In homeopathy, both C and CH refer to the potency scale of remedies, but they are used in different ways. Here’s the difference:
1. C (Centisimally) Potency:
- C stands for Centisimally.
- It is the most common potency used in homeopathy.
- Process: The remedy is diluted 1 part to 99 parts of a solvent (usually alcohol or water), then shaken vigorously (succussed) to potentize it.
- Example: 30C means that the remedy has been diluted and succussed 30 times in this 1:99 ratio.
- Usage: Potencies such as 6C, 12C, 30C, 200C, 1M are commonly used for treating acute conditions or as a general potency for everyday use.
2. CH (Centesimal Hahnemannian) Potency:
- CH stands for Centesimal Hahnemannian.
- The process for preparing CH potencies is similar to the C potencies, but with a slight distinction in the way they are made.
- Process: The preparation follows the same 1:99 dilution and succussion method as C potencies but with a specific technique attributed to Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy. The difference lies in the specific method of dilution and succussion, which is thought to make the remedy more dynamic.
- Example: 30CH would be a remedy that has been diluted and succussed 30 times in the 1:99 ratio, just like a 30C remedy, but prepared according to the Hahnemannian method.
Key Difference:
- Potency Process: The C and CH potencies are essentially the same in terms of dilution ratio and strength (e.g., 30C and 30CH are considered similar in potency), but CH is specifically prepared following the Hahnemannian method.
- Practical Use: In most practical homeopathic prescribing, the C and CH potencies are interchangeable and used in a similar way, with the difference being more historical or technical in nature rather than practical.
Conclusion:
- C and CH potencies both refer to remedies that have been diluted 1 part to 99 parts, but CH refers specifically to the method developed by Hahnemann, and C is more commonly used. In most cases, they are used interchangeably, especially in everyday homeopathic practice.