Clinical Education · October 2026
Making the Most of DesBio Formulations and Protocols: Potency
By Todd Rowe MD, MD(H), CCH, DHt
One of the key differences between classical and complex homeopathic formulations is that changing the potency can be more difficult with complex formulations. However, there are strategies that work with potency and dosing that can help practitioners make the most of the formulations and protocols they use at DesBio.
Foundational Concepts
What Is Potency?
Potency refers to the strength or power of a homeopathic medicine or an ingredient in a homeopathic formulation. Practically, it is the number attached to a homeopathic ingredient which connotes its strength. Generally, the higher the number, the greater the strength of the ingredient.
Stuart Close – Genius of Homeopathy
“A mathematico-mechanical process for the reduction, according to scale, of crude, inert or poisonous medical substances to a state of physical solubility, physiological assimilability and therapeutic activity and harmlessness, for use as homeopathic healing remedies.”
Webster further defines potency as: “capacity to be, become or develop. Potentiality.”
At DesBio
Potency at DesBio
DesBio primarily uses X Potencies in their homeopathic formulations. An X potency refers to the 1/10 dilution factor. X potencies tend to be weaker in strength than C potencies (more commonly used in classical homeopathy) and less likely to cause side effects.
Most of the potencies in DesBio homeopathic formulations are low potencies with a range from 2X to 1000X. Higher potencies are used in Series Therapy, which utilizes both 1M and 10M potencies.
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1/10 X potency dilution factor |
2X-1000X Standard potency range |
1M & 10M Series Therapy potencies |
The Process
What Is Potentization?
The creation of a homeopathic ingredient is done through a complex process of succussion (vibration) and dilution. When we potentize a medicine, we are revealing its healing potential.
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Energetic Perspective Potentization is the alchemical process of turning matter into energy or spirit, revealing the deep healing potential within a substance. |
Matter Perspective Potentization creates nanoparticles from the original substance of increasing number and strength through successive dilution and succussion. |
Clinical Strategy
Working With Fixed Potencies
With the exception of series formulations, most of the potencies at DesBio are fixed. For example, the potencies within the formulation Elevate are only available at specific fixed potencies. DesBio works with this through two key strategies:
01
Homochords
Homochords are single ingredients in a homeopathic formulation that are available at multiple potencies simultaneously. This allows the individual receiving the formulation to self-select the potency that is most needed for their healing.
Example: In the formulation Elevate, the ingredient Phenylethamine is included at three separate potencies — 8X, 12X and 30X — forming a homochord that spans low, mid, and higher potency ranges within the same formula.
02
Burgi Groups
Burgi groups are different homeopathic ingredients used at the same potency in one formulation. These combine together exponentially to heighten the effect of each ingredient.
Example: In the DesBio formulation Elevate, seven ingredients in the formulation are present at the 8X potency, forming a Burgi Group that exponentially potentiates their combined effect.
Technique
Changing Potency in DesBio Formulations: Plussing
Plussing is the method standardly used in classical homeopathy to slightly increase the potency of an existing homeopathic ingredient or formulation. It can be performed by the patient and is fairly easy to do. Generally, plussing adds approximately 2X in potency to the ingredients in the formula.
Plussing is useful in both acute and chronic situations when treatment has moved forward but is now temporarily stuck. Plussing the formulation can help move treatment forward once again.
Patient Instructions for Plussing
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Advanced Protocol
SSR and CSSR Potencies: Series Therapy
Another strategy that DesBio uses to work with potency is series therapy. Potency series have been used historically with great success in classical homeopathy, most notably with LM potencies (1/50,000 dilution).
Series therapy is a method to gradually increase or decrease the potency of an ingredient or formulation. It provides a method to progress more deeply into the vital force of the patient — making it one of the most powerful tools available within the DesBio system.
Special Considerations
Potency and Sensitive Patients
Generally, sensitive patients at DesBio are treated by changing the dosing and administration strategies rather than changing the potency directly. Several approaches are particularly effective:
Less frequent dosing — Reducing how often the formulation is taken can significantly reduce the intensity of the response.
Smaller dosing — Reducing the amount taken per dose is often effective for highly reactive patients.
Inhalation (Q Potencies) — Changing the route of administration to inhalation rather than oral administration can be an effective method for extremely sensitive patients.
The Bottom Line
Potency is one of the most powerful tools in homeopathic practice — and understanding how to work with it within the DesBio system opens up significant clinical flexibility. Through homochords, Burgi groups, plussing, series therapy, and thoughtful dosing adjustments, practitioners can individualize their approach even within the structure of complex formulations. Mastering these strategies means better outcomes for patients at every stage of treatment.
DesBio empowers practitioners and their patients through targeted supplements and homeopathic remedies. We are more than just a product company — we are a partner in your practice. Our practitioners have direct access to consults with our team of medical educators and our training programs focus on diagnostic strategies, clinical how-tos, case studies, and troubleshooting tips.
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