An acute condition generally begins quickly with marked intensity and usually subsides after a short period of time (although some acute conditions can be very serious and must be referred to a medical practitioner). Acute conditions may include minor accidents, shock, insect bites, or illnesses such as cold and flu, earache, food poisoning, travel sickness, etc.

Anything that worsens the person’s condition (< is worse for). A homeopathic aggravation is an intensifying of pre-existing symptoms, which is usually short-lived, sometimes seen soon after taking a homeopathic medicine. An aggravation can occur after taking a homeopathic remedy which is very similar to the person’s condition. An aggravation can be mistaken for a worsening of the person’s actual condition; however, it is often a sign that the body is responding to treatment.

Agrohomeopathy is a specialised area of homoeopathic practice used in agriculture to treat gardens or farmland. It is also used in Biodynamic farming practices.

The term allopathy was coined by Hahnemann. Allopathy is an orthodox system of medicine that uses therapeutics which are antagonistic or oppose the presenting condition (Contraria contrariis curentur). Allopathy aims to kill harmful organisms or to use drugs to oppose local symptoms.

An amelioration is something that makes the person feel better; an improvement of symptoms (> is better for)

Near to or at the front of the body

An antidote may be given to neutralize the effects of a homeopathic remedy. This may include another homeopathic remedy or a substance such as peppermint or coffee.

A concise statement of a principle or truth. The Organon written by Hahnemann, consists of aphorisms. 

The Arndt-Schulz Law relates to the hormesis dose response curve. The law states that for every substance, small doses stimulate, moderate doses inhibit and large doses kill. i.e. highly diluted substances such as homeopathic remedies act to enhance the life force, while strong concentrations such as drugs may poison and even terminate the life force. (See also Hormesis)

Biodynamic agriculture is a form of natural agriculture very similar to organic farming, but it includes various esoteric concepts drawn from the ideas of Dr Rudolf Steiner. It treats soil fertility, plant growth, and livestock care as ecologically interrelated tasks, emphasising natural, spiritual and mystical perspectives.

A thorough interview during which detailed information is gathered about the person in order to direct the homeopath to select the most appropriate remedy.

Cells salts, also known as tissue salts, are homeopathic preparations in a 6X potency. They were first formulated by Dr W Schuessler and aimed at restoring the proper functioning of the body. Cell salts are selected based on homeopathic indications.

Leading feature of the remedy. This may include keynotes (unique features of the remedy) and modalities (i.e. what makes the symptom worse or what makes it better).

The primary symptom that a patient states as the reason for seeking medical care.

A chronic condition is a disease or disorder that develops slowly and persists, often for the remainder of a person’s lifetime unless successfully treated. Chronic conditions may include skin conditions, arthritis, headaches, hormonal imbalances, behavioural problems, etc.

As the primary guide to selecting a remedy, classical homeopathy examines the whole symptom picture, with emphasis on the mentals of the case. 

symptoms that are commonly associated with a particular disease, e.g. wheezing in asthma or skin eruptions in chickenpox.

A complex is a homoeopathic formulation of a combination of more than one remedy (see also Polypharmacy).

Any symptom that co-occurs with the chief complaint is known as a concomitant.

A concordance is a remedy that bears a relationship to another remedy. For example, Nat Mur and Nat Carb share some similar characteristics and belong to the Natrium family.

A person’s constitution includes their character / personality, predispositions, hereditary factors and physical attributes. A constitutional remedy covers a range of physical, emotional and mental symptoms specific to that person.

Any condition that renders a particular line of treatment improper or undesirable.

The disappearance of a condition together with an increase in wellbeing on all levels (mental, emotional and physical). Important note: although you may see this word used in texts, particularly in relation to Homoeopathic remedies, it is not a term that you should use in speech or in any case notes relating to your clients. From a Homoeopathic perspective, one could say that a remedy had effected a cure, however from a legal perspective, as well as a philosophical one, this is not a word that you should be using.

A craving for something (e.g. desires cheese or desires fresh air).

two joined letters (ligatures) that represent a gliding vowel sound or a combination of two adjacent vowel sounds within the same syllable. The most commonly used diphthongs are æ, œ, Æ, and Œ. The word homœopathy has traditionally been spelled with the diphthong, œ. However, in more recent times it the spelling has evolved to homeopathy, without the diphthong. This is primarily due to early word-processing and computer typesetting software that generally couldn't render diphthongs because they were too complicated, and their use began fall out of favour.

A natural predisposition or susceptibility to disease. A constitutional hereditary influence.

the distinguishing of a disease or condition from others presenting with similar signs and symptoms.

Homeopathic remedies are derived from substances that have undergone so much dilution that very little or none of the original substance remains.

A condition that impairs normal function. A disturbance or imbalance in the vital force results in disease.

Further from the attachment of a limb to the trunk; further away from the origination of a structure. Eg: Wrist is distal(further away from the shoulder) to elbow.

The Doctrine of Signatures was first postulated in ancient Greece and was also a popular idea in the middle ages. It was believed that a plant’s healing properties were indicated by its colour and shape. For example, walnuts look like a brain which may indicate they are good for the brain. Some such ‘signatures’ have since been validated by modern science.

The words dosage and frequency are sometimes used interchangeably in Homoeopathy. Dosage relates to how the remedy is prescribed; for example, one drop of tincture in 8 tablespoons of water, stir and take one tablespoon as the dose once a day. Dosage can also relate to the number of times or how frequently a remedy is given, e.g. a remedy is given twice a day (BD). Dosage should not be confused with potency which relates to the strength of the medicine.

The change in effect on an organism caused by differing levels of exposure (or doses) to a stressor (usually a chemical) after a specific exposure time. (See also Arndt-Shutz Law and Hormesis)

These are homoeopathic or herbal remedies that promote the excretory function of a particular organ or system. They are usually prescribed in low potency (e.g. 3X or 6X). For example, frequent potencies of low dose Chelidonium may be used to stimulate liver function.

The totality of symptoms that a substance will produce is known as the drug picture / remedy picture.

(Of French origin, and pronounced ‘ON-wee-ee). Boredom, weariness, dissatisfaction and lack of motivation.

An extract is usually derived from dried plant material, and dissolved in a non-alcoholic solvent (such as water, vinegar, glycerine, etc). A tincture is a concentrated herbal extract, usually derived from fresh plant material and dissolved in (usually) an alcoholic solvent.

A fluid that has oozed from blood vessels and has been deposited in tissues or on tissue surfaces.

The buds and blooms of specific flowers are diluted, infused and left in sunlight to from essences. They work in a similar way to homeopathic remedies but are more subtle in their action. They are primarily used to promote awareness, and address mental and emotional imbalances, and can be used alongside homeopathic remedies.

How frequently a remedy is given. The word frequency is sometimes used interchangeably with dosage; however, strictly speaking, the dosage refers to how the remedy is given (see dosage).

As a general rule of thumb, as symptoms improve, the frequency is reduced. If the patient has improved by 50%, then the frequency is reduced by half (e.g. from twice daily to once a day). If the patient has improved by 75%, then the remedy is given for half as often again. In some cases, the remedy is continued with the frequency of doses spaced out in order to prevent a relapse.

A homoeopathic method of which uses the extracts of various trees and shrubs. 

The raw material of the buds, emerging shoots, seeds, rootlets and saps are harvested at the plant’s peak germination time. 

The remedies are used in low potency (usually 2X) as drainage remedies.

Calendula officinalis is one of many plants that may be used in the manufacture of gemmotherapy remedies.

The symptoms present in a disease that is felt in the whole body, such as coldness, lethargy, restlessness. This can include emotional and mental states.

A remedy found to be curative in a majority of people suffering from the same disease, e.g. as in epidemic disease. Also called the remedy epidemicus.

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity (World Health Organization 1948).

Symptoms can be ranked on hierarchical levels. Mental and emotional symptoms are of most importance, along with causative factors, then modalities, sensations, location of the condition, aetiology,etc.

Homoeoprophylaxis is the use of homoeopathic medicine to prevent the occurrence of a specific disease.

(from Greek "hómoios" meaning similar and “stásis” meaning standing still) is the ability of an organism to regulate its internal environment and to maintain a stable, relatively constant condition of properties (e.g. adjusting to temperature or maintaining pH).

Homotoxicology is based on the principle that diseases are caused by a substance that creates a direct or indirect toxic burden in the human organism. Homotoxicology employs the use of complexes that are aimed at strengthening the organs of detoxification and excretion, to remove accumulated toxins, and to stimulate and modulate the immune system, rebalancing the diseased body system.

Hormesis refers to stimulation by low-dose toxins and inhibitors. In 1877 a scientist named Schulz was studying yeast metabolism and proved that almost all poisons have a weak stimulus effect at low doses. Together with R. Arndt, they developed the principle called the Arndt-Schulz Law: ‘weak stimuli slightly increase biological responses, medium-strong stimuli markedly raise them, strong ones suppress them, and very strong ones arrest them‘.

Over-concern for or exaggerated attention to any unusual bodily or mental sensation; an unfounded belief that they are suffering from some disease.

An unusual feature of a person or of a person’s symptoms. This may include over-sensitivities.

The process of extracting plant material by soaking it in a solvent such as water or alcohol. (This process is different from decoction which involves boiling the plant material).

inactive, sluggish, painless (e.g. a painless ulcer may be referred to as an indolent ulcer).

Away from the head, or the lower part of a structure.

An inimical is a homoeopathic remedy which has an adverse effect on or lack of harmony towards another homoeopathic remedy. For example, the remedy Nux vomica is inimical to Zincum metallicum and they should not be given at the same time.

A homoeopathic remedy that is given in a stalled case (e.g. if the remedy Sepia is prescribed and there is some initial benefit, but then the remedy stops working, then another remedy may be given in the interim).

Isopathy is when the symptom picture is ignored, and the substance that caused the condition in the first place is administered, such as in the case of giving a homoeopathic nosode. This differs from classical homoeopathy that bases remedy selection upon the totality of symptoms. So isopathy is where the same substance is administered, but homoeopathy is where a similar substance is administered.

As a condition evolves over time, different patterns of symptoms develop, forming layers. These layers evolve in response to various factors, such as hereditary factors, infection, injury, emotional trauma, major life events, etc. These layers may successively resolve during the course of homoeopathic treatment.

A whitish or yellowish discharge from the vagina (also referred to as fleur alba)

Levels refer to different levels of a person at which symptoms are expressed. The mind is considered the deepest level, whilst the skin is considered to be the most superficial level.

Where in the body the symptoms are being expressed.

A lotion is tincture that has been diluted, usually by about 1 part tincture to 10 parts solvent. Lotions are applied to the skin to promote healing.

The process of immersing a plant in a liquid (water, oil, alcohol, etc) inside an airtight container, for a variable time, based on the plant material and liquid used, in order to produce an extract.

Also written as MM; a comprehensive reference list of drug pictures / remedy pictures that include their main indications and therapeutic actions.

As homoeopathic remedies contain little or no part of the original substance, it is believed that water somehow energetically carries the vibration or ‘memory’ of the substance.

A solvent used to extract medicinal substances from plants.

Symptoms that relate to the mind, i.e. the person’s thinking process, concentration and memory.

A miasm is a hereditary taint in the constitution and may predispose a person to a particular condition. There are five miasms: Psoric, Tubercular, Sycotic, Syphilitic and the Cancer miasm. A miasmatic trait may be revealed by the person’s present state, personal past history or family history. If a miasm is strong in a person’s constitution, then it may block a homoeopathic remedy from acting appropriately, and a miasmatic treatment may be required.

An infinitesimal dose produced through the process of dilution and succussion until there is little or none of the original substance left.

Homoeopathic remedies are usually taken one at a time and gradually discontinued as improvement occurs. They are only repeated when necessary. Therefore the person is only given the minimum dose.

(< worse for, > better for) A modality is a situation that makes a person’s symptoms better or worse. This may include weather, temperature, noise, periodicity, alternating symptoms, etc. For example, a person may feel worse before a thunderstorm. Another example is that a person may feel better for applying pressure to the affected area (i.e. better for pressure, written as > pressure).

Obsessiveness or insanity in relation to a single idea. An unreasonable pursuit of one idea.

(less commonly referred to as teinture–mère). A tincture is a concentrated extract in a water and alcohol base. The concentrate is usually derived from a plant or herb (e.g. calendula) obtained by maceration. Tinctures are also derived from minerals through trituration (e.g. magnesium phosphate), or they can be derived from animal substances (e.g. bee venom). A mother tincture is the first stage in the preparation of a homoeopathic remedy dilution. It is the mother or base of a remedy from which further homoeopathic dilutions are made.

A nosode is a homoeopathic preparation derived from diseased tissue.

Something that hinders or prevents recovery or cure from an injury or illness (e.g. a poor diet, smoking, lack of exercise, allopathic medications, etc.).

 The first edition of “The Organon of Medicine” by Samuel Hahnemann was first published in 1810, with the 6th and final edition published in 1842. This book describes Hahnemann’s ideas regarding the principles and practice of homoeopathy.

The treatment of disease by using homoeopathic organ extracts (i.e. sarcodes) derived from healthy animal tissue. This stimulates the diseased organ to function in a normal or healthier way. It is believed that extracts of an organ have a stimulating effect on that organ (known as Hallion’s Law).

Palliative remedies are used in an emergency, such as a first-aid situation, to bring immediate relief, but may not necessarily cure.

Particulars are symptoms that are specific to a certain part of the body. For example, heat in both feet.

Periodic symptoms are those that occur periodically. For example, a headache that occurs every four weeks, or a skin complaint that returns every summer.

Inactive ‘dummy’ medicine or treatment. (Also called Sac Lac if it is in the form of pillules).

A method to gently increase the potency of a remedy by administering it in water.

Polycrests are homoeopathic remedies that can treat a wide range of symptoms. Because they can treat so many symptoms, these remedies are the most commonly used.

The use of more than one remedy at a time, either in alternation or in the form of a combination of remedies in a complex.

The process of deriving high dilutions from an original substance (mother tincture) is referred to as potentisation. 

Potency describes how many times a remedy has been diluted and succussed (shaken vigorously) in the preparation process. The higher the dilution, the more potent it becomes, and the greater its action upon the vital force.

• Decimal Potency: A decimal potency is 1 part of the original substance (derived from animal, plant or mineral) to 9 parts of liquid (water and alcohol) and succussed to make a 1X potency. By then using 1 part of this potency and mixing it with another 9 parts of liquid and succussing, a 2X potency is derived. This process is continued until the desired potency is achieved. A 6X potency has undergone this process 6 times.

• Centesimal Potency: The centesimal potency scale was developed by Hahnemann. A centesimal potency is 1 part of the original substance (derived from animal, plant or mineral) to 99 parts of liquid (water plus alcohol) and succussed to make a 1C potency. By then using 1 part of this potency and mixing it with another 99 parts of liquid and succussing, a 2C potency is derived. This process is continued until the desired potency is achieved. A 30C potency has undergone this process 30 times. A 200C potency has undergone this process 200 times. A 1M potency has undergone this process one thousand times.

• Millesimal potency (abbreviated to LM or Q potency) is a 3C potency to 500 parts of liquid (4 parts water and 1 part alcohol) and succussed. By then using 1 part of this potency and mixing it with another 100 parts of alcohol and succussing, 1 LM potency is derived. This process is continued until the desired potency is achieved. (The details of how to make millesimal potency are described in Hahnemann’s Organon of Medicine, footnote of aphorism 171).

Referring to the sole of the foot.

To have a tendency or susceptibility towards something. Prone can also refer to the position of the body when lying face down.

A preventative agent that may stop the development of a condition. Homoeopathic remedies used to stop the development of a disease are called homoeoprophylactics.

Near to the attachment of a limb to the trunk; nearer to the origination of a structure. Eg. The elbow is proximal (closer to the attachment of the body-shoulder) to wrist.

A proving is a method of administering a substance (usually homoeopathic) to healthy people and monitoring their symptoms. This is done in order to ascertain what symptoms the substance produces, and therefore the symptoms that can be cured in an unhealthy person.

Peculiar, Queer, Rare or Strange. Also referred to as a characteristic symptom. Unusual symptoms must correspond to the symptoms of a remedy. For example, symptoms that have burning pains but feel better for heat (for example in Arsenicum album) and are uniquely characteristic of that particular remedy.

A remedy is a form of medicine or treatment, such as a homoeopathically prepared medicine. 

The symptoms produced by a particular substance / remedy with a proving is known as the remedy picture or drug picture.

A repertory contains a list of remedies for each symptom and is a reference for the Materia Medica.

Homoeopathic repertories contain rubrics (short sentences) that describe symptoms.

A sarcode is a homoeopathic preparation made from animal tissue or glandular extract.

Feeling, felt sense, (e.g. pins and needles, burning sensation, etc.)

Objective evidence of a disease or condition. Signs can be observed by the practitioner (e.g. cough, rash). In contrast, a symptom is more subjective as it is mostly only recognised by the patient (e.g. back pain, fatigue) and is less obvious to the observer / practitioner.

The person’s symptoms are matched to the remedy picture. The Simillimum is the most likely remedy to cure the case as it is most similar to the person’s symptom picture.

A single homoeopathic remedy (i.e. not a combination formula).

Division of a prescribed daily dose of a remedy given two or more times over the course of a day (e.g. a remedy may be given morning, night and following morning).

Succussion is the process whereby a homoeopathic remedy is shaken vigorously or struck against a hard surface. It is thought to activate the remedy.

Towards the head, or upper part of a structure.

The position of the body when lying on the back facing the ceiling.

Suppression of symptoms may occur through the use of allopathic medications. For example, a person may be treated with cortisone cream for eczema. The cortisone suppresses the eczema, and drives condition into the lungs, and the person then may develop asthma. Suppression of symptoms can also occur with incorrect prescription of homoeopathic remedies.

Having a tendency, vulnerability or sensitivity.

Any mental, emotional or physical change in the body’s functioning that produces discomfort. Symptoms are usually associated with a particular condition.

• Mental Symptoms relate to the person’s thinking process, concentration and memory.
• Emotional Symptoms relate to the person’s feelings and moods.
• Characteristic symptom - a symptom that is 'striking, strange, unusual, peculiar' in the case (see also PQRS). Close attention is paid to characteristic symptoms as they must correspond to symptoms of the remedy if it is to cure.
• Common Symptoms are symptoms that a commonly associated with a certain disease e.g. wheezing in asthma or skin eruptions in chickenpox.
• General symptoms relate to symptoms present in disease and are felt in the whole body, such as coldness, lethargy, restlessness, and may include emotional / mental states.
• Complete symptoms: aetiology, location (including radiation or extension of sensation), sensation, modalities, and concomitants all together give a complete symptom.

When all the symptoms (i.e. the totality of symptoms) are taken as an aggregate, they form a ‘picture’.

(anamnesis) involves a lengthy process of gathering the patient’s signs, symptoms, previous medical history, the onset of the disease or condition, family history etc. Once the practitioner has enough information, the patient’s symptoms are matched with the remedy picture (i.e. the simillimum).

(Tauto, meaning same); a method of curing or removing the ill-effects of conventional drugs by means of identical potentised drugs (e.g. if a person had a reaction to the drug cortisone, then potentised cortisone could be given to help remove the side effects of the drug).

Ø A tincture is a concentrated extract in a water and alcohol base and derived from animal, mineral or plant substances. (See also extract). All tinctures are extracts, but not all extracts are tinctures. (See also Mother Tincture).

The totality of symptoms is the collection of all the symptoms of a case, i.e. taking a holistic approach.

By grinding a substance with a motor and pestle, the particle size is reduced. This process is known as tripsis or trituration.

Dynamic Force. Life Force. Qi. The energy that maintains life. If there is a disturbance to the vital force through injury, illness, mental disturbances, or emotional trauma, then we become more susceptible to disease. Homoeopathy seeks to stimulate or rebalance the vital force to bring the person back to health and homeostasis.

TDS

TID

every other day/every second day/

alternate days