Chapter 6: Preparation of

Homeopathy Remedy

177

CHAPTER6
Homoeopathic Remedies
Abstract: In this chapter, a list of polychrest remedies that are commonly used for wide range of
symptoms of diseases and their uses is given. Sources of homeopathic remedies and examples of each
type are outlined. In addition, the three stages involved in the preparation of homeopathic remedies
(preparation of the mother liquor, potentisation and medication) as well as the quality control criteria for
both the prepared remedies and their potencies will also be detailed.

6.1. Homeopathic remedies:

6.1.a. Homoeopathy as Polychrest;
Samuel Hahnemann named remedies which are effective in the treatment of a wide range of
symptoms of diseases as Polychrest remedies. The word is derived from the Greek words poly and
crestos, meaning many uses. They are Polychrest because in their individual provings they induced
not only a large number of symptoms, but these symptoms included several symptoms that are common
to several common diseases. Thus, by the Law of Similar, these remedies have a great potential
therapeutic application for a wide range of similar symptoms in the patient.
Polychrest include many of the great classical homoeopathic medicines, which are central to the
whole Homoeopathic Materia Medica, such as Atropa Belladonna, Nux Vomica, Pulsatilla, Calcarea
Carbonica, Arsenicum Album and Sulphur. Listed below are few of the most common homoeopathic
medicines. (for further examples on remedies commonly used for common diseases please refer to
appendix 1)

178

Table 1. Common homoeopathic remedies

Abbreviations
Aconite
Allium cepa
Belladonna
Berberis
Calc.carb.
Calendula
Chamomilia
Euphrasia
Ferr.phos.
Gelsemium
Graphites
Hamamelis
Hypericum
Ignatia

Full Name
Aconitum
napellus
Allium cepa
Atropa
belladonna
Berberis
aquifolium /
berberis vulgaris
Calcarea
Carbonica
Calendula
officinalis
Chamomilla
Euphrasia
officinalis
Ferrum
phosphoricum
Gelsemium
semprvirens
Graphites
Hamamelis
virganica
Hypericum
perforatum
Ignatia amara

Common
name
Monkshood

Deadly
Nightshade
Barberry

Effects of fear and fright ;sore throat

chicken pox neuralgia.
Common colds with sneezing and
watering eyes
Throbbing pains; facial neuralgia; sore
throat; measles; mumps.
Anxiety ; fear and depression.

Calcium
carbonate
Marigold

Excessive appetite ; profuse periods ,

acne cramp.
Healing cuts and sores.

Wild
chamomile
Eyebright

Teething infants ;nausea ; migraine

Onion

Iron phosphate
Yellow jasmine
Black lead
Witch hazel
St. johns wort

Kali Phos.

Kali
Phosphoricum

St. Ignatius
Bean
Potassium
phosphate

Ledum

Ledum palustre

Wild Rosemary

Merc Sol.

Mercurius
Solubilis

Nat.Mur.

Natrum
Muriaticum
Nux Vomica

Soluble
mercury
(quicksilver)
Sodium
Chloride (salt)
Poison nut

Nux Vom.

Common uses

Inflamed, watering eyes; conjunctivitis;

measles ; German measles.
Nose bleed ; hot flushes ; varying
appetite; fear .
Influenza; sore throat; measeles;runny
nose; examination or interview nervous.
Cracked , wheeping eczema ; chapped ,
unhealthy skin ; constiupation .
Chillblains ; varicose veins ; heavy
periods ; bleeding piles .
Blows to fingers and toes ; very painful
cuts and wounds; bleeding piles
Bravement; shock ; weepiness; hysteria;
Piercing headaches.
Exhaustion ; indigestion ; weakness
during convalescence and after
influenza.
Respiratory and rheumatic conditions
;puncture wounds.
Bad breath; body odour ;diarrhoea ;
chickenpox ; mumps.
Exhaustion; sinus troubles ; cold sores
;sneezy colds ; runny nose .
Nervous indigestion; hangover ; itching
piles; constipation ;stomach pain .

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Continue.
Table 1. Common homoeopathic remedies
Abbreviations
Plumbum met.
Rhus tox.

Full Name
Plumbum
metallicum
Rhus
Toxicodendron

Sepia

Sepia officinalis

Silica

Silicea

Sulphur

Sulphur

Thuja
Urtica

Thuja
Occidentalis
Urtica Urens

Veratrum alb

Veratrum album

Common
name
Lead

Common uses
Muscle spasm ; Muscle weakness.

Poison Ivy

Rheumatisim; strains of joints and

tendons ; lumbago; sciatica; herpes of
lips.
Cuttlefish( juic Change of life ; morning sickness;
e)
suppressed or delayed periods.
Pure flint
Boils; abscesses ; Sinus troubles ;
chronic headaces.
Sulphur
Skin troubles ;boils ; burning and itching
piles.
Tree of life
Warts ; body odour ; morning headaches
with lack of appetite .
Stinging nettle Urticaria; burns and scalds; insect bites;
sunburn; gout.
White hellebore Neuralgia; menstrual tension; mental
illness.

6.1.b. Sources of homoeopathic remedies;

According to the law of similars, every substance on earth capable of including disease
symptoms in a healthy person is potentially a homoeopathic medicine.
There are now more than 3,000 known medicines (remedies) available to the homoeopath,
almost all of which are derived from natural sources.
These sources may be categorized as follows:
1. Plants; including flowering plants, shrubs, vegetables, bulbs or corms, and the barks of
trees.
2. Animals; derived from the whole animal, fish or insect, or from specific organs, glands or
tissue of healthy specimens.
3. Minerals; including naturally occurring mineral ores and chemical elements metallic,
non-metallic and metalloids (chemically, part metal and part non-metal).
4. Biological sources: derived form healthy or diseased tissues of human or animal
organisms.
Note: there are more than 500,000 known plant species on earth, yet less than 10% have
been tested for their therapeutic properties. furthermore,its reported that with the destruction of
the rain forests , pollution ,etc. at least ten plant species become extinct every day and their
potential for the relief of human suffering is lost forever.

180

1. Plant Source
The plant sources from the largest group, accounting for more than 60% of all
homoeopathic medicines.
Although the whole plant, including the roots, is sometimes used in the preparation of
homoeopathic medicines .more usually selected parts are used. These parts may be:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
j)
k)
l)

Flowers
Leaves
Stem
Roots
Buds
Seeds
Fruits
Young Shoots
Berries
Bulbs
Corms
Barks

WHOLE PLANTS
Collected in the flowering season in sunny weather, the fresh succulent plants are identified
botanically and cleaned of dust. Insects. Etc.by gentle shaking in hot water. Examples of remedies
prepared from whole plants are:
Pulsatilla Nigricans (Pulsatilla, Wind flower, Meadow Anemone, Pasque
flower). The entire fresh plant is used to prepare the mother tincture.
Aconitum Napellus (Aconite, Monkshood, wolfsbane). Tall plant with flowers
shaped like a monks cowl: grows in mountainous areas.
Calendula Officinalis (common or garden Marigold). Sometimes the roots are
excluded.
Chamomilla (wild Chamomile) .an annual herb growing m Europe, Northern
Asia and India. One of the original remedies proved by Samuel Hahnemann.
LEAVES
Leaves are collected when fully developed, shortly before the flowering season or after
sunset examples are:
Rhus Toxicodendron (Rhus tox., Poison Ivy). Very poisonous shrub growing on
east cost of the United States.
Sabina (Juniperus Sabina, Savin). Evergreen plant found in central Europe. The
mother tincture is prepared from the fresh picked leaves.

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FLOWERS
Collected in dry weather, just as they are beginning to open. Flowers alone are rarely used
in homoeopathy.
ROOTS
Roots of annual plants are best lifted after the seeds have ripened in the early autumn.
Biennials are best lifted in the spring and perennials in the second or third year. They must be
washed thoroughly and carefully inspected for signs of mould growth or woody appearance.
Examples are:
Cimicifuga Racemosa (Actaea racemosa, Bugbane, Black Snake Root,
Macotys). The mother tincture is prepared from the dried roots.
Ipecacuanha (Ipecac.). Contains several alkaloids (Poisonous organic
compounds containing nitrogen), mainly emetine.
Bryonia Alba (Wild Bryony). Climbing hedgerow plant, growing in Europe.
One of
the original remedies proved by Samuel Hahnemann. Another subspecies,
Bryonia Dioica, have a similar therapeutic action.
BARKS
Non-resinous barks are collected form young trees in the late autumn. Barks form resinous
trees are collected during the development of blossom and leaves. Example of remedy prepared
from the bark of a tree:
Cinchona Officinalis (china, Peruvian bark). The bark of the quina tree has high
quinine content. Its indigenous to South America. It was the first homoeopathic, used and
proved by Samuel Hahnemann in his original proving experiment.
BERRIES, FRUITS AND SEEDS
Perfect specimens are gathered when ripe, with only a few exceptions. Dried seeds may be
stored in a closed container in a cool place in laboratories. They are inspected for mouldiness, bad
smell or discolorations. Examples are;
Nux Vomica (Nux Vom., Poison Nut). Dried seeds from the orange berries of the poison nut
tree with a crooked trunk, growing trunk, growing in Northern Australia. The seeds contain several
alkaloids, mainly strychnine, and are very poisonous.
Phytolacca Decandra (Phytolacca, Virginian Poke). Tall herbaceous plant with
clusters of purple/black berries and greenish/ pink flowers. Native plant of America. The whole
plant, including the berries, is used to prepare the remedy.
Ignatia Amara (ignatia, St. Ignatius Bean). Prepared from the seeds of the plant,
that are indigenous to the Philippines.

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BULBS AND CORMS

Bulbs and corms are lifted form the soil in March and April. Example:
Cochicum Autumnate (Colchium, Autumn Crocus). Large corm, about 3.5 cm in
diameter, with a white or pale rose flower, growing in damp meadows. The
constituent is the poisonous alkaloid, colchicine.

main

Allium cepa (Allium, Red onion).

BUDS AND YOUNG SHOOTS
Buds and young shoots of plants, trees and shrubs are rich in growth factors, including
vitamins, hormones, auxins and gibberellins. These remedies belong to a branch of homoeopathy
known as Gemmotherapy, developed in France. Examples are:
Ribes Nigrum (black current buds). Prepared from glycerin / alcohol macerates
of fresh buds, which are rich in vitamin C, anthocyins and flavenoids.
Pinus Montana (mountain Pine buds). Prepared from glycerin macerates of
fresh buds of the tree.

2. Animal Sources
Homoeopathic medicines derived form animals include a wide variety of
sometimes-exotic sources, including marine animals, snakes and insects. These medicines, which
may be parts of, or whole animals are obtained only from perfect, healthy specimens. They are
collected in the wild, from abattoirs or from zoos.
Animal sources of homoeopathic remedies are the second largest group, accounting for
about 20% of all remedies. Specimens must not be mixed with other substances and they should be
stored in well-sealed containers in a cool dark place. Some examples are as follows:
Apis Mellifica (Apis Mel, Honey bee). The mother tincture is prepared from the
fresh whole honey bee , including the sting .
Cantharis (Spanish fly, Blister Beetle). A small, brilliant blue-green beetle
about 2 centimeters in length, with a strong odour. The dried, powdered insect is used to prepare
the mother tincture.
Sepia Officinalis (Sepia, Cuttlefish juice). Prepared from the brown, inky juice
exuded by the cuttlefish on the approach of a predator. Sepia is the pigment used by artists for
centuries.
Lachesis muta (Lachesis, Lachesis mutus, Bushmaster snake, Surukuku).Prepared from the
poisonous venom of the Bushmaster snake. Indigenous to S.America.
Tarantula Hispanica (Tarantula Hisp. Spanish Spider, Lycosa Tarantula). A bite from this
poisonous spider was thought to cause hysteria for which dancing was the cure.

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Thyrodea (thyroid). Prepared from the healthy thyroid gland of cattle, sheep or pigs.
Belongs to the group of homoeopathic remedies called Sarcodes, usually classified under the
biological sources.
4. Chemical elements and minerals
Sources of medicines in this category are sub-divided into those substances which are
soluble in alcohol or water, and those which are insoluble .Mother tinctures of insoluble elements
and minerals are prepared by trituration.
MINERALS
Where possible, minerals from naturally occurring ores are used, rather than synthetic
minerals. Substances may be organic or inorganic compounds.
e.g.:
Arsenicum Album (Arsen Album., Arseneous oxide). Insoluble, white powder,formula;
As2O3.
Hepar Sulphuris (calcium sulphide ). One of the original remedies proved by Hahnemann.
It was prepared by heating equal parts of finely powdered oyster shell (calcium carbonate) and
pure sulphur to white heat. Formula; CaS.insoluble in alcohol/water.
Kalium Bichromicum (Kali Bich., Potassium Biochromate, potassium Dichromate). An
range-yellow crystalline salt prepared from naturally occurring chromium ore, with the formula
K2Cr2O7, in its anhydrous form.
Natrum Muraticum (Nat Mur.Sodium Chloride, Common Salt). Prepared from naturally
occurring rock salt as white crystals or powder. Formula; NaCl.
Silicea (Silica, Silicon Dioxide). White powder or transparent crystals with the formula
SiO2. occurs naturally as flint, Quartz, Agate and sand. Insoluble in alcohol/water.
ELEMENTS
The basic chemical elements used may be metals, non-metals or metalloids. The naturally
occurring form of elements is used in the preparation of homoeopathic remedies.
(i) Metals; Plumbum metallicum (Plumbum met., Lead). Symbol: Pb. Bluish white
metal extracted from the natural ore.
(ii) Metalloids; Arsenicum Metallicum (Arsenic). Symbol: As:
Selenium, Symbol: Se. essential trace element and a constituent of
bones and teeth.
(iii) Nonmetals; Sulphur, Symbol: S. from naturally occurring deposits, this element has
been used for medicinal purposes since early civilizations.

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Iodum (Iodine). Symbol: I. Occurs mainly in sea water. Crystalline flakes with
metallic luster. Mother tincture of iodine is a brownish/red color.
Graphites (graphite, black lead, pencil lead, plumbago). An allotropic form of
carbon.
5. Biological sources
There are three categories of these specialized homoeopathic medicines, fresh organs,
glandular or tissue extracts, called Sarcodes; morbid or diseased tissue, called Nosodes, and tissue
removed from the patient for the patient, called Isodes.
Bowel Nosodes are a special type of nosode developed by Glasgow physicians. Dr. John
Paterson and Dr. Edward Bach. These are derived from cultures of stools containing intestinal
bacteria.
Examples:
1. Nosodes: Influenzinum, Medorrhinum, Psorinum.
2. Bowel Nosodes: Bacillus no. 7, Proteus, Gaertner.
3. Sarcodes: Adrenal gland, pancreas, Lumbar discus, cartilage, kidney.
1. NOSODES
Nosodes are homoeopathic medicines prepared from human morbid or diseased tissue,
such as pus. Mother tinctures and their potencies are prepared in the usual manner. The finished
medicines do not contain active or live organism.
Nosodes were originally prepared and proved in research in the 1930s, carried out at the
Glassgow Homoeopathic Hospital in Scotland by Dr. John Paterson and his wife and Dr. Edward
Bach. Today, there are nearly 200 nosode preparations available.
Rarely prescribed in the acute stages of a disease, they are used primarily in prophylaxis. In
this, we draw on the analogy between homoeopathy and vaccination. For example, a mixture of
several known strains of influenza virus (e.g. Hong Kong B, England A, Influenza 1984, Influenza
Chile 1985) in the thirtieth centesimal potency has been demonstrated to provide protection against
influenza.
Nosodes are often employed when the symptom picture of the patient is unclear and where
the patient claims to have never been well since suffering from a particular diseases. Nosodes
may be classified as:
1. Nosodes with a full symptom picture, fully proved and listed in the
Homoeopathic Materia Medica.
2. Nosodes with a limited symptom picture not listed in the
homoeopathic Materia Medica.

185

Examples of Nosodes with a full symptom picture;

Tuberculinum (Nosodes from tubercular abscess-several strains, e.g.
Tuberculinum Koch, Tuberculinum Klebs) indicated in renal affections. Characterized by
constantly changing symptoms, succumbing easily to colds and where other remedies prove
ineffectual.
Medorrhinum (nosode of the gonorrhea), often indicated for chronic
conditions of gonorrheal origin and rheumatism.
Syphilinum (Leuticum-nosode of the syphilitic virus). Indicated for
chronic skin eruptions and rheumatism.
Psorinum (Scabies Vesicle) (Psoric). Slow in its action, it is indicated
for weakness and debility and skin conditions. The patients may sweat
profusely with offensive discharges (vomit, stool, pus, etc.) with
eruptions around the finger nails.
Examples of Nosodes with a limited symptoms picture are;
Diptherinum (diphtheritic virus nosode), Influenzinum (all strains of influenza virus
identified this century) Anthracinum (Anthrax), Folliculinum Morbillinum, Malaria Officinalis
(and Malaria Tropical), Acne Bacillus, Enteritis and Paratodinum.
Nomenclature It should be noted that many Nosodes carry the suffix-inum
Dosage and Potency
Nosodes are usually prescribed as a single dose only, usually at the 30th centesimal
potency (30 or 30c), but never less than the 12th centesimal potency. Many Nosodes are only
available on prescription. Full details of Nosodes are given in the Materia Medica of the Nosodes
(Allen).
2. BOWEL NOSODES
The introduction of the Bowel Nosodes followed exhaustive research, involving the
clinical and laboratory observation of no less than 12,000 clinical cases, over 20 years, by Dr. John
Paterson, a Glasgow physician, and Dr. Edward Bach, a bacteriologist. Their first paper, The
Potentized Drug and Its Action on the Bowel Flora was published in 1936. It is emphasized that
the clinical and laboratory studies were not provings in the strict Hahnemannian sense.
Bowel
Nosodes are derived from potentized cultures of human stools containing intestinal bacteria. They
are often described as the intestinal Nosodes of Bach Paterson.
Action of Bowel Nosodes:
Explaining their action, we must consider the role of B.coli and coli form organism found
in the intestinal tract. B.Coli is present in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and is considered
to be harmless and non-pathogenic in the healthy bowel. These intestinal bacteria break up the
186

complex organic substances formed in the digestive process into simpler substances which are
excreted.
In the diseased condition, the B.Coli are forced to modify their biochemistry in order to
survive as the balance is upset, and are then said to be pathogenic.
Bach and Paterson found that after some patients had received homoeopathic remedies,
non-lactose fermenting bacilli appeared in their stools which apparently bore a relationship with
the remedy given. The concluded that these non-lactose fermenting bacilli were biochemistry
related to both the disease and the Homoeopathic remedy, thus:
1.
2.
3.

The specific organism is related to the specific disease.

The specific organism is related to the specific homoeopathic remedy.
The specific homoeopathic remedy is related to the specific disease.

The potentized bowel nosode can therefore be considered as a complex biochemical

substance having the characteristic of the disturbed metabolism and thus be similar to the disease,
and, by the Law of Similars, to have the power to restore the balance.
Use of bowel Nosodes
Bowel Nosodes are deep and broad remedies covering the totality of symptoms. Case
histories should therefore take into account both past and present symptoms and when a definite
symptom picture indicates a particular homoeopathic remedy, then this should be prescribed.
However, if the choice of a remedy lies between a number of possible remedies, then the
associated bowel nosode may be used. For example, if Calcium Carbonate, Sulphur and graphites
are all possible remedies, then the bowel nosode MORGAN PURE (Paterson) may be used, since
it is associated with each of these remedies.
Bowel Nosodes are also considered to be useful remedies in the treatment of chronic
diseases and in cases resistant to other treatments.
Prescribing bowel Nosodes
A single dose in the 30th centesimal potency is generally recommended. Sometimes a
second dose is given, but not until after three months.
Otherwise, the general rules may be followed, that is a low potency (for example, 6c)
may be given if there are marked pathological symptoms and a high potency (for example. 1M) if
there are marked mental symptoms. Again, the higher the potency, the less frequent the dosage
rate.
Another approach is a single dose of the bowel nosode with repeated doses of an
associated remedy.
Summary of Main Bowel Nosodes
1. MORGAN (BACH)

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This is most important bowel nosode most frequently found in the patients stool and
associated with many other remedies. The keynote for Morgan Bach is: CONGESTION.
The head is subject to congestive headaches.
The digestion is congestion of gastric mucosa and the liver.
Bilious attack with sever headaches.
It has outstanding action on the skin congestion of the skin with itching eruptions. There
are two sub-types: MORGAN PURE & MORGAN GAERTNER
Constitutionally, the patient is concerned about his or her health, introspective, avoids
company, and is irritable and depressed. Its associated remedies are Alumina, Baryta Carb., Calc
Carb, Calc Sulph, Carbo Veg, Graphites, Kali Carb., Mag. Carb., Nat. Carb., Petroleum, Sepia and
Sulphur. In particular, it is associated with Carbo Veg and Sulphur.
2. DYS CO.(BACH)
The Keynote is: NERVOUS TENSION.
The nervous tension is associated with forthcoming events, such as examinations, giving
a speech, business meetings or a dental appointment.
The patient shows nervous tension, hypersensitivity, mental unease, restlessness,
fidgetiness and is prone to frontal headaches over eyes.
Dys. Co (Bach) may be useful for the treatment of duodenal ulcer (brought on by nervous
tension), disturbance of heart action (again from nervous tension), or palpitation before important
events. Its associated remedies are Arsen. Alb., Argent. Nit. Kalmia, Veratrum Alb., Cadmium
Met., Anarcardium and Veratrum Vide.
3. BACILLUS NO.7
The keynotes are: MENTAL FATIGUE and PHYSICAL FATIGUE.
Bacillus No.7 (so called because it was the seventh bowel nosode to be identicalfied) is
similar to another bowel nosode called PROTEUS BACH.
It has a close relationship to the remedies of the elements bromine and iodine, often in
combination with potassium. Symptoms are mental fatigue or brain fag, inability to make a mental
effort which, in turn, produces a feeling of physical exhaustion.
The digestion system symptoms relate t lack of nerve and muscle tone, flatulence,
distended stomach and full feeling in the stomach.
The respiratory system symptoms are asthma and bronchial catarrh, which compares with
the symptom picture of the remedy Kali Carb. Its associated remedies are Arsen, Iod, Bromium,
Calc. Iod, Iodum, Ferr. Iod, Kali Bich, Kali Brom, Kali Carb, Kali nit, and Nat. Iod.

188

4. GAERTNER (BACH)
Gaertner (Bach) has a close association with phosphorus with this bowel nosode, the
keynote is: MALNUTRITION. It is therefore, associated with the treatment of many childrens
diseases and senility. Any emaciated condition is an indication of the use of Gaertner (Bach).
The child may be thin or emaciated, hypersensetive, with an overactive brain, but
Gaertneer (Bach) is most indicated when the infant comes off its mothers milk.
There is an inability to digest fat and chronic gastro-enteritis. Associated remedies are Calc
fluor, Calc phos, Kali phos, Merc viv, Zinc phos, Nat phos, Phosphorus, Phytolacca, Pulsatilla and
silica.
The combined symptom pictures of Phosphorus, Silica and Merc. Viv, accurately compares
with that of Gaertner (Bach).
5. SYCOTIC CO. (PATERSON)
This remedy derives from non-lactose fermenting coccus found in the intestinal tract.
The keynote is: IRRITABILITY
Symptoms are nervous irritability, temper, twitching of facial muscles and blinking,
headache from sinus infection (particularly children) and profuse sweating at night.
There is chronic irritation of the entire alimentary tract, acute or chronic gastroenteritis,
diarrhea, nausea and sickness.
The respiratory system symptoms are chronic bronchial catarrh. Catarrh of the nose and
throat with enlarged tonsils and adenoids in the child.
The patient always appears to be anemic. Associated Remedies of sycotic CO. are
Acid.nit, Argent nit, Calc met, Ferrum met., Nat sulph., Rhus tox and Thuja. Other Bowel Nosodes
are Proteus (Bach) , Mutabile (Bach) and Faecilis (Bach).
Table 2. Bowel nosodes &associated remedies
MORGAN (Bach)

Alumina

Graphities

Baryta carb.

(1) Morgan-Pure
(Paterson)

Kal carb.

Calc.Carb.

Mag. Carb.

Calc. Sulph

Nat. carb.

Petroleum

Carbo sulph.

Carbo veg.
Sepia

Digitalis

SULPHUR

Ferrum carb.

Medorrhinum

Psorinum

Tuberc. Bov.

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(B) Morgan-Gaertner
(Paterson)

Chelidonium

LYCOPODIUM

Chenopodium

Merc. Sulph

Hellebor. Nig.

Sanguinaria

Hepar. Sulph Taraxacum

Lachesis
PROTEUS (Bach)

Ac. Mur
Apis

Ammon. Mur
Baryta mur

Aurum Mur
Borax

Conium
Ferr. Mur

Cuprum met
Ignatia

Calc. Mur
Kali. Mur.

Mag. Mur

NATRUM MUR

Secale

MUTABILE (Bach)

Ferrum phos.

Kali. Sulph

BACILLUS NO. 7

Arsen. Iod.

Bormium

(Paterson)

Calc. Iod

GAERTNER (Bach)

Ferrum iod.

IODUM

Kali. Bich.

Kali. Brom.

KALI. CARB

Kali iod.

Kali. Nit

Merc. Iod

Nat. iod

Calc. Flour.
Calc. Hypophos.

DYS. CO. (Bach)

PULSATILLA

Nat.sil.flour
PHOSPHORUS

Calc. Phos.

Phytolacca

Calc. Sil.

Pusatilla

Kali. Phos

SILICEA

MERC. VIV

Zinc. Phos

Nat. phos.

Syphilinum

Anacardium

Argentum nit.

ARSENICUM ALB.

Cad,mium met.

Kalmia

Veratrum album

Veratrum viride
SYCOTIC CO.
(Paterson)

Ac. Nit.

Natrum sulph

Antim. Tart.

Rhus. Tox.

Calc. Metal.

Thuja

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Ferrum met.
Bacillinum
FAECALIS (Bach)

SEPIA

ISODES
Isodes are homoeopathic potencies prepared by the standard Hahnemannian procedure
from the causative agent of the disease taken from the patient for the treatment of the patient. For
example, blood, pus or epithelial tissue.
Isotherapy is the practice of treating diseases with Isodes (sometimes called Isopathy).
Isodes are often used in the treatment of allergies. Any substance to which the patient is allergic
may be used in Homoeopathic doses to treat that patient. For example, grass pollen, house dust
mite, certain foods or detergents. These substances (allergens) are usually prescribed in 30c
potency or higher (200c or 1M).

3. SARCODES
Sarcodes are homoeopathic remedies prepared in potencies from healthy glands, organs
or tissue removed from healthy animals. These glands, organs or tissues are removed under
veterinary supervision from healthy slaughtered cattle, sheep or pigs. They were originally
introduced by Dr.Conan and developed by Dr.Fortier Benoville, Martiny and Co-workers in
Switzerland in 1936.
Secondarily for their action on their affinity for the corresponding organ, gland or tissue
in the human organism. Recently, their use has been developed extensively in France by Dr. Fetan
and Co-workers as a branch of homoeopathy known as organotherapy.

6.1.c. Expanded group of remedies of Biological origin;

4.1.c.i. Organotherapy
Organotherapy is the administration of glands, organs and tissues from healthy animals
(cattle, pigs and sheep) in homoeopathic potencies prepared in the conventional Hahnemannian
manner (Sarcodes).
It is a form of homoeopathic treatment which is active on the various glands, organs and
tissues of the human body in rectifying the disturbed function. The therapy is not substitutive or
palliative, but acts directly on the specific gland or tissue. For example, a patient suffering from an
underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) would be treated allopathically with thyroid extract
(0.2 g dose). Organotherapeutic treatment is the administration of Thyroidea 5c or 7c in order to
reach the gland directly and stimulate its function. Introduced by Dr. Conan in France and
developed by Drs. Nebel, Martiny, Rouy, Guermonires, Gogmos, Bergeret and Tetau since 1936,
organotherapy has been evaluated on a wide scale and established by clinical practice.
Principles

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The first principle of organotherapy is concerned with cellular specificity- glandular or

tissular. That is: The organ acts upon the organ
Thus, to treat an organ, homoeopathic potencies of this organ is given. For example, the
heart may be treated with heart and the liver may be treated with liver, in the appropriate potency
in each case.
Drs. Bergeret and Tetau have explained the mode of action of organotherapy in the light
of the current knowledge of immunology. Immunity is the protective mechanism of the body,
which is able to differentiate between good and harmful substances. The body thus recognizes its
own substance, having a tissue memory, organotherapy has, therefore, an organ and tissue
specific action.
The second principle of organotherapy is the triphasic activity of potencies of
homologous glands, organs or tissues, Thus:
Low potencies are stimulant (4c or 5c)
Medium potencies are regulatory 7c
High potencies are depressant (9c, 12c or30c)
For example, Thyroidea 4c stimulates thyroid secretion, whilst Thyroidea 30c
inhibit thyroid secretion.
It must be emphasized, however, that there is variability in the action of different
potencies in relation to the individual sensitivity of patients, and some patients may experience the
opposite effect. Clinical research has demonstrated this principle. For example, it has been shown
that potencies of Folliculinum 9c depress folliculin secretion in female rats.
Prescribing
Organotherapeutic potencies should not be repeated too frequently. One dose three times
a week, in the evening before retiring or alternatively every other evening. Treatment may continue
for 1,2 or 3 months according to the patients reaction. A single dose is 10 drops of liquid potency
or one suppository.
Table 3. Examples on organotherapy remedies
Diabetes and
Prediabetic States
Depression

Pancreas

4c 3x week

Hypothalamus

7c 1st evening

Hemorrhoids
Insomnia
Renal Insufficiency
Hypertension

Cerebrinum
Vein
Bulbinum
Kidney
Artery

7c 2nd evening
4c 3x week
9c 3x week
4c 3x week
7c 1st evening

Premenstrual Tension
Thyroid Regulation
Ovarian Regulation

Vein
Folliculinum
Thyroidea
Ovary

7c 2nd evening
9c 7th and 21st day of cycle
7c 3x week
7c 3x week
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Retarded Growth

Hypothalamus

7c 1st evening

Vertigo

Duodenum
Cerebellum

4c 2nd evening
4c 3x week

6.1.c.ii. Gemmotherapy
Drainage
It is the stimulation of the excretory organs, such as the kidney, liver and even the skin. If
the normal excretory system is blocked or deficient, unwanted by-products and toxins are not
removed from the body and one or more of these organs need to be stimulated.
Certain homoeopathic remedies have an affinity for specific excretory organs. Thus, we
have Berberis and Solidago for kidneys, Euphrasia, Sabadilla and Kalium Iodatum for
rhinopharyngial mucosa and so on. Some homoeopaths believe that when a homoeopathic remedy
is prescribed strictly according to the Similimum, it acts both as a curative and a drainage agent.
Gemmotherapy is often regarded as a modern form of drainage, which opens up the
possibility of true tissue therapy. Gemmotherapy preparations all in 2x potency only- may be
regarded as drainage agents.

Preparation of remedies
Potencies of gemmotheraputic remedies are unique in that, although they are prepared by
the normal Hahnemannian procedures, the solvent used is a mixture of alcohol and glycerin.
Gemmotheraputic remedies are prepared from the fresh buds of plants or embryonic tissues
in the growth phase. They are rich in growth factors, such as vitamins, hormones, auxans and
gibberellins.
Originally introduced in France, they have been developed clinically since 1965.
Treatment by gemmotheraputic
With the affinity each of the buds or young shoots of plants have for specific organs of
the body, it is possible to give specific clinical indications.
The usual dose is 50 or 75 drops per day of the liquid at 2x potency for periods up to two
months according to the reaction of the patient.
Table 4. Examples of gemmotheraputic remedies and their indications are given below.
Ribes Nigrum ( Blackcurrant buds) 2x
Betula Verrucosa (Birch seeds) 2x
Rosa Canina ( Dogrose buds) 2x
Juniperius Communis (Juniper young seeds) 2x
Tilia Tomentosa (Lime tree buds) 2x
Cedrus Libani ( Cedar buds) 2x

Marked analgesic effect on all rheumatic

conditions and Urticaria
Intellectual overwork
Headache and migraine
Cirrhosis
Neuralgia, insomnia and neurotic conditions
Pruritis and dry eczema
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Sequoia Gigantea (Giant Sequoia tree buds) 2x

Vibernum Lantana ( Vibernum buds) 2x

Aging
Asthma (simple and complicated)

6.1.c.iii. Lithotherapy
Lithotherapy, sometimes called Dechelating Lithotherapy, is another branch of
homoeopathy, which has been developed in France, principally by Drs. Bergeret and Tetau.
Lithotherapy employs homoeopathic potencies (usually 8x) of selected, naturally occurring rocks
or minerals, which aim to re-establish trace metal or metalloid balances in the human body. The
rocks or minerals are complex, crystalline inorganic compounds containing one or more different
metal ions.

Chelation
The importance of the role of certain metals, such as copper, cobalt and manganese, and
metalloids, such as selenium in trace quantities, in terms of activity of certain enzymes in the body
is now recognized. Supplements of these trace elements are sometimes necessary to avoid dietary
deficiencies. However, there are many cases where a disease is related to a deficiency of these
trace elements, yet measurements carried out on blood serum show no significant deficiency- the
body content is quiet normal. For example, in cases of tetany, blood phosphorus and calcium levels
have been found to be normal. In osteoporosis, phosphorus and calcium levels have been found to
be normal, although the symptoms and signs of the disease suggest a lack of phosphorus and
calcium. If the dietary intake of these elements is adequate, then it appears that there is some form
of blockage to their utilization in the metabolic processes of the body. This blocking, which
effectively removes the metallic ions from the active metabolism is called Chelation.
Chemically, Chelation is the reaction by which a metal (acceptor) ion receives a number
of shared pairs of electrons from certain types of organic compounds. The organic compound grips
the metallic ion like the claws of a crab, (hence chele Greek for claw of crab). One such
organic compound of chelating agent, E.D.T.A., is used for the treatment of cadmium or chromium
poisoning. Excessive use of tranquilizers, antibiotics, analgesics, sulphonamides and diuretics
increase the occurrence of chelation and it is, therefore, a common phenomenon. Lithotherapy
is, therefore, concerned with the use of potencies of these rocks and minerals to partially liberate
the metal ions that are entrapped by Chelation. It is believed that there is a crystalline structural
analogy between the mineral and the chelated substance. For example, chelated complexes of
calcium and phosphorus have a quadratic (four-sided) crystallographic structure and not the
hexagonal (six-sided) structure, thus the mineral Quadratic Feldspar is used in the treatment of
generalized osteoporosis.
Treatment by Lithotherapy
Normally prescribed in 8x potency, which is believed to have optimum activity, in 10
drops for a single dose. Treatment usually extends over two to three months in a dose every other
day.

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Table 5. Examples on treatment by Lithotherapy.

Insomnia

Rhodonite 8x (complex of silicon and manganese) 1st day

Constipation
Depression

Glauconia 8x (complex of silicon, iron, aluminium, magnesium and

potassium) 2nd day
Pink Sandstone 8x each day
Lepidolite 8x (complex of lithium, iron and aluminium) 1st day

Eczema
Herpes

Lithium Tourmaline 8x ( complex of sodium, aluminium, iron, magnesium,

boron, silicon and fluorine) 2nd day
Conglomerate 8x each day
Conglomerate 8x 1st day
Chalcopyrites 8x ( complex of copper and iron) 2nd day

6.2. Homoeopathic pharmacy and stages of preparation

Homoeopathic medicines are preparation three main stages, as follows:
1.
2.
3.

Stage I Prepared of mother tinctures

Stage II Potentisation
Stage III Medication

The first stage involves the preparation of liquid mother tinctures symbolized by the
Greek letter . These tinctures, which contain the various remedies in their most concentrated
form, are prepared by steeping the appropriate botanical or less frequently animal, substance in an
alcohol solution for periods of up to one month. The mixture is then thoroughly pressed and
filtered and the resultant solution is called the mother tincture Minerals that are totally soluble in
alcohol or water are not subjected to the above process; the pure substance is used as the
equivalent starting point.
The successive dilutions, or potencies as they are called, are then made from the
appropriate mother tincture or pure mineral using either the centesimal scale (Hahnemanns
choice) or less commonly the decimal scale. The first potency (1c) on the centesimal scale is made
by adding one part f mother tincture or pure mineral to 99 parts of an alcohol solution. The mixture
is then succussed (shaken vigorously). Today this is achieved using a machine which successes
the solution in a container through repeated impact with a solid surface. Hahnemann used to bang
the vial containing the solution on a sturdy leather bound book. To achieve the second potency
(2c) one part of this mixture is added to 99 parts of the alcohol solution which is then again
succussed. This process can be continued indefinitely in order to achieve the desired potency.
In the decimal series, the first potency (1x) is made by diluting one part of mother tincture
or pure mineral with 9 parts of the alcohol solution followed by succession. The second potency
(2x) is made by adding one part of the first potency mixture to 9 parts of the alcohol solution
which is once more subjected to the succession process and so on. Remedies which have been
diluted according to the decimal scale are written as follows; 1x, 2x, 3x, etc. Sometimes they are

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designated with a D e.g. 1D, 2D, 3D. Remedies diluted according to the centesimal scale are
either written simply as 1, 2, 3, etc. Or as 1c, 2c, 3c, etc.
If the particular remedy to be potentized is insoluble in both alcohol and j water; for
example, silica and gold, then, to achieve a 1c potency, one part of the substance is added to 99
parts of sugar of milk (lactose) and finely ground using a pestle and mortar. One part of this
mixture is then added to 99 parts of sugar of milk and finely ground in order to obtain 2c potency
and so on. This process is called trituration and can be repeated indefinitely to obtain the full
range of potencies.
Existence of colloids and it now appears that his process of prolonged trituration converts
insoluble substances into a colloidal state. When the required potency has been reached, the
alcohol solution containing the potentized remedy is added to a specified quantity of sugar of milk
which is the made up into little white tablets or left in a powder form. The remedies can also be
prepared in granule form. The remedies can also be prepared in granule form, derived from sucrose
as opposed to a lactose base.
Ointments and suppositories are also made up, although these usually contain the
appropriate remedy in tincture form rather than potency. The most commonly employed potencies
in clinical practice are as follows: 1x, 3x, 6x, 12x, and 6c, 12c, 30c, 200c, 1m, 10m and CM.

1. Stage I Preparation of Mother Tinctures;

Mother tinctures are prepared in four steps:
a)
b)
c)
d)

Maceration (or grinding to a powder)

Extraction
Ageing
Filtration

Mother tincture can be defined as the homoeopathic medicament in its most concentrated
form. They are produced as clear liquids, or in solid (triturated) Form. The liquids range from
colorless to straw colored, yellow, green-yellow to dark brown or red color. All mother tinctures
are denoted by the Greek letter (phi), or the abbreviation, MT (TM in France).

(a) Maceration
Mother tinctures of plant, vegetable or animal substances are prepared by the maceration
(mincing of breaking down) of the fresh material in different strengths of alcohol at ambient
(room) temperature. After ageing for periods ranging from one hour to open month, the suspension
is filtered by gravity or compression. Final alcohol strengths may be 331/3%, 50% or 80-90%,
depending on the water content or the starting material.
Succulent, fresh plants yield between 350 to 700ml of unfiltered succus (or juice) per
kilogram of plant material. The succus is mixed with one half of its volume of 95%pure alcohol
(volume/volume), producing mother tinctures of approximately 331/3% (volume/volume) alcohol
content.

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Fresh plant material yielding less than 350ml per kilogram of succus is repeatedly
macerated with alcohol/water mixtures, producing mother tinctures of approximately 80-87%
(volume/volume) alcohol content.
Mother tinctures for gemmotherapy preparations are prepared with alcohol and glycerin
mixtures. The latter solvent was not used by Hahnemann, but introduced in France in recent years.

(b) Extraction
The macerated material is treated with a solution of alcohol (ethanol or ethyl alcohol), not
methanol, and distilled water. The ratio of alcohol to water depends on the relative dryness of the
starting material. Extraction dissolves all the therapeutic substances in the starting material. These
substances are often very complex and may be thirty or forty in number.

(c) Ageing
The suspension of solid material in the extraction liquid is stored in an amber glass
container in a cool, dark place for periods of one hour up to one month.

(d) Filtration
This process separates the undissolved, solid material from the liquid. Filtration is achieved
by gravity, pressure or suction to produce a bright, clear liquid filtrate, which is the MOTHER
TRINCTURE. The solid material is rejected.

2. Stage II Potentisation, Succession & Trituration;

Potentisation
There are two methods for Potentisation:
A. Hahnemann method
B. Korsakov method
Potentisation is a process by which there is quantitative reduction in drug substance but a
qualitative increase in its medicinal or therapeutic property, which was inert in its crude states. The
above process is mathematic-mechanical where the inert substance has changed into a state of
physical solubility and physiological assimilability.

A. Hahnemann method:
Potentisation is carried out in two distinct steps:
(1) Serial (or sequential dilution of the mother tincture with a mixture of
alcohol and water.
(2) Succession, which involves vigorous shaking with impact.

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There are two series of dilutions:

(a) The decimal series, based on serial dilutions of 1:10, and
(b) Centesimal series, based on serial dilutions of 1:100. The decimal series of
potencies is denoted 1x, 2x, 3x, 4xetc., whilst the centesimal series is denoted 1c, 2c, 3c,
4c No (1, 2, 3, 4, in the Students should note that x is the Roman numeral for 10, and c,
the Roman numeral for 100.)
(a) Decimal series of potencies
To one part (or 1 milliliter of mother) of mother tincture in a glass container is added 9
parts (or 9 milliliters) of 20 or 30% alcohol / pure water. And the mixture is succussed,
giving a potency of 1x (the first decimal potency.
To one part (or 1 ml ) of a solution of potency 1x, in a new container, is added a
further 9 parts (or 9 ml) of alcohol/ water and the mixture is succussed again, giving a
potency of 2x (the second decimal potency).
This serial (or sequential) dilution and succession is repeated to produce, progressively,
potencies of 3x, 4x, 5x, 6x, and so on up the decimal series.
Thus, we have decimal dilutions as follows:
Parts alcohol/water
1x 1 part in 10
2x 1 part in 100.
3x 1 part in 1000
4x 1part in 10,000
6x 1 part in 1,000,000

Dilution
Dilution 1:10 (or 10)
Dilution 1:100 (or10)
Dilution 1:1.000(or 10)
Dilution 1:10000 (or 10)
Dilution 1:1,000,000 (or 10) etc.

Etc.Equation to calculate the dilution of any decimal potency

nx

10

Where n is any potency number.

(b) Centesimal series of potencies
The method of preparation is the same as for decimal potencies, but the dilution ratio
is different (1:100), as follows:
1.
To one part (or 1 ml) of mother tincture in a glass container, is added 99 parts
( or 99 ml ) of alcohol/water and the mixture is schussed giving a potency of ic.

198

2.
To one part (or 1 ml) of a solution of potency ic in a fresh container, is added a
further 99 parts ( or 99 ad ) of alcohol/water, and the mixture is schussed again, giving
a potency of 2c.
The process is repeated to produce, progressively, potencies of 3c, 4c, 5c, 6c and so on.
Thus, we have centesimal dilutions as follows:
1c

1 part in 100

1:100

2c

1 part in 10,000

1:10,000

3c

1 part in 1,000,000

1:1,000,000

4c

1 part in 100,000,000

1:100,000,000

We may use the equation, nc = 10 to calculate the dilution of any Centesimal potency.
(c) Millesimal series of potencies
A third potency series is the millesimal scale, based on mother tincture sequentially diluted
in the same manner as before, with 999 parts 9 or 999 ml) of alcohol/water.
Potencies on the millesimal scale are sometimes denoted 1M, 2M 3M etc. But this leads to
confusion with the use of 1` m to denote a centesimal potency of 1,000. Another system, which is
probably more explanatory, is to denote millesimal potencies by the suffix mm or MM.
It follows that millesimal dilutions are:
1 mm

1:1,000

2 mm

1:1,000,000

3 mm

1:1,000,000,000

And so on..
However, Millesimal potencies are used very rarely.
(d)LM Potencies
Hahnemann felt the need to improve on his potencies; this was because he had difficulty
getting what he thought was the best cure. These main problems included;
Not achieving a gentle and rapid cure or just taking too long.
An aggravation comes even after getting the best selected remedy.
A high potency dose will continue to act for a long time.
Not being able to repeat the dose even though there are still symptoms so that the
patient suffers.

Giving the right dose and potency was still argued and still confusing.

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In practice, it is not possible to directly compare the potency of an LM with a C. Will

Taylor, MD, likes to think of an LM1 as sharing the qualities of a 6C & a 30C (working as deeply
as a 30C, but as gently as a 6C); and an LM3 as similarly sharing the qualities of a 12C & a 200C.
Making LM potencies
According to Kim McDodge's online discussion

According to Julian Winston's massive online

comments

The manufacturing process is outlined by

Hahnemann in Paragraph 270 of the 6th edition of the
Organon. The process starts with a 3C trituration. In the
case of plants (where a tincture is the usual starting point),
the plant material is triturated directly with the milk sugar. It
is unclear how one would proceed with something like APIS
which has to start with a tincture.

1 grain (or .05gms) of the 3C (1:1,000,000) is

dissolved in 400 drops of distilled water and 100 drops of
90% alcohol.

Place 1 DROP of the above in a vial and add 100

drops of 95% alcohol. The bottle should be no more than 2/3
full. Cork the vial and succuss 100 times.

The granules, which are the size of poppy seeds, are

placed in a small thimble with a hole in the bottom. The
granules are smaller than #10 granules. (Hahnemann
describes them as weighing one grain per 100). They are
then saturated by pouring the liquid potency over them.
When the liquid starts to run out the bottom, the granules are
saturated. Spread the granules on blotting paper. When they
are dry, put them in a bottle and label them I or 0/1.
This is the first millesimal potency.

To go up the scale, take one globule of the 0/1,

dissolve it with one drop of distilled water, add 100 drops of
95% alcohol, and succuss 100 times. Saturate granules with
this, dry them, bottle them, and label them II or 0/2.

These steps can be repeated up to the XXX or

0/30.

To be faithful to the Organon, the LM potencies

should be sold only in globule form. The administration of
the dosage is a second issue.

Hahnemann suggested that the dose is one globule.

He also suggests (#272) that the dosage be administered in
water. He outlines the dosage process in a footnote to #248.
Dr. Robert Schore has translated this paragraph into the
following dosage guide:

Dissolve one globule in 110cc distilled water.

Success 12 times. This becomes the stock bottle given to
the patient.

One tablespoon of this stock solution is placed in 4

oz. of pure water. The dose is one-half teaspoon.
Hahnemann suggested that in the case of very sensitive
people, the half teaspoon should be put into another glass of
water, stirred, and then a dose is taken from the second
glass. This mixture is good for 24 hours. If more is needed, a
fresh glass should be made.

Potentized by succession (1 drop of the previous

dilution and 99 drops of water/ethanol. Of this you use 1
drop to moisten about 500 pellets. To take this up to the
next step, you would dissolve one medicated pellet in a
drop of water; add 99 drops of diluted ethanol, succuss,
medicate 500 pellets, and so on.

The most economical and most interesting way

to start one's own process with the LMs is to purchase
the LM1s preferably from a pharmacy who triturates the
substances, then works them to the LM1.

to make an LM2 or 3

take the Last Potency out and put it in the basket

where u have a plastic box with tops and labels

Prepare: round for the tops in 2 sizes, small for

1/2 dram top and bigger for the 1 dram and stock bottle
(4oz. Boston brown) tops as well as some rectangles for
labels, a small envelope of poppy seed sac and 3
measurement bottles: a clear 1 dram with 1 drop of
water and 99 drops of alcohol (use Organon), a clear 1
dram with 500 poppy seed sac lacs and a brown 1/2
dram of 500 poppy seed sac lacs.

toss in the 2 oz dropper bottles of water and

organol, add new brown 1/2 dram and a new clear 1
dram and a clean brown 4 oz boston, take the boston to
fill with filtered water

Arrange these things on a 9x12 sheet of blotter

paper.

Put a seed of previous remedy into a clear 1

drammer, add a drop of water from the dropper bottle
and wait for it to dissolve.

Take the liquid measurement bottle and the

dissolved pellet bottle in left hand and fill the dissolved
pellet bottle to the same level with organol and cap it.

Stand and take the leather Kent from the shelf

and beat it up 100 times in a cha cha rhythm (1,2 1,2,3).

Drop one drop of this into the new brown 1/2

dram bottle and take both of these open bottles and
shake all out so that the insides are empty but for the
coating on the sides and bottom.

Take measurement bottle and each of these in

turn and fill to their respective points with the seeds.
Cap, shake to moisten and label.

Drop one into the clean filled Boston brown.

Preserve with brandy or charcoal or not. Cap &Label.

200

Stock bottle ready for use.

B. Korsakovian method
His method employed the same glass container, as opposed to hanumans, which used
different containers for each serial dilution. He claimed that upon emptying the container after the
first dilution, sufficient liquid remained adhering to the walls is to be used for the next dilution.
For the second centesimal potency, therefore, it was necessary only to add a further 99 parts of
alcohol/water to the same container.
Hahnemanns method is generally used for preparing potencies up to 200c, and the
korsakovian method for higher potencies.
Another advantage of the Korsakov method of potentisation is that, since it uses a single
vial, 1 it could be easily computerized and automated.
To summaries, the Hahnemann method is the classical, preferred method, scientifically
accurate, but is time consuming. The Korsakov method is quicker, but less accurate, but can be
automated easily.
Nomenclature of potencies
The potency number represents the number of potentisations carried out starting with the
mother tincture, that is the serial (or sequential) dilutions and succession.
Table 6 : System used
Decimal Series
Centesimal
Series
(Hahnemann)
Centesimal
(korsakovian)
High Potencies

United states
X (or x)
C (or c)

Great Britain
X (or x)
No suffix

France
D
CH

CK

No suffix

Not applicable

1,000 c

1,000c

1M

10,000c

10,000c

10 M

50,000c

50,000c

50 M

100,000c

100,000c

CM

Where; X = Roman numeral for 10

C = Roman number for 1,000

D = Decimal

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Succession
Is violent shaking with impact which follows each step of the sequential dilution thus
completing the potentisation procedure.
Not only does succession ensure an intimate, mixing of the liquid and diluent. But it is
believed it energizes the potency.
The dry method
Wait until the bottle has little left in it. Then add blank granules and success. The size of the
pellet doesn't matter nor does the composition of the material matter either. A pure sugar pellet is
softer.
The wet method
The same, but with alcohol. One method is to place one or two pellets of potency on top of
a vial of blank pellets, add a few drops of alcohol solution at least 97% enough to cover all of the
pellets and then success the vial.
Julian Winston has a discussion of manufacturing and potencies from the 1925 B & T
catalogue on this web site talking about Hahnemannian methods:
http://www.homeopathyic.co.nz/boericke/btmeth.htm
Trituration
Trituration is the procedure by which potencies are produced in the solid form. This
process is employed to solubilize insoluble mineral and chemical elements, that is, to render the
crystals or powder to a degree of fineness and subdivision which will permit their solubilisation in
alcohol/water.
With one part (or 1 gram) of the substance finely ground, a small (or aliquot) part of 99
parts of pure lactose is added in a mortar and pestle. The trituration is continued for at least one
hour, whilst adding aliquot parts of the remainder of the lactose at 10-20 minute intervals. The
resultant finely divided powder represents the first centesimal triturated potency.
At this stage higher potencies can be prepared in the more convenient liquid form in the
usual manner. The usual level is 8 xs.
Avogadros hypothesis
Avogadro postulated that equal volumes contain equal numbers of molecules. It follows,
therefore, that there is a fixed number of molecules in unit volume at standard temperature
202

and pressure. Avogadro showed this number to be 6.4 x 1023 molecules, and this was later proven
by experiment.
Theoretically, all potencies higher than 24x or 12c have none of the original molecules of
mother tincture remaining.

Stage III: Medication

The pharmaceutical forms of homoeopathic medicines are similar to those of allopathic
medicines, that is tablets, pills (or pilules ) granules, powders, liquids, suppositories,
ointments, creams or injectables.
The solid, unmedicated (placebo), pharmaceutical forms are as follows:

Tablets: compressed, pure lactose (80%) by weight) and pure sucrose (20% by
weight) both natural sugars. The shape is double convex, weighing 01 grams and 4
mm in diameter.
Pills. Spherical globules of pure sucrose, 4 mm in diameter.
Granules: spherical poppy seeds of pure sucrose, 1 mm in diameter.
Powders: pure lactose; in each case, medication is achieved by dripping or spraying
the liquid potency of the remedy onto the bulk solid form and allowing it to be
absorbed.

Note: the liquid potency employed is a special medicating potency which is prepared in a
strong solution of 95% alcohol (95% ethanol 15 % distilled water). This is necessary
since the lactose or sucrose will dissolve in solutions containing a high
concentration of water and the tablets or pills will tend to stick together.

Ointments and creams: for topical administration usually incorporate low

potencies (such as 1x, 2x, 3x ) or even the mother tinctures themselves. Creams
are often preferred as they are water based and do not stain clothes.

6.3. Quality of Homoeopathic remedies

Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia
Pharmacopoeias are official publication listing approved drugs and they have legal status in
each country.
The last British Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia was, regrettably, published in 1897 and few
copies now remain. It is now so outdated as to be of no more than historical value.
The 8th edition of the French Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia was published in 1965 and was
re-edited in 1983. It has the full acceptance of the French Government.
The Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United Status (HPUS) was published in its 8th in
1979, followed by a Supplement. The Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia Convention of the United
Sates now prepared the 9th edition, and the first part was published in 1989. This includes the
Introduction, General Pharmacy and Criteria for Eligibility. Subsequent parts will include several

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hundred Monographs of approved (fully proved) homoeopathic medicines. Each monograph

gives the formula, common English name, German and French names, source, its preparation and
minimum potencies for the prescription, general over-the-counter sale, etc. This Pharmacopoeia
will undoubtedly act as a guide for other countries in the future and afford protection for the
practice of homoeopathy in the United States.

Medicine Act 1968 And 1971

This Act of Parliament controls the manufacture, sale and supply of all medicine in the
United Kingdom, both allopathic and homoeopathic. The Act includes Labeling Regulation, the
issues of Manufacturing Licenses. Product Licenses (PL) are granted to approved manufacturers
where the medicine makes a medical claim or indication.
A full review of all homoeopathic medicines, including their indication, its being carried
out by the Department of Health and common European Community Directives are expected to be
introduced in January 1993.
It is important to understand, however, that by the Law of Similars, it is not relevant to
speak of clinical indication -that is remedies for the treatment of specific conditions- for a
homoeopathic remedy.

6.3.a. QUALITY CONTROL

The Importance of Quality

Nowadays, in the developed countries, all pharmaceutical manufacture is governed by
common procedures termed Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP), including
homoeopathic medicines.
These controls ensure stringent standards in relation to building, equipment and facilities,
qualified staff and quality control procedures. Problems have arisen, however, in that medicine
legislation in most countries was drawn up essentially for allopathic medicines. After much
discussion, it is now generally agreed that basic scientific techniques and modern laboratory
equipment and procedures are generally applicable to homoeopathy. Only in a few instances,
homoeopathic procedures must, necessarily, deviate from the standard approach. There is no
mystique about the preparation of homoeopathic remedies.
Modern laboratory procedure and systems and quality control do not invalidate
Hahnemanns original precepts nor replace classical procedures. Hahnemann wrote: A dedicated
physician can only be sure about the healing properties of a medicine when it is made as pure and
as perfect as possible. i.e., the practitioner is only as good as his or her medicines. Indeed, had
modern advances in scientific knowledge and equipment been available to him, Hahnemann, in
this wisdom, would certainly have taken advantages of them.

System of Quality Control

Rightly, Hahnemann viewed the preparation of the medicines as a science, and as such, it
requires a scientific system of quality control. It must be emphasized, however, that ultimately the
attainment of a high quality standard is only possible if one can rely on the integrity, the
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involvement, the training and experience and the commitment of all concerned. This is essentially
a team activity in the true spirit of providing a service to homoeopathy, and the objective must
always be to guarantee the purity, reliability and reproductability of the medicines supplied to the
practitioner. , Therefore the academic staff of the Institute makes no excuses for discussing this
aspect even before the basic principles of homoeopathy.

Cleanliness
High standards of personal cleanliness must be maintained by all personnel and handwashing facilities made available and used regularly.

Clothing
Protective clothing, including clean overalls and hats, must be worn at all times in manufacturing
areas, not only by manufacturing personnel, but also by visitors entering manufacturing areas.
Separate changing rooms are provided for this purpose. Stringent housekeeping methods must be
employed and floors regularly washed and all surfaces where dust and dirt may collect wiped
regularly. Utensils are washed thoroughly each time after use. Naturally, smoking, drinking and
eating are not permitted in manufacturing areas under any circumstances.

Batch Number
The first stage in any quality control system is the allocation of a batch or lot number
which can identify the material through each stage of manufacture. Botanical identification of
plant raw materials is carried out and, having established their identity, they are examined for
contaminations, such as other plant species, dirt, mould or insects.
Specimens may be dried and pressed for retention or photographed. Release of all raw
materials from the Quarantine Store for use is made only on the authority of the person responsible
for quality control and if they labeled as fit for use. Rejected materials are promptly destroyed.
At commencement of each manufacturing step, all equipment is inspected to ensure it is
clean and free from contamination from any other raw materials or product. At each stage, all clean
and free from contamination from any other raw materials or products. At each stage, all materials
and equipment are carefully labeled to identify the material being processed and each discrete
quantity of raw material or product is labeled with a batch number.
Written manufacturing procedures are closely followed in each manufacturing step and
batch records are completed, indicating times, temperature, weights etc. Thus, the history of each
batch, including the utilization of raw materials and even packaging materials, and even packing
materials and even packing materials, may be checked.
At any time during manufacturing and packaging of homoeopathic medicines quality
control personnel are required to make spot checks and take samples for laboratory analysis, thus
monitoring every operation. Particular care is taken in the operation of mother tincture and
potencies, to ensure absolute purity and reproducibility.

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Samples
On completion of manufacture, representative samples of the finished product are taken
according to prescribed procedures and labeled with the batch number and identity. Analytical tests
are carried out in the laboratory to ensure that the product meets the finished Product Specification
and then- and only then- is the product finally released from quarantine to the store to await
dispatch. Sample of each batch of finished product are always retained in the laboratory.

Storage
Storage conditions are carefully controlled to ensure the products do not deteriorate before
being passed to the practitioner. Finally, all manufacturing records are checked and filled and all
equipment utilized in the manufacture is cleaned in accordance with Cleaning Schedules, which
lay down cleaning and inspection operation for each individual item of equipment.

General
General precautions to ensure quality which apply to all manufacturing operations
include the segregation of processing areas to avoid possible cross-contamination, the use of
laminar air flow equipment or air conditioning, and all operations carried out in such a way that the
risk of contamination is minimized. A recent innovation in the preparation of homoeopathic
medicine is the Microbiological Testing by swab or settleplate method to monitor environmental
contamination of all manufacturing areas. Areas tested include laboratory benches, water taps,
walls and toilets.

Quality Control of Potencies

We must now consider the problem of quality control associated with homoeopathic
potencies. This is an area which presents the greatest challenge to the quality analyst. We do not
know or understand, yet alone measure, the intrinsic forces or vibrations which may play a part in
the healing process of homoeopathic potencies. Furthermore, the extremely high dilutions of
homoeopathic potencies make it almost impossible to apply analytical tests by conventional
methods in the laboratory. Even a relatively low potency, such as 6x, with a concentration of
individual active ingredients of one part per million, is outside the accuracy of many modern
instruments. For this reason, only mother tincture and low potencies (1x, 2x) are subjected to a
more comprehensive analysis, both qualitative and quantitative.
Additionally we have the problem of the chemical complexity of the natural extracts
contained in the original mother tincture: These may be inorganic or organic, with complex
mixture including minerals, amino-acids, proteins, steroids, vitamins, organo-metalic compounds,
alkaloids, flavenoids, etc.
This raises a most important point. The conventional allopathic approach to quality
control in manufacture is to place great reliance on the assay of the final product, which usually
incorporates one or two readily identifiable active ingredient, all of them at relatively high levels
of concentration. Because of the complexity and the high dilution of homoeopathic remedies, this
approach is not possible and, therefore, it is considered that in-process quality control, embracing
every step of the preparation, from raw material to finished homoeopathic medicines, is critical in

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ensuring their purity and safety. It is arguable, therefore, that a system of quality control is even
more important than for their allopathic counterparts.

Use of Alcohol and Water

Ethyl alcohol, (ethanol), (94.9% by volume), which conforms with the U.S.P. (or B.P.)
specification must be used in all homoeopathic preparations.
Pure, distilled water, or de-ionized water, is used in all homoeopathic preparations.

6.3.b. Quality Testing

Physical Properties
Mother tincture and liquid potencies may be tested routinely for their physical properties,
including specific gravity, refractive index, color and smell.

General Tests
These may include dry residue (total solids), pH (acidity or alkalinity, water content by
Karl Fischer technique and percentage alcohol content.

Analysis of Chemical Elements

These assays are carried out by conventional chemical methods and can provide a means of
identification and a guide to the purity of mother tinctures, and even for low potencies. An
example analysis is given below, which illustrates the wide variation between different mother
tinctures, depending on the soil in which plants are grown:

Categories
Iron, parts per million

Nux Vomica
1.9

0.3

Calcium, parts per million

1500.00

1.9

Sodium, parts per million

16.00

0.005

Sulphur, per cent

0.003

0.005

Nitrogen, per cent

0.005

0.005

Other trace elements present in low concentration include zinc, potassium, copper, cobalt,
selenium, magnesium and manganese. Differences in assay occur between mother tinctures
prepared from plants grown in different locations. For example, a plant grown in limestone soil
would be expected to have higher calcium content than the same species grown in sandy soil.

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Thin Layer Chromatography

Thin Layer Chromatography utilities the different migration rates of individual constituents
of mother tincture or very low potencies on a thin film of inert material. The inert material is
applied to a glass plate, which is then immersed in the mother tincture.
This technique is now widely used and shows characteristic bands on a layer of silica gel of
25-250 cm thickness, each band representing a specific chemical constituent of the mother tincture
itself. Various solvent systems have been used, such as butanol/acetic or methanol/chloroform over
migration distances of about 10 cm.
A comparison of thin layer chromatographs of British, French and German mother tincture
showed considerable variation of composition which arises primarily from the variation in the
composition of the soil in which the original plant specimen was grown. In spite of this, their
therapeutic actively is essentially the same.

Pharmaceutical forms
Although the preparation and application of homoeopathic medicines are fundamentally
different, their pharmaceutical forms are the same as their allopathic counterparts. Homoeopathic
medicines are available in liquid form, tables, pills (or pilules), granules, powders, ointments,
creams and suppositories, suitable for administration by the patient.

Nomenclature
Medicines are known internationally by their generic name, in Latin, according to the
concise method of naming plant and animal species laid down by the Swedish botanist, Linnaeus
(1708-1778).
For example; CALENDULA OFFICINALIS. The first word describes the plant or animal
species. The second word describes the particular sub-species of the plant or animal. The common
name given is MARIGOLD, in English. Similarly, we have, LACHESIS MUTA (or MUTUS),
commonly known in English as the Bushmaster Snake (venom).
In practice, homoeopathic remedies are known by an abbreviated form, for example:
RHUS TOXICODENDROM

Abbreviation: RHUS TOX.

PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA

Abbreviation: PHYTOLACCA

NUX VOMICA

Abbreviation: NUX VOM.

NATRRUM MURIATICUM

Abbreviation: NAT MUR.

ATROPA BELLADONNA

Abbreviation: BELLADONNA

CALCAREA PHOSPHORICUM

Abbreviation: CALC PHOS.

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Stability and storage

With a relatively low content of medicament, homoeopathic medicines are very sensitive.
Tablets, pilules or granules must not be touched with the hands, as chemicals such as amino acid,
in the skin may affect them. The dose should be tipped into the cap of their container and thence
tipped onto the tongue. Alternatively, a clean, dry spoon may be used. Medicine should be stored
in amber glass containers, in a cool, dry, dark place away from substances with a strong smell,
such as garlic or camphor. All Containers must be well stoppered.
It is generally accepted for legal purposes that medicines, which are properly prepared and
stored, will have nominal shelf life of about five years. However, the medicine can retain their
activity indefinitely if properly stored.

Stability and Storage of Mother Tinctures

Some freshly prepared mother tincture may be supersaturated and particularly during
lengthy storage in a cool place, the clear solution becomes cloudy (producing a precipitate), which
forms a sediment at the bottom of the container. This insoluble matter may simply be filtered off
and clear filtrate will retain the original activity of the mother tincture.
Another cause of a precipitate in a mother tincture may be from the evaporation of alcohol
through a badly fitting stopper on the container. In this case, the mother tincture should be rejected.
Mother tincture must be stored in well-sealed, amber glass bottles in a cool, dark place;
they must not be exposed to sunlight. On lengthy storage, tincture may darken a little without
deleterious effect, but if a total color change occurs the material should be rejected, as this is
evidence of chemical decomposition of one ore more of its constituents.

Quality Criteria of Homoeopathic Medicines

Discerning pharmacist and physicians must be aware of the following cautionary points in
relation to all homoeopathic medicines:
1. Low potency liquids of insoluble substances, such as Graphics 6x, 3x or Silicea 3x,
cannot exist and their availability is spurious.
2. High potencies such as 10M, 50M, claimed to have been prepared by the lengthy,
Hahnemannian procedure are doubtful validity.
3. Certain plastic materials are liable to interact chemically with homoeopathic mother
tinctures and potencies. This has been demonstrated in experiments using infrared
spectroscopic techniques.
4. All homoeopathic medicines should have a characteristic alcoholic odor. The presence of
alcoholic, essential for the quality and the stability of potencies, may be determined by
chemical, physical or electronic tests.
5. Trademarks or proprietary names given commercially to single homoeopathic medicines
are anathema to homoeopathy.
6. Homoeopathic medicines, properly prepared and stored, can retain their therapeutic
activity indefinitely.
7. All containers of homoeopathic medicines offered for sale to the public must be clearly
labeled.

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Symbols in Homoeopathic Pharmacy

Mother Tincture

MT

Mother Tincture

C (or c)

Centesimal Potency

X (or x)

Decimal Potency

Hahnemannian

Korsakovian

1,000

Potency Number

CH

Centesimal Potency by Hahnemannian Method

Decimal Potency (Europe, except United Kingdom)

Hom.

Homoeopathy/Homoeopathic (Homeopathy in U.S.A)

Cited References;
1. Diploma course of the British institute of Homoeopathy 1992.
2. Diploma course of the British institute of Homoeopathy 1988.

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