A Guide to Taking Homeopathic Remedies

How to take them
Pills can be taken in two ways: as a dry dose or as a water (liquid) dose.

Dry dose
Tip the pills into the cap of the bottle and, without touching them, put them straight into the mouth to dissolve under the tongue.

Water dose
Dissolve one pill in about half a glass of water in a clean glass or plastic bottle and stir well. Take a teaspoonful of this water with a plastic spoon, stirring again before each dose. This method is also practical for babies and young children.

Materials to use
Do not touch the pills with your hands. For a water dose, a clean glass or plastic bottle is preferred. Do not use containers that have been through the dishwasher or that have previously held other substances. Where possible, use a plastic spoon rather than a metal one.

Food and drink
Traditionally, remedies are taken with a clean mouth, about 15–20 minutes before or after food, drink and toothpaste.

How many pills?
In classical homeopathy, how often you repeat a dose matters more than how many pills you take. One or a few pills per dose is usually enough.

When to repeat and when to stop
In acute conditions, the dose is repeated according to the intensity of the complaint. Once clear improvement begins, doses are paused and not repeated while improvement continues; Hahnemann stresses in the Organon that a dose should not be repeated while improvement is progressing. If improvement stops or symptoms return, the dose can be taken again.

If nothing changes
If there is no change at all after a few doses, the remedy may not be the right one. Rather than continuing the same remedy for a long time, consult a homeopath.

Temporary aggravation
A brief, mild increase in symptoms can occur after a remedy. This is called a homeopathic aggravation. If it is marked or lasts, stop the remedy and consult a practitioner.

Storage
Keep remedies closed and away from sunlight, heat and strong smells such as camphor, eucalyptus and menthol. Classical homeopaths hold differing views on coffee; follow your homeopath's advice.

Chronic conditions
For long-standing, recurring or diagnosed health problems, seek support from a homeopath rather than self-prescribing. Do not stop medicines prescribed by your doctor on your own.

This information describes the traditional recommendations of classical homeopathy. Seek medical advice without delay for high fever, breathing difficulty, altered consciousness, severe pain or rapidly worsening conditions.