This glossary defines common homeopathy terms in plain English. A definition explains how a term is used; it does not establish that the underlying claim is scientifically valid.
Aggravation
A traditional homeopathic explanation for symptoms that appear to worsen after a remedy. Worsening symptoms are not proof that a product is working and may need medical assessment.
Allopathy
A historical term used by homeopaths for non-homeopathic medicine. “Conventional medicine” or the specific profession is usually clearer.
C scale
The centesimal dilution scale. Each step uses a 1:100 ratio; 30C represents thirty such steps.
Constitutional homeopathy
An approach that selects a remedy from a broad account of physical, emotional and personal characteristics rather than one isolated concern.
D or X scale
The decimal dilution scale. Each step uses a 1:10 ratio.
Diluent
The liquid or solid carrier used during preparation, such as water, alcohol or lactose.
Dilution
The reduction in concentration when a measured part is mixed with a larger amount of carrier.
Dispensing
Supplying a labelled product with the relevant directions and information. Ask whether dispensing and postage are included in the fee.
Homeopath
A person who practises homeopathy. The title is not statutorily regulated in the UK and does not mean medical doctor.
Homeopathic medicinal product
A product prepared from homeopathic stocks using a homeopathic manufacturing procedure. UK regulatory routes include the Simplified Registration and National Rules schemes.
Isopathy
A related practice that uses a preparation made from the same substance or material linked to the concern, rather than a substance selected under the homeopathic “like cures like” principle.
Keynote
A feature given particular weight in traditional remedy selection. It is a homeopathic decision term, not a validated diagnostic sign.
Law of similars
The traditional “like cures like” principle. It proposes that a substance associated with symptoms in a healthy person can be used in diluted form for similar symptoms.
LM or Q potency
A preparation scale associated with approximately 1:50,000 dilution stages after an initial process. It differs from the C and X scales.
Materia medica
A reference describing substances and the symptom pictures assigned to them within homeopathic tradition.
Mother tincture
A liquid starting preparation made from source material before later homeopathic dilution stages.
Nosode
A homeopathic preparation derived from biological material. It must never be presented as a substitute for vaccination or infection control.
Placebo
An inactive or non-specific intervention used in research comparisons. Improvements can occur through expectation, natural change, supportive attention and other factors unrelated to a specific product effect.
Pillule
A small sugar-based carrier onto which a prepared homeopathic liquid may be applied.
Potency
The homeopathic label for a preparation scale and number of steps, such as 6C or 30C. It is not a conventional medicine strength.
Potentisation
The homeopathic term for repeated dilution and succussion or trituration. Claims that it increases therapeutic power are not accepted by mainstream science.
Proving
A homeopathic exercise in which participants record experiences after exposure to a substance or preparation. It is not the same as a clinical trial proving effectiveness.
Remedy
The common homeopathic term for a selected product. The word does not by itself show that the product is effective.
Repertory
An index that links symptom descriptions, called rubrics, to remedies in homeopathic literature.
Rubric
A symptom or feature category used in a homeopathic repertory.
Serial dilution
A sequence of repeated dilution steps rather than one single mixing step.
Simillimum
The traditional term for the single remedy thought to match the person’s overall symptom picture most closely.
Succussion
Vigorous shaking performed between liquid dilution stages in homeopathic preparation.
Trituration
Grinding an insoluble starting substance with a solid carrier, often lactose, during early preparation stages.
Vital force
A historical homeopathic concept of an organising life principle. It is not a measurable entity established by modern biomedical science.
Yellow Card
The UK MHRA system for reporting suspected side effects or safety incidents involving medicines, including homeopathic products.
Related guides
Start with What Is Homeopathy?, then read about manufacturing and dilution or potency labels.