Combination Remedies
Many companies offer combination remedies--homeopathic products containing several remedies--for specific conditions like hay fever. Besides the above mentioned remedies, combinations may include Sanguinaria for dry burning eyes, extreme thirst and a nose that is alternately dry and runny with an excoriating discharge. Arundo is fitting for allergy cases with itchy nostrils, eyes and soft palate. When your ears are stuffed, thick yellow gunk drips from your eyes and you want to cry at the drop of a hat, then look for a preparation with Pulsatilla.

Although combination remedies fly against the "single remedy" rule of classical homeopathy, they're all right for acute conditions like hay fever, says Bradley. Using combination homeopathic remedies is like taking an over-the-counter drug, he adds, because you're choosing the remedy based on your disease not your unique symptoms. "But I know they work for many people." With so many remedies in one preparation, there's a chance one might help you but it's a hit-or-miss situation.

When choosing a combination product, stick with well established homeopathic companies that know what remedies work together, says Bradley. Certain remedies antidote one another, like Sabadilla and Pulsatilla, both good for hay fever. You shouldn't use combinations for chronic conditions like asthma--although used during an asthma attack is OK. Combination remedies are palliative, they decrease symptoms, but are rarely curative. "Remember too," says Bradley, "if a combination remedy doesn't work, it doesn't mean homeopathy doesn't work because combinations don't follow the laws of homeopathy."

It's also important that you take and handle homeopathic remedies properly. The most common way to take a remedy is orally, placing the pellets or liquid under your tongue and allowing it to dissolve. Some eye drops also contain homeopathic medicines like Belladonna, for dry red allergic eyes, or Euphrasia, where watery eyes spout irritating tears.

Never touch a remedy with your hands. If taking pills, shake them out into the cap of the container or onto a clean dry spoon. Don't put spilled pellets back in the jar and don't contaminate the container lid. Don't drink or eat anything for 15 minutes before or after taking the remedy. Store your remedy closed and away from strong odors like perfume, cooking and paint .

During treatment avoid compounds that may antidote or erase the effects of your remedy like coffee, camphor, drugs, routine dental work and repeated use of electric blankets. Even other natural therapies, such as botanicals, large doses of vitamins and minerals, or acupuncture, can interfere with homeopathic remedies.