What is Homeopathy? Explained by a Naturopathic Doctor
Homeopathy is a gentle system of natural medicine that has been used worldwide for over 200 years. In my clinical experience, homeopathic remedies can be a supportive, low-risk option for many of the common physical and emotional challenges families face (especially when used thoughtfully and with education).
Homeopathy works differently than conventional medicine, which is why it can feel confusing at first. Rather than suppressing symptoms, remedies are selected based on the specific way symptoms present and the unique state of the person experiencing them.
Homeopathic remedies are made from natural substances (including plants, minerals, and animal sources) and are prepared through a precise process of dilution and energetic activation. Examples include:
Arnica, derived from the arnica montana plant
Calcarea carbonica, prepared from oyster shell
Natrum muriaticum, sourced from sodium chloride (table salt)
While the source materials may sound familiar, the preparation process is what makes homeopathy distinct.
Understanding Dilution & Potency
Homeopathic remedies are diluted repeatedly (typically by factors of 10 or 100) with vigorous shaking between each step. Counterintuitively, greater dilution corresponds with higher energetic potency in homeopathic medicine. This means the remedy becomes more refined and targeted, rather than stronger in a pharmaceutical sense. The goal is energetic signaling, not chemical dosing.
How Homeopathic Remedies Are Labeled
Each remedy label includes two key pieces of information:
The remedy name
The potency
Remedy names may appear written out or abbreviated. For example, Calcarea carbonica may be listed as Calc Carb, Calc, or Calc C.
Potency labels include:
A number (how many times the substance was diluted)
A letter indicating the dilution scale
X or D = diluted by 10
C = diluted by 100
You may also see:
H (Hahnemannian method)
K (Korsakovian method)
For example, Calc Carb 30C means the remedy was diluted by 100, thirty times, using the Hahnemannian method.
Most home remedy kits contain commonly used potencies such as:
6X, 12X, 30X
6C, 30C, or 200C
How Homeopathic Remedies Are Chosen
Homeopathy is based on pattern recognition, not diagnosis alone.
A remedy is selected by looking at:
The quality and location of symptoms
Triggers and relieving factors
Emotional state and temperament
Overall vitality of the person
For example, two babies with colic may require entirely different remedies.
A baby who:
Has a flushed face
Arches backward
Screams intensely
May respond best to Belladonna.
Whereas a baby who:
Pulls their legs up
Has one red cheek
Is irritable, sensitive, and inconsolable
May respond better to Chamomilla.
This is why symptom specificity matters so deeply in homeopathy.
Choosing the Right Potency
Potency selection is part science, part clinical intuition.
General guidelines:
X potencies (lower dilution) = gentler, more physical support
C potencies (higher dilution) = deeper, more energetic support
Higher numbers = higher potency
Importantly, higher potency does not mean “better.” Different potencies serve different purposes.
Low Potency Remedies
Used more frequently
Often for physical or chronic symptoms
Found in many combination products
Includes up to 30X and up to 12C
Example: teething complexes such as Camilia use low C potencies.
Medium to Higher Potency Remedies
Often used for acute conditions or emotional patterns
Taken fewer times per day
Commonly kept in home remedy kits
Includes 30C, 200X, and 200C
Example: Oscillococcinum contains 200C potency
Very High Potency Remedies
Typically used by trained homeopaths
Taken infrequently (weekly or monthly)
Intended for deeper constitutional healing
Includes 1M / 1000C and above
These should be used with professional guidance.
Safety Considerations
Because homeopathic remedies are highly diluted, they are generally very safe, non-toxic, and non-interacting. However, safe use still requires discernment.
Choose Trusted Brands & Sources
Quality matters.
I recommend purchasing remedies from reputable manufacturers who follow proper preparation standards. Brands I trust include:
Boiron
Heel
UNDA
Pascoe
Whenever possible, purchase directly from the manufacturer or from trusted local suppliers.
Toxic vs Non-Toxic Source Materials
Some remedies originate from substances that would be toxic in full strength — belladonna is a classic example.
At potencies of 6C and higher, there is no risk of poisoning due to the extreme dilution. This is why proper potency selection and trusted sourcing are essential, especially for children.
How to Take Homeopathic Remedies
If prescribed by a practitioner, always follow their guidance.
For pellet remedies:
Tip pellets into the cap
Drop directly into the mouth
Allow to dissolve under the tongue
Avoid touching pellets with your hands, as the remedy is coated on the surface and may be disrupted by oils, residue, or fragrances.
Do Scents Interfere?
Strong scents can interfere with some remedies.
This includes:
Coffee
Peppermint (toothpaste, mints)
Camphor products
Synthetic fragrances
Essential oils
I typically recommend avoiding these for at least 4 hours after dosing. Some individuals may need to avoid them for the full duration of treatment.
How to Tell If a Remedy Is Working
Signs of a well-chosen remedy may include:
Symptom relief
Improved mood
Deep, restorative sleep
In children especially, a long nap after dosing is often a positive sign.
Tracking symptoms before and after dosing (rating intensity on a 1–10 scale) can be very helpful.
Improvement often begins within minutes to hours. If no response occurs after several doses, a different remedy may be needed.
Dosing Guidelines (General)
Dosing depends on symptom intensity:
Severe symptoms: every 30–60 minutes
Mild to moderate symptoms: 3–6 doses per day
Chronic patterns: individualized, often less frequent
High potencies (200C+) should not be taken repeatedly for chronic conditions without guidance, as they can trigger a temporary symptom flare known as a healing response.
Using Homeopathy Alongside Other Therapies
Yes — homeopathy can be used alongside:
Herbal medicine
Hydrotherapy
Acupuncture
Conventional fever reducers
Space remedies at least 30 minutes apart for best effect.
Special Considerations for Babies & Mothers
For infants:
Dissolve pellets in water
Administer as a liquid dose
Pellets can be a choking risk.
Stick to 6C and higher potencies for babies and children, and always source remedies from reputable manufacturers.
