Homeopathic remedies are natural substances that have been diluted and refined to the extent that they show only minute traces of chemical activity. Their action is correspondingly subtle, delicate, and subject to variable interference. Although stable across a wide range of temperatures, they tend to be inactivated by direct sunlight and should be stored in a dark place when not in use, kept dry, and protected from x–rays and other ionizing radiations insofar as possible.

Remedies are usually taken dry on the tongue and allowed to dissolve. With the tiny pellets I often use, a suitable dose would be up to 10 or 20 taken on a moistened fingertip; the exact amount is not important. For the larger pellets or tablets available commercially, a dose of 2 to 4 is sufficient. For chronic conditions, the remedy may be given in a single dose, 3 times in 24 hours, or once or more daily for several days as directed. For acute conditions, they may be given every few hours or even more often until marked improvement or change occurs. Nothing else should be allowed in the mouth for at least 30 minutes before and after each dose.

Coffee, recreational drugs, mint, and camphor should be avoided for the entire treatment period even when no remedies are being taken, although an occasional glass of wine or spirits is ok, and tea, non–medicinal herb teas. Vitamins and mineral supplements may be taken in moderation. The use of deep heating rubs and strong medicinal herbs, perfumes, spices, and aromatics (menthol, eucalyptus, incense, etc.) should also be kept to a minimum. Although conventional drugs regularly inhibit the action of remedies and should be used as sparingly as possible, patients dependent on them should not attempt to discontinue them abruptly or without supervision. An occasional aspirin, sleeping pill, antihistamine, and the like is no problem.

Since dental work can also antidote homeopathic treatment, patients needing elective procedures should wait until the remedy acts or fails to act, so that the remedy may be repeated if the relapse does not correct itself in a few days. Although acupuncture, chiropractic, and other deep energy therapies should ordinarily not be started at the same time, they are perfectly ok for maintenance or once the effect of the remedies is apparent and can be monitored adequately.

The mode of life should be kept as simple and healthful as possible, with ample time for rest, recreation, meditation, exercise, and spiritual practice. Eat and drink moderately, avoiding processed and chemicalized foods and other substances and influences that have caused problems in the past.

Some patients feel briefly euphoric, energetic, or relaxed after taking remedies. Others become more aware of a symptom for a while before it begins to fade or notice snatches of old symptoms returning from long ago. Sometimes the effect is so subtle and gradual that a friend or relative will be the first to point it out. Even when the symptoms remain more or less unchanged, their basic patterns will often become clearer and thus more accessible to further healing work in the future.