HOMEOPATHIC POTENCY

The 6 potency is the lowest strength generally available and works very gently. It can be repeated frequently and you might expect several doses before an improvement is seen so careful thought should be given to its choice. It is usually taken three times a day for several days for acute ailments or for several weeks in chronic ailments. For urgent conditions increase the frequency to every 15 minutes for a few hours. but it's better to use a higher potency if you have it.

The 30 potency is the most common strength for acute ailments and probably the best to stock up on. It does not need repeating so often as the 6 strength and you will normally see an obvious improvement after the first dose or two. Often one dose is enough, only repeat if the same symptoms persist. If no improvement is seen after two doses of 30c it is probably the wrong remedy and should be changed. Best for most contagious and acute conditions.

The 200 potency and higher potencies are too strong for general use but are nonetheless recommended in some of the ailments under the ailments section. The 200 is indicated when the intensity of the symptoms is very high in acute conditions and when you know you have the right remedy. However the 200 is usually reserved for prescriptions in chronic ailments, where it has a long lasting and deep effect.
Therefore you would rarely give a 200 potency as a self prescribed first remedy in contagious or acute conditions unless clear indications for that precise remedy were there and the circumstances were very urgent (e.g. the patient had been involved in a serious accident) . Sometimes it may be needed following the successful use of a 30 potency where the same remedy was still indicated but the 30 potency no longer had an effect. Except in emergencies the 200 should not be repeated

DOSAGE of homeopathic remedies

Frequency.

6 potency: up to every 15 minutes in urgent cases (e.g. bee sting), hourly for most acutes (e.g. coughs and colds), otherwise three times a day (e.g. for sprains)

30 potency: up to half hourly in urgent cases (e.g. vomiting), two hourly for most acutes (e.g. 'influenza), otherwise once a week or less. (e.g.'flu prophylaxis)
In very urgent cases there will be a rapid response to the remedy if it is the right one - so if there is no obvious improvement remedies may be tried every 5 mins - in emergencies only. Once a remedy has been found that helps, repeat it as soon as the improvement wears off, but not before. Stop when better.

Remedy should not be swallowed with water, but should be held in the mouth for a minute or so, or may be sucked or chewed.

Allow 10 minutes or so before eating or drinking (except water).

Continue remedy..

• as long as there is some improvement-
• as long as a remedy is helping it may be continued, but if doses are being taken very close together this should not be for too long: i.e. if in 6th potency - up to 24 hrs max; - if in 30 potency - up to four hours max. You will then need to take it less often: normally: 6 potency up to three times a day; 30 potency up to twice a day, or consult a homeopath

Change remedy..

• if you see no improvement at all ; with 6 potency: after one day; with 30 potency: after one dose-
• if improvement stops even after increasing potency- if the symptoms change without overall continued improvement