potentizing

Potentizing is a term primarily associated with homeopathy, a system of alternative medicine. It refers to a process of diluting a substance and then vigorously shaking it, a technique called succussion. This process is repeated multiple times, with the substance becoming increasingly diluted at each step. Homeopathic theory suggests that with each dilution and succussion, the original substance leaves an energetic imprint or "essence" on the diluent, which is believed to carry the therapeutic properties.

The dilutions used in potentization are often so extreme that in many cases, no molecules of the original substance remain according to conventional chemistry. Despite this, homeopathic practitioners assert that the diluent retains a potent effect. The degree of dilution is indicated by a number followed by an 'X' or 'C', representing dilutions of 1:10 or 1:100 respectively, per step. For example, a 30C potency means the substance has been diluted 100 times, 30 times in a row.

The scientific community generally regards potentization as a process lacking a plausible mechanism of action and unsupported by empirical evidence beyond the placebo effect. Rigorous scientific studies have largely failed to demonstrate that homeopathic remedies prepared through potentization are effective for any health condition beyond that of a placebo. Therefore, potentization remains a controversial practice within evidence-based medicine.