 If you are a frequent reader of Ruminating on Remedies, you’ll know that I am a fan of homeopathic combination remedies, especially for at home use: Banerji Protocols, Narayanis and over-the-counter combos, like Cold Calm.
Homeopathy chords (also spelled as homeochords or homaccords or homeocords) resemble a combination remedy but they are multi-potency preparations as opposed to multi-remedy combinations. A “standard” homeochord (sometimes also called a potency chord) would include homeopathic potencies like 12c, 30c, 200c, 1M — some may include additional higher potencies or more lower potencies. Finding the history on these chords is not so easy. I certainly didn’t find it in any of the books on my shelves and I didn’t find anything through the books on my homeopathic software or through internet searches. I had to turn to AI (I used Grok, which I have been told is more homeopathy friendly than others) which refers to Emanual Cahis (a Spanish physician) as the “key reference” “who is widely credited as the first to describe and use the idea of combining multiple potencies of the same remedy in 1913… in Berliner Homöopathische Zeitschrift (Berlin Homeopathic Journal)… (drawing on Fechner’s law for ratios like 3:6:12 in decimal/centesimal scales) to create what he called ‘accords’ or ‘syntheses.’ He noted practical benefits like faster, more intense, longer-lasting action with fewer adverse reactions.” Finding modern “official” information on homeochords is not much easier. Lisa Strbac (2024) mentions them in her Trailblazer’s Insight into Homeopathy, but other than that, not much is out there. I have included in the references below two PDFs I stumbled upon. Dr. Joe Rozencwajg (2010) is one modern homeopath who uses them and writes about them. He calls homeochords “plasma potencies” postulating “that instead of remaining individualised and separated, the different potencies would also somehow ‘morph and create’ all the intermediaries… maybe this is wishful thinking, maybe this is real, so far there is no demonstration of this…. Nevertheless, as long as the remedy was correct, I always had very good results with that system.” He says they are “especially useful in acute situations, in semiacutes and localized problems.” Dr. Rozencwajg* now uses his “plasma potencies” in a Fibonacci chord. The Fibonacci potencies are a way of using homeopathic remedies based on a natural sequence of numbers. This sequence is found throughout nature, like in the arrangement of leaves or the pattern of a sunflower’s seeds. In homeopathy, remedies are given in potencies that follow these steps (not just in a chord — these can be used individually as well), with the idea that this approach may align more naturally with the body’s own rhythms and healing processes, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of the remedy. (See here for more information on Fibonacci numbers.) Homeochords are not classical homeopathy and I am not implying that here at all, but the classical thinking behind the chords in the standard potencies is that these potencies will address the physical symptoms (through the low potencies) and the deep-seated mental/emotional symptoms (through the high potencies). The medium potencies are thrown in for good measure to bridge the physical and emotional planes. (For more thoughts on potency, see here.) I would say that like the Banerji Protocols, homeochords are aimed at the disease rather than the patient as a whole. They make more sense to me when trying to address something specific. Henninger and King (1998) surmise: “When applying homeopathic potency chords, a faster and broader response of the organism is to be expected.” From the same article, Dr. H.H. Reckeweg says: “…the leading idea is that different potencies will reach different defense systems.” Dr. Reckeweg developed what are called Homaccords, “a mixture of two or more homeopathic components in potency chords.” This is a full system of homeopathy which I have yet to dig into very far, but it’s on my to-do list. Looking at the chords from a more practical aspect, think of them as “birdshot” — the ammunition for shooting small, fast-moving targets — the pellets, or in this case the potencies, spread out in a wide pattern for the best chance of hitting the target. I have been aware of the idea of chords for a while, but only recently did I decide to give one a try. Why did I choose to try a chord? I had excellent results with a particular remedy and potency but things weren’t quite finished but that remedy and potency combination was no longer doing anything for me. I went up in potency to no avail. I went down in potency for nought. Rather than systematically taking a long time to work my way through the various potencies, I decided to let my body decide which potency it needed. (Bonus: a homeochord is (generally speaking) cheaper than buying many different potencies of the same remedy.) The benefits of using a homeochord:
Some may worry about “proving” a remedy with all these potencies, but in my never-to-be-humble opinion, I believe that if your body doesn’t need the homeopathic remedy, your body will ignore that homeopathic remedy. There are exceptions to this thought process: if one repeatedly takes a remedy which one does not need, new symptoms may arise. (See “The Original Drug Testing… Homeopathic Provings” for more info.) I believe the same thing holds true in regard potencies: The remedy and the potency needs to resonate with the person. I am sure I have tempted you with this idea and now I leave you with the challenge of finding these homeochords. A couple of the combination remedies you can buy at the grocery store are a little chord-ish… T-Relief,** for example, includes Arnica in 3x, 6x and 10x, all in the same tablet, along with other remedies. Rootling around the internet, I came upon a few online sources (most located in Australia) and only one of which I am familiar (Eugenie Kreuger). Heel/BHI and Dr. Reckeweg are the most readily available in the US that incorporate chords. There are other US based distributors and pharmacies, but I believe most of these are available only to/through professional homeopaths. So, if you’re interested, speak to your homeopath about them. Julia Coyte, CHom Classically Practical homeopath #wellnessawaits * Dr. Rozencwajg’s book is all about the Fibonacci sequence, but I have yet to read anything beyond his few pages on chords. ** I have no affiliation with this company, I just like their products. Reference list Berryman, P., n.d. Busting the myth of ‘high’ and ‘low’ potencies: how homochords can improve your potency and dosing outcomes [online]. Henninger, C. and King, G., 1998. Fundamentals of the Application of Potency Chords. Biomedical Therapy [online], XVI (No. 1), 147–150. Pierce, R., 2016. Fibonacci Sequence [online]. Mathsisfun.com. Rozencwajg, J., 2010. The potency : advanced prescribing in homeopathy : the Fibonacci potencies : a unified theory and practice of modern homeopathic posology. Haarlem? Emryss. Strbac, L., 2024. The Trailblazer’s Insight Into Homeopathy. Homeopathy Heals.
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 Why do homeopathic remedies have silly sounding names? Homeopathic remedies are always referred to by their Latin name. The world over, Apis mellifica (Honey Bee in English; abeja in Spanish; honigbiene in German; медоносная пчела in Russian, at least according to the Internet) will be known as the same thing and easily found. Finding the right potency, however, can be confusing. This article is the first in a series of background information on homeopathic medicine:
Potency, or strength (for lack of a better word) is indicated by the number following the name of the remedy on the tube of homeopathic pellets (see above photo). What you would find on the shelves in most stores in the US would most likely be 6c, 30c and occasionally 200c. You may also see some with a low number preceding an "X". These numbers indicate how many times the remedy has been diluted and succussed (shaken or banged against a solid object). This process is referred to as “potentization” and it is this process that makes the original substance “potent.” “Sorry, what?” Ok. Let’s back up a moment. Homeopathic remedies are made from virtually any substance.1 A soluble substance, one that is able to be dissolved in liquid, is made into a tincture. From this tincture that has been created, one part is taken and added to 99 parts of a mixture of alcohol and water and succussed (shaken) 100 times. This is now a 1c potency. Non-soluble substances are triturated (ground up) with lactose* (generally speaking).2 Taking one part substance and adding it to 99 parts lactose creates a 1c potency. (Once this substance has been triturated a few times, the mixture is able to be processed further through the liquid method listed above.) Thus, a 30c potency has been diluted (1:100) 30 times and succussed/shaken 100 times, 30 times over. (This 30c liquid is then sprayed on the pellets to create the remedy. When the instructions on the homeopathic vial state that 4 or 5 pellets are equal to 1 dose, they are saying that one in every 4 or 5 pellets is guaranteed to have the remedy on it.)  http://i1.wp.com/www.drjurj.ro/homeopatie/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/homeopathic-dilutions-diagram.jpg An X potency is created in the same manner but instead of 100 (c), it is diluted and succussed 10 (x) times. A dilution of 1:10 is designated as 1x. (A 6c potency is 10 times as dilute as a 6x potency. As a point of interest, 6x & 3c have a similar potentization. I know it's baffling, but don't you find it kind of fascinating?!) There are other designations used throughout the world and there are other potency scales used. For the purpose of this article, we will only be addressing X and C potencies. I include the table below for a glimpse into what else is out there in the world of homeopathic designations and for our non-US readers to be able to equate their homeopathic designations to ours.  If you’re with me so far, here’s where homeopathy can get confusing. The lower the number, the more of the original substance remains. The larger the number, the less of the original substance remains and therefore is considered more potent or more powerful. It is this counterintuitive point that is the basis for a lot of the controversy that surrounds homeopathy. After 23 dilutions in the decimal scale (X) (Robinson, 2014) or 11th or 12th centesimal potency (C) (Lockie, 1993), there are no molecules of the original substance left. "What? There is nothing of the original substance left? Nope, not to a normal microscope anyway. I told you it was going to get confusing. Chikramane et al., (2017) found nanoparticles of the starting metals in 30c and 200c remedies. Put in simpler terms… if I were to take some feces and put it through the potentization process mentioned above, would you want to drink that glass of water? That's what I thought, too. Something has to still be hanging around in there, even if a standard microscope can't see it. “Why dilute the existing substance in the first place? Why don’t you just use the original substance in its original form?” That’s a good question. Samuel Hahnemann, who founded homeopathy as we know it back in the late 1700s, learned through his experimentation that some of his patients got worse before they got better and as a result began to dilute his remedies to provide a gentler cure. He found they not only avoided the “aggravations” with these diluted remedies, but they also worked “faster and more effectively. They were, paradoxically, weaker but more potent” (Lockie 1993, p. 2). Some of the substances used to make homeopathic remedies are highly toxic and would not be safe to ingest in their original form. But, the homeopathic potentization process (when followed according to the strict methods as described in The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) results in a new substance so dilute and gentle that adverse affects are similar to those caused by placebo (Stub et al., 2016). (No, homeopathy is not simply a placebo based on sugar pills to make you think you feel better. I will post an article on this topic in the future.) Science has not yet caught up with homeopathy. Despite hundreds of years of use and clinical success, science still has no explanation for this phenomenon. They are seemingly making inroads, however, and the latest explanation lies in the water and the idea that water has a memory (Homeopathy Research Institute | HRI, 2018; Pollack Lab, n.d.). It is this memory of the substance in the water that acts curatively in the body to help the body strengthen itself. Julia Coyte, CHom classicallypractical.com #wellnessawaits 1 The Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS) defines the exact standards, tests and guidelines for each remedy. See https://www.hpus.com for more information. 2 If you are lactose intolerant and concerned about taking homeopathic remedies, contact me to see if we can address that problem, homeopathically speaking. The amount of lactose in the pellets is quite small, but, since the medicine is on the outside of the pellets, you can realistically have them in your mouth for a very short time and then spit them out and still gain the benefit as the medicine will be absorbed quite quickly. *Ollois is a relatively new homeopathic remedy manufacturer that is lactose free, available now in some grocery and natural food stores in the US. OHM Pharmacy also states their pellets are free of lactose. If you struggle with lactose intolerance, book an appointment to help relieve you of this burden or contact me for how best to take homeopathic remedies so lactose will not be an issue. Sources referenced in the writing of this article:
Chikramane, P.S., Suresh, A.K., Kane, S.G. and Bellare, J.R. (2017). Metal nanoparticle induced hormetic activation: a novel mechanism of homeopathic medicines. Homeopathy: The Journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy, [online] 106(3), pp.135–144. Creedy |, M. (2016). Potency - the power of Homeopathy. Helios Homeopathy (n.d.). helios-frontend. Homeopathy Research Institute | HRI. (2018). “New Horizons in Water Science”: Evidence for Homeopathy? Lockie, A. (1993). The family guide to homeopathy : symptoms and natural solutions. New York: Simon & Schuster. Nelsons. (2021). Homeopathic Dilution. Pollack Lab (n.d.). research. [online] pollacklab. Reichenberg-Ullman, J. and Ullman, D. (2010). Homeopathic Potency Selection Simplified (Feb/March 2010) Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients. [online] www.townsendletter.com. Robinson, K. (2014). Small doses big results : how homeopathic medicine offers hope in chronic disease. Stub, T., Musial, F., Kristoffersen, A.A., Alræk, T. and Liu, J. (2016). Adverse effects of homeopathy, what do we know? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, [online] 26, pp.146–163. |
Julia Coyte, CHomI am passionate about homeopathy and I love sharing this passion. Having a working knowledge of homeopathy shouldn't be kept a secret. If people have the ability to help themselves, their children and their friends when they have minor ailments, life just gets better for everyone. That is the purpose behind Ruminating on Remedies. Archives
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