Terminology Guide

Homeopathy Terminology Guide

A beginner-friendly glossary to help you understand and use homeopathic remedies with confidence—for you and your dog!

Acute / Acutely

Definition: A condition that comes on suddenly and lasts a short time (hours to days).
In context: Vomiting after eating trash, anxiety from fireworks, or a bee sting.
Homeopathic focus: Acute remedies are selected for immediate, short-term support—not chronic or ongoing problems.

Aggravation

Definition: A temporary worsening of symptoms after a remedy is given.
In context: This can be a sign the remedy is working! It’s like the body pushing out old patterns.

Constitutional

Definition: A long-term, whole-body remedy chosen to match your dog’s overall physical, emotional, and energetic pattern.
In context: Used in chronic illness or when treating inherited tendencies and personality traits.
Note: This is different from an acute remedy. It takes deeper case work and sometimes professional guidance.

Dosing

Definition: Giving the remedy to the dog (or person).
In context: Typically 2–3 pellets given at a time, repeated only as needed. Not based on body weight like medications.

Energy Medicine

Definition: A form of healing based on the energetic or vibrational imprint of a substance rather than its chemical makeup.
In context: Homeopathy, like Reiki and essential oils, works with the body’s energy—not chemicals.

Like Cures Like

Definition: The core principle of homeopathy—what a substance can cause, it can also help heal.
In context: A plant that causes nausea in a healthy dog may help a nauseated dog feel better—when prepared homeopathically.

Materia Medica

Definition: The reference book of remedy descriptions and effects.
In context: You’ll find lists of symptoms each remedy can address, like “restless, chilly, better with motion” under Arsenicum album.

Nosode

Definition: A remedy made from diseased tissue or discharge (don’t worry—it’s completely sterilized and safe).
In context: Think of it like an energetic immune blueprint. Used for prevention or support with specific diseases like parvo or kennel cough.

Pellets / Globules

Definition: The little white balls that hold the energetic imprint of the remedy.
In context: These are often made from sucrose or lactose and hold the remedy on the outside—don’t touch them with your fingers!

Potency

Definition: The strength or energetic dilution level of a remedy.
In context: Common potencies are 6x, 30c, 200c, 1M.

• Low potencies (6x, 6c): Used more frequently, gentler.

• Mid potencies (30c): Good for first aid and most acute issues.

• High potencies (200c, 1M): Often used for emotional or deep patterns (usually with guidance).
  Fun fact: The higher the number, the more diluted—but often more potent energetically!

Remedy

Definition: A specially prepared homeopathic solution made from a natural substance.
In context: Arnica, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, etc. Remedies can come from plants, minerals, animal substances, or disease products (nosodes).

Repertory

Definition: A reference book organized by symptoms, used to look up which remedies may match.
In context: You’d look up “vomiting from overeating” and get a list of remedy options to consider.

Rubric

Definition: A symptom or category listed in a homeopathic repertory that helps guide remedy selection.
In context: Think of a rubric as a heading in a giant symptom-based index. Each rubric lists possible remedies that match that symptom or pattern.

Example:

• Mind – Fear – Thunderstorms
  Remedies: Phosphorus, Aconite, Borax, etc.

Why It Matters:
Rubrics help you narrow down remedies based on what you’re seeing in your dog. The more precise the rubric (and the better it fits your dog’s individual presentation), the more likely you’ll choose an effective remedy.

Sarcode

Definition: A remedy made from healthy tissue or glands.
In context: Used to support or regulate function in that part of the body (e.g., adrenal or thyroid support).

Simillimum

Definition: The best match remedy for the totality of symptoms and the individual.
In context: The more exact the match, the deeper and faster the healing response.

Succussion

Definition: The process of shaking a remedy between dilutions to energize it.
In context: Each step of dilution is followed by vigorous shaking—this is what makes it homeopathic, not just diluted water.

Tincture (Homeopathic vs Herbal)

Definition:

• Homeopathic tincture: The starting extract used to make a remedy, then diluted and succussed.

• Herbal tincture: A concentrated liquid herbal extract—not homeopathic.

Titrate

Definition: To slowly adjust the frequency or amount of a remedy based on your dog’s response.
In context: Titration helps avoid overstimulation or aggravation. You might start with a wet dose once a day, then taper off as symptoms improve.

Why It Matters:
In sensitive dogs, titration ensures you’re giving just enough to stimulate healing—without overwhelming the system. This is especially helpful with high-potency or repeated dosing situations.

Vital Force

Definition: The life energy that animates a being and maintains health.
In context: Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the vital force so the body can heal itself—gently, naturally, and thoroughly.

Wet Dose

Definition: A method of dosing where pellets are dissolved in water and a small amount is given.
In context: Used for more sensitive animals or when repeating doses over time. Often more gentle and easier to titrate.