A Closer Look: How Homeopathic Remedies Are Made
Homeopathic medicines, known as remedies, are FDA-approved ultra-diluted natural substances that work in the deep recesses of the body to stimulate self-healing. Remedies are processed following a specific method unique to homeopathy and are completely safe, fast-acting, non-addictive, non-toxic and produce NO side-effects. Who could ask for a better method of healing?!
1. MOTHER TINCTURE
All remedies begin with a single substance, which gives the remedy it's characteristic medicinal uses. More than two-thirds of homeopathic remedies are derived from plants. The remaining remedies are made from minerals, salts, insects, animals and even diseases themselves. In the case of botanically-based remedies, the remedy-making process begins when the substance is placed in a tincture form. Known in homeopathic circles as a mother tincture, this solution is comprised of the botanical substance, alcohol and water made according to standards set by the HPUS (Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States). The process follows the same methodology used in herbalism: the portion of the plant to be used is macerated and soaked in the alcohol/water solution for a specific length of time. When the process is complete, the mixture is strained leaving behind a liquid tincture comprised of the chemical properties of the original plant. 1A. TRITURATION
For remedies that are not botanically-based, the substance material is most often insoluble (that is, unable to dissolve into water) and thus must be prepared differently and will vary depending on the substance. In most cases these substances undergo a process called trituration, where they are pounded using a mortar and pestle with either lactose or sucrose for several hours. 2. POTENTIATION & SUCCUSSION Once the mother tincture or trituration is complete, it undergoes a process of potentiation (making it more effective; powerful). One (1) part of the prepared substance is placed in a glass vial with nine (9) parts (in the case of an X potency) or 99 parts (in the case of a C potency) water or ethanol. If water is used, it is double-distilled or pharmaceutical-grade water. The vial is sealed and the substance undergoes a process of vigorous shaking, called succussion. This shaking appears on the surface a bit silly, but it is essential to make an effective remedy. Science has yet to supply a concrete reason why this is, but if you are nerdy with some extra time on your hands there was a study done in 2004 that may shed some light on the issue. After a remedy is succussed, it undergoes another potentiation. One part of the first vial is placed into a second vial of 9 (for a X potency) or 99 parts (for a C potency) water or ethanol. Then that vial is succussed. This process goes on until the desired potency is reached. For more information, click this graphic: The more potent a remedy, the more powerful. For more information on potencies, click this graphic:
3. FINAL PRODUCT
Whatever the potency, one drop of the final solution is placed on a sucrose or lactose pellet for ease of use and preservation. As you can see, the process of manufacturing homeopathic remedies can be tedious and time-consuming. Even with modern-day technology a remedy can take up to 12 weeks to manufacture. Just imagine how much more difficult it was in Hahnemann's day! 4. U.S. REMEDY REGULATIONS
In 1938 Congress declared that homeopathic remedies be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same manner as nonprescription, over the counter (OTC) drugs. However, unlike OTC drugs, remedies are not subject to any clinical trials or testing by the FDA for safety and effectiveness. In 1988, the FDA required that all homeopathic medicines list on the label the medical problems they're designed to treat, the ingredients, amount of dilution, and instructions for safe use. All of these guidelines can be found in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, which is written by a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization of industry representatives and homeopathic experts. And with that you have the complete cycle of production for a homeopathic remedy! We hope you've gleaned some valuable awareness of the foundation of homeopathy and it's root in natural medicine. Homeopathy is safe to use for your family's health needs and can provide complete, energetic healing even in the most complex cases. For more information or to schedule a free homeopathic counseling session, please contact us! |
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