(Published in May/June 2006 Homeopathy Today, NCH's nationwide publication.)

Promoting Safe and Effective Use of Remedies
Two concerned homeopaths take on in-store consumer education
by Beth Levin and Autumn Louise Copyright 2005

Because homeopathic remedies are widely available over-the-counter, people often buy them without understanding how homeopathy really works. As we became increasingly concerned about this issue, we realized that we could enhance the format within which remedies are available, thereby increasing the safety and overall respect with which they are used. Deciding on a grassroots approach with a community focus, we took our concerns to our local food co-op, the largest homeopathic retailer in our area. We brought them several ideas that could be implemented within the store, emphasizing that additional information and resources would be ideal to ensure that remedies are being used with optimal effectiveness, ultimately supporting the enhanced well-being of our community. The Ashland Food Co-op accepted our proposals.

1. We began by addressing one of our primary concerns, high potencies. At our request, the management relocated the 200c and 1M potencies to the highest shelf and posted a sign reading: “High potency homeopathics—200c & 1M should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.”

2. We supplied the co-op staff with a list of recommended homeopathic books for sale and for in-store use.

3. We wrote an article for the co-op member newsletter that explained homeopathy in simple terms. 3500 copies reached community members in our Oregon town of over 20,000. We gave information about the nature and principles of homeopathy, including how it differs from conventional medicine, guided shoppers to resources available in the co-op, and encouraged readers/shoppers toward further research.

4. We wrote an information packet, which is laminated and posted in the homeopathic section of the store and includes the following topics:
• What Is Homeopathy?—the nature of homeopathy, its safe and effective use, the concepts of individuality, totality, and minimum dose.
• Glossary—a list of 18 commonly used homeopathic terms and their definitions.
• About Potency—potency & dosage guidelines, including guidelines for when to stop taking a remedy.
• Recommended Resources—books, book catalogs, and online resources, including the NCH website.

5. At our recommendation, a homeopathic in-service staff training and Q&A period was attended by co-op managers and floor personnel.

6. We are currently available in the homeopathic section of the store one afternoon per month during prime shopping time to answer questions, distribute handouts about homeopathy, and guide shoppers to appropriate resources, including how to use the Repertory & Materia Medica.

Our vision is to have a dynamic format for community education available and accessible wherever homeopathic remedies are sold. We hope the model we have shared inspires and encourages others to adopt similar practices in their communities and to deepen awareness, growth, and respect for what homeopathy has to offer.

Please help foster greater understanding and respect for the power of homeopathy by implementing ideals such as these for the enhanced safety & well being of your community:

· Write a letter of intention.
· Meet with managers of stores, co-ops.
· Separate high potency remedies & provide info about their use.
· Provide a book list for reference material & for sale.
· Post basic information about homeopathy.
· Provide staff training where remedies are sold.
· Arrange for a homeopath to be available in the store.
· Write articles for newsletters, local papers.
· Give lectures in your community.