International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences

Homoeopathy is seen as an efficient medical system that aims to restore health gently and reliably by following natural principles. Shelf-life refers to how long the active pharmaceutical ingredient in a finished product stays stable, as long as the medicine is stored under the environmental conditions listed on the packaging. Mother tinctures are the basic liquid extract of vegetable and animal sources, prepared by extracting raw materials into alcohol, water or a mix of both. The effectiveness of these tinctures depends upon certain reference parameters. The inclusion of expiration dates in homoeopathy is a recent development driven by the understanding that active principles, such as alkaloids degrades over time due to environmental factors. While health authorities apply standardised expiration rules to all homoeopathic products, a significant debate exists within the field. Many practitioners argue that ultra-diluted potencies remain therapeutically viable for decades if stored correctly. In contrast, “Mother tincture” and medicines with lower alcohol concentrations are more susceptible to deterioration, often showing signs of ageing within 5 years. These changes are primarily physicochemical, involving alcohol evaporation, increased moisture absorption, and a subtle shift in pH level.

“According to Hahnemann’s Organon of Medicine, the integrity of the medicine is the physician’s responsibility. A practitioner must use medicines of “unimpaired strength” to ensure the treatment is effective and reliable.”