First you may wonder, what IS homeopathy?
Start here if you're new to this. That answers the question, “What IS homeopathy?!” (Hint: it's not the same as holistic or naturopathic healthcare.) Also, you may want to check out another homeopathy Q&A post here.
What you need to know before beginning homeopathic remedies…
If you're already on homeopathic remedies or you're planning to start soon, you may have heard about substances that could antidote, or cancel out, the effectiveness of the remedy. One of those antidotes is mint, so I'll tell you more about all of that below, and I've got some safe mint-free toothpaste options for you too.
Important notes before you begin your homeopathic remedies:
—One dose is whatever it says on the remedy bottle. Different manufacturers have different dosing amounts.
—Some bottles have a twist cap and you'd be surprised how many people can't figure out how to get the pills out! Turn them upside-down, twist until you have the desired amount, then take the cap off and place them under your tongue without touching the cap and without handling the pills at all if possible.
—Do not take remedies within 15 minutes of food or drink OR within 15 minutes of other remedies unless specified to take them together, which depends on the protocol.
—Before beginning any homeopathic protocol, it's good to start the day before by taking just one dose of camphor (200c) to “clear the slate” as Joette says. This is especially good if you've been on other remedies that aren't working, or if you were on medications. (It's also used if you think you took a wrong remedy and you want to begin again with a new protocol.)
My FAVORITE brand:
This remedy brand is my favorite because they're in glass, and also you get more pills in each bottle vs. other brands, so they're more economical.
A note about homeopathic antidotes:
—The following is from homeopathy Joette Calabrese:
Certain substances have been known to antidote (cancel out) homeopathic remedies, particularly in sensitive people. While small amounts of the following substances will likely not affect the action of your remedies, an undetermined amount may indeed do so. This means that it might best to avoid the following substances, particularly in large amounts, at least in the beginning of your protocol so that the remedies can act fully.
Do not use mint toothpaste or chew mint gum or use anything with mint. Also avoid any of the following: camphor (it's in things like deep heat rubs, Vicks, Ben Gay, Carmex, nail polish, Noxema products), no electric blankets, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, listerine, mothballs, oil of oregano, strong chemical odors, strong paint odors, ammonia and coffee (IF it isn’t already a part of your daily habit).
Before we talk toothpaste, let's talk coffee…
Coffee has never affected the action of my homeopathic remedies personally, but it was already part of my daily habit so maybe that's why. (Thank God! Read more here about how to make a better-for-you cup of coffee.) For my migraines, it actually helps sometimes. I have another friend, however, who says it does stop the action of her remedies, so just be aware.
The best SAFE mint-free toothpaste options:
Mint may not be a problem for you as far as antidoting your remedies, but it's wise to avoid it just to be sure, especially at first. Otherwise if the remedy isn't helping you, you won't know if it's because it's not the right remedy choice for your symtoms OR are you just accidentally antidoting it?
You may already have a favorite safe mint-free toothpaste, but keep in mind that even “cinnamon” toothpastes DO usually still have mint in them if you look at the ingredients. Here are my favorite safe mint-free toothpaste options (and of course they're also Fluoride-free):
- Here's a link to the post with a recipe for the cinnamon tooth powder I use: Best Toothpaste without Fluoride, it's good for whitening too! Find the recipe toward the bottom of the post under “tooth powder formulas”, look for this subtitle: “Cinnamon tooth whitening powder“. You could just mix up a bunch at once so you don't need to do it very often, it's simple to do though. Or if you don't want to make it, just buy this tooth powder and choose the cinnamon option!
- For an even easier safe mint-free toothpaste option, just use this cinnamon oil and put a drop into your hand with a few drops of cold water and dip your toothbrush in to brush with that–it needs to be diluted or it's quite strong and will burn a little. This works well to freshen breath too! You could also use this lemon oil. But again, you should dilute it with a bit of water in your hand. Sometimes I'll use this with a little baking soda, but I don't do that daily because I've heard it's not the best for your teeth, read about that more in this article: Is baking soda safe to brush with? (That article is from Will & Susan who also sell my favorite toothbrushes.)
Does your lip balm have mint in it?
By the way, if you're avoiding mint, you'll also want to switch lip balms if yours has mint in it, because many of them do, but my very favorite lip balm does not–they have both lemon and orange! It goes on so velvety smooth and I love the ingredients. Get it at that link and use the code KOP for a discount.
A note about storing your remedies:
It may not affect them at all, but just to be safe, don't store your remedies near your router or near strong scents like essential oils or paints, etc. (Mine are actually by my router because of the convenient spot I had for them there BUT I made a “shield” with cardboard and aluminum foil over it.)
More you might like:
- Remember that homeopathic remedies don't expire, pretty cool right?!
- I suggest starting with homeopathy kits so you have a variety of different remedies on hand for when you need them. (Also kits are nice to send off with your kids to college or to their first apartment.) Here's my favorite: Top 100 Remedies. My friend with young kids loves this homeopathy kids' kit:
- Homeopathy success stories! (and “Will homeopathy become illegal-part two”)
- Will homeopathy become illegal? (Part one)
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