Homeopathy is a system of healing that was discovered over 200 years ago by the German physician and chemist Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on the principle of "like cures like," which means that you can heal a malady with a small amount of a substance which, in larger doses, would cause the same illness. By giving a small amount of this substance in a remedy form, it stimulates a curative response in the body. For example, a commonly used remedy for allergies is Allium Cepa, which is made from onions. We all know the streaming and burning eyes that you get when you chop onions. If you get allergy symptoms characterized by watery, burning eyes and nose, the remedy "Allium Cepa" will fix you in no time.

Homeopathy works by gently stimulating the body's innate self-healing mechanism while being so dilute as to be free of side effects. (Homeopathy believes firmly in the Hippocratic oath tenet, "First, do no harm"). So, we never claim to treat or cure any illness with homeopathy. We consider it a safe and gentle method of supporting your body's own healing ability. If you are seriously ill, please seek immediate medical attention.

The kits contain a very helpful little booklet that even newbies will understand. You look up your ailment, and it will give you the best remedy choices with a description of each. Pick one remedy that matches your symptoms best.

No. The Helios booklet gives multiple remedies for an ailment, but that doesn't mean you are meant to take each remedy they recommend. Choose the one remedy that matches your symptoms the closest. Try it, and if after 2 (with a dose every 2-4 hours), you don't feel improvement, then try the next remedy that is the closest match.

The dosage is one pill per dose. Unscrew the cap and gently roll ONE pill into the little cap, place it directly under your tongue and let it dissolve. Using the cap will ensure you don't touch the pills with your hands, which can lessen the effectiveness. Don't eat, drink (including water), or brush your teeth for 10 minutes before and after you take the remedy. In emergencies, ignore this rule and take the remedy ASAP.

You may notice that two kits (the kit for Travel and Basic 36) contain remedies in the 30C potency, and that the Accident and Emergency and Childbirth kits contain remedies in the 200C potency. 30C are low potency and can be taken more frequently (every 1-4 hours until things improve) because they are not as strong and the effects don't last as long. 200C potencies are stronger, which means they work more deeply, and their effects last longer. Therefore, they don't need to be taken as often. Often one dose of a 200C remedy will be enough. If, however, you feel improvement from one dose and then after some hours or the next day, you feel it wear off, you may take it again. The rule of thumb is if it's working and you feel a great improvement, do not repeat the remedy. This goes for both 30C and 200C potencies.

No. A homeopathic remedy should only be taken when you feel out of balance. As soon as you feel better, stop taking it.

No. You would never take a remedy preventatively before a dentist visit, a medical procedure, or to stop from getting sick. You wait until you have symptoms, then take a remedy that is a match. There are many remedies to support you post-surgery, but you would wait until after the surgery to take them.

These remedies are very helpful for acute (recent onset) issues. But if you have a chronic health issue, it is best not to treat yourself. Please find someone locally or online who practices "classical homeopathy." This means they follow strict principles laid out by the founder of homeopathy of using one remedy at a time. Better yet, if you can find someone who studied with George Vithoulkas, my teacher.

No. Homeopathy will not interfere with medications and is compatible with all other healing modalities. Many allopathic doctors these days recognize the benefit of using both allopathy and homeopathy to support their patients.

There are certain substances, called antidotes, that can weaken the effects of homeopathic remedies. The big one is COFFEE (this includes decaf coffee). If you can avoid coffee while taking a homeopathic remedy, the remedy has a greater chance of working. This means once you take your remedy, avoid coffee, not just at the time you take the remedy, but until the ailment for which you are taking homeopathic remedies has resolved. Other forms of caffeine, like black or green tea and cola, are fine. Mint is another possible antidote, especially if you are taking the remedy Natrum Muriaticum. If you can find a mint-free toothpaste, that would be helpful. I like Auromere mint-free or Homeodent (both available at most Whole Foods or online). BUT DON'T WORRY! If you accidentally have some mint or a bite of coffee ice cream, it doesn't mean you automatically canceled your remedy. Just stop the antidote, and your remedy should kick back in. In an emergency situation, don't worry about the antidote rule. Get the remedy into you ASAP.