Welcome back to my two-part series All About Homeopathy. In Part I we learned about what homeopathy is and how it works. We discussed the difference between homeopathic medicines and pharmaceutical drugs, 
where homeopathy stands in the health industry today, and the available studies on homeopathy. The many benefits of homeopathy were outlined including effectiveness, safety, minimal to no side-effects, environmental cleanliness, and no animal testing.
Now we are ready to take a more in-depth look at when to use homeopathy, the different forms of homeopathic remedies, potency, and dosage, and selecting and administering the remedies.
When to Use Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies can be used for virtually all health conditions, including injuries, inflammation, colic, flus, colds, fevers, skin conditions, respiratory problems, allergies, infections, colic, indigestion, hormonal imbalances, anxiety, and behavioural issues. And they are safe for people of all ages from newborns to seniors alike.
Homeopathic remedies are suited for both acute and chronic conditions but for those people who are using homeopathy as home remedies it is mostly applied to acute problems since these are more easily resolved without the intervention of other health modalities. In acute conditions, homeopathic medicines can be very fast acting. Often improvements are felt within one to two minutes of administering the correct remedy.
Potency & Dosage
Potency refers to the strength of the homeopathic remedy. The most common potencies available are a 6C, 30C, 200C, or 1M. Potencies of 30C or lower are called low-potency remedies or medicines, and potencies of 200C or higher are considered high-potency medicines.
Homeopathic remedies are prepared in professional laboratories using a complex process. A 6C dilution is made by mixing one part of the original mother tincture with 99 parts of water or alcohol. Then the next dilution uses one part of this mixture added to another 99 parts of water and so on until the process has been repeated 6 times. For a 30C potency the process would be repeated 30 times and for a 200C the process would be repeated 200 times. However, between each dilution, the substance is “succussed” or shaken which is how the essence of the remedy is released into the dilution. This is key to manufacturing potentized homeopathic remedies.
The conundrum for chemists regarding homeopathy is that the strength of the remedies increases with the number of dilutions. In other words, the more dilutions that are prepared the more dilute the remedy becomes but the stronger the effect is on the body. This can be explained by the concept that we are not using an increase of molecules to generate potency; rather we are building strength through the vibration in the preparation. The vibrational or energetic frequency increases with the number of times a remedy is succussed.
Lower potencies cover a wide range of symptoms and can be effectively used at home for both the human family and the pets. Generally, the lower the potency the more often it can be repeated as needed. As a rule, unless otherwise instructed, discontinue the remedy as soon as symptoms improve. If symptoms reappear, repeat the remedy, and use as needed. If the symptoms do not improve after 2-3 doses discontinue the remedy and choose another one that is better indicated for the current symptoms.
For more severe or very acute symptoms the higher potencies are well indicated but are not repeated as often. This is because the benefits of even just one high potency homeopathic remedy can last for months or for years. Higher potencies are also able to stimulate healing aggravations, so it is better to use these when working with the guidance of a professional homeopath.
Dosage refers to the quantity of the remedy that you use for a dose. If the remedy is in pellet form take 3-4 pellets and let dissolve in the mouth. If using a liquid form take 10-15 drops mixed with a small amount of clean water and let sit in your mouth for a few moments. Ensure a clean mouth with no food.
Selecting Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are chosen according to the individual set of symptoms, rather than by a disease label. So, to select the correct remedy, we need to know what sort of symptoms you may be experiencing that is unique to you.
For example, if you are experiencing frequent episodes of indigestion and reflux (GERD) there are several homeopathic remedies that could help this condition. But first we need to know exactly what specific symptoms you are experiencing and how. Every person who experiences illness of any sort expresses it differently from others and this is how the best remedy can be selected for the case. Does your chest burn or hurt? Is your stomach bloated? Are you thirsty? Do you get irritable? Or maybe tired? Do you crave certain foods? Does your throat hurt?
Here are three examples of possible remedies to relieve stomach discomfort.
Arsenicum
The Arsenicum patient cannot bear the sight or smell of food which may cause nausea and vomiting, as can eating. The slightest food or drink can cause indigestion. There is often heartburn with chest pains, burning pains, and acids which can hurt the throat. The stomach problems are aggravated by any kind of acid: vinegar, citrus fruit, tomatoes; as well as ice-water. There may be anxiety in the pit of the stomach and the patient often has restless and nervous behaviour.
Chamomila
This is an excellent remedy for digestive problems due to emotional stress. It is also helpful for teething babies with indigestion. There may be foul tasting burps, rising acid, and regurgitation of food. It may feel like there is a heavy ‘stone’ in the stomach. The patient may sweat after eating or drinking and is extremely sensitive to pain and discomfort which makes them irritable. Coffee may cause nausea.
Nux-Vomica
This is a common remedy for all types of dyspepsia. There is often a sour taste in the mouth and there can be a ‘weight’ on the stomach with bloating pain and pressure but difficulty burping for relief. There can be nausea with vomiting, constipation, and a sensitivity to odors. Symptoms can be caused by over-eating, as well as coffee or other toxic foods or drinks including alcohol. Nux-vomica is an excellent remedy for liver detoxification. Symptoms are a companied by mental irritability and they often crave stimulants such as sugar, spices, and caffeine.
Administering Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are available in small white sugar tablets, granules, or pellets, as well as in a liquid form which can be syringed, sprayed, or medicine dropped. Homeopathic medicines can also be used topically in the form of an ointment or liniment.
Pellets and liquids should be administered directly into a clean mouth without food, otherwise the essence of the remedy may be absorbed by the food rather than the mucous membranes. Wait until the pellets have dissolved in the mouth before eating or drinking.
Homeopathic remedies should be stored away from sunshine, strong electrical fields such as computers, refrigerators, stoves, or other appliances, and strong aromatic substances such as essential oils. It is also not advisable to store homeopathic remedies near healing crystals as the different vibrational fields may interfere with one another.
Combination Remedies
Single remedies are highly effective but not everyone is able to take the time to observe the symptoms and match them to the correct remedy. This is especially true in urgent cases or cases where the symptoms are more complex, subtle, or are difficult to observe to the untrained eye. For this reason, Marijke’s Intuitive Healing Services offers homeopathic formulations containing multiple remedies to help address common symptoms:
- Allerg-Ease – Supports the immune system and helps stabilize respiratory conditions due to inhalant allergies.
- Blood Sugar Formula – Supports normal blood sugar levels and healthy metabolism. Balances excess appetite and promotes weight loss.
- Calm-Aid – Promotes calm with tension, stress, and restlessness.
- Digestive Drops – Promotes healthy digestion in cases of diarrhea. Supports digestive processes and nutrient absorption.
- Flu-Ease – Fevers, cough, and congestion due to colds and flus.
- Infection Drops – Abscesses and infections. Use for skin, ears, and eyes.
- Injur-Ease – Sprains, strains, bruising, muscle soreness, stiffness, or trauma.
- Gastricol – Indigestion, bloating, and abdominal pain due to over-eating, eating foods out of the norm, or nervous tension.
- Neuro-Aid – Supports a healthy nervous system affected by bacterial or viral toxins.
- Vac-Aid – Use for adverse reactions to vaccines.
Homeopathy at Home
Homeopathy is an invaluable tool in the family health kit care. It provides an effective, safe, and very convenient option for many common health conditions. Millions of people from around the world have benefited from the remarkable properties of this quiet energy medicine. And it continues to enjoy increased popularity as more people as well as practitioners are choosing it as a primary health care option. Combined with good nutrition and an appropriate diet homeopathic remedies strengthen our vital force so that we can be healthier than ever!
Marijke van de Water, B.Sc. DHMS
Health & Nutrition Specialist
Homeopathic Practitioner
Medical Intuitive & Energy Healer
Healing Retreat Facilitator
Author & Educator
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Marijke is a gifted and highly respected healer and visionary with over 25 years of experience in private practice for both people and for all animals. Healing is Marijke’s calling and she has the distinct ability to see and feel beyond the physical and into other realms. She has taught hundreds of workshops and seminars and loves to facilitate intuitive and energy healing retreats in unique and sacred locations. Her life-time mission is to help make the world a healthier and happier place.