitioner, doctor, hospital as need dictates. Remember patient safety is paramount!

TAKING HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

It is worth mentioning a few precautions to be taken in regard to storing and using Homeopathic remedies.

1. Remedies should be kept separately in their original containers.

2. Remedies should be kept away from strong light or sunlight, extreme heat, and strong smells such as perfumes, camphor, mothballs etc.

3. Do not touch remedies if you have been handling strong smelling substances such as those in (2) and garlic, onions etc.

4. Dispense the remedy into the lid of the tablet bottle and tip the tablet from the lid into the patient’s mouth. If the remedy is dispensed in an envelope, use a spoon to scoop out the dose without touching the remaining tablets.

5. If you have to touch the remedy touch only the tablet you are about to take. Do not let others handle it.

6. Dissolve the tablet under the tongue in a clean mouth i.e., nothing has been eaten, drunk or smoked for 20 minutes BEFORE AND AFTER the remedy. (This can be ignored in emergencies.)

7. children the hard tablet can be crushed between two spoons and given as powder.

SUBSTANCES THAT AFFECT HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Some substances have been known to antidote remedies in sensitive or susceptible patients. It would therefore be preferable to avoid these. This gives the remedy the best chance of working.

PEPPERMINT
Mints and toothpastes containing peppermint should be avoided. There are alternative non peppermint toothpastes available.

CAMPHOR/ EUCALYPTUS/ MENTHOL
Any product containing these should be avoided e.g., cold cures, heat rubs, ointments such as Tiger Balm, Vicks Vapour Rub. Also, remedies should not be stored near these substances.

COFFEE
Can seriously affect remedies in sensitive people. Most homeopaths recommend abstinence from coffee altogether. Also there has been a lot of research showing the detrimental effects of coffee/caffeine on health in general.

AROMATHERAPY OILS
Some of these are very strong smelling and therefore to be avoided during homeopathic treatment. Do not store remedies near aromatherapy oils.

DRUGS
Prescribed, non-prescription and recreational drugs (cannabis, cocaine etc.) can interfere with homeopathic remedies (especially Cannabis). This may necessitate more frequent repetition of the dose. Consult your practitioner about this. Under no circumstances should anyone stop taking a prescription drug suddenly. With certain prescription drugs this can be positively dangerous.