Why Aqueous Dilution In Homeopathy?

This question seems like a simple one but as with most of Homeopathy, the full explanation is usually more complex involving an understanding of the theories and principles of Homeopathy as outlined by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the texts of The Organon and The Chronic Diseases. (Aqueous Dilution is also called the Medicinal Solution or Liquid Dose). However, since I mentioned it in an earlier article - and it contradicts the instructions given on those little blue vials most lay people purchase in health food stores - I want to at least provide an outline of the reasons I recommend this approach to dosing.

I believe that one of the best explanations is found in David Little’s article called “The Medicinal Solution” which is Chapter Two of his series of articles entitled “Hahnemann’s Advanced Methods”.

In brief, five reasons for using an aqueous dilution instead of a dry dose are as follows:

(1) Giving a single, dry dose (the pellet) is small, weak and of short duration when compared to dosing as needed (more often) with an aqueous dilution in order to speed cure;
(2) The aqueous dilution dose touches more nerve endings for better, broader effect than does a dry dose (Aphorism 272, The Organon);
(3) Due to diversity of individuals and their sensitivities, the aqueous dilution provides a more flexible dosing method;
(4) Repeating a dry dose before its action is complete means that the dose is unadjusted in potency and is, therefore, more likely to cause complications than an aqueous dilution dose (Aphorism 247, The Organon); and
(5) The dry dose method was the original one expounded upon through the 4th edition of The Organon, but Hahnemann continued to improve upon posology so that the 5th and 6th editions of the Organon provided the aqueous dilution method as a better choice.

Understanding the reasons for the above brief statements is a matter of further study for the individual who is serious about learning ‘why’. Feel free to contact me if you would like more information.



This isn’t to say that I never use a dry dose of a remedy. Sometimes in an emergency or acute situation, I may not have an aqueous dilution already prepared or perhaps I don’t have the materials available to quickly prepare the aqueous dilution; in these situations, I will give a single dry dose and then prepare the aqueous dilution so that if a second dose is needed, I am ready.

Yes, remedies in low potencies are sold over-the-counter with instructions to take multiple pellets (dry doses) repeatedly, however, the use of these remedies by lay people is usually for a First Aid or Acute situation in which the remedy is only given a couple times (plus, it would be difficult for them to provide details on how to prepare an aqueous dilution with the amount of space on those little vials!). The container also states, however, not to use the remedy for more than three days or that if the condition worsens to see a doctor. Unfortunately, lay people without education in Homeopathy have no way of determining whether the remedy they selected is incorrect (not working) or whether the remedy has caused worsening (homeopathic aggravation, usually of short duration while continuing to take the remedy, especially possible with dry dosing). This is one reason why individuals ought to at the very least buy an ‘introduction to Homeopathy’ type book .

And this view, of course, can lead us into the scenario whereby someone who is viewed as a health care professional advises the client to give their animal repeated dry doses. What is the concerned individual supposed to do? I would suggest asking questions to ascertain the level of education the professional has in Homeopathy (have they studied the 6th Organon which specifically advises use of the medicinal solution), get a second opinion, and/or the caregiver can take steps to educate themselves further in Homeopathy. While many qualified Homeopaths take different approaches to selecting remedies as well as posology, and perhaps their approach usually works for their clients so I cannot say that someone else’s approach is incorrect, the dry dose method is not my own preferred choice and is not what I was taught at the British Institute of Homeopathy.

Education in Homeopathy is a life-long study; people can obtain limited education so that they are adept at helping themselves, their loved ones (including animals!) or others such as clients in First Aid or Acute illness, but that limited education doesn’t necessarily qualify them for providing long-term Homeopathic care or advice and/or supporting an animal through Chronic Disease. This is not a negative reflection upon the individual offering help but rather the simple view that all people (professionals included) need to recognize and acknowledge their own limitations as well as areas of expertise.

So, returning to the specific topic, my preference in dosing Homeopathic remedies is to use an aqueous dilution. And I’m happy to help people I work with learn this method of dosing if they choose to do so. I feel that due to the preceding reasons given it is not only the best approach but it is also clearly the solution and method that Hahnemann (who is the originator and developer of Homeopathy as it’s been known for over 150 years) arrived at in the 6th Organon as “the most nearly perfect of all” to achieve his ultimate goal:

“The highest ideal of cure is the rapid, gentle and permanent restoration of health; that is, the lifting and annihilation of the disease in its entire extent in the shortest, most reliable, and least disadvantageous way, according to clearly realizable [in-seeable] principles.”