Homeopathy

POTENCY + DOSE

Tamar Henryby
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POTENCY + DOSE

In homeopathy, potency and dose are concepts that guide the selection + administering of remedies. It is important that you have a basic understanding of this when making remedy selections for your family at home.

PREPARING THE REMEDY:

  • Avoid Contamination – Do not touch the pillules with your hands. Instead, carefully tap one into the containers lid or onto a dry, clean spoon. 
  • Timing – Give remedies away from food, ideally 10-15 mins before or after eating, and avoid strong flavours (like caffeine or mint), and teeth brushing, as these may interfere with the remedy’s action.
  • Storage – Store remedies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odours to maintain their efficacy.

GIVING THE REMEDY:

  • Pillules: Tip or spoon the pillule under the tongue and allow to dissolve fully (see note below)
  • Water Remedy: An easier solution for younger children or babies. Put 1-2 pillules into a glass of water, allow it to dissolve and give 1 tsp as directed. Please note x 1 tsp = 1 dose.
  • Liquid Remedies: If using a liquid form, hold the recommended number of drops in the mouth for 20-30 seconds before swallowing (again do not stress if your child is still learning how to do this).

Note: Homeopathic remedies are best absorbed through the mouth’s mucous membranes, allowing them to enter the bloodstream directly and bypass the digestive system

START WITH A SINGLE DOSE:

  • Initial Observation: Begin with one dose and monitor. Remedies stimulate the body’s natural healing response, and observing the initial reaction helps determine if further doses are needed.
  • Less is More: In homeopathy, more is not necessarily better. One or two doses is often sufficient, and taking more does not enhance efficacy. 

Note: 1 x pillule = 1 dose / 1 tsp of water remedy = 1 dose / 2-3 drops of a liquid remedy = 1 dose

WHEN TO REPEAT / STOP: (based on prescribing for an acute condition)

  • Administer the carefully chosen remedy
  • Watch and wait – monitor for change
  • If changes are seen – watch and wait
  • If symptoms start to improve – watch and wait
  • If nothing changes, but remedy is still indicated, repeat after 1 hour
  • If nothing changes after 2 doses, please reach out to a homeopath for support
  • If symptoms return – give a second dose – watch and wait
  • For new symptoms, consider taking the case again to see if a new remedy is now indicated
  • If symptoms improve but continue to return, please consult with a homeopath – a change of potency/dose may be needed

TIPS TO REMEMBER:

  • Less is more – especially in children or sensitive individuals
  • Observe the whole child, not just the symptom
  • Don’t rush to repeat unless clearly needed
  • In doubt, wait—the remedy may still be working