Since its inception, homeopathy has been based on the fundamental principle that like is only healed by like. In other words, this principle of similarity states that in order to be able to combat a pathology as effectively as possible, a substance must be able to reproduce in a healthy organism effects similar to those caused by the same pathology. However, since it is mainly a question of cure, it seems obvious that the goal cannot be to exacerbate the symptoms but to overcome them. From this point of view, the process of deconcentration therefore appears to be a logical consequence, knowing that in very high doses, the substances used to develop remedies could only have serious repercussions on the body.
Formerly carried out by the practitioners themselves, homeopathic dilution operations are now carried out in specialized laboratories, under the watchful eye of a team of professionals trained in this technique. Nevertheless, it is important to know that to be truly effective, the dilution must be carried out in a sterile environment where there is absolutely no trace of microbial germs. Without this condition, the therapeutic efficacy of the elaborated remedy would be greatly compromised, which would therefore render the drug totally ineffective. In addition, the bottles in which the mother tinctures are diluted must also be properly sterilized so that any germs are destroyed.
What are the different dilution processes used in homeopathy?
The process of deconcentration of mother tinctures was initially developed by Samuel Hahnemann himself at the end of his various experiments. But a few years later, the Russian doctor Korsakov invented a new dilution method from a single vial. Now, many laboratories around the world use these two dilution techniques when preparing various homeopathic remedies. However, it is interesting to note that Hahnemannian demergers to the hundredth tend to be much more widespread than Korsakovian dilutions. In addition, it should be noted that since 1965, only the Hahnemannian dilution process has been used by French laboratories for the manufacture of homeopathic medicines.
The Korsakov dilution process
In 1832, Dr. Simeon N. Korsakov developed a new process that consisted of reducing the concentration of mother tinctures by using only one bottle. In order to be able to proceed with the Korsakovian dilution, it is therefore necessary to pour 5 milliliters of a mother tincture into the bottle where the successive deconcentrations will be carried out. As soon as the mother tincture is poured, the bottle is shaken several times in a row until the substance is finally ready to be sucked in. It has been established that after aspiration, about 1% of the mother tincture remained on the walls of the bottle in which the operation was performed. To obtain the first Korsakovian dilution (1 K), an appropriate amount of purified water must be added and the preparation stirred once more. In order to obtain the additional dilutions, the previously described operation must be repeated until the required number of deconcentrations is finally reached. It should also be noted that thanks to this process, it is possible to reach 100,000 K, or 100,000 dilutions.
Hahnemannian decimals and centesimals
The Hahnemannian dilution process is in fact a series of deconcentrations to the tenth (DH) or the hundredth (CH), although it is important to know that dilutions to the hundredth are much more widespread than dilutions to the tenth. In order to obtain the first Hahnemannian centesimal dilution (1 CH), 1 part mother tincture must be diluted in 99 parts solvent before vigorously shaking the preparation to energize it. At the end of this first step, 1 part of the dilution obtained is taken and then mixed again with 99 parts of solvent before being dynamized, which results in the second centesimal dilution.
The same dilution and succussion operation can be repeated 30 consecutive times in order to achieve the appropriate number of deconcentrations. Hahnemannian decimal dilutions are obtained by a similar operation, except that in this case, 1 part mother tincture is mixed with 10 parts solvent. It should also be noted that dilutions between 4 CH and 5 CH are considered low dilutions, while those between 5 CH and 15 CH are considered medium dilutions. Finally, dilutions that exceed 15 CH are considered high dilutions and are only recommended in the context of certain conditions.