Using and moving through potencies:

Generally in homeopathy, there is no need to increase the potency while you are continuing to improve. Even if the improvements are subtle, remain on the current potency of a remedy for as long as it continues to help. If you previously experienced improvement with a remedy, but progress has now plateaued despite taking the prescribed doses, it may be time to move to the next potency if your homeopath has advised that it is appropriate to do so. When moving up in potency, always follow the dosing instructions for the new potency carefully, as higher potencies are often prescribed less frequently than lower potencies.

When to move up in potency:

  1. You are no longer responding to a remedy that was previously helping OR you have been taking a remedy for the time-frame prescribed but you have not seen the improvement expected.

  2. Your homeopath has instructed you that it’s okay to do so.

  3. You have checked the updated instructions for the higher potency remedy.

Do not increase the potency if:

  1. You are still steadily improving.

  2. New symptoms have appeared that were not part of your original complaint after taking doses of the remedy.

  3. You experience a mild aggravation after taking the remedy – even if it is followed by further improvement. Wait until your response to the remedy has clearly ceased before considering a higher potency.

Further instructions for Sensitive Patients

If you are a patient who is sensitive to remedies or pharmaceuticals, you may wish to follow the below instructions before beginning your remedy, or when increasing the potency of a remedy:

  1. Olfactory dose: If using a liquid remedy, activate the remedy as instructed (this is not necessary for pillules), then remove the lid and gently smell the remedy once or twice. Wait 2–3 days before taking the next dose.

  2. Water dose: If there was no response at the olfactory dose, the next dose can be taken as a water dose by dissolving the dose into ¼ cup of water, stirring thoroughly then taking one teaspoon only. If you experience no sensitivity to the remedy when taken like this, you may continue taking future doses as usually prescribed.  If you noticed any aggravation, continue with water dosing until there are no aggravations.