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What is the difference between
an X and a C potency?
An X potency is diluted on a 1:9 scale -1 part remedy
to 9 parts liquid or solid. A C potency is diluted on
a scale of 1:99 -1 part remedy to 99 parts liquid or
solid. Therefore, a C potency, by being more dilute,
may be considered “stronger” homeopathically.
However, stronger is not always better. If you wanted
a 30c but can only get a 30x, the 30x would be fine
because both have been diluted 30 times. It is the correct
remedy, not the potency, that makes the difference.
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How many pills are in a
dose?
Each manufacturer determines the dose for its
remedies. This can vary from 1 pill to 10 pills. We
recommend 3 to 5 pills no matter what the pill size.
Your doctor may also tell you how many pills to take
and, in that instance, be sure you follow your doctor’s
directions.
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What works better—liquids
or pills?
They both are equally effective. Pills are dissolved
under the tongue and the remedy is absorbed via the
sublingual tissues. This allows the remedy to begin
its work faster than if it were swallowed.
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What is the difference between
herbal medicine and homeopathy?
Herbal medicine is just that - medicine made
from herbs. While Homeopathy uses herbs, it also uses
zoological and other substances.
The most significant and fundamental difference is
that homeopathic remedies are prescribed according to
the Principle of Similars, which means that the remedy
is chosen by its capacity to produce symptoms similar
to the symptoms of the person being treated.
The second major difference is in the manner of preparation
of Homeopathic remedies. The act of serial dilution
and succussion (shaking) removes toxins which may be
present in the herbal or natural form thus making them
safer to use.
Both forms of medicine act on the physiological level
but, because of the dilution and succussion process,
homeopathy goes further, when correctly prescribed,
by gently stimulating the body’s vital force into
completing the healing process.
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What is a “trituration”?
This is a remedy made in lactose (milk sugar).
It has been ground for hours using a mortar and pestle.
The powder, or triturate, can then be formed into tablets.
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Are all remedies available
in liquid (dilution)?
No. This is due to the nature of the substance
that is being made into a remedy. For example, gold
(aurum metallicum) is not soluble in water or alcohol
until it has been triturated to the 8x potency (4c).
At this potency level, it can then be converted to a
liquid and then sold at a 10x or a 4c dilution. A remedy
has to completely dissolve in liquid to be available
in dilution form.
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Why are some remedies on
prescription status when they are diluted so much?
There are a number of reasons for this.
1. Some of the low potencies would be available only
by prescription because there is still enough of the
original substance which may be toxic. This could make
the user ill if the remedy is ingested. The HPUS (Homeopathic
Pharmacopoeia of the U.S.) makes this determination.
This is regulated by The Food & Drug Administration
of the U.S. (FDA).
2. A remedy made from diseased tissue, blood, or body
fluid, would be prescription.
3. By making some remedies “prescription only”,
the governing body of the HPUS makes a conscientious
effort to show that it can be responsible in regulating
itself. If this were not so, then it is possible that
an outside agency would then determine the availability
of homeopathic remedies.
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How can I get a remedy that
is prescription?
These remedies can only be obtained by a person
who has a license to prescribe, such as an MD, DDS,
DVM. They must be licensed in the U.S.
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I wanted a remedy but was
told that I couldn’t get it because it wasn’t
in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the US (HPUS), What
does this mean?
Each remedy must undergo rigorous testing before
it is approved by the HPUS committee. Just about anything
can be prepared homeopathically, but without substantiated
documentation, there exists a liability factor which
could put the manufacturer at risk. In other words,
we don’t know exactly what the effects of the
remedy might be.
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What role does the FDA play
in homeopathy?
The FDA makes sure that manufacturers comply
with Good Manufacturing Practices. Manufacturers are
subject to FDA inspections; and, all homeopathic products
must be listed with the FDA.
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Can I take my remedies through
the airport x-ray?
Yes. I would recommend that you either take them
through on your person, or in carry on baggage. The
x-ray used on luggage may be stronger than that which
is used in carry on.
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Can someone who is lactose
intolerant or diabetic take homeopathic remedies?
I put this question to an MD who specializes
in homeopathic medicine (20 years experience). The amount
of milk sugar (lactose) and/or sucrose that would be
taken is minimal. Homeopathic remedies are not taken
every day for a long period of time. If there is still
concern in taking the remedy, it can be diluted in water
and taken that way.
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