Homeopathic Remedies and LM Potencies

LM's are usually dispensed in dropper bottles.

How Homeopathic Remedies Are Made

What Homeopathic Remedies Are Made Of

Most homeopathic remedies (about 80%) are derived from plants, with the remainder coming from minerals and animals. A smaller group of remedies is prepared from diseases or specific parts of the body.

The Preparation Process

Homeopathic remedies undergo a process designed to retain the "healing energy" of the original substance while removing any measurable physical trace through repeated dilution. This process, known as potentization, involves two key steps:

1. Dilution – The substance is diluted repeatedly in water or alcohol.

2. Succussion – The solution is vigorously shaken at each stage, which is believed to activate its healing potential by imprinting the substance's energy into the liquid.

Homeopathic Potencies

What Is Potency?

In homeopathy, potency refers to the strength of a remedy, determined by how many times the substance has been diluted and succussed. Potency is denoted by:

• X (or D): A 1:10 dilution (1 drop of substance in 9 drops of alcohol).

• C: A 1:100 dilution (1 drop of substance in 99 drops of alcohol).

The number before the letter indicates how many times this process has been repeated. For example, a 6C potency means the original substance has been diluted 6 times in a 1:100 ratio and succussed at each step.

Trituration

For non-liquid substances (e.g., minerals or animal products), the process starts by grinding the material into a fine powder using lactose. This mixture is then dissolved in water and treated like a liquid remedy.

Succussion: Activating the Remedy

Succussion involves repeatedly striking the remedy container against a hard surface, such as a book. This process is thought to release the substance's healing properties, even for materials not traditionally considered medicinal (e.g., oyster shells, which are used in the remedy Calcarea carbonica).

Understanding Potency Strength

In homeopathy, higher dilution means higher potency. For instance:

• 200C is considered stronger than 6C.

• However, selecting the right potency is more nuanced. Remedies must match the patient's energy level:

• Higher potencies (e.g., 200C) are often used for acute conditions with strong symptoms.

• Lower potencies (e.g., 6C) are preferred for chronic or weakened patients.

Different Approaches to Potency by Region

• France: Only lower potencies (e.g., X or D) are sold over the counter, working quickly on physical symptoms.

• UK: Potencies like 30C are commonly used, offering gentle effects on both emotional and physical issues.

LM Homeopathic Remedy Potency Scale: A Gentle Approach to Homeopathy

The LM homeopathic remedy potency scale is not widely used, and this can lead to confusion with patients.

Why Use the LM Scale?

The LM scale is a more delicate method, ideal for patients with low energy or heightened sensitivity, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. This approach reduces the risk of aggravations (temporary worsening of symptoms before improvement).

What Is the LM Scale?

The LM scale, developed by Samuel Hahnemann (the founder of homeopathy), involves remedies diluted and succussed more extensively:

• LM remedies are diluted 50,000 times (hence the name "LM") and shaken 100 times at each stage.

How LM Remedies Are Taken

1. Dissolve one grain of the remedy in a mix of distilled water and alcohol.

2. Shake the bottle 8–12 times before the first dose.

3. Dilute one tablespoon of the remedy in half a glass of water, and take one teaspoon from this mixture.

This method allows adjustments to the dose, making it easier to manage aggravations if they arise.

Managing Treatment with LM Remedies

If the original symptoms reappear after a period of improvement, the remedy is paused. If the symptoms resolve on their own, no further treatment is needed. If not, the remedy is restarted at the next potency level (e.g., moving from LM1 to LM2).