Trituration
Definition:
Trituration is the process of grinding an insoluble drug substance with lactose in a specific ratio
to reduce its particle size and release its medicinal power. This process helps convert even the
hardest and most insoluble substances into a potentized form that can be used in homeopathic
treatment.
Process of Trituration:
1. Selection of Drug: The crude drug (like a metal, mineral, or plant part) is chosen.
2. Mixing with Lactose: The drug is mixed with lactose in a 1:9 ratio (one part of the drug
and nine parts of lactose).
3. Grinding in Mortar & Pestle: The mixture is triturated for a fixed duration using a mortar
and pestle.
4. Potency Development:
o The first step of grinding results in the 1X potency.
o Repeating the process gives 2X potency.
o After three successive triturations, the drug becomes 3X potency, and it can then
be converted into liquid form for further potentization through succussion.
Example of Trituration:
Calcarea Carbonica (Calcium Carbonate) is obtained by triturating oyster shells.
Mercurius Solubilis (Mercury) is triturated to make it suitable for potentization.
Aurum Metallicum (Gold) is also potentized through trituration.
Importance of Trituration:
Converts insoluble substances into potentized medicine.
Reduces the toxicity of crude substances.
Helps in releasing the medicinal properties of metals, minerals, and plant parts.
Acts as the first step for insoluble substances before converting them into liquid
potencies.
2. Succussion
Definition:
Succussion is the process of vigorous shaking of a liquid drug with alcohol or distilled water,
using a specific force to increase its potency. It is done by striking the container against a firm
but elastic surface to transfer dynamic energy to the medicine.
Process of Succussion:
1. Preparation of Dilution: A few drops of the mother tincture are taken and diluted with
alcohol or distilled water in a 1:9 or 1:99 ratio (for decimal and centesimal potencies,
respectively).
2. Shaking (Succussion): The container is shaken vigorously by striking it against a firm but
elastic surface.
3. Repetition of Process: This process is repeated multiple times to achieve different
potencies such as 6C, 30C, 200C, 1M, 10M, etc.
Example of Succussion:
Belladonna 30C is prepared by successive dilution and succussion of the Belladonna
extract.
Nux Vomica 200C is obtained by repeated dilution and succussion.
Arsenicum Album 1M is made by performing 1000 times the process of succussion in a
stepwise manner.
Importance of Succussion:
Helps to potentize soluble substances like plant extracts, animal products, and some
minerals.
Increases medicinal power while reducing the quantity of the substance.
Follows the Law of Minimum Dose, which states that a smaller dose can have a greater
effect when potentized.
Allows the preparation of higher potencies (like 30C, 200C, 1M, etc.) used in deep-
acting homeopathic treatments.
3. Differences Between Trituration and Succussion
Basis of
Trituration Succussion
Difference
The process of grinding an insoluble The process of vigorously shaking a
Definition substance with lactose to reduce its liquid drug with alcohol or water to
particle size. increase potency.
Used for liquid or soluble
Used for solid, insoluble substances like
State of the Drug substances, including plant extracts
minerals, metals, and some plant parts.
and animal products.
Converts insoluble drugs into Increases the dynamic power of the
Purpose
potentized medicines. medicine through vigorous shaking.
Uses mortar and pestle to grind the Uses hard surface striking to shake
Method Used
drug. the diluted drug.
The drug is triturated with lactose in a The mother tincture is diluted in
Process 1:9 ratio through three steps (1X, 2X, alcohol/water and succussed 10
3X). times per potency.
Trituration is done up to 3X, after which Can be continued up to high
Preparation of
the drug is converted to liquid form for potencies like 30C, 200C, 1M, 10M,
High Potencies
further potentization. etc.
Glass vial, liquid diluent (alcohol or
Tools Required Mortar and pestle, lactose sugar.
distilled water).
Based on the Law of Potentization and Based on the Law of Minimum Dose
Law Followed
mechanical reduction of size. and energy transfer.
Mercurius Solubilis (Mercury), Calcarea
Belladonna 30C, Nux Vomica 200C,
Example Carbonica (Oyster Shells), Aurum
Arsenicum Album 1M.
Metallicum (Gold).
4. Conclusion
Both Trituration and Succussion are essential methods in Homeopathic Pharmacy used for
preparing potentized medicines.
Trituration is mainly used for solid and insoluble substances like metals and minerals,
helping to break them down into fine particles and enhancing their medicinal power.
Succussion is used for liquid and soluble substances, helping to increase their potency
through vigorous shaking.
These processes reduce toxicity, enhance effectiveness, and make homeopathic medicines
more powerful while using minimal amounts of the actual drug. Both methods follow Dr.
Samuel Hahnemann’s principles of potentization, ensuring that even highly diluted medicines
retain their therapeutic effects.
