The Korsakovian Method of preparation of Homoeopathic Medicines

Dr Bhumika Bhambhani 

Named after a Russian Homoeopath, General von Korsakov, a method of preparing homoeopathic dilutions (medicines) using a single phial. General Korsakov prepared medicines using this method by hand, as nowadays used by machines to prepare higher potencies.

In short, this method is considered to be a simplified method of serial dilution to that of the traditional Hahnemannian method.

Key Features: –

1. Single Vessel Use – Unlike the Hahnemannian method, which uses a fresh vial for each dilution, this method uses the same container repeatedly. After each dilution, the container is emptied, then refilled with another solvent (water, alcohol or mixture).
2. Principle of Residue – The method relies on the principle that a trace of the previous dilution remains in the container. This residual amount acts as the “mother tincture” for the next dilution
3. Dilution Process – A container is filled with suitable solvent. Then, it is shaked vigorously (succussion) and emptied into another container completely. The same steps are repeated with fresh solvent until desired potency is obtained.
4. Potency Nomenclature – Korsakovian potencies are often denoted as “1K, 2K, 3K…”

1K = first Korsakovian dilution

2K = second Korsakovian dilution, and so on

Procedure:
A phial is filled with 100 parts of the Mother Tincture. 99 parts of this is sucked out, the phial is filled with 99 parts of dilution (water or alcohol) and a short burst of succussion is applied to it. It is then left to rest for 15 seconds, whereafter 99 parts of the potency is sucked out. This process is repeated until the desired potency is reached. Often the last potency is done in 70% alcohol to lengthen shelf-life and to ease its use for impregnation. (Frazer, 1993;Majerus, 1991)

Advantages:

1. Only one container is needed to prepare various dilution & potencies
2. Simple & reliable process, less labor-intensive

• Fast & easy, less utensils are required

1. Popular in modern homoeopathic pharmaceutical industry,

especially for preparation of higher potencies.

Disadvantages:

1. Accuracy may be lesser than Hahnemannian method,

since the amount of residual substance is variable.

1. Less reproducible if the residue is inconsistent.

• Not universally accepted,

Conclusion:

A brief comparison between traditional Hahnemannian & modern Korsakovian method -:

1. Accuracy Issues

In the Korsakovian method, the amount of residue left in the container is not precisely measurable. Each dilution relies on whatever trace remains after emptying the container, so the exact concentration is uncertain.

In contrast, the Hahnemannian method transfers a precise fraction to a fresh vial, making it more controlled and predictable.

2. Reproducibility Problems

Since, the residual volume can vary from container to container or even from one preparation to the next, different batches of the same potency may not be identical.

This inconsistency is a concern in professional or clinical homeopathy where standardization is valued as done in traditional method.

3. Professional and Traditional Preference

Many homeopaths prefer Hahnemannian dilutions because it is the original, established method, with a long history of clinical use.

Korsakovian dilutions are seen as ‘shortcuts’ and some practitioners worry that the method might compromise therapeutic reliability. Although experiments show same reliability of both methods.

4. Regulatory and Quality Standards

In countries with pharmaceutical standards for homeopathic medicines, precise potency measurement and reproducibility are often required. And since the Korsakovian method is less precise, it does not meets strict quality control standards for commercial production as met by the Hahnemannian method.

5. Use in Practice

The Korsakovian method is still used in some commercial pharmacies, especially for high potencies (e.g., 30K, 200K) where the exact amount of original substance is extremely small and the difference in residue becomes less significant. It’s valued for simplicity and speed, but not necessarily for precision at lower potencies.

Whereas the Hahnemann’s method is used in all commercial pharmacies, for all types of potencies.

References:

1. Partha, M. P., & Mandal, B. (2001). A Text Book of Homoeopathic Pharmacy. B. Jain Publishers.
2. Banerjee, D. D. (2002). Textbook of Homoeopathic Pharmacy. B. Jain Publishers.
3. Van Schalkwyk, C. J. (1998). THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF HOMOEOPATHIC POTENCIES IN RELATION TO THEIR USE [Thesis]. https://web.archive.org/web/20220107082143id_/https://openscholar.dut.ac.za/bitstream/10321/2765/5/SCHALKWYK_1998.pdf
4. Clerc, T. (2013, January 22). Difference between the Korsakovian and the Hahnemann scales. Hpathy.com. https://hpathy.com/ask-homeopathy-doctors/dear-dr-thanks-for-previous-reply-deep-dynamic-reseach-may-be-needed-to-understand-those-aspects-anyway-i-have-one-more-question-homeopathic-remedies-can-be-prepared-by-h-k-method-whe/

Dr. Bhumika Bhambhani (B.H.M.S)
Email : bbhumika.2350@gmail.com