Picking the Potency
Homeopathic remedies have a wide range of potencies. At first glance the labeling can be confusing, but once you know what the letters and numbers mean it's easy to figure out the remedy's potency.
Potency Range
Potencies are labeled with a number and a letter — for example, Arnica 6X or Cantharis 30C. The number indicates how many dilutions the tincture has undergone. There are two main dilution scales: centesimal or C potencies and X potencies. The letter X is a Roman numeral and shows the proportions used in each dilution. The Roman numeral X signifies that the substance was diluted by a factor of 10 at each step, and the Roman numeral C signifies dilution by a factor of 100 at each step, along with the number of succussions each solution undergoes.
What is a materia medica?
This is a collection of the effects of homeopathic medicines — a remedy reference guide. Materia medica is a Latin medical term for collected knowledge about therapeutic properties of healing substances. This differs from other medical guides in that it is organized by the remedy's name and description, instead of the illness.
Basically, the more dilutions and succussions a substance undergoes, the higher the number on the label. The higher the number, the higher the potency and the more powerful and deeper acting it is.
A remedy labeled 3X means that one part of the substance was diluted in ten parts water; one part of the resulting substance was mixed in ten additional parts water, and finally, one part of that resulting substance was mixed in another ten parts water. A 6X strength signifies that the mother tincture was diluted in ten parts water six times. The common potencies are 6X, 3C, 6C, 12C, 30C, and 1M. (The Roman numeral M means one part mother tincture was diluted in 1,000 parts water.)
When a practitioner is deciding which potency to use, she will consider the strength of the dog and the severity of his illness. With a critical condition, she will opt for a remedy with a higher potency.
If a dog is weak or frail he will receive a remedy with a lower potency that is gentler on his system. Potencies 3X, 6X, or 12X are usually prescribed for older dogs or dogs with a mild injury or illness. Strong dogs or dogs with severe injuries or illnesses will receive high potency remedies, such as 200C or IM.
Considering the Potency
When your practitioner is choosing potency for your dog she will take several factors of your dog's condition into consideration. These will include:
The dog's vulnerability
The root of the illness (the dog's mental, emotional, and physical condition)
The nature and intensity of the illness
The duration of the illness
The history of previous treatments
The dog's age
The dog's temperament
The dog's daily routine
The pathology of the illness
If the practitioner is not sure if the remedy selected is the right one for your dog and his illness or injury, she may start with a lower potency, such as 12X or 6C, and steadily increase it.
