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Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)

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    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.
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    A double-blind placebo controlled homoeopathic proving of Malus domestica 30CH, with a subsequent comparison of proving symptomatology to homoeopathic remedies of repertorial similarity
    (2015) Moonsamy, Brenton Ricardo; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree; Somaru, Nevorndutt
    Introduction The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of Malus domestica 30CH on a group of healthy provers and to compare these signs and symptoms to remedies of repertorial similarity. Malus domestica (common domestic apple) is an indigenous South African fruit which grows on the Drakensberg Mountains in Northern KwaZulu-Natal and is a regular part of the diet for those living there. This study hypothesized that Malus domestica 30CH would prove observable signs and symptoms in healthy individuals. Further it was hypothesized that the comparison of Malus domestica to remedies of reportorial similarity would highlight similarities and differences between existing homoeopathic remedies and Malus domestica 30CH thereby clarifying the therapeutic action of this new remedy and its relative location in the materia medica. The study was conducted by two researchers who each managed 15 provers and shared all primary data. The second researcher hypothesized that there would be a similarity between the proving symptoms of the remedy and the Doctrine of Signatures of the original substance (Ramnarayan 2014). Methodology A double blind placebo controlled proving of Malus domestica 30CH was conducted on 30 healthy volunteers who met specific inclusion criteria, with 6 receiving placebo and 24 receiving verum. A case history and thorough physical examination was performed on every prover before commencement of the proving. Recording of the data collected was in the form of a journal. Once the proving was completed information from each prover was collated and assessed by the two researchers. The symptoms elicited were then translated into materia medica and repertory language and a complete homoeopathic picture of the remedy appeared. Information from case histories and physical examinations were also considered. A repertorisation of 10 rubrics chosen to represent the essence of Malus domestica was conducted using Radar Opus software. Exclusion repertorization then followed in order to identify those remedies producing the highest numerical value and total number of rubrics within the animal, mineral and plant kingdoms in particular. Results Vast arrays of symptoms were experienced by the provers. Polarities in the symptoms were often displayed. On the emotional plane, there were symptoms of depression, sadness and cheerfulness. Some provers experienced tranquility and others felt anger, frustration and irritation. On the mental plane there were symptoms of clarity, focused concentration and confusion. The presence of delusions was marked. The most prominent delusion which infiltrated the mental and physical plane was of disconnection and separation. The main symptoms were sensations as if the extremities were separated from other areas. There was cramping and itching of the extremities as well. Pulsating headaches with perspiration of the scalp and eye pain were experienced. Various gastrointestinal symptoms were experienced ranging from distention, eructations, cramping, and diarrhea to hemorrhage after stool. Constriction of the chest and a loose, dry cough was also experienced. Cervical and lumbar back pain was reported. Sleep was described as unrefreshing with sleeplessness. The themes that emerged from the dreams were of danger (including danger to family), banquets, parties and helping others. The provers had a craving for tea. The similar remedies that emerged from the repertorial analysis were; Natrum muriaticum, Rhus toxicodendron, Lyssin, Cinchona officinalis and Pulsatilla pratensis. Conclusion The proving of Malus domestica 30CH did produce well defined symptoms that were clearly observed in healthy provers as proposed by the hypothesis. As hypothesized the comparison of Malus domestica to remedies of repertorial similarity did highlight similarities and differences between existing homoeopathic remedies and Malus domestica 30CH thereby clarifying the therapeutic range of this new remedy and its relative location in the materia medica.
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    A double blind placebo controlled homoeopathic proving of Malus domestica 30CH, with a subsequent comparative analysis according to the doctrine of signatures
    (2014-06-12) Ramnarayan, Sumir; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree; Somaru, Nevorndutt
    The purpose of this research study was to determine any therapeutic significance of Malus domestica (domestic apple) in the potentised, homoeopathic form and to contribute this information to the body of the homoeopathic materia medica. It was further hypothesised that some proving symptoms experienced by the provers during the research study would show a resemblance to unique characteristics of the plant in terms of its natural appearance and cultural references. This involved a detailed doctrine of signatures analysis of Malus domestica based on an extensive literature review. Combining a proving research study with comparative analysis to the doctrine of signatures helped to clarify and verify the remedy’s potential therapeutic value. Methodology This homoeopathic proving was carried out in the form of a double blind placebo controlled study of Malus domestica 30CH with a total of 30 provers. The prover sample was randomly divided into two groups: 24 provers (80%) into the verum group and the remaining six provers (20%) into the placebo group. The provers were unaware of either the proving substance or the potency used. Participants were required to record their mental, emotional and physical status’ one week prior to administration of the proving powders as a form of control for comparison of symptoms post administration of the proving remedy. Thorough physical examinations and case histories of each prover were taken prior to and after the proving period. Provers ingested one powder three times a day for three days and recorded their symptoms daily in a journal. The duration of the proving period spanned five weeks. During this period researchers were in constant contact with all participants. Once the proving period was complete, all journals were gathered and the information therein translated into materia medica and repertory format so as to develop the remedy picture of Malus domestica 30CH. A comparison between the symptomatology produced in the provers and the doctrine of signatures was then performed. Results A wide range of symptoms were documented by the provers. The results revealed an affinity to the mental plane – the most striking being the theme of being disconnected and separated from others in the environment as well as within one’s self. Marked polarities were depicted as follows: Anger/irritability vs. calmness/tranquility; Depression/sadness vs. cheerfulness; Confusion vs. concentration/clarity of mind; Connection vs. disconnection. Physically, symptoms concerning the extremities were numerous, with provers describing symptoms of their limbs being disconnected/separated as well. Head symptoms were also numerous as provers described a wide range of headaches, as well as headaches that were associated with eye symptoms. Abdominal symptoms manifesting as cramping associated with diarrhoea and, in some cases, constipation were documented. Dizziness associated with the sensation of the head floating was common as well. Numerous themes arising from dreams were recorded by provers, with a clear affinity to family members as well as dreams of social gatherings and banquets. Provers dreamt of family members placed in precarious situations wherein the lives of their loved ones were at risk, whilst the emotion of guilt was expressed in certain dreams regarding parties and banquets. The comparison between the homoeopathic drug proving of Malus domestica 30CH and the doctrine of signatures brought many similarities to light, with most of these similarities relating to the mind, extremities and head. Conclusion As hypothesised Malus domestica 30CH produced clearly observable symptoms in healthy provers. On comparison, the proving remedy and the doctrine of signatures brought many parallels to light – the majority of which related to the mind, extremities and head. To gain a complete remedy picture of Malus domestica it is imperative that further research into the symptomatology of different homoeopathic potencies be conducted.