Homeopathy Glossary Complete Guide
Introduction to Homeopathic Terminology
Understanding homeopathy requires familiarity with its unique vocabulary and concepts. This comprehensive glossary provides definitions and explanations of the key terms used in homeopathic practice, enabling patients and those interested in homeopathy to understand the language of this healing modality.
Whether you are a patient preparing for your first homeopathic consultation, a student studying homeopathy, or simply curious about this system of natural medicine, this glossary serves as a valuable reference. The terms are organized by category for easy navigation, and cross-references are provided where related terms exist.
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Fundamental Concepts
Law of Simplex (Law of the Single Remedy)
The principle that only one homeopathic remedy should be given at a time. This allows the homeopath to clearly observe the remedy’s effects and determine whether it is the correct choice for the patient. Administering multiple remedies simultaneously makes it impossible to determine which remedy is acting, which is helping, and which might be causing problems.
Law of Minimum Dose
The principle that the smallest possible dose should be used to produce healing. Homeopathic remedies are diluted to the point where they contain only the energetic imprint of the original substance, minimizing any risk of side effects while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Like Cures Like (Similia Similibus Curentur)
The fundamental principle of homeopathy, stating that a substance that can produce symptoms in a healthy person can, in homeopathic doses, treat similar symptoms in a sick person. This principle is derived from observations of how the body responds to substances and represents the foundation of homeopathic prescribing.
Totality of Symptoms
The complete symptom picture of the patient, encompassing all physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. Homeopathic treatment is based on the totality of symptoms rather than on disease diagnoses or isolated symptoms. The remedy is selected to match the patient’s complete symptom picture.
Vital Force
The innate healing intelligence of the body, which governs health and healing according to homeopathic philosophy. The vital force animates the body, regulates its functions, and initiates healing responses. Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the vital force to correct imbalances and restore health.
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Case-Taking and Analysis
Acute Case
A presentation of a sudden, short-term condition that has a definite beginning and expected end. Acute cases might arise from injury, infection, or environmental exposure. Treatment focuses on the current symptoms and aims to resolve the acute condition.
Case-Taking
The process of gathering information about a patient’s health through detailed questioning. Homeopathic case-taking is comprehensive, exploring not only the presenting complaint but also complete health history, family history, physical characteristics, emotional temperament, and characteristic patterns of response.
Chronic Case
A presentation of a long-standing condition that has developed over time and persists indefinitely without resolution. Chronic conditions often represent deep-seated constitutional imbalances and require constitutional treatment rather than simple symptom management.
Constitutional Assessment
The comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s constitutional makeup, including physical characteristics, emotional temperament, health history, and characteristic patterns. Constitutional assessment forms the basis for constitutional treatment.
Constitutional Treatment
Treatment that addresses the patient’s underlying constitutional imbalance rather than isolated symptoms. Constitutional treatment involves selecting a single remedy that matches the patient’s complete constitutional picture and using it to strengthen overall vitality.
Concomitant Symptoms
Symptoms that occur simultaneously with the main complaint but are not directly related to it. Concomitant symptoms are important in homeopathic case-taking because they help distinguish one remedy picture from another.
General Symptom
A symptom that affects the whole person rather than a specific local area. General symptoms include changes in appetite, energy level, sleep, mood, and overall well-being. General symptoms are weighted heavily in remedy selection.
Keynote Symptom
A highly characteristic symptom that points strongly to a particular remedy. Keynote symptoms are highly specific and unusual symptoms that, when present, strongly indicate a specific remedy regardless of other symptoms.
Local Symptom
A symptom that is limited to a specific organ or part of the body, as opposed to symptoms affecting the whole person. While local symptoms are important, they are less significant in remedy selection than general symptoms and the totality of the picture.
Miasmatic Assessment
Evaluation of the underlying miasmatic (inherited disease tendency) influences in a patient’s case. Miasmatic assessment helps determine the depth of the constitutional imbalance and guides treatment approach.
Modalities
Factors that modify symptoms, including what makes symptoms better or worse. Modalities are crucial in homeopathic case-taking and remedy selection. Common modalities include effects of time, temperature, food, position, and activity.
Peculiar Symptom
An unusual, strange, or characteristic symptom that is particularly valuable in remedy selection. Peculiar symptoms are those that do not commonly occur in the symptom pictures of many remedies but are strongly associated with one or a few remedies.
Presenting Complaint
The main symptom or condition that brings the patient to seek treatment. While the presenting complaint is important, homeopathic treatment addresses the whole person rather than focusing solely on this complaint.
Remedy Picture
The complete description of the symptoms and characteristics associated with a particular homeopathic remedy, as documented through provings and clinical experience. Remedy pictures are found in homeopathic materia medica.
Specific Symptom
A symptom that points to a particular organ or system without being unusual or characteristic. Specific symptoms have less weighting in remedy selection than peculiar or keynote symptoms.
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Potencies and Preparations
Centessimal (C) Potency
A potency prepared by diluting the original substance 1 part in 100 (1:100) at each step. C potencies are among the most commonly used in classical homeopathy. Common C potencies include 6C, 30C, 200C, and 1M.
Decimal (X) Potency
A potency prepared by diluting the original substance 1 part in 10 (1:10) at each step. X potencies are less commonly used than C potencies in classical practice but are used in some traditions and for certain conditions. Common X potencies include 6X, 12X, and 30X.
Dilution Factor
The ratio of dilution in preparing a potency. For example, a 30C dilution has a factor of 1:100 repeated 30 times, resulting in a dilution of 1 followed by 60 zeros.
Dynamization
The process of preparing homeopathic remedies through serial dilution and succussion. Hahnemann coined this term to describe how the medicinal power of a substance is enhanced through this process.
Higher Potency
Remedies at higher dilutions, typically above 200C. Higher potencies are used for deeper, chronic conditions and for mental and emotional symptoms. Examples include 1M, 10M, 50M, and CM.
LM Potency (Quincemillesimal)
A potency prepared by diluting 1 part in 50,000 (1:50,000) at each step. LM potencies are used for sensitive patients, for conditions requiring frequent dosing, and when gentler action is desired.
Lower Potency
Remedies at lower dilutions, typically below 30C. Lower potencies are used for acute conditions, for local symptoms, and for sensitive patients who might be overwhelmed by higher potencies.
Medium Potency
Remedies at moderate dilutions, typically between 30C and 200C. Medium potencies are commonly used for both acute and chronic conditions and represent a balance between depth and accessibility.
Mother Tincture (MT or Ø)
The original liquid preparation from which homeopathic potencies are made. The mother tincture is created by macerating the original substance (plant, mineral, or animal) in alcohol.
Potency
The dilution level of a homeopathic remedy, expressed as a number followed by a letter indicating the dilution factor (e.g., 30C, 200X, 1M). Higher numbers indicate greater dilution.
Potentization
The process of serial dilution and succussion used to prepare homeopathic remedies. Each step of dilution is followed by vigorous shaking (succussion), which Hahnemann believed activated the remedy’s healing properties.
Succussion
The vigorous shaking of a homeopathic remedy during the potentization process. Hahnemann discovered that succussion was essential to the preparation of effective homeopathic remedies.
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Miasms
Cancerinium (Carcinocin)
A nosode prepared from cancerous tissue, used in the treatment of conditions with cancerinic miasmatic influence. Cancerinium is indicated for patients with a strong family history of cancer or for chronic conditions that resemble cancer in their progression.
Fundamental Miasm
One of the primary miasmatic classifications that form the basis of disease tendency. The fundamental miasms include psora, sycosis, syphilis, and tubercular miasm. Understanding fundamental miasms helps guide constitutional treatment.
Medorrhinum
A nosode prepared from gonorrheal discharge, used in the treatment of conditions with sycotic miasmatic influence. Medorrhinum is indicated for patients with a personal or family history of gonorrhea or for conditions characterized by the characteristic sycotic symptoms.
Miasm
An inherited disease tendency that predisposes individuals to certain categories of illness. Miasms are considered fundamental blocks to cure that are passed through generations. Understanding miasms helps homeopaths select remedies that address deep-seated constitutional imbalances.
Psora
The fundamental miasm associated with itch and the underlying cause of many chronic conditions. Psora is considered the “mother of all disease” in homeopathic philosophy, representing the original disease tendency from which other miasms derived.
Psorinum
A nosode prepared from the fluid of scabies vesicles, used in the treatment of conditions with strong psoric miasmatic influence. Psorinum is indicated for patients who fail to respond to other well-indicated remedies, especially when symptoms suggest deep psoric involvement.
Sycosis
The miasm associated with gonorrhea and characterized by conditions that are moist, proliferative, and slow-growing. Sycotic conditions include warts, polyps, cysts, and certain types of arthritis.
Syphilinum (Lueticum)
A nosode prepared from syphilitic discharge, used in the treatment of conditions with syphilitic miasmatic influence. Syphilinum is indicated for destructive, progressive conditions with characteristic syphilitic symptoms.
Tubercular Miasm
The miasm associated with tuberculosis and characterized by conditions that are variable, changing, and affect the respiratory system. Tubercular conditions include many cases of respiratory disease, skin conditions, and some types of arthritis.
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Types of Remedies
Constitutional Remedy
The single remedy selected to address the patient’s complete constitutional picture. The constitutional remedy is chosen based on the totality of symptoms and is used to strengthen overall vitality and address underlying susceptibility.
Isopathy
A system of medicine similar to homeopathy but using remedies prepared from the actual disease product affecting the patient. For example, a remedy prepared from the specific pollen causing a patient’s allergies. Isopathy is related to but distinct from homeopathy.
Mother Remedy
The original substance from which a homeopathic remedy is prepared. Also refers to the first potency made from a substance before further dilution.
Nosode
A homeopathic remedy prepared from disease products or pathological secretions. Nosodes include remedies like Influenzinum (influenza), Medorrhinum (gonorrhea), and Psorinum (scabies). Nosodes are used both for treatment and, in some cases, for prevention.
Polycrest
A remedy with a broad range of action that covers many symptoms and conditions. Polycrests are versatile remedies that correspond to large numbers of symptoms and are often used in constitutional treatment.
Remedy
A homeopathic medicine prepared through the process of potentization. Remedies are designated by the Latin name of the substance from which they are prepared.
Sarcodes
Homeopathic remedies prepared from healthy tissue or secretions of the body. Examples include Thyroidinum (thyroid gland) and Adrenalinum (adrenal secretions). Sarcodes are used when the patient’s symptoms correspond to the organ or system from which the remedy was prepared.
Tissue Remedy
A category of mineral remedies that are considered important building blocks for body tissues. Tissue remedies include Calcarea phosphorica, Ferrum phosphoric Kali phosphoricum, Magnesia phosphorica, and Natrum phosphoricum. These remedies are used when tissue-building or tissue-repair is needed.
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Remedy Administration
Aggravation
A temporary intensification of symptoms that sometimes occurs after taking a homeopathic remedy. Aggravation is typically mild and short-lived, considered a positive sign that the remedy is acting deeply. Symptoms usually improve following the aggravation.
Antidote
A substance or factor that diminishes or cancels the effect of a homeopathic remedy. Common antidotes include strong aromatic substances (camphor, menthol, eucalyptus), coffee in large quantities, and strong essential oils.
Dose
The amount of a homeopathic remedy taken at one time. Doses might consist of a specific number of pellets or drops, as directed by the homeopath.
Initial Aggravation
See “Aggravation”
Plussed Remedy
A remedy that has been additionally succussed before administration. Plussing (adding succussion) is sometimes done to increase the potency slightly before taking the remedy.
Repetition
The act of taking additional doses of a remedy. The frequency of repetition depends on the case, the potency used, and the patient’s response.
Single Dose
The administration of a single dose of a homeopathic remedy followed by a period of waiting to observe the response. Single-dose prescribing is a classical approach that allows clear assessment of the remedy’s action.
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Clinical Terms
Acute Prescribing
Prescribing based on the presenting symptoms of an acute condition, without full constitutional assessment. Acute prescribing is used for self-limiting conditions like colds, injuries, or acute pain.
Classical Homeopathy
An approach to homeopathy that strictly follows the principles established by Hahnemann, including single-remedy prescribing, use of high potencies, and waiting for the full action of a remedy before repeating or changing.
Clinical Homeopathy
An approach that uses homeopathic remedies based on clinical indications (the symptoms for which the remedy is known to be effective) rather than strict constitutional matching. Clinical homeopathy might use multiple remedies or lower potencies.
Curing
The process by which health is restored and the underlying disease tendency is eliminated. Curing in homeopathy means not just symptom relief but fundamental improvement in constitutional vitality.
Disease Suppression
The relief of symptoms without resolution of the underlying disease tendency. Suppression might provide temporary relief but often leads to the appearance of deeper or different symptoms later (suppression of skin eruptions leading to asthma, for example).
First Prescription
The first constitutional remedy given to a patient, selected based on the initial case analysis.
Follow-Up Consultation
A subsequent consultation after the initial prescription to assess the patient’s response and guide further treatment.
Individualization
The process of selecting a remedy based on the patient’s unique symptom picture rather than on disease diagnoses. Individualization is a core principle of homeopathic practice.
Palliation
Temporary relief of symptoms without resolution of the underlying condition. Palliation is not the goal of homeopathic treatment, which aims for cure.
Prescribing
The process of selecting and recommending homeopathic remedies for a patient. Prescribing follows case analysis and is based on the totality of symptoms.
Reaction
The patient’s response to a homeopathic remedy. Reactions might include improvement, aggravation, or no perceptible change.
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Proving and Materia Medica
Clinical Indication
A symptom or condition for which a remedy is known to be effective based on clinical experience, not necessarily from formal provings.
Materia Medica
A collection of descriptions of the symptoms and characteristics produced by each homeopathic remedy. Materia medica documents the remedy pictures that guide remedy selection.
Proving
A systematic test in which healthy volunteers take a homeopathic substance and record all symptoms they experience. Provings document the symptom-producing properties of remedies and form the basis of materia medica.
Source Material
The original substance from which a homeopathic remedy is prepared. Source materials include plants, minerals, animals, and disease products.
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Homeopathic Organizations and Education
Academy
An educational institution that provides training in homeopathy. Academies might offer diploma programs, continuing education, or professional development.
Certification
A credential indicating that an individual has met specified standards in homeopathic knowledge and practice. Certification might be offered by professional organizations or educational institutions.
Classical Prescribing
See “Classical Homeopathy”
Professional Organization
An organization that represents and supports homeopathic practitioners. Professional organizations might offer certification, continuing education, networking opportunities, and advocacy.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Homeopathic Terms
Q: What is the difference between acute and constitutional treatment?
Acute treatment addresses immediate, time-limited conditions using remedies selected based on the presenting symptoms. Constitutional treatment addresses the underlying constitutional imbalance using a single remedy selected based on the patient’s complete symptom picture. Constitutional treatment is used for chronic, deep-seated conditions.
Q: Why is only one remedy given at a time?
The law of simplex (single remedy) allows the homeopath to clearly observe the remedy’s effects and determine whether it is the correct choice. When multiple remedies are given simultaneously, it is impossible to determine which is acting, which is helping, and which might be causing problems.
Q: What do the potency numbers mean?
The potency number indicates how many times the substance has been diluted and succussed. For C potencies, each number represents a 1:100 dilution. For X potencies, each number represents a 1:10 dilution. Higher numbers mean greater dilution.
Q: What are miasms?
Miasms are inherited disease tendencies that predispose individuals to certain categories of illness. The primary miasms are psora, sycosis, syphilis, and tubercular. Understanding miasms helps homeopaths select remedies that address deep-seated constitutional imbalances.
Q: What is a keynote symptom?
A keynote symptom is a highly characteristic symptom that points strongly to a particular remedy. Keynote symptoms are unusual, specific symptoms that, when present, strongly indicate a specific remedy regardless of other symptoms.
Q: What is an aggravation?
An aggravation is a temporary intensification of symptoms that sometimes occurs after taking a homeopathic remedy. Aggravation is typically mild and short-lived and is considered a positive sign that the remedy is acting deeply.
Q: What is the difference between a nosode and a regular remedy?
Nosodes are remedies prepared from disease products or pathological secretions, while regular remedies are prepared from plants, minerals, or animal substances. Both are potentized homeopathic preparations, but nosodes have a unique place in treatment of conditions with strong miasmatic influence.
Q: What is constitutional treatment?
Constitutional treatment is an approach that addresses the patient’s underlying constitutional imbalance rather than isolated symptoms. It involves selecting a single remedy that matches the patient’s complete constitutional picture and using it to strengthen overall vitality and address underlying susceptibility.
Q: What is a polycrest?
A polycrest is a remedy with a broad range of action that covers many symptoms and conditions. Polycrests are versatile remedies that correspond to large numbers of symptoms and are often used in constitutional treatment.
Q: What is the vital force?
The vital force is the innate healing intelligence of the body, which governs health and healing according to homeopathic philosophy. The vital force animates the body, regulates its functions, and initiates healing responses. Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the vital force.
Q: What is a proving?
A proving is a systematic test in which healthy volunteers take a homeopathic substance and record all symptoms they experience. Provings document the symptom-producing properties of remedies and form the basis of the materia medica.
Q: What is the difference between C and X potencies?
C potencies (centessimal) are diluted 1:100 at each step, while X potencies (decimal) are diluted 1:10 at each step. C potencies are more commonly used in classical homeopathy.
Q: What are tissue remedies?
Tissue remedies are a category of mineral remedies considered important building blocks for body tissues. They include Calcarea phosphorica, Ferrum phosphoric Kali phosphoricum, Magnesia phosphorica, and Natrum phosphoricum.
Q: What is individualization?
Individualization is the process of selecting a remedy based on the patient’s unique symptom picture rather than on disease diagnoses. This is a core principle of homeopathic practice.
Q: What is a concomitant symptom?
A concomitant symptom is a symptom that occurs simultaneously with the main complaint but is not directly related to it. Concomitant symptoms are important in homeopathic case-taking because they help distinguish one remedy picture from another.
Q: What is dynamization?
Dynamization is the process of preparing homeopathic remedies through serial dilution and succussion. Hahnemann coined this term to describe how the medicinal power of a substance is enhanced through this process.
Q: What is the difference between isopathy and homeopathy?
Isopathy uses remedies prepared from the actual disease product affecting the patient (e.g., a remedy from the specific pollen causing allergies). Homeopathy uses remedies prepared from substances that would produce similar symptoms in a healthy person. Isopathy is related to but distinct from homeopathy.
Q: What is a sarcodes?
A sarcodes is a homeopathic remedy prepared from healthy tissue or secretions of the body. Examples include Thyroidinum (thyroid gland) and Adrenalinum (adrenal secretions).
Q: What is the law of minimum dose?
The law of minimum dose states that the smallest possible dose should be used to produce healing. Homeopathic remedies are diluted to the point where they contain only the energetic imprint of the original substance, minimizing any risk of side effects while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
Q: What is a modalitity?
A modality is a factor that modifies symptoms, including what makes symptoms better or worse. Modalities are crucial in homeopathic case-taking and remedy selection. Common modalities include effects of time, temperature, food, position, and activity.
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Conclusion
This glossary provides a comprehensive reference for understanding homeopathic terminology. Whether you are a patient seeking to understand your treatment, a student studying homeopathy, or simply curious about this healing modality, familiarity with these terms enables deeper understanding of homeopathic philosophy and practice.
At Healers Clinic, our homeopaths are happy to explain any terms or concepts you encounter during your treatment journey. Understanding homeopathy enhances the therapeutic relationship and supports optimal treatment outcomes.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Homeopathy is a complementary healing modality and should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment in serious or life-threatening conditions.
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Related Services
- Constitutional Treatment Service
- Clinical Homeopathy Services
- Homeopathy Treatment Program
- Book Your Consultation
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This guide was published by Healers Clinic Dubai and represents our commitment to patient education about homeopathic healthcare options available in the UAE.