HOMEOPATHIC POTENCY - how to choose the strength of the homeopathic remedy

The 6 potency is the lowest strength generally available and works very gently. It can be repeated frequently and you might expect several doses before an improvement is seen so careful thought should be given to its choice. It is usually taken three times a day for several days for acute ailments or for several weeks in chronic ailments. For urgent conditions increase the frequency to every 15 minutes for a few hours. but it's better to use a higher potency if you have it.

Advantages- it works at a gentle pace and there is virtually no chance of aggravation. Best for conditions that normally improve slowly (e.g. Sprains, splinters).
Disadvantages - it might be a while before you see the improvement, thereby knowing whether you have chosen the right remedy or not.

The 30 potency is the most common strength for acute ailments and probably the best to stock up on. It does not need repeating so often as the 6 strength and you will normally see an obvious improvement after the first dose or two. Often one dose is enough, only repeat if the same symptoms persist. If no improvement is seen after two doses of 30c it is probably the wrong remedy and should be changed. Best for most contagious and acute conditions.

Advantages- improvement is seen quickly, usually within an hour or even minutes, so you can tell if it's the right remedy.
Disadvantages - mild chance of an aggravation if given too frequently for conditions that improve slowly. (e.g. splinters, sprains)

The 200 potency and higher potencies are too strong for general use but are nonetheless recommended in some of the ailments under the ailments section. The 200 is indicated when the intensity of the symptoms is very high in acute conditions and when you know you have the right remedy. However the 200 is usually reserved for prescriptions in chronic ailments, where it has a long lasting and deep effect.

Therefore you would rarely give a 200 potency as a self prescribed first remedy in contagious or acute conditions unless clear indications for that precise remedy were there and the circumstances were very urgent (e.g. the patient had been involved in a serious accident) . Sometimes it may be needed following the successful use of a 30 potency where the same remedy was still indicated but the 30 potency no longer had an effect. Except in emergencies the 200 should not be repeated

Advantages - very rapid improvement in urgent and emergency cases
Disadvantages - higher chance of aggravation for conditions that improve slowly (e.g. splinters, sprains)