Homeopathic remedies come in different potencies that are identified as: 6X, 12X, 12C, 30C, for example. Potency is a reflection of how dilute the remedy is. It is determined by taking one drop of the medicinal substance and diluting it in water/alcohol, then succussing it (forceful shaking). The more dilutions and succussions, the higher the number, and the stronger the remedy.
- An X or D potency has been diluted one drop of remedy to 9 drops of water/alcohol = 1:10.
- Example: The 1X potency is a dilution of 1:10. A potency of 2X has been serially diluted 1:10 two times. This results in a final dilution of 1:100. A potency of 3X has been diluted 1:10 three times resulting in a final dilution of 1:1000. 12X means it has been diluted twelve times resulting in a final dilution of 1:1,000,000,000,000.
- C, CH, or CK potencies have been diluted one drop to 99 drops of water/alcohol = 1:100.
- Example: A remedy labeled 6C has been diluted 1:100 six times. This results in a final dilution of 1:1,000,000,000,000. A remedy labeled 30C has been serially diluted 1:100 thirty times.
This illustration, from Dr. P. Jaiswal, shows how remedies are made in 1:100 potencies – labeled as “C”, “CH” or “CK”. A potency of 30C is the result of 30 serial 1:100 dilutions. The “X” or “D” potencies would follow this illustration, but with a dilution of 1:10. The “M” potencies are 1:1000.
References
Jonas W, Jacobs J. Healing with Homeopathy. Warner Books, NY. 1996: pp. 126-27.
Jaiswal, Pinky. Homeopathy, Lifelinehomeopathy.com (Graphic).
Shalts, E. Easy Homeopathy. McGraw Hill, NY. 2006; pp. 25-27.
Vithoulkas G. The Science of Homeopathy. 5th Ed. International Academy of Classical Homeopathy, Greece. 2009: pp. 157-58.