Common Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are prepared according to the standards of the United States Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia. All remedies are derived from naturally occurring plant, mineral, or chemical substances. Some of the most useful homeopathic remedies and their common indications are described in the table, "Common Homeopathic Remedies" below.

Homeopathic remedies come in different potencies. Of all of the issues in homeopathy, Dr. Hahnemann's concept of potency is probably the one that has evoked the most questions, because it seems somewhat paradoxical at first. In his experiments, Hahnemann noted that symptoms continued to improve with ever-increasing dilution of a substance. In other words, as the concentration of the medicinal substance is reduced by dilution, the remedy becomes increasingly potent. As yet, there is no satisfactory scientific explanation for this phenomenon. However, the astounding effectiveness of homeopathic treatment has been empirically documented around the world.

Commonly available homeopathic remedies come in several forms: the mother tincture, x potencies, and c potencies. Homeopathic tablets are made by mixing diluted remedies with lactose (milk sugar) to make solid pellets. There are also homeopathic creams, ointments, and salves, made by mixing diluted remedies with a cream or gel base.

Mother Tincture
The mother tincture is an alcohol-based extract of a specific substance, as it comes from the original plant, animal, or mineral. Mother tinctures are generally used topically or in a fashion similar to herbal tinctures.

X Potencies
In homeopathic remedies, the x (derived from the Roman numeral decimal system) represents 10. It indicates that the mother tincture has been diluted to one part in ten. The number preceding the x indicates how many times the remedy has been diluted. Thus, a 6x potency represents six such dilutions, beginning with the mother tincture. Remember that the more diluted a homeopathic remedy is, the more potent it is. So a 6x potency remedy, which has been diluted six times, is more potent than a 3x potency compound, which has been diluted only three times.

C Potencies
The c, also derived from the Roman numeral decimal system, represents 100. A c potency indicates that a mother tincture has undergone dilutions to one part in 100; the number preceding the c indicates how many dilutions it has undergone. Thus, a 3c potency indicates that the substance has been diluted to one part in 103 three times. As with x potencies, the higher the number, the stronger the remedy.

In home treatment, it is usually sufficient to use the lower potencies, such as 12x, 30x, 6c, and 9c. Many homeopaths agree that once you have identified the correct remedy, it will work regardless of potency.

If you are lucky, you may live in an area where you have access to a homeopathic pharmacy that specializes in homeopathic remedies. If not, check with your local health food store. Major health food stores across the United States usually carry a comprehensive selection of homeopathic remedies. If you don't find what you're looking for, many health food shops will special-order for you. A list of recommended suppliers of homeopathic remedies is also provided in the Appendix.

Proper storage and handling of homeopathic remedies is extremely important. They are sensitive and a certain amount of care must be taken in order not to diminish their potency or interfere with their action. Keep remedies out of sunlight and extreme heat, and away from strong smells. Avoid touching homeopathic remedies with your hands, and do not put any pellets that fall out of the bottle back in. Also, never touch the inner rim or the inside of a remedy bottle or lid.