How Homeopathic Medicines are Made:
by Lauren Feder, M.D.

Homeopathic medicines (also referred to as remedies) are prepared through a series of dilutions and succussions. Natural substances are diluted to the point that all is left in the medicine is the 'print' or the essence of the substance. Just as if one were to touch a pane of glass with a finger, a print would be left, though the finger would not be there. So in homeopathy, the energy of the substance remains in the remedy while any possible toxicity of the substance is diluted out. Such a process renders natural products non-toxic while increasing their potency, producing a safe and effective treatment.

Homeopathic remedies are made from various plant, mineral and animal substances. There are over 2000 remedies. Most are over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and few are available by prescription.

Remedies come in various potencies. The 'X' and 'C' come from the Roman numerals ten and hundred. Hence, the 6X strength is weaker than the 6C. The lower potencies which range in strength from 6X, 6C, 30X and 30C are appropriate for use at home. The correct choice of remedy will work at any strength. In general, remedies in the strengths of 6X and 6C need to be repeated more often than the 30X or 30C.