Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural sources: plants, minerals and substances of animal origin. The source material is processed step by step into highly diluted preparations, which are then made into pills, tablets or liquid drops.
Where the Source Material Comes From
Most homeopathic medicines start from plants, such as flowers, leaves, roots or whole herbs. Others start from minerals and metals, and a smaller group from animal-derived substances. Each source is identified and prepared following the standards of the homeopathic pharmacopoeias used in the country where the medicine is made.
How a Medicine Is Prepared
The raw material is first made into a mother tincture, or ground with milk sugar when it does not dissolve. This is then diluted in steps. After each dilution the mixture is shaken in a set way, a process called potentisation. The result is a highly diluted preparation.
What Potency Means
You will see numbers such as 30, 200 or 1M on the label. These describe the dilution level of the preparation. They are not a dose. Your physician chooses the potency, and how often to repeat it, for your case.
The Forms You May Receive
- Small sugar pills or globules, medicated with the liquid preparation.
- Tablets.
- Liquid drops, called dilutions.
- Mother tinctures, taken only when advised.
Why a Physician's Advice Matters
The choice of medicine depends on you as an individual, not only on your diagnosis. This is why remedies should be taken only on the advice of a qualified physician, not for self-medication. Always tell your physician about every other medicine you take.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are homeopathic medicines made from natural sources only?
Their source materials are natural: plants, minerals and animal-derived substances. Because they are highly diluted, the final preparation holds very little of the original substance.
What does a potency such as 200 mean?
It describes how far the preparation has been diluted. It is chosen by your physician and is not the same as a dose.
Can I buy and take them on my own?
Please do not self-medicate. Consult a qualified physician first.
To discuss what suits you, book a consultation.
This article is for general education. It is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or emergency care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.