X, C, M, and LM: Understanding homeopathic potencies

The short answer: The number and letter on a homeopathic remedy, like 30c or 1M, show its potency. The letter is the dilution scale, and the number is how many time the remedy was diluted and succussed (shaken).

To understand homeopathic potencies, it helps to know how remedies are made. Remedies are prepared through a process called potentization and succussion.

Potentization is a series of dilutions of the original substance, which could be an animal, plant, or mineral. This process creates the potency, or strength, of the remedy. Succussion involves applying friction to the prepared substance by shaking or agitating it between each dilution.

How to Read a Remedy Label

A homeopathic remedy is labeled with the name of the substance it’s made from, usually its Latin, scientific, or taxonomic name. For example, the homeopathic remedy Bellis perennis is made from the common daisy, whose scientific name is is Bellis perennis. The homeopathic remedy Lachesis is made from Lachesis muta, the Bushmaster snake.

The label also shows a number and a letter, such as 6X, 30C, 200C, 1M, or LM3. Together, they show the potency. The letter is the dilution ratio, or scale, and the number is how many times the substance was diluted.

What the Letters Mean

X (decimal scale): a 1:10 dilution ratio. That’s 1 part of the original substance to 9 parts solvent, which is usually water, alcohol, or milk sugar.

C (centesimal scale): a 1:100 dilution ratio. That’s 1 part of the original substance to 99 parts solvent.

M: short for 1,000C. It uses the same 1:100 dilution ratio. M is the Roman numeral for 1,000, so 1M equals 1,000C and 10M equals 10,000c.

CM: short for 100,000c, also on the centesimal scale. So 1CM equals 100,000C and 5CM equals 500,000C.

LM (or Q): a 1:50,000 dilution ratio. Q comes from quinquagintamillesimal, which combines the Latin words for 50 (quinquaginta) and 1,000 (millesimal) to make the word for 50,000.

What the Numbers Mean

The number before the letter (or scale) tells you how many times the substance was diluted and succussed (or, for solid substances, ground in a process called trituration). A 30C potency has gone through 30 dilutions and succussions at a 1:100 dilution ratio.

Here’s what that looks like for a 30C. The homeopathic pharmacy mixes 1 part of the original substance with 99 parts solvent and succusses it, making a 1C. Then, the pharmacy mixes 1 part of the 1C with 99 parts solvent and succusses it, making a 2C.

This repeats until it has been done 30 times, creating a 30C.

The LM scale starts with a 3C, since any substance can dissolve at that potency. The 3C is diluted at a 1:50,000 ratio and succussed 100 times, creating an LM1. One part of the LM1 is then diluted and succussed the same way to create an LM2, and so one. Some remedies are made as high as LM99.

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More dilution means more potent

In homeopathy, the more a substance is diluted and succussed, the more potent or deeper acting it’s understood to be. A remedy on the LM scale is considered more potent than one on the C scale.

Within the C scale, a CM is more potent than an M, which is more potent than a C. A remedy on the C scale is more potent than one on the X scale.

How could more dilution mean more strength? Homeopathic remedies are understood to act energetically rather than chemically. In homeopathic philosophy, dilution and succussion draw out properties of the substance that aren’t accessible in its crude form, and each round makes them more consistent, intense, and detailed.

Consider a projector and a screen. When the projector is close to the screen, the image is small in size. As you move the projector further away from the screen, the image becomes larger and clearer.

Hahenmannian versus Korsakovian methods

You may see ‘CK’ listed on some remedies, such as 200CK. The ‘K’ stands for the Korsakovian method of manufacturing, named after Semyon Korsakov. With this method, one container is used the whole way through. Between each step, it’s emptied and the liquid still clinging to the sides becomes the 1 part substance for the next dilution, which is then added to the solvent.

The Hahnemannian method of manufacturing, named after Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, uses a new container for each dilution. Once the pharmacy makes a 1C, it takes 1 part of the 1C and adds it to a new container of solvent to make a 2C. A 30c uses 30 containers, and a 200c uses 200. 

Many homeopaths see little difference between remedies made with each method. The Korsakovian method is more efficient and economical, though some argue it’s less precise. Today, precise machines can prepare higher Hahnemannian potencies without dozens or hundreds of containers.

Want to go deeper? Read more about how homeopathic remedies are made. 

Which Potency Is Right For You? 

Now that you can read a remedy label, the next question is usually which potency to choose. In classical homeopathy, there’s no single answer. The right remedy and potency depend on the whole person, including what you’re experiencing, how long it has been going on, and your overall vitality. 

Choosing a remedy and potency is part of every consultation I offer. If you’d like support, start with a complimentary 15-minute introductory call by Zoom or phone. We’ll talk about what you’re experiencing and whether homeopathy may be a good fit.

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If you keep remedies at home for your family, my Acute Care Package offers support for up to four family members during cold and flu season. See packages.

About the author: Jill Page, CCH, CHP is a certified classical homeopath based in Lexington, Kentucky offering consultations by Zoom or in-person. To learn more, visit Hope and Healing Homeopathy.

This article is for educational and information purposes only and is not medical advice.