Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)

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A homoeopathic proving of Garcinia cambogia 30CH with the subsequent comparison to its empirical clinical issues
(2021-12-01) Diplal, Kristica; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree
Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the homoeopathic indications of Garcinia cambogia in the thirtieth centesimal potency [30CH] through the homoeopathic drug provings so that it may be prescribed according to the law of similar, and subsequently to compare these results to the documented empirical use of Garcinia cambogia. Objectives The first objective was to determine the effect of Garcinia cambogia 30CH on a healthy individual so that it may be prescribed using the law of similars. This was achieved by a randomized, double blind placebo controlled homeopathic drug proving in the 30th Hahnemannian potency in 30 healthy volunteers of which 6 were on placebo. The second objective was to subsequently compare the materia medica of Garcinia cambogia 30CH to the known existing empirical use of the substance. Methodology This study took a form of a double-blind placebo controlled trail consisting of 30 participants whom met the inclusion criteria (Appendix B). The parpticipants were randomly divided into two groups, each consisting of 15 provers and supervised by two M.Tech Homoeopathy students. 24 provers received verum and 6 provers received placebo. Neither the supervisor nor the prover nor the researcher were aware of which prover was assigned to the verum or placebo until the study was completed. The proving substance was administered in the 30CH potency, in accordance with the Liga Medicorum Homoeopathic International (LMHI) and the European Committee for Homeopathy (ECH) Homoeopathic proving guidelines and Durban University of Technology Homoeopathic department guidelines. All provers were subjected to a pre-and post- proving consultations in which case history and physical examinations were performed. A pre-proving meeting was held for all provers and supervisor. The symptoms was obtained from prover journals which was then collated, edited and translated into repertory language. By identifying the empirical use of Garcinia cambogia and relating these rubrics derived from the proving of Garcinia cambigia 30CH, a comparison was performed in order to evaluate the overlap between the homoeopathic indications and empirical use of the proving substance. Results The proving of Garcinia cambogia 30CH produced a total of 1431 rubrics, 235 of which were newly formulated rubrics and 34 cured symptoms presented during the proving period. There were 969 Grade 1 rubrics, 216 Grade 2 rubrics and 11 Grade 3 rubrics. The majority of rubrics were represented in the MIND, HEAD, GENERALS, DREAMS, STOMACH and EXTREMITIES divisions in the repertory. After critical evaluation a large quantity of symptoms were recorded by provers. The results yielded greatly on the mental/emotional level. There were a clear demarcation in polarity of symptoms as well as changeability of symptoms. Keynote features were as follows:  Anger/irritability vs. calmness/tranquility;  Anxiety vs. calmness in stressful situations;  Depression/sadness vs. cheerfulness;  Confusion vs. concentration/clarity of mind;  Connection vs. disconnection;  Exertion desire vs exertion aversion;  Positivity vs. pessimism Countless themes originating from dreams were journaled by provers, in some cases signs of threat and deadly incidents. The chief physical symptoms that appeared were; feelings of dizziness, excessive weakness or extreme desire for activity, headaches of a pounding, hammering nature. There was also an abundance of abdominal discomfort, seen as distension, burning sensations and flatus. There was ravenous hunger or complete loss of it and an unquenchable thirst, especially for cold drinks. Allergy-type symptoms were noted as well. Provers recorded coryza, excessive sneezing, itchy eyes, lachrymation and dry itchy throat. Sleeplessness at night with excessive sleepiness during the day was evident. There were robust cravings for chocolate, pizza and alcohol. Carving of foods which aggravated was also prevalent. Critical analysis of the results presented an understanding of the similarities and differences of between the homoeopathic proving of Garcinia cambogia 30CH to the documented empirical use of Garcinia cambogia. Conclusions The hypothesis that the proving of Garcinia cambogia 30CH would produce symptoms in the provers participating in this study was accepted and acknowledged as it was evidently established. The second hypothesis was Garcinia cambogia 30CH would expand the understanding and clinical scope of the medicinal value of the remedy by correlating symptoms produced with the empirical uses of Garcinia cambogia 30CH was also achieved.
The influence of pharmaceutical methods ofpreparation of Hydrastis canadensis mother tincture, on concentrations of Hydrastine and Berberine, using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
(2021-05-27) Vawda, Aaisha Mahmood; Couchman, Ingrid; Mohanlall, Viresh
This study used High-Performance Liquid Chromatography to determine the quantities of active ingredients, Hydrastine and Berberine, that were present in different pharmaceutical preparations of Homoeopathic Hydrastis canadensis mother tincture. Homoeopathic dilutions, namely 1:3 and 1:10 dilutions of Hydrastis canadensis were investigated. Commercial samples of 1:3 and 1:10 dilutions of Hydrastis canadensis were purchased from a Homoeopharmaceutical company. A 1:10 dilution was prepared in the Homoeopharmaceutical laboratory at the Durban University of Technology, from the commercial 1:3 dilution. This 1:10 dilution of Hydrastis canadensis was compared to the commercial 1:10 dilution that was purchased from the Homoeopharmaceutical company, to compare the difference between the quantities of active ingredients in the same dilutions, prepared under slightly different conditions. A 1:10 dilution is more cost effective, especially for use in Homoeopathic community Healthcare Centres. Therefore, the study aimed to determine whether the wide use of a 1:10 dilution may be justified or negated. This study aimed to evaluate whether the quantities of alkaloids present in different Homoeopathic dilutions, correlated with the current Homoeopathic uses of the remedy. It also intended to establish whether remedies that are purchased from Homoeopharmaceutical companies, and then further diluted in Homoeopathic laboratories are still comparable and effective. There are various methods of preparing the same Homoeopathic dilution. This study investigated whether the different methods of preparing the same dilution of a remedy, whilst following standard procedures and guidelines, yielded different quantities of the end alkaloids of the remedy. A new angle of Quality Control in the production of Homoeopathic remedies was investigated as well. The Homoeopathic scope of practise does not permit the Practitioner to dispense a 1:3 dilution to a patient. Therefore, this study aimed to provide a justification for using a 1:3 to prepare a 1:10 which is commonly used in Homoeopathic practice (2019, pers. comm. Dr S Brijnath. January 2019). The concentrations of Hydrastine and Berberine were depicted in a chromatogram. This data was displayed using Adobe. The data analysis was depicted using graphs, and SigmaPlot was used to calculate the results of the data obtained. The results were tabulated, and all forms of data were attached as appendices in this dissertation. The statistical analysis of the data was conducted using the Analysis of Variants test. This research project showed that the Researcher’s preparations of Hydrastis canadensis contained sufficient concentrations of Hydrastine and Berberine when compared to Hydrastis canadensis that was purchased from a Homoeopharmaceutical company. Moreover, the Researcher’s preparation of Hydrastis canadensis dilutions contained significantly higher concentrations of the aforementioned alkaloids than that purchased from a Homoeopharmaceutical company.
A comparative study of the relationship between the applications of Erythrina lysistemon (Umsinsi) within the traditional African and homeopathic medicinal systems
(2021-05-27) Nyoni, Linnet; Ross, Ashley Hilton Adrian
Traditional practices are highly respected and prioritized by a greater part of the black population in South Africa. There is a gap between the scientific evidence and the limited documentation of these practices due to knowledge that is being passed down from generation to generation through teachings, observations, and experience. This study sought to explore the different aspects of traditional African medicine, including the transmission of the indigenous knowledge and its relationship to homoeopathic medicine with respect to the applications of the medicinal plant Erythrina lysistemon. The study’s main aim was to explore the relationships in terms of similarities and /or differences existing between the African traditional and homoeopathic medicinal systems of the plant Erythrina lysistemon with reference to its pharmacology. A qualitative research methodology was employed to explore the understanding of the African traditional medicinal applications of Erythrina lysistemon by traditionalhealers from the Durban Warwick Triangle Muthi market. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on twelve traditional healers with the use of an interview guide and a voice recorder. The interviews were conducted in IsiZulu, after which they were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. The NVivo qualitative software was used for data analysis where themes were derived and analysed. Data on the homoeopathic applications of Erythrina lysistemon was derived from its homoeopathic materia medica which was formulated following a proving of the bark of Erythrina lysistemon in 2007. A desktop review of the plant’s pharmacology and toxicology was also conducted in comparison to its effectivity. The results obtained from the arising themes within the two medicinal systems were subjected to a comparative analysis, noting the differences and/or similarities presented. The field interviews conducted produced data that confirmed most of the documented uses of Erythrina lysistemon and further produced undocumented indications. A desktop review of the pharmacology and toxicology of Erythrina lysistemon also offered an understanding for some of its application properties. The prenylated flavonoids of Erythrina lysistemon have antimicrobial properties which render the herb effective in abscesses and infection, its application in sprains and other musculoskeletal complaints is due to its analgesic properties and the alkaloids produce estrogenic effects, accounting for its effect on the female reproductive system. The comparative analysis revealed areas of definite similarities between African traditional and homoeopathic applications of Erythrina lysistemon. The main areas of overlap were highlighted under the following headings: Head, Stomach, Abdomen, Urinary system, Female complaints, musculoskeletal system, Skin, Earache, Nausea and Vomiting, Stool, Wounds, Mental and Metaphysical symptoms. There were areas where no overlap was observed such as the Sleep, and Eye sections that were only accounted for in the materia medica but not in the African traditional medicinal application data. Both the physical and metaphysical indications of Erythrina lysistemon in traditional medicine were discussed and the metaphysical indications were compared in reference to some of the materia medica mental symptoms. The study concluded that there are definite areas of overlap between the applications of Erythrina lysistemon within the two discussed medicinal systems. The effectivity of Erythrina lysistemon in treating physical ailments in African traditional medicine can also be credited to some of its toxicological/pharmacological attributes. Furthermore, recommendations have been made for future studies.
A comparative analysis of the proving symptomatology of Malus domestica with existing remedies from the Rosacea family
(2021-05-27) Zuma, Minenhle Goodenough; Maharaj, Mandusha
Introduction Over the years there has been an increase in the number of homoeopathic drug provings. This has in turn, led to an increase in the number of available homoeopathic remedies and, consequently, an expansion of the materia medica. The increase in the number of available homoeopathic remedies is a massive milestone in the field of homoeopathy. However, some practitioners acknowledge that finding a homoeopathic similimum is rather daunting due to the excessive volume of data. A system of prescribing that would make the process of finding a similimum logical is necessary. Numerous homoeopaths have developed methods to analyse and classify remedies. The Doctrine of Signatures, miasmatic theory developed by Samuel Hahnemann, the homoeopathic repertories and group analysis are but some of the developments that have been implemented to assist homoeopathic practitioners and students grasp the excessive content that exists in the materia medicae and the field of homoeopathy as a whole. These methods have also made prescribing for both students and homoeopaths logical and much easier. Innovative homoeopathic authors like Sankaran (2005a), Scholten (1993) and Mangialavori (2010) have developed systems of studying remedies in groups or kingdoms, now famously known as group analysis. Group analysis offers a valuable tool for studying and prescribing homoeopathic remedies with accuracy. Aim This is a non-empirical correlational, theoretical study with the aim of studying and comparing the proving symptomatology of Malus domestica with the following selected plant remedies within the Rosaceae plant family: Crataegus oxyacantha, Hydrocyanicum acidum, Laurocerasus, Prunus spinosa and Rosa damascene. This study also aimed to expand the knowledge of the Rosaceae family and by so doing improve the application of the remedies in a clinical context. A MacRepertory® search was conducted to choose remedies belonging to the Rosaceae family with the greatest number of rubrics hence the above-mentioned remedies were selected as the sample for this study. A good representation of the remedy in the materia medica and the number of successful clinical cases available were other factors that were considered on selecting sample remedies. Objectives 1. Describe and organise symptomatology of selected remedies of the Rosaceae plant family and tabulate their respective symptomatology in order to derive homoeopathic themes. 2. Determine homoeopathic symptomatology, rubrics and themes of Malus domestica in order to enable family contextualisation. 3. Compare the themes and sensations that emerge with existing themes and sensations of Malus domestica and the selected Rosaceae plant family remedies. Methodology To fulfil the purposes of this study the proving symptomatology of Malus domestica was thoroughly studied and interrogated. A computer repertory search was conducted using MacRepertory® to extract all the rubrics of the study remedies. The sources that were used included the documented proving of Malus domestica 30CH, materia medicae and MacRepertory®, which is an electronic database consisting of repertories, materia medica, books and journal articles. The symptomatology, themes, sensations, and rubrics were visually analysed and compared with each other in the form of tables for easy reference and to identify existing commonalities and differences. The collected themes and sensations were subsequently analysed. The emerging sensations were then compared with those proposed by Sankaran. Results The Rosaceae remedies yielded numerous themes and sensations, especially those relating to the mental sphere, chest, respiratory, heart and circulation, extremities and the head. The following sensations were noted: tightness, spasms, oppression, suffocation, paralysis, constriction, disconnection and pressure (inwards and outwards). A few polarities were noted in the mental themes. The polarity that exists between some of the themes are: • Calmness and quietness vs Nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and fear; • Increased memory and concentration levels vs Mental weakness, mental dullness, loss of memory and mental exhaustion. The comparative analysis of the proving symptomatology of Malus domestica and existing Rosaceae plant remedies namely, Crataegus oxyacantha, Hydrocyanicum acidum, Laurocerasus, Prunus spinosa and Rosa damascene exhibited numerous commonalities. Conclusion The study established clearly discernable commonalities between Malus domestica 30CH and existing Rosaceae plant remedies, with the majority of these commonalities relating to the mind, head, chest, respiratory, extremities, heart and circulation and the abdomen. This study demonstrated that group analysis can validate and expand provings, hence expanding knowledge and clinical application of these remedies.
An analysis of selected Bach flower remedies and their relationship to existing Homoeopathic Materia Medica
(2021-05-27) Andrew, Crystal Jade; Maharaj, Mandusha
With the increase of daily stressors in our lives, an individual may find it debilitating and can subsequently reduce the quality of life. According to a study done on the life time prevalence of common mental disorders in South Africa, it was found that anxiety disorders have the highest prevalence in life time disorders. Thus, appropriate treatment or management of anxiety disorders and fear-related disorders may be necessary. The Bach flower remedies have been used to treat mental or emotional states. These remedies were discovered by Dr Edward Bach. Dr Bach analysed the flower remedies and categorised them distinctively into groups based on similar characteristics of which flower remedies displayed. The Bach flower remedies Aspen, Cherry plum, Mimulus, Red chestnut and Rock rose have been placed into the fear group as a result of being collectively fearful, although the cause of the fear and anxiety are diverse. AIM The aim of the study was to explore the relationship of selected Bach flower remedies, the fear group, to the existing Homoeopathic Materia Medica noting the themes that emerged. METHOD This study paradigm involved an intensive literature-based review study with detailed analysis of data in the public domain. There were no participants needed for the study. The repertorisation method has been used extensively in Homoeopathy to detect the remedies of repertorial similarity. In other words, the common remedies that arise in symptom patterns. The development of the repertory came from the idea of having multiple remedies which was difficult to memorize. This study employed this method to detect the emerged Homoeopathic remedies per selected Bach flower remedy. The mental/emotional symptoms of the Bach flower remedies were converted to rubrics with the use of Schroyens (2012) repertory. The study integrated thematic analysis using the data achieved after repertorisation. RESULTS The remedies of repertorial similarity were determined by the repertorisation of the characteristic symptoms of the selected Bach Flower remedies. Three best suited remedies were selected per Bach flower remedy of which the researcher thoroughly analysed to distinguish common themes that arise. Upon further comparison between the selected Bach flower remedy mental and emotional symptomology and the emerged Homoeopathic remedies, the researcher noted the results showed significant similarities of the mental/emotional symptoms between the Bach flower remedies and the Homoeopathic remedies. CONCLUSION After much analysis, the researcher found that for each Bach flower remedy there was a distinctive Homoeopathic remedy which showed similarities of the Bach flower remedies pertaining to the mental/emotional symptomology. The Homoeopathic remedies following simply displayed the main themes of anxiety and fear, but not in detail when analysed with the corresponding Bach flower remedy. The researcher thus noted that since there are similarities between the Bach flower remedies and the emerged Homoeopathic remedies, the Bach flowers will be of aid as a conjunctive therapy which will enhance the treatment of the Homoeopathic remedies for anxietybased disorders.
Thematic group analysis of selected matridonal remedies
(2021-05-27) Mthethwa, Nonduduzo Abigail; Maharaj, Madhu
Group analyses of homoeopathic remedies is a relatively new methodology, linking biologically related substances via their common symptomatology. At a very basic level of understanding, group analysis is an attempt to identify a mechanism for understanding groups of related remedies, according to the natural classification of various sources such as minerals, plants and animals used in homoeopathic practice. This does not only offer new aspects to well-known remedies but illuminates the smaller, less well-known remedies, resulting in a more comprehensive and rounded understanding of the materia medica (De Schepper, 2006). Sankaran (1994) and Scholten (1996) have developed the group analysis approach to help understand remedies and gain deeper insight into them. The aim of this approach is to find symptoms, themes and pathological tendencies that are common to all the remedies within a group and hence enable a homoeopath to more accurately see a remedy’s ‘picture’ as well as to gain deeper insight into the group of less well-presented remedies. This study is based on identifying themes and sensations which are common in the selected matridonal remedies of gestation and postpartum period. Lac maternum, Aqua amniota humana, Vernix caseosa, Umbilicus humanus and Placenta humana were selected because they are the matridonal remedies that are commonly used. There is not enough information available because very few studies were conducted on the matridonal remedies in the past. There is a gap in the literature to ascertain their themes, for example the group of remedies for the gestation and postpartum period have not been studied. The researcher conducted this study to assist with conditions in the newborn and diseases that perpetuate as the child is growing, as a result of complications during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Tables and rubrics were used to set out data in a systemic manner for comparison, where the significant data was organised into thematic sub-divisions. The materia medica of the selected matridonal remedies were recorded and compared with each sub-division of the materia medica delved. Common themes from the selected matridonal remedies were extracted, recorded and compared. The sensations that emerged were determined and compared. Ten characteristic rubrics of each remedy were extracted and thereafter repertorised. The top three emerging similar remedies were then compared to each other. The researcher employed the manual keyword searches. Original provings of the selected matridonal remedies were reviewed. The researcher then extracted the symptoms, common characteristic sensations and themes amongst the selected matridomal remedies. The materia medica of the selected matridonal remedies were compared because the selected matridonal remedies are inadequately portrayed in the materia medica, repertory and computer software such as Radar Opus 10 and Encyclopaedia Homoeopathica (Wulfsohn 2005). The researcher successfully extracted and compared the remedies of repertorial similarity to the selected matridonal remedies. A computer repertory search using Radar Opus 10 was used to list all the rubrics containing the selected gestational and postpartum matridonal remedies. From the remedies where rubrics were available. Restrictions were set up; whereby smaller rubrics were used because they portray the close picture of the selected remedy. The selected matridonal remedies were individually studied and classified according to Sankaran’s group analysis to successfully compare the thematic analysis of the selected matridonal remedies with existing group analysis data (sankran1994). The sensations that were identified for the selected remedies were used to formulate the basic themes of the selected matridonal remedies. The miasmatic classification of these remedies was used to support these themes.
The evaluation of miasmatic nosode prescriptions at a Homoeopathic Community Clinic
(2020-11-30) Wulfsohn, Kyle; Maharaj, M.; Ngobese-Ngubane, J. C.
Brief Background: The current study sought to ascertain if any disease patterns or miasmatic trends exist at Ukuba Nesibindi Homeopathic Health Centre (UNHHC) (and the nature thereof). The results of this investigation will enhance our understanding of the trends related to disease, prescriptions and miasms at this community clinic. These findings can be used to inform and improve the current homeopathic management of patients in this particular location. UNHHC is a thriving clinic and further insight into possible miasmatic trends is likely to have a large impact. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate miasmatic nosode prescription trends at a homeopathic community clinic. Furthermore, the objectives of the study were to determine the frequency, dosage, and posology trends in prescription of the miasmatic nosodes and to determine trends in patient diagnosis, as well as miasmatic diagnosis. Methodology: The research methodology comprised a quantitative inquiry and analysis, to provide clinical verification of prescriptions. A retrospective chart review was conducted at the UNHHC based on the relevant patient charts. A rubric was used to document the demographics, clinical conditions, homeopathic guiding symptoms, posology and miasmatic diagnosis of each chart, where a miasmatic nosode was prescribed. Further, a comparison of the guiding prescribing symptoms was made against existing materia medica. Results and Conclusions: The results of the study show that the most commonly prescribed miasmatic nosode was Tuberculinum bovinum (Tub bov) followed by, Psorinum, Medorrhinum, Carcinosin, Bacillinum and finally Syphillinum. The most common miasmatic classification was the tuberculinic miasm. The study also showed that the most common form of prescribing miasmatic nosodes was in the 200th potency given as one powder daily. The most common diagnoses for which miasmatic nosodes were prescribed were skin conditions. The conclusion drawn from this study is that the miasmatic trend prevalent at UNHHC is the tubercular miasm, with the majority of manifestations appearing on the skin, requiring the 200th potency given daily.
A materia medica comparison of bowel nosodes and related homoeopathic remedies
(2020-11-30) Combrink-Potter, Deirdre; Hall, Cornelia Maria; Wulfsohn, Terence Orde
Introduction The purpose of this study was to ascertain which homoeopathic remedies are most closely associated with the respective bowel nosodes with a specific focus on the similarities that exist with regards to the mental and physical symptomatology and the clinical indications by means of an independent comparative analysis conducted via computerised repertorisation. The purpose of ascertaining this information was to provide a better understanding of the interrelationships which exist between a given bowel nosode and its most closely associated homoeopathic remedies. This understanding will therefore provide more insight and may act as a guide as to when and how one can use the bowel nosodes in relation to specific homoeopathic remedies in practice. Methodology The following four bowel nosodes were selected for this study from the original listing compiled by Dr John Paterson (1890-1954), one of the pioneers of research on the bowel nosodes which was published in the article “The Bowel nosodes” in the British Homoeopathic Journal in 1950: Proteus (Bach), Gaertner (Bach), Dysentery Co. (Bach) and Sycotic Co. (Paterson). These nosodes were selected on the basis that they present with the most extensive, distinctive and distinguishable mental and physical symptoms when compared to the remaining seven bowel nosodes. The methodology employed for this study was based on a computerised repertorisation process utilising the Synergy Mac Repertory program. The most prominent and significant mental and physical symptomatology and clinical indication rubrics were selected as per the information obtained from the materia medicas, original works and from more recent authors. A repertorisation was conducted for each individual bowel nosode in order to determine the most closely associated homoeopathic remedies for each bowel nosode as per the above criteria. Results The results obtained through the repertorisation process included the following top three associated homoeopathic remedies pertaining to each individual bowel nosode. 1. Proteus (Bach) – Natrium muriaticum, Nux vomica and Sepia officinalis. 2. Gaertner (Bach) – Silicea terra, Mercurius vivus/solubilis and Nux vomica. 3. Dysentery Co. (Bach) – Lachesis muta, Argentum nitricum and Ignatia amara. 4. Sycotic Co. (Paterson) – Causticum, Nitricum acidum and Thuja occidentalis. Conclusion The results of this study revealed that many similarities pertaining to the mental and physical symptomatology and clinical indications exist between the chosen bowel nosodes and their respective associated homoeopathic remedies. These similarities provide more insight with regards to the interrelationship exiting between a particular bowel nosode and its associated homoeopathic remedies, therefore bringing a clearer understanding and consequently assisting the homoeopathic practitioner in the usage and prescription of the bowel nosodes in practice. The results of this study also revealed important correlations between the original listing by Dr John Paterson regarding the chief associated homoeopathic remedies of individual bowel nosodes and those obtained in this study therefore corroborating some of the original chief associated homoeopathic remedies. The newly found chief associated homoeopathic remedies of individual bowel nosodes resulting from this study may be given preference during case analysis and may be used to expand or update the original listing providing an expanded or updated guide for the homoeopathic practitioner.
An exploration of related homoeopathic remedies and fear and over-care Bachflower remedies
(2019-06-10) Chauke, Khazamula Osman; Wulfsohn, T.O.
INTRODUCTION The research topic is, “An exploration of related homoeopathic remedies and fear and over-care Bach Flower Remedies’’. This is an exploratory, literature based study. Bach Flower Remedies (BFRs) are grouped into seven groups. The research focuses on two of the seven BFRs groups, which are, fear, and, over-care for welfare of others. There are emotional and mental themes under each of the seven Bach Flower Remedies. The mental and emotional themes of the remedies under the selected groups are used as symptoms. These symptoms are converted into rubrics, which were searched in a repertory. METHODOLOGY Computer repertory, Radar Synthesis 10 and Synergy MacRepertory were nonfunctioning at the time of data collection, so manual repertory has been used to repertorize the mental symptoms of Bach Flower Remedies (BFRs). Radar Synthesis 10 and Synergy MacRepertory 8 are some of the homoeopathic computer-repertories similar to homoeopathic repertory hardcopy books. RESULTS Homoeopathic remedies that match Bach Flower Remedies’ mental symptoms are obtained. There are similarities and differences on homoeopathic remedies that are obtained under the same mental symptoms of BFRs. CONCLUSION There are much similarities between homoeopathic and Bach Flower Remedies. Homoeopathic and Bach Flower Remedies can be prescribed together for patients as these modalities compliment each other. Homoeopathic practitioners can include Bach Flower Remedies in remedy differentials and to consider as first choice remedies for prescription.
Prescription trends of sulphur as an anti-psoric in a homoeopathic community clinic in eThekwini
(2019) Ford, Aanisah; Maharaj, Madhu; Ngobese-Ngubane, J.C.
Brief background In homoeopathy patients are treated miasmatically and this mode of prescribing is especially relevant in the case of chronic diseases. Miasms can be defined as dynamic, chronic disease producing agents. According to Hahnemann they are the fundamental causes of all natural chronic diseases (Kent, 2007). The Durban University of Technology (DUT) established its first satellite Homoeopathic Community Health Centre; Ukuba Nesibindi Homoeopathic Community Health Centre (UNHCHC), in 2004. UNHCHC provides a free homoeopathic primary healthcare service on the third floor of the Lifeline building in Warwick Junction, Durban, an area which is classified as being underprivileged. The clinic gives 4th and 5th year homoeopathic students the opportunity to treat patients under the supervision of a qualified homoeopathic practitioner and is funded solely by the Department of Homoeopathy (Smillie, 2010). Aim of the study The study aimed to determine the prescription trends of Sulphur as an anti-psoric in a homoeopathic community health centre in eThekwini for the period 2015-2016. Data from the study was analysed to determine the number of cases, the demographics and clinical conditions and guiding symptoms which led to the administration of Sulphur. The study was further analysed and a comparison of the guiding symptoms to that of Sulphur documented in various existing materia medica was conducted. The researcher evaluated the prescriptions in each case against psoric miasm prescribing criteria. Methodology A retrospective chart review of patient case files at UNHCHC was conducted for the period 2015-2016. Data was collected from patient files in which Sulphur was prescribed in the initial consultation according to a standardised rubric (Appendix A). Relevant information was extracted to document the demographics, clinical diagnosis, homoeopathic guiding symptoms and posology for the initial prescription of Sulphur. Each outline of the rubric was analysed collectively against the prescriptions of Sulphur. A thematic analysis was conducted and prescription trends were revealed upon coding of recurring themes for the prescription of Sulphur. These were then documented and subsequently compared to the various existing materia medica of Sulphur. A sample size of 80 patient files where Sulphur was prescribed in the period 2015- 2016 was obtained for this research. All patients signed consent forms prior to the consultation whereby patients gave permission for their information to be used for research purposes (Appendix B). Only initial administration of Sulphur was recorded and taken into account to determine prescription trends. Demographic descriptive statistics were conducted and illustrated using graphical presentations. Themes were drawn based on the data that emerged from the symptoms and rubrics. Prescription trends were documented after themes and prescription patterns were identified. Thereafter, a comparison to the various existing materia medica was conducted by comparing the arising symptomatology upon which the prescription of Sulphur was based, with that of the various existing materia medica. A comparison of the prescribing symptoms of Sulphur with that of the various existing materia medica, fulfilled the underlying rationale of clinical verification of the homoeopathic prescription of Sulphur in a community health Centre setting, where a wide range of clinical conditions are managed. Finally, prescriptions for each case were evaluated against the psoric miasm prescribing criteria. Results This research determined that Sulphur was prescribed as a first prescription to 80 patients at UNHCHC during 2015-2016. Twenty-five patients (31.3%) were seen in 2015 and 55 patients (68.8%) were seen in 2016. The age range was from 3 years old to 76 years old. The majority of patients (55, 68.8%) were in the age range 21-40 years. Of the 80 patients, 48 (60%) were female and 32 (40%) were male. The results show that symptoms that emerged during the initial consultations where Sulphur was presribed correspond with the symptoms in the existing materia medica, although some cases revealed symptoms that were not documented in the materia medica. The data documented was further analysed and evaluated against the psoric miasm prescribing criteria, as per the criteria set out by Choudhury (2015). The prescription trends of Sulphur at UNHCHC indicated that Sulphur was prescribed remedy across age, gender and pathology. As an anti-psoric remedy, Sulphur was prescribed for, typically, the complaints of psora, such as skin conditions. Thus, the results show that the decision to treat symptoms that correspond with Sulphur in the materia medica, may also address the underlying psoric miasm. This further reinforces the role of Sulphur as an important anti-psoric remedy. The documenting of the prescription trends of Sulphur as an anti-psoric has assisted in providing formal clinical data demonstrating the utilisation of Sulphur in homoeopathic care and in a primary healthcare setting. It has also provided further information on Sulphur as an anti-psoric remedy.

Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)

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