Faculty of Health Sciences

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An exploration of patient perception of the aesthetic presentation and physical characteristics of homeopathic medicine
(2022-05-13) Nengovhela, Muphulusi; Alwar, Vanishree; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree
Background The British Homeopathic Association (2020) claims that homeopathy is a natural form of medicine used by over 200 million people across the globe to treat both acute and chronic conditions. It is based on a principle known as like cures like, which simply means that a substance that can produce symptoms of disease when administered in a healthy individual, can be given in a minimal dose to treat the same symptoms in the diseased individual (Burns and Burns 2002). Homeopathy was discovered in the 1800s by the German physician Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Hahnemann homeopathically prepared remedies in different physical forms (liquid, solid, and semi-solid form) and dispensed and stored them in a neutral brown glass bottle (Kayne 2006). In the present day, various forms of homeopathic medicines are dispensed to patients in different types of aesthetic presentations and in different colours. However, there is a lack of studies aimed to explore patients' perception of the aesthetic presentation and physical characteristics of homeopathic medicine. Aim of the study This study aimed to explore the patient perception of the aesthetic presentation and physical characteristics of homeopathic medicine. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, and descriptive design was employed. A convenience sampling method was used. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted at the DUT main homeopathic community health centre (HCHC) and one selected homeopathic private practice. Data collection took place until a point of saturation was reached, but three additional participants were recruited after this point to confirm data saturation.Data were analysed using thematic analysis guided by Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis (Tesch 1990 cited in Creswell 2009). Results Patients' perceptions regarding the aesthetic presentation and the physical characteristics of homeopathic medicine were grouped into four major themes and several subthemes. The four major themes were: package appearance, package preference, physical characteristics and medium type preference. These themes emerged from homeopathic patients' responses. Participants discussed the appearance of the packages and expressed perception with regard to the sizes, shapes, colours and the lids of the packages. Dissatisfaction regarding the paper packages, the breakability of glass packages and the impact of plastic packages on land pollution were discussed by the majority of the participants. Amber bottles and glass vials were the most preferred packaging for medication by participants. Regarding the physical characteristics of the homeopathic medicine, participants outlined the challenges they encounter while swallowing pills. Homeopathic medications were perceived as tasting sweet, too sweet and bitter. Participants were unhappy with the powder medications as it was perceived by them that powder forms do not exert any therapeutic effect and it was also expressed that they were unfamiliar with granule forms of medications. Conclusion This study explores patients' perception of the aesthetic presentation and the physical characteristics of homeopathic medicine. Feedback regarding the types of medicine and packaging was discussed. Dissatisfaction with some of the packaging and physical characteristics of homeopathic medicines was expressed by the participants, but participants also provided constructive feedback on the areas needing improvement. The main recommendation is that the paper packages used for packaging powders should be replaced with plastic packaging.
A homoeopathic drug proving of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH and a subsequent comparison to the doctrine of signatures
(2018) Khan, Ismaeel Firdaus; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree; Alwar, Vanishree
When one thinks of a homoeopathic proving one is overwhelmed with the idea of a well-defined and revised linear structured process governing a select group of participants of various racial, sex and age variation, spanning a period of time no shorter than a month with strict parameters for optimum perception of experience. One anticipates the result being a compendium of thoughts and actions and processes constructive and destructive, all documented and confined to a small black book carried and completed by the prover and assembled meticulously by the researcher guided through the experienced hand of the research supervisor. This research followed this impeccable oft repeated and fine-tuned standard. This research seeks to reinforce the efficacy of the established proving process by utilising the methodology as a guide to maximally elicit the numerous symptoms of a new unproved substance of a kingdom that has yet to truly be explored, understood, and conquered. Aim The true goal of this research is that through learning and understanding and growing one develops and seeks new avenues of cure in the homoeopathic profession, which is ultimately to the benefit of a fledgling developing science, and to humanity, with the aim of activating a true cure. The topic being investigated is a homoeopathic proving of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH followed by a subsequent comparison to the Doctrine of Signatures. The idea behind this topic was a colleague and co-researcher’s interest with the shark species which then developed into a passion and has, through diligence and timeous effort of both researchers, led to a new avenue of understanding and a wealth of ideas in terms of a possible cure. The sea kingdom itself although rich and bountiful in species of sea inhabitants and vegetation has been a scarce source of homoeopathic remedies with few major remedies being derived from this abundant reservoir. This study, then, can help fill this gap. Methodology On initiating any new proving the methodology has to be of the strictest standard. The process has to be simple, clearly defined, and easily followable, so that the symptoms produced are clear and well defined to provide the best possible materia medica. This can then serve as a strong base for reference and further study and experimentation in clinical practice, as well as a basis for variations of the proving to seek different answers. The proving process followed a standard procedure to regulate the process to provide an optimum environment for the extraction of symptoms for defining a materia medica. The study was a double-blind placebo controlled clinical homoeopathic proving with a sample of 30 provers in good health. On completion of the proving a further task of comparing the proving results to the Doctrine of Signatures was undertaken to reaffirm the knowledge gained through the proving process. Result All of which, after assembly, has resulted in another homoeopathic materia medica production, an Iliad overflowing in new knowledge to propel a generation of homoeopaths in a progressive direction of further enlightenment and, Allah willing, greater curative capacity
A homoeopathic drug proving of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH and a subsequent comparison with that of Galeocerdo cuvier hepar 30CH
(2018) Naidoo, Nalini; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree; Alwar, Vanishree
Introduction The aim of this study was to conduct a homoeopathic proving of Carcharhinus leucas in the thirtieth centesimal potency (30CH) and to subsequently establish and describe the symptomatology in standard materia medica format and then compare this symptomatology to Galeocerdo cuvier hepar 30CH. Methodology The homoeopathic proving of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH was conducted at the Durban University of Technology and was accomplished by means of a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial. Carcharhinus leucas 30CH was manufactured by the researchers according to Method 6, Method 8a and 10 of the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia (Benyunes, 2005: 36-39). The homoeopathic proving was conducted in the form of a double blind placebo controlled study of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH with a total of 30 healthy provers. The prover sample was divided into two groups by a process of randomisation. Twenty four provers (80%) comprised the verum group and the remaining 6 provers (20%) comprised the placebo group. The identity of the proving substance and the potency used was not disclosed to provers. Provers documented their physical, mental and emotional status for one week preceding the administration of the proving remedy. A comprehensive physical examination and case history of every prover was taken before and after the proving period. Provers were instructed to ingest one powder three times a day for two days but were told to discontinue the powders once symptoms arose. The duration of the proving spanned 6 weeks and throughout the proving process, researchers were in constant communication with all the participants. Upon completion of the proving process, journals were collected and the information therein was translated into materia medica and repertory format. This was done in order to acquire the remedy picture of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH. Thereafter, the symptomatology of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH was compared to the symptomatology of Galeocerdo cuvier hepar 30CH. Results The proving of Carcharhinus leucas 30CH produced a total of 590 already existing rubrics and 43 new rubrics. The majority of these rubrics were located in the MIND (127), GENERALS (64), HEAD (55), EXTREMITIES (50), and EYE (34). In regard to the mind, prominent features were apparent such as anger, anxiety, cheerfulness, an aversion or amelioration within company, difficulty concentrating or increased focus, varying delusions and fears and irritability. Pertaining to the head, headaches were evident with varying concomitants and modalities, with headaches predominantly affecting the forehead and sides. Sensations included dryness, heat, heaviness, perspiration and shaking. The extremities displayed symptoms primarily in the forearms, legs and thighs and sensations included paralysis, shaking, swelling and weakness. In regard to the eye, eye pain with multiple modalities were apparent, with symptoms related to the canthi and eyelids. Sensations included heat, heaviness, inflammation, itching and photophobia as well as a visible discolouration of the eye. Analysis of the results presented an understanding of the similarities and differences between Carcharhinus leucas 30CH and Galeocerdo cuvier hepar 30CH. Conclusion As hypothesised, it was evident that administering Carcharhinus leucas 30CH to healthy individuals did yield observable symptomatology. Additionally, it was apparent that various correlations between Carcharhinus leucas 30CH and Galeocerdo cuvier hepar 30CH existed
An investigative documentation of the homoeopathic management of diabetes mellitus type 2 in KwaZulu-Natal
(2020-11-30) Moodley, Nivania; Maharaj, M.; Alwar, Vanishree
Diabetes mellitus, or commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic condition that manifests when the pancreas can no longer produce insulin or when the body is unable to utilise the insulin that the pancreas produces. In diabetes mellitus type 2, patients commonly affected are middle aged adults. Prior to diagnosis there is an asymptomatic stage classified as prediabetes. During this stage there is mild hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance and an early decrease in insulin secretion. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is a growing concern among the Black and Asian community in South Africa, more so affecting the high density of the abovementioned race groups in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. According to a recent investigation conducted (Brown et al, October 2015) in 2014 it was recorded that the KwaZulu-Natal Province had 1,288,973 diabetic patients registered in governmental health schemes. According to an article published on the National Health portal of India, Homoeopathy has had a positive role in the treatment and management of early diagnosed diabetes mellitus cases (Das 2016). Although at present there is no standard protocol for the Homoeopathic treatment and management of diabetes mellitus Type 2, Yoga, Naturopathy and homoeopathic remedies are among the many holistic methods utilized by homoeopaths. The main priority is to first control the elevated blood sugar levels to save the patient from life threatening complications. This is often done by prescribing homoeopathic remedies that could reduce the blood sugar levels. Aim The aim of this qualitative study is to determine the homoeopathic management of diabetes mellitus type 2 in the KwaZulu-Natal Province Methodology A study paradigm of qualitative, descriptive and exploratory design was employed in this study. Qualitative methods were selected for this study to gain an in-depth view of the methods homoeopathic practitioners use to manage type 2 diabetes in their patients. The population for this study included a minimum of 10 homoeopathic practitioners all of whom were registered with the Allied Health professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) and were practicing in KwaZulu-Natal for a minimum of 5 years (in private practice), selected through purposive sampling. The data collected was analysed using Tesch and Creswell’s methods of analysis. Results The results showed that the homeopathic management of diabetes mellitus type 2 involved indepth case taking and analysis with individualization of each case. Practitioners were involved in the health and well-being of their patients and put emphasis on patient education. Some of the ways in which practitioners managed diabetes mellitus type 2 in their practices included prescription of a constitutional remedy attained through thorough case taking, phytotherapeutic modalities, nutrition advice and referrals to specialist practitioners when necessary Conclusion In light of the results and discussion shared in Chapters 4 and 5, the main aspects of the homoeopathic management of Diabetes mellitus type 2 consist of full case taking and analysis by the practitioner, leading to a constitutional prescription for the patient. The findings in this study reveal that, unlike in allopathic treatment, there is no one specific remedy or group of remedies that are the first point of treatment for a patient seeking homoeopathic care. The management process is a very tailored and individualized method of treatment that considers the patient in their entirety
Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of community members of the Maluti-a-Phofung municipality, Free Sate, on homoeopathy
(2021) Monareng, Karabo Innocentia; Alwar, Vanishree; Couchman, Ingrid
Introduction: In South Africa Registered Homoeopaths are able to diagnose, prevent or treat physical and mental disease, illness or deficiencies in humans, prescribe or dispense medicine, or provide or prescribe treatment for such disease, illness or deficiencies in humans. Homoeopathy is one of the fastest growing healthcare systems worldwide (Manchanda 2018). Nevertheless, in South Africa there is a lack of knowledge and understanding of Homoeopathy and this has led to the limited utilization thereof. This survey intended to meet the following objectives; 1) To determine the knowledge of Homoeopathy amongst residents of the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality in Free State Province and 2.) To determine the attitudes toward Homoeopathy amongst residents in the Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality in Free State Province and 3) To determine the perceptions of Homoeopathy amongst residents in Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality in Free State Province. Methodology: The study employed a quantitative design, which utilised a self-administered questionnaire to collect data. The setting of the study was at Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality, Free State Province, Qwaqwa, also called Witsieshoek, which has a population of 100 228. The data that emerged from the research was analysed in line with achieving the research objectives. All analysis was performed using SPSS version 26. The collected data was analysed by use of both descriptive and inferential statistics with the level of significance set at 0.05. Results: Out of the 226 respondents who participated in the survey, only 27% (n=61) had heard about Homoeopathy and most of their knowledge was from the media. Among this group (n=61) the majority believed that Homoeopathic medicine can treat the majority of diseases, that it emphasises a healthy life style, prescribes plants extracts, boosts the immune system, usually prescribes a diet, and prescribes medicines that are diluted and shaken. The majority of the respondents in this group (n=61) also perceived that the practice of Homoeopathy has scientific base, the medicines have undergone clinical validation through experimentation, are safe for use in infants, during pregnancy and in the elderly. Equally as important, it was found that some of the respondents (n=23) considered Homoeopathic medicine to be more effective in the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions than orthodox medicine. Subsequent to answering the survey, some of the participants mentioned that they would consider consulting with a Homoeopath because it was natural and many of the respondents showed interest in learning more of Homoeopathy. Conclusion: The data collected in this study confirms that of the 226 respondents who participated in the survey, only 27% (n=61) had heard about Homoeopathy. This confirms the significant lack of knowledge of the profession amongst residents of Maluti-a-Phofung Municipality.
A thematic group analysis of three indigenous Bitis spp remedies
(2021-05-27) Neerputh, Sunil; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree; Alwar, Vanishree
Introduction This group analysis study was aimed at the intention to extend the materia medica knowledge of the under-utilized homoeopathic remedies namely the three indigenous Bitis spp. remedies which was inclusive of Bitis arietans arietans, Bitis gabonica gabonica and Bitis atropos. Group analysis methodology was applied to the Bitis spp. remedies to give a clearer understanding of the remedies within the international context as well as the South African context. Methodology The three indigenous snake remedies which are Bitis arietans arietans, Bitis gabonica gabonica and Bitis atropos were analysed in terms of a review, extraction of information, organisation of data into tables, recording of materia medica, extraction and comparison of common themes, extraction and comparison of common sensations, comparison of all acquired data with the broader snake family themes and determination of indigenous group themes. Data extraction resulted using tables for categorisation and a subsequent comparative analysis was conducted on the Bitis spp. remedies. A group of three similar remedies to the Bitis spp. was derived and a subsequent miasmatic classification was derived based on the extracted data. Common sensations were also extracted and thereafter reactions to those sensations with the compensations were deduced. Results The emerged sensations derived from the symptoms were constriction, stiffness and tension that were seen on many levels of the remedies. The symptoms from the mental sphere were converted to themes of spaced-out feelings that seemed to be consistent throughout the Bitis spp. remedies. Indigenous themes that emerged reflected situations and feelings peculiar to the South African context. Some of these themes are freedom, fear/ panic, money problems, drugs and alcohol and crimes. Sensations derived were mainly anger and depression amongst others. The researcher proposes that the predominant miasmatic influence seen from the symptomatology was the Sycotic miasm. Conclusion This study has improved the information of lesser known homoeopathic remedies and has given an understanding of under-utilized remedies. Group analysis is an interesting and useful tool to expand the remedies of a group, to a more effective basis of knowledge and will help practitoners improve their skills as homoeopaths for the better.