In homeopathy, the “C” refers to the centesimal potency scale. It indicates the level of dilution of the homeopathic remedy.
What does “C” mean?
- C stands for centum, which is the Latin word for 100. The number after the “C” indicates how many times the substance has been diluted and succussed (shaken) in a 1:100 ratio.
- 1C means the substance has been diluted once at a ratio of 1 part of the original substance to 99 parts of the diluent (usually water or alcohol) and succussed.
- 2C means the process has been repeated twice, with the original substance being diluted 1:100, and then 1:100 again.
- For example, 30C means the remedy has undergone 30 steps of dilution and succussion, each step diluting the substance by a factor of 100.
Understanding Potency:
The higher the number, the more diluted the remedy is. Higher potencies, like 200C or 1M, are typically used for chronic conditions or deeper, more long-term healing, whereas lower potencies like 6C or 30C are often used for more acute conditions.
Homeopathy relies on the principle that the more diluted a substance is, the more potent its healing effects can be, with the remedy stimulating the body’s own healing powers.
