Homeopathy Homeopathic Pharmacy and Potencies 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is 'succussion' in the preparation of homeopathic remedies?
- Vigorous shaking of the diluted remedy against a firm surface (Correct answer)
- Filtering the remedy through charcoal
- Exposing the remedy to sunlight
- Freezing and thawing the remedy repeatedly
Correct answer: Vigorous shaking of the diluted remedy against a firm surface
Succussion is the forceful shaking or striking of a diluted remedy against a firm surface, believed to activate the remedy's therapeutic properties.
Question 2: What does a 6X potency mean in homeopathic notation?
- Six decimal (1:10) dilution steps (Correct answer)
- Six centesimal (1:100) dilution steps
- Six thousand dilution steps
- Six parts per million concentration
Correct answer: Six decimal (1:10) dilution steps
A 6X potency means the original substance has undergone six serial dilutions at a 1:10 ratio (decimal scale).
Question 3: Which material is most commonly used as a base for homeopathic tablets and globules?
- Lactose (milk sugar) (Correct answer)
- Sucrose only
- Starch
- Cellulose
Correct answer: Lactose (milk sugar)
Lactose is the standard base material for homeopathic tablets, while sucrose globules are also widely used for medicated pellets.
Question 4: What is a 'mother tincture' (Q or Ø) in homeopathy?
- The initial undiluted extract from which potencies are made (Correct answer)
- The strongest potency available
- A combination of multiple remedies
- A remedy prepared from a constitutional type
Correct answer: The initial undiluted extract from which potencies are made
The mother tincture is the original concentrated extract of a substance before any potentization, serving as the starting material for all dilutions.
Question 5: According to homeopathic pharmacy guidelines, how should remedies be stored to maintain potency?
- Away from strong light, heat, strong odors, and electromagnetic fields (Correct answer)
- Refrigerated at all times
- In direct sunlight to energize them
- Sealed in metal containers
Correct answer: Away from strong light, heat, strong odors, and electromagnetic fields
Homeopathic remedies should be stored away from strong light, heat, strong odors (like camphor), and electromagnetic fields to preserve their potency.
Question 6: What is the Hahnemannian method of preparing centesimal potencies?
- Using a fresh vial for each dilution step (Correct answer)
- Diluting all steps in a single large vessel
- Adding the dilutant directly to the previous potency bottle
- Combining dilution and trituration in alternate steps
Correct answer: Using a fresh vial for each dilution step
In the Hahnemannian method, each potency step uses a separate fresh vial, preventing any carry-over contamination between dilution levels.
Homeopathy Homeopathic Pharmacy and Potencies 2
What is 'succussion' in the preparation of homeopathic remedies?