Homoeopathy helps to stimulate the body’s own natural healing ability (vital force) and the symptoms of an illness are viewed as a direct manifestation of the body's attempt to heal itself. Taking homoeopathic remedies helps trigger the body's own healing forces it is also capable of producing similar symptoms if given to a well person “Like cures like”.

In homeopathic remedy, the term vital force is used to indicate the energy of a person’s health. In western medicine immunological defense mechanism and the chi of Eastern medicine are synonymous (identical) with the concept of the vital force.

Strength & Potency

Homeopathic medicines are prepared through a process known as potentization, where the original substance is diluted and succussed (shaken vigorously). The strength of the remedy is the number of times a remedy has been diluted and shaken vigorously (succussed). Hahnemann believed that succussion released dynamic forces from the diluents, which were preserved and intensified with subsequent dilutions.

Take for example a homeopathic remedy labeled – Belladonna 6X. The 6X refers to the potency of the remedy. The “X” indicates that the Belladonna has been diluted 1 part to 9 parts diluting medium. So if the remedy is labeled 6X it means that one part of the original material substance of the remedy has been added to 9 parts diluting medium and succussed (shaken). This is carried out 6 times to arrive at the 6X potency.

If a remedy is labeled Belladonna 6C, it means that the potency is on the “C”. “C” potencies are diluted 1 part original substance to 99 parts diluting medium. A remedy of 6C potency has been diluted one part original substance to 99 parts diluting medium and succussed. This process is carried out 6 times to arrive at the 6C potency. If a remedy is labeled Belladonna 6 – just the number without an X or a C following it- this means that automatically it is a “C” potency and would be Belladonna 6C in this case.

“C” potencies are more diluted than “X” potencies. 6C is more diluted than 6X the higher one goes in diluted potency, the more powerful the remedy becomes energetically. Therefore the 6C potency is generally considered more powerful than the 6X potency, from an energetic perspective.

Equivalent values “C” & “X” remedy

“X” and “C" potencies - their equivalent values. Example 6X potency is approximately equivalent to 3C potency. They are not exactly the same, because they have been succussed a different number of times, but they have the same amount of dilution. The approximate equivalent of a 6C potency would be 12X. So if you have an “X” potency and want to know its approximate equivalent value in “C” potency, divide by 2. If you have a “C" potency and would like to know its approximate value in the “X” potency then, multiply it by 2.

Choosing a potency

In most cases a 6C potency should be used for self-help. It is most suitable for conditions that are mainly physical, for example first aid situations or coughs and colds. The 30C potency can be used for conditions that affect our health more generally or illnesses, which may be partly emotional in nature such as occasional sleeplessness. 30C remedies should be taken as a short 7-day course, unless prescribed by a practitioner.

If a condition is not improving, please consult your doctor or qualified homoeopathic practitioner