CCH Potency Selection & Dosing 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Hahnemannian homeopathy, the C scale is based on dilution ratios of:
- 1:9
- 1:99 (Correct answer)
- 1:49999
- 1:999
Correct answer: 1:99
The centesimal (C) scale uses a 1:99 dilution ratio at each step, meaning one part substance to 99 parts diluent.
Question 2: A patient with a chronic disease shows a strong reaction after a single dose of a 30C remedy. The classical homeopath's next step should be:
- Immediately repeat the dose to maintain the reaction
- Wait and observe before repeating (Correct answer)
- Switch to a 200C to deepen the action
- Give a placebo to prevent aggravation
Correct answer: Wait and observe before repeating
In classical homeopathy, after a clear remedy response, the practitioner waits and observes — repeating prematurely can suppress or complicate the case.
Question 3: Which potency scale was Hahnemann using when he wrote Organon editions 1 through 5?
- LM/Q potencies
- Centesimal (C) scale (Correct answer)
- Decimal (X/D) scale
- Korsakovian single-vial method
Correct answer: Centesimal (C) scale
Hahnemann developed and used the centesimal (C) scale throughout the first five editions of the Organon; the LM scale appeared only in the posthumously published 6th edition.
Question 4: According to the 6th edition of the Organon, the LM potency should typically be administered:
- Dry on the tongue once weekly
- Dissolved in water with succussion before each dose (Correct answer)
- In a single drop directly from the stock bottle
- Mixed with alcohol and taken three times daily
Correct answer: Dissolved in water with succussion before each dose
Hahnemann instructed that LM potencies be dissolved in a water-filled dosing cup and succussed before each individual administration to slightly alter potency and reduce aggravation.
Question 5: The principle of the 'minimum dose' in homeopathy primarily aims to:
- Reduce the cost of treatment
- Stimulate the vital force without causing unnecessary aggravation (Correct answer)
- Ensure the remedy is chemically detectable in the body
- Prevent the patient from developing tolerance
Correct answer: Stimulate the vital force without causing unnecessary aggravation
The minimum dose principle seeks to use only the smallest quantity of medicine necessary to stimulate the vital force and initiate healing, minimizing unnecessary aggravation.
Question 6: When a patient is highly sensitive and prone to aggravations, the classical homeopath would generally choose:
- A higher potency administered more frequently
- A lower potency with careful observation (Correct answer)
- An LM50 as it bypasses sensitivity
- A mother tincture for gentler action
Correct answer: A lower potency with careful observation
Highly sensitive patients are typically started on lower potencies to gauge reaction and avoid pronounced aggravations.
Question 7: In the Korsakovian single-vial method, successive potencies are made by:
- Transferring a fixed drop volume between new vials
- Emptying the vial, refilling with diluent, and succussing (Correct answer)
- Using a mechanical dilution machine set to ratio 1:50,000
- Diluting with fresh lactose powder at each step
Correct answer: Emptying the vial, refilling with diluent, and succussing
In the Korsakovian method, the vial is emptied and the residual drop remaining in the vial is used as the starting point for the next dilution by refilling and succussing.
CCH Potency Selection & Dosing 2
In Hahnemannian homeopathy, the C scale is based on dilution ratios of: