In homeopathy, dilutions are a foundational principle. Strains in CH, DH, high, medium, and low potencies each serve distinct purposes. Here's a clear breakdown based on established practices.
Homeopathy draws from over 3,000 different strains sourced from plants, animals, or minerals, all documented in the French Pharmacopoeia.
80% are plant-based: These are harvested from wild or cultivated sources, with precise botanical identification and selection of the usable plant part. Organic sourcing ensures superior quality.
19% come from animal (e.g., Apis Mellifica, Cantharis Vesicatoria) or mineral origins (e.g., Calcarea Sulfurica, Ferrum Phosphoricum).
1% are chemical-derived (e.g., Arsenicum Album, Natrum Sulfuricum).
Homeopathic strains are sold under their Latin names with a number denoting dilution, such as Arnica Montana 9 CH (arnica plant strain diluted 9 times to 1/100th).
Most are "unitary" (from a single substance), while "composite" strains blend multiple substances—ideal for self-medication, as pinpointing the perfect similimum (best-matching remedy) can be challenging without expertise.
Substances start as a mother tincture (TM) via maceration in water-alcohol mix. All dilutions follow from this TM.
These are primary formats: tiny sugar spheres (lactose-sucrose mix or sucrose-only; select based on lactose tolerance) soaked in the diluted solution. A tube holds about 80 granules, taken in doses under the tongue, away from meals. Globules are smaller and taken all at once, sublingually.
Made from TM with successive dilutions reducing alcohol content. Dose daily in water for precision, though drops introduce some alcohol.
Include tablets (sucrose-lactose, remedy-impregnated), ointments, syrups, and suppositories.
The mother tincture undergoes serial dilutions with vigorous shaking (dynamization or succussion) between steps, as pioneered by Hahnemann, to activate the remedy.
Hahnemann's method: 1 drop TM + 99 drops solvent, succussed 100 times for 1 CH. Repeat for higher potencies (e.g., 9 CH = 9 steps). France limits to 30 CH max.
Each step yields 1/100th of the prior dilution.
Similar but 1 drop TM + 9 drops solvent for 1 DH. Two DH steps equal one CH (e.g., 2 DH = 1 CH), making them more potent per step.
| Dilution Ratio | Decimal Scale | Centesimal Scale |
|---|---|---|
| 1/10 (10-1) | 1 DH (or 1X) | |
| 1/100 (10-2) | 2 DH (or 2X) | 1 CH |
| 1/1,000 (10-3) | 3 DH (or 3X) | |
| 1/10,000 (10-4) | 4 DH (or 4X) | 2 CH |
| 1/100,000 (10-5) | 5 DH (or 5X) | |
| 1/1,000,000 (10-6) | 6 DH (or 6X) | 3 CH |
| 1/100,000,000 (10-8) | 8 DH (or 8X) | 4 CH |
| 1/(1018) | 18 DH (18X) | 9 CH |
| 1/(1030) | 30 DH (30X) | 15 CH |
| 1/(1060) | 60 DH (60X) | 30 CH |
Done in one vial: 1 drop TM + 99 solvent, succussed. Empty, residue = 1 K. Repeat in same vial for higher K potencies.
Diluted solution contacts sugar-based granules, globules, or tablets.
Homeopathy acts qualitatively, not quantitatively. Select dilution by symptom similarity to the strain's pathogenesis: greater match = higher dilution for specificity. Each potency targets differently.
For personalized treatment via detailed consultation. Ideal for emotional, behavioral, psychological issues, sensory disturbances, chronic conditions, or terrain regulation. Deep, long-lasting action; infrequent dosing. Per Hahnemann, 30 CH is "stronger" than 9 CH despite extreme dilution.
Address organ function disorders regionally. For functional issues.
For lesional (tissue-damaging) acute, localized organic problems. Suited to self-medication for common symptoms. Used for drainage (stimulating detox organs: liver, kidneys, etc.). Repeatable, often prolonged use.
Extreme dilutions underpin infinitesimality but spark debate. Beyond 12 CH, no molecules remain theoretically—attributed to placebo by skeptics. Yet, high potencies benefit users. Ongoing research explores mechanisms; efficacy unproven scientifically to date.
Prescribers vary by approach:
Single, highly individualized remedy matching symptoms, terrain, behavior. Challenging, as one rarely covers all.
Multiple remedies simultaneously for full symptom coverage. Common in France.
Pre-formulated blends for broad action, augmented by singles.
