Homeopathic remedies come in different strengths.

We call them “potencies.”

Some potencies are much stronger than others.

For instance, a 6C is considered low potency.

But if that’s all you have in the house it will still work, provided it’s the right remedy.

You may have to repeat a lower-potency more often though.

Or maybe not, depending upon how the person responds.

The higher the dilution the stronger the remedy.

A 30C is stronger than a 6C.

A 200C is much stronger than a 30C.

Lately, there’s a trend toward using 200C and up for everything.

Even when a much lower potency will do the job.

Don’t get me wrong. I own A LOT of 200C remedies.

It’s a great potency, especially for people whose vital force needs a stronger kick.

Sometimes you need to go even higher, to a 1M or beyond. (Because of exceptions.)

A 1M potency is much stronger than a 200C.

But if someone needs this potency that’s what they need to take.

However, not everyone needs a high potency.

Despite what’s posted on social media.

Unfortunately, there’s a distinct trend to open every case with a 200C.

Regardless of a person’s individual sensitivity level.

Samuel Hahnemann, MD, the founder of modern homeopathy, noted that some people are 1,000 times more sensitive than others.

That’s why it’s important to gauge everyone’s sensitivity level.

You do this by taking a good case history.

How did they react to remedies in the past?

Do they have allergies, eczema, medical suppression or a lot of emotional trauma?

If so, you could be dealing with a sensitive person.

This means you need to proceed slowly and cautiously.

What Homeopathic Potency Should I Use?

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There’s a strange rumor circulating.

Actually, this idea has gained a lot of traction.

Many people think that every emotional case absolutely needs a strong potency.

I don’t know who made up this rule.

Someone suggested this probably started because the popular Banerji Protocols often call for a 200C potency and I think she’s right.

But what if someone is mentally fragile? Or highly sensitive?

Should you push their Vital Force like this?

Do you really want to risk ramping up their symptoms?

Are you going to be around to comfort them, just in case your high potency suggestion goes sideways?

Will you be available to ease an aggravation, if it happens?

Do you know how to stop an aggravation? (Here are some tips.)

Are you aware of the provings of Lachesis? Or Stramonium? Or Hyoscyamus? Or Aurum Metallicum?

If not, please read up on these remedies.

Before suggesting anyone take them, without knowing their history or sensitivity level.

Especially if you recommend repeat doses.

So what’s the best homeopathic potency to use?

Below are some general guidelines. Remember, there are always EXCEPTIONS and you will continue to be surprised by how people respond.

• ACUTE CONDITIONS – In general start with a 30C potency. Every household should have at least a 36-remedy family homeopathy kit. This is usually all you need for the typical cold, flu, urinary tract infection or bee sting. You may have to repeat the remedy two or more times to finish the case. Or maybe not. Recently, I treated someone with stomach flu and all she needed was one dose of 30C. The next day she was back to normal, without the need for more doses, which may have aggravated and possibly interfered with the action of the first dose. Clouding the picture and potentially spoiling the case. Here, you can read more about Minimum Dosing, a long-standing homeopathic principle. Yes, there are exceptions. One is if someone suffers a traumatic injury. In that case get your Arnica 200C. But if all you have is 30C that’s what you use.
• CHRONIC CONDITIONS – This means you’re dealing with a deep-seated pathology. A person’s vitality is low. So, in general, their body shouldn’t be shocked with a high potency. Why not just start with a 6x or 6C potency and give it more frequently? This allows for gentle, permanent healing. Or you can use LM potencies. These are very high potencies. Yet they often (not always) act paradoxically, in a very gentle manner. Some highly sensitive people can’t tolerate LM potencies. We like to find this out early in the course of treatment, so we can adjust. If you have a chronic condition self treatment is not recommended.
• The X POTENCIES – Potencies on the X scale, with a 1:10 dilution ratio, are becoming hard to find. The C potencies have a 1:100 dilution. These X’s can work amazingly well with chronic cases. They can also work with acutes too, and don’t hesitate to use them if that’s all you have on hand. (Otherwise, start with a 30C potency.)
• WHATEVER IS IN THE HOUSE – Practice differs from theory. Because, in reality, you have to use whatever’s in the house. You have to make it work. If the potency is too low you make it higher with further dilutions or succussions. Or, you only have the right remedy in a 200C. But it’s way too strong. At least for that particular individual. You know this, because of how they responded in the past. Some clients are highly sensitive. Don’t worry. There’s a workaround. Put three 200C pellets in a plastic bag. Have the person wear them. Each dose is 15 minutes. Or possibly longer, if that doesn’t “hold.” I’ve tried this method with myself and with others. It works. You can read more about it here. However, if someone is suffering from a hard flu, an intense acute or an accident I like to stick with oral dosing.