Episode 135: What is in a Homeopathic Remedy with Mary Greensmith

What is actually inside a homeopathic remedy, and how is it made? In this solo episode of the Homeopathy247 Podcast, Mary Greensmith answers a listener's question about the ingredients in homeopathic remedies and explains her understanding of dilution, potency, succussion and the pellets commonly used to carry a remedy. How Does a Homeopathic Remedy Begin? Mary starts with the original substance, which may come from a plant, mineral or another source. She explains that the starting material may first be prepared as a solution before going through the repeated dilution process used in homeopathic pharmacy. What Does 30C Mean? Mary explains the centesimal, or C, potency scale. In a simplified example, one part of a preparation is diluted with 99 parts of liquid to make 1C. Part of that preparation is then diluted again to create 2C, and the process continues until the required potency is reached. At around 12C, a dilution has passed the point where molecules of the original substance would generally be expected to remain. What Is Succussion? Dilution is only one part of traditional homeopathic preparation. Mary also discusses succussion, the repeated shaking or striking of the solution between dilution stages. Homeopathy proposes that this process changes the preparation in some meaningful way. However, proposed mechanisms involving "water memory," energetic information or similar effects have not been scientifically established. What's on the Pellets? Many homeopathic remedies are supplied on small pellets or tablets made from substances such as sucrose or lactose. Mary explains that the prepared liquid is added to these pellets, which act as a carrier. For highly diluted remedies, the measurable physical ingredients may therefore largely consist of the carrier itself rather than detectable amounts of the original starting material. Why Can Labels Be Confusing? The listener's original question asks why the ingredients of homeopathic products are not always easy to understand. Mary explains that homeopathic terminology describes the original source and the potency used to prepare the product, while the physical tablet or pellet may mainly consist of its carrier ingredients. The Bigger Question: How Does Homeopathy Work? The episode finishes by exploring the much bigger question of how an ultra-high dilution could have a specific biological effect. Mary discusses traditional homeopathic explanations involving energetic information and water. These proposed mechanisms remain scientifically unconfirmed, and high-quality evidence has not established homeopathy as an effective treatment for medical conditions beyond placebo. Key Takeaways Homeopathic remedies begin with a named starting substance. C potencies are created through repeated 1:100 dilution steps. Succussion is traditionally performed between dilution stages. Around 12C, molecules of the original substance would generally no longer be expected to remain. Pellets are commonly made from carriers such as sucrose or lactose. The original remedy name does not necessarily mean measurable amounts of that substance remain in a high dilution. "Water memory" and energetic mechanisms remain unproven explanations. Homeopathy should not replace appropriate medical care. Links to further explanations of potency and manufacture of homeopathy Remedy Preparating: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITzmHyPb9TQ&t=102s Avogadro Information: https://jcheminf.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1758-2946-4-17 Subscribe to our YouTube channel and be updated with our latest episodes. You can also subscribe to our podcast channels available on your favourite podcast listening app below: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/homeopathy247-podcast/id1628767810 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/39rjXAReQ33hGceW1E50dk Follow us on our social media accounts: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/homeopathy247 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homeopathy247 You can also visit our website at https://homeopathy247.com/