Q-POTENCIES

The preparation of these 50,000th remedies (quinquagintamillesimal-potencies) is based upon the experiences Hahnemann made later in his life. They are defined in the Organon (6th edition) under § 270. It is essential to use microglobules (1,600 globules per gram) – Hahnemann called them sugar globules the size of poppy seeds – and the method of C3- fresh plant trituration.

Preparation
First of all, a C3-trituration is prepared – each step takes 1 hour - which is then dissolved in a ratio of 1:100 for the preparation of a Q1. Then it is shaken vigorously 100 times (not 10 times as in the case of D- and C-potencies) and the microglobules are medicated with the solution (ethanol 90%) in a ratio of 1:500.

The excess liquid is removed and the globules are air-dried. By diluting the remedy twice you end up with a ratio of 1:50,000

The preparation of a Q2 is similar:
1 globule is dissolved in 1 drop of water,

diluted in ethanol 90% in a ratio of 1:100 and shaken vigorously 100 times.

Then microglobules are medicated with the solution in a ratio of 1:500 and dried.

For the use of a Q-potency one globule (it is very small, which sometimes leads to problems) is dissolved in a 10ml vial filled with a mixture of water and ethanol. After dissolving the globule, about one third of the liquid is poured off. Before each administration the vial is shaken ten times. Ethanol is used for preservation reasons. Moreover, it passes through the dripping device more easily.

According to a gradual increase in the potentization the next Q-potency is used after about ten administrations. The original solution has already been treated with 100 vigorous strokes.

When taking this remedy it has to be observed that the globules as such are NEVER administered, only the alcoholic solution prepared from the globules. If Q-globules are prescribed, they shall only be used for the preparation of the medicinal solution by the patient himself.

Note
It is often claimed in expert literature that Q and LM-potencies are identical, which is absolutely wrong for several reasons:

1. For the preparation of an LM-potency according to the Homoeopathic Pharmacopoea 2006 HV 17 no fresh-plant trituration is used, but an alcoholic extract in the form of a mother tincture, which is the most important difference.

2. The trituration of liquid substances in the case of the C3-trit does not follow the principles of Hahnemann. There is no real trituration, the substances are simply mixed and dried.

 Recommendation for patients’ use