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30C or 200C? How to Know What to Do Next in an Acute Situation

One of the trickiest questions for new home prescribers is knowing what to do after the first dose. You’ve given a 30C remedy for an acute situation; maybe a fever, stomach bug, or cough, and now you’re wondering: Should I give another dose? Should I move up to 200C? Or is it the wrong remedy altogether?

Picture of Kate Howard RSHom

Kate Howard RSHom

Homeopath and CHE Community Manager

The good news is, there are some simple guidelines that can help you feel more confident. Homeopathy is all about careful observation and gentle support. With a little practice, you’ll learn to spot the signs of when to repeat, when to wait, and when to change course.

Step 1: Watch for the Response

After giving a 30C dose in an acute case, the first thing to do is observe carefully. Look for changes in:

  • Energy: Is the person brighter, calmer, or less restless?
  • Symptoms: Has pain eased, fever settled, or the cough become looser?
  • Mood: Is the patient less irritable, less fearful, or more comfortable
  • Even small improvements mean the remedy is working.

Step 2: When to Repeat a 30C

You only need to repeat a 30C dose when improvement slows down or stops.

  • If the patient is improving steadily → don’t repeat yet. Let the remedy keep working.
  • If improvement started but then stalls → repeat the 30C to give another nudge.
  • If there’s no change after a reasonable time (a few hours in intense cases, or 12–24 hours in milder ones) → it may not be the right remedy.
 

Tip: Avoid repeating out of impatience. Only repeat when progress has plateaued.

Step 3: When to Move to 200C

Sometimes a 30C is not enough, especially if:

  • The symptoms are intense (sudden, high fevers, severe pain, overwhelming restlessness).
  • The patient responded to 30C but clearly needs a stronger push to keep improving, and you are having to repeat the 30C often to get short-lasting improvement.
 

In these cases, moving up to 200C may be more effective. This potency has a deeper, stronger action and is often the best choice for acute situations that are very intense.

Step 4: When It’s the Wrong Remedy

If there’s no change at all after a few doses of 30C, or if symptoms worsen in a way that doesn’t fit the remedy picture, it’s time to step back.

Ask yourself:

  • Did the remedy match the main symptoms closely enough?
  • Have the symptoms changed since you first prescribed?
  • Is there another remedy that now fits better?
 

It’s completely normal to need to adjust the prescription as the case develops.

Note: Sometimes symptoms can intensify after giving the right remedy but this will be short-lived and followed by a marked improvement.

A Few Extra Tips for Beginners

  • Less is more: One well-chosen dose often works better than frequent repetitions.
  • Patience matters: Waiting and observing is just as important as giving the remedy.
  • Keep notes: Write down what you gave, when you gave it, and what happened after — it makes learning much easier.

In Summary

  • Start with 30C in most acute situations.
  • Repeat only when progress stalls, not while improvement continues.
  • Move to 200C if symptoms are intense or if 30C helped but needs more power.
  • Change remedies if there’s no improvement at all after reasonable time and repetition.

Homeopathy is gentle and responsive. By learning when to repeat, when to wait, and when to move up in potency, you’ll grow in confidence as a home prescriber and support your family’s health more effectively.

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Disclaimer

The content shared here is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered a replacement for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified and licensed healthcare provider. The views and opinions expressed in this presentation are those of the presenter and do not necessarily represent those of CHE or any affiliated organizations.

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