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Homeopathy offers a variety of methods to prepare remedies, each with unique advantages tailored to individual patient needs. Among them, 50 Millesimal (LM) potencies, introduced by Samuel Hahnemann in the 6th edition of the Organon of Medicine, stand out for their gentle yet effective action. Designed to minimize aggravations while maintaining potency, LM remedies are particularly suitable for sensitive individuals and chronic conditions. In this article, we will explore the history, preparation, and practical use of LM potencies.

A Brief History of LM Potencies

Hahnemann developed LM potencies as a response to limitations he observed with centesimal (C) potencies. While high C potencies produced rapid and profound effects, they often caused strong aggravations, especially in patients with low vitality or significant sensitivities. To address these issues, Hahnemann devised the LM potency scale (also called 50 Millesimal or Q potencies), which involves an additional dilution step and more frequent succussions. In his words, LM potencies represented “medicines of the highest power and mildest action” (Organon, §270)【1】.

Despite completing the 6th edition of the Organon in 1841, Hahnemann’s work was not published until 1921 due to delays caused by his wife, Melanie. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century, thanks to homeopaths like Pierre Schmidt, that LM potencies gained widespread attention【1】【2】.

What Are LM Potencies?

LM potencies differ from centesimal potencies in several key ways:

Feature Centesimal Potencies (C) LM Potencies (Q/50M)

Dilution Ratio 1:100 1:50,000

Succussions 10 per step 100 per step

Action Strong and rapid Gentle and progressive

Frequency of Dosing Less frequent Can be repeated daily or more often

Aggravations More likely in sensitive individuals Minimal if properly administered

Hahnemann’s methodology emphasizes dynamization (potentization) to extract the energetic healing properties of substances while reducing their material dose to almost immeasurable levels【1】【2】.

How to Prepare LM Potencies

Starting with 3C Trituration

For insoluble substances, the process begins with 3C trituration:

1. Triturate 1 grain (60 mg) of the substance with 100 grains of sugar of milk in a 1:100 ratio.

2. Repeat this process three times to achieve the 3rd centesimal potency (3C)【2】【3】.

For liquid substances, you can start directly with the mother tincture (Ø).

Step-by-Step Preparation of LM Potencies

1. Prepare the Stock Solution:

• Dissolve 1 grain of 3C trituration (or 1 drop of mother tincture) in 500 drops of a water-alcohol mixture (4:1 ratio).

• This creates the stock solution (LM0)【2】【3】.

2. Dilute for LM1:

• Take 1 drop of the stock solution and mix it with 100 drops of 95% alcohol.

• Succuss (vigorously shake) the mixture 100 times【3】.

3. Imprint on Globules:

• Moisten 500 poppy seed-sized globules with 1 drop of the LM1 solution.

• Dry the globules and store them as LM1【3】.

4. Prepare LM2 and Higher Potencies:

• Dissolve 1 globule of LM1 in 1 drop of distilled water and mix with 100 drops of alcohol.

• Succuss the mixture 100 times.

• Moisten 500 globules with 1 drop of this solution and dry them.

• Repeat this process for LM3, LM4, and higher potencies【3】.

Using LM Potencies

Administration Guidelines

1. Dissolve 1 globule of the selected LM potency in 150 mL water with a few drops of alcohol (to preserve the solution).

2. Shake (succuss) the solution 2–12 times before each dose.

3. Take 1 teaspoon of the solution as a dose. For sensitive patients, further dilute this teaspoon in another glass of water before taking【3】【4】.

4. Repeat doses as needed:

• Acute Conditions: Every 2–4 hours.

• Chronic Conditions: Daily or every other day【4】.

Adjusting Frequency

• Reduce the frequency of dosing if symptoms improve or if mild aggravations occur.

• Increase dilution for hypersensitive patients【4】.

Applications in Chronic Treatments

According to practitioners like Dr. Eichelberger, LM18 is a good starting potency for chronic conditions. Hahnemann’s Paris Case Books reveal he often varied potencies (e.g., LM7, LM9, LM11) depending on the individual case, sometimes alternating between ascending and descending orders. The highest LM potency recorded in his practice was LM24【2】【3】【4】.

Advantages of LM Potencies

1. Gentle and Safe: Suitable for sensitive patients, frail individuals, and severe conditions.

2. Frequent Repetition: Can be repeated daily without significant aggravations.

3. Tailored Action: Dynamization (“plussing”) before each dose ensures adaptability.

4. Rapid Progress: LM remedies address physical, mental, and emotional symptoms simultaneously【1】【2】【3】【4】.

References

1. Hahnemann, S. Organon of Medicine (6th Edition). Translated by Boericke, 1971.

2. Dr. Anton van Rhijn, “The 50 Millesimal Potencies,” Lecture Notes and Practice.

3. Dr. Eichelberger’s Practical Use of LM Potencies, Paris Case Book Analysis.

4. Hpathy.com: LM Potencies

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Homeopathy is a complex field that requires individualized assessment by a qualified practitioner. The preparation and administration of LM potencies should be done with proper training and understanding. Always consult a licensed homeopath or healthcare professional for advice specific to your condition.