Homeopathic proving

A homeopathic proving is the method by which the profile of a homeopathic remedy is determined. The word 'proving' derives from the German word 'Prüfung' (meaning 'test').

Provings is carried out in a number of ways which depend on the group who is conducting the trial. This usually involves following Samuel Hahnemann’s protocols but may include extnesions such as a person taking the remedy and meditating on the effects. Most authoritative provings are done following a strict method which is laid down on pages 45-55 in Jeremy Sherr's book entitled The Dynamics and Methodology of Homoeopathic Provings, published by Dynamic Books.

A proving typically involves about 20 volunteers taking six doses of the remedy over two days. If symptoms occur then no further doses are taken. During this time, and for some time after, each prover keeps a diary recording all mental, physical and emotional symptoms that are experienced during the proving. At the end of the proving period the master prover will collate the symptoms from the diaries, excluding those symptoms which have been demonstrated to be symptoms that the prover experienced, before the proving commenced. This part of the process can be quite time comsuming. Finally the proving is published in its entirety. In order to give a full remedy picture it is normal for the provers to take the remedy at a range of potencies.