the preparations in a cool, dark, dry place, away from other strong-smelling sub-
stances. When taking a remedy, you should have nothing by mouth for at least 30
minutes before and after the dose. Many homeopaths discourage the use of coffee,
mint, camphor, and other strongly aromatic substances while undergoing treatment,
since such substances may reverse the effects of the remedy. Camphor is a compo-
nent in chest rubs as well as in many cosmetics, skin creams, and lip balms. If the
remedy is in the form of a pellet, it should be held under the tongue and allowed to
dissolve slowly. If the remedy is a liquid, it is held in the mouth for 1 to 2 minutes
before swallowing.
Prescription medications, especially those given for potentially life-threatening disor-
ders such as asthma, should not be stopped abruptly when beginning homeopathic
care. As you improve, your prescribing physician may advise a gradual decrease in
dosage, but you should not undertake such a reduction on your own. Acupuncture
and chiropractic medicine should not be started at the same time as homeopathic
remedies, but if already instituted, may be continued.
A number of homeopathic remedies can be used to speed recovery and prevent
recurrences of acute conditions such as colds, stomachaches, coughs, and headaches.
Although many remedies are used for conditions that subside on their own, they can
dramatically speed recovery and often prevent recurrences. Since homeopathic medi-
cines are considerably safer than conventional drugs, it often makes sense to use
them as the first resort and to consider using conventional drugs if the homeopathic
remedies work too slowly or not at all. You should read all the information on the
label to select the right remedy. If it says, for example, that the remedy is best used
when the symptoms appear suddenly, then that remedy is not likely to be effective
for a condition that emerged almost unnoticed over several days. Keep these three
guidelines in mind when considering the use of homeopathic remedies:
■ The more the better—that is, the more the symptoms match that of the rem-
edy, the more likely it will work.
■ The less the better: The more diluted the remedy, the more powerful it is.
■ It’s working if you feel better within 24 hours. If not, you may have the
wrong remedy and may need a different remedy or may need to see a health
care practitioner.Many people keep homeopathic remedies on hand and ready to use. Table 8.2 lists
the top 10 remedies that help with the most common physical problems and emo-
tional difficulties.112 ABSOLUTE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TOALTERNATIVE MEDICINE