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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.
The efficacy of homoeopathic simillimum as compared to a homoeopathic complex in the management of post-traumatic stress disorder
(2019) Gumede, Aphelele Sibahle Zodumo; Ngobese-Ngubane, J.C.; Essack, A.
This double-blind randomised controlled study aimed to determine the efficacy of a homoeopathic simillimum treatment as compared to a homoeopathic complex in the management of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD belongs to a group of mental disorders that is caused by an intense stress or the inability to overcome stress. The DSM-5 (2013) categorises PTSD as a mental disorder that is debilitating to the person and occurs after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic, tragic or terrifying incident that results in the person having recurrent frightening thoughts and memories of the past incident and causes emotional numbness. This study aimed to manage and reduce PTSD symptoms through careful treatment of the mental, emotional and physical being of the individual. Methodology A sample size of 33 consenting participants between the ages of 18-65 years who met the inclusion criteria according to the DSM-5 (2013) completed the study. The duration of the study was eight weeks per participant. Measurements were taken during four consultations over the eight weeks period of the intervention. The participants were divided into two groups using a randomisation list arranged by the Durban University of Technology Homoeopathic Clinic technician, namely, the simillimum group and complex group. Because of the nature of the research, the researcher was not aware of who was in which group, this prevented biasness when treating the participants. At each consultation a Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) (Weathers et al.2013), Post-Traumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS) (McCarthy 2008) and the Screen for Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms (SPTSS) (Carlson 2012) was filled out to measure the progress in each consultation. Results The results of the study showed no significant difference between the simillimum group and complex group, leading to the conclusion that homoeopathic simillimum treatment is no more effective than homoeopathic complex treatment in the management of PTSD. Each treatment group showed a reduction in scores in all the scales, and improvement in well-being, lifestyle and attitude towards life even though this improvement was not statistically significant. It was evident that the p-values were greater than 0.05. All three instruments showed of improvement of symptoms in the participants. However, there was no statistical significance between the simillimum and complex group
A homoeopathic drug proving of Garcinia cambogia 30CH and a comparison of the substance to its repertorial differentials
(2018) Ramdiyal, Leshmee; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree
Introduction ABSTRACT This homoeopathic drug proving was conducted to elucidate the symptomology produced in healthy provers in response to Garcinia cambogia, in the thirtieth potency, so that it may be prescribed according to the Law of Similars. A subsequent comparison was made to those remedies that, on repertorisation, yielded the greatest similarities to the Mental, General and Physical symptomatology of Garcinia cambogia. Objectives It was hypothesized that there would be clearly observable signs and symptoms produced by healthy provers in response to Garcinia cambogia 30CH. Hence the information extrapolated will provide the homoeopathic Materia medica of the substance so that it may be prescribed according to the Law of Similiars. A further hypothesis was made that the comparison between Garcinia cambogia and those remedies that yielded the highest numerical values and total number of rubrics on repertorisation of the proving symptoms would highlight the similarities and differences between the remedy symptoms so that confusion is avoided in the indication of the remedy. It was hypothesized that a greater understanding of Garcinia cambogia and its relationship to other remedies would be recognized as a result of this proving. Methodology A double blind, placebo controlled trial was carried out on 30 healthy, consenting participants whom were randomly divided into two groups, 6 were assigned to the placebo group and 24 to the experimental group. A homoeopathic case history was taken and a physical examination was performed on each prover prior to the commencement of the proving (Appendix D). Provers began recording their signs and symptoms in a blank journal one week prior to the administration of the remedy as a baseline for the proving, they then continued to record while taking the remedy and thereafter following the administration of the remedy for a period of six weeks. On completion of the proving, the data obtained was correlated and evaluated by the two researchers, Ramdiyal and Diplal. The symptoms produced during the proving were interpreted into Materia medica and repertory language, and a homoeopathic depiction of the remedy was subsequently formulated. Thereafter the comparison of the remedies yielding the highest numerical value and total number of rubrics on repertorisation of the proving symptoms was completed. Results 1 An extensive array of symptoms was documented by provers. The results depict an inclination towards the mental- emotional plane. There were often polarity of symptoms and changeability of symptoms. The following were keynote feature: • 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 Numerous themes arising from dreams were recorded by provers, with some notable signs of danger and life-threatening circumstances. The main physical symptoms that surfaced were; feelings of dizziness, excessive weakness or extreme desire for activity, headaches of a pounding, hammering nature. There was also abdominal discomfort, seen in 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 also arose. Patients documented excessive sneezing, coryza, itchy eyes, lachrymation and dry itchy throat. Sleeplessness at night with excessive sleepiness during the day was evident. There were strong cravings for chocolate, pizza and alcohol. The comparison between the homoeopathic drug proving of Garcinia cambogia 30CH and the repertorisation of remedies brought many similarities to light, with most of these similarities relating to the mind, head and nose. Conclusion The proving of Garcinia cambogia 30CH did produce well defined symptoms that were clearly observed in healthy provers as proposed by the hypothesis. As hypothesized the comparison of Garcinia cambogia to remedies of repertorial similarity did highlight similarities and differences between existing homoeopathic remedies and Garcinia cambogia 30CH thereby clarifying the therapeutic range of this new remedy and its relative location in the Materia medica.
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
The efficacy of a homoeophathic complex (Angelica sinensis, Dioscorea villosa 6cH, Matricaria chamomilla 6cH, Viburnum opulus 6cH, and Zingiber officinalis 6cH) compared with homoeopathic similimum (30 cH plussed) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhoea
(2018) Ngoie, Carole Monga; Hall, Cornelia Maria
Dysmenorrhoea is the term used to describe painful menstrual cramps, and is the most commonly encountered gynaecological disorder. It affects more than 50% of women of reproductive age, of which 10% to 12% experience severe dysmenorrhoea that interferes with their daily lives by incapacitating them for 1 to 3 days each month. Dysmenorrhoea is estimated to be the single greatest cause of working hours lost by women and school absence in teenage girls (Dawood 2008; Lindeque 2015: 6-9). Primary dysmenorrhoea is defined as painful, spasmodic cramping in the lower abdomen just before and/or during menstrual bleeding, in the absence of any identifiable macroscopic pathology. It is related to increased levels of inflammatory markers such as vasopressin, prostaglandins (PGF2α) and leukotrienes from the secretory endometrium. These induce ischaemia due to excessive prolonged uterine contractions, increased the sensitivity of pain fibres, and cause vasoconstriction (Iacovides, Avidon and Baker 2015: 1-17; Stewart and Deb 2014: 296-302). This double-blinded randomised study aimed to establish the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (consisting of Angelica sinensis 6cH, Dioscorea villosa 6cH, Matricaria chamomilla 6cH, Viburnum opulus 6cH and Zingiber officinalis 6cH) compared to a homoeopathic similimum in 30cH plussed potency in the treatment of the symptoms of primary dysmenorrhoea, in terms of the participants’ perception of the treatment. Thirty female students, who signed the inform consent forms (Appendices B and D), from the Durban University of Technology were selected based on specified inclusion and exclusion criteria after they underwent an abdominal ultrasound examination (Appendix D) by a gynaecologist. They were randomly divided by means of convenience sampling according to a randomisation sheet into two groups. There were 20 in the experimental group which received the homoeopathic complex, and 10 in the control group which received the homoeopathic similimum. The study took place at the Homoeopathic Day Clinic, located at the Durban University of Technology. It was conducted over a period of three menstrual cycles per participant. The initial consultation took place prior to a menstrual period and the subsequent three follow-ups took place once a month, a week after each menstrual period. During each consultation, a detailed homoeopathic case history was conducted and a physical examination including an abdominal examination was performed. In addition, the participants were required to complete the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (Moos 1968) (Appendix G) and the Pain Rating Scale (British Pain Society 2006) (Appendix H). SPSS version 23.0 software was used to analyse the data collected from these questionnaires. The quantitative variables across the groups were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test since the captured data was non-parametric. The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare intra-group data. Quantitative variables were expressed as a mean ± standard deviation. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. The intra-group analysis using the PRS and the MDQ scales (Appendices G and H) showed statistically significant changes in the subcategories of pain in the simillimum group, while these changes were noticed in the complex group only with the PRS scale, when different follow up mean pain score was compared to that at baseline. The different comparisons and p-values can be found in the Appendix G1. The homoeopathic complex group showed more statistically significant changes in the subcategories of behaviour change, negative affect, and control (Appendix G1); while the homoeopathic similimum also revealed other statistically significant changes in the autonomic response and appetite change subgroups (Appendix G1). The inter-group analysis did not reveal any statistically significant change between the groups, although a decrease in the majority of the various mean scores was observed throughout the study. The study’s results led to the conclusion that both the homoeopathic complex and homoeopathic similimum were effective (Appendix G1) in the treatment of symptoms of primary dysmenorrhoea during various follow-ups, as well as reducing the need for allopathic pain medications in the participants during the study. However that efficacy shown by the presence of statistically significant results could not been maintained throughout the study from the baseline to the third follow-ups, this could be due to the smaller sample size of the participants, the need for a better suited similimum remedy with a higher potency for the control group; or the need for another complex remedy, It was also noted that there was no evidence that one treatment was more beneficial than the other even though a decrease in the mean scores was observed in both groups.
The efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (Nux moschata D6, Phosphoricum acidum D30, Helleborus niger D6, Opium D30) in management of excessive daytime sleepiness
(2018-01) Shabangu, Nondumiso; Naude, David F.
Background : Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is the inclination or compulsion to fall asleep whilst intending to stay awake; it is believed to negatively affect occupational and social functioning and may be a predisposition towards accidents (Hayley et al. 2014), low productivity and interpersonal problems (Fong et al. 2005). Excessive daytime sleepiness is one of the most common sleep-related symptoms and it affects an estimated 20% of the population (Pagel .2009). The causes of EDS are numerous and include intrinsic sleep disorders (e.g. narcolepsy, obstructive apnoea/ hypopnea syndrome, idiopathic hypersomnia), and extrinsic disorders (Banerjee et al. 2004). Sleep deprivation is probably the most common cause of excessive daytime sleepiness. This clinic trial intended to evaluate the effectiveness of a homoeopathic complex (Nux moschata D6, Phosphoricum acidum D30, Helliborus niger D6, Opium D30) in the management of EDS in terms of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (Johns, 1991) and Stanford Sleepiness Scale (Hoddes et al. 1973). And this randomised, double-blind placebo controlled study also aimed to provide a safe and effective alternative therapy for EDS. Aim of the study : The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (Nux moschata D6, Phosphoricum acidum D30, Helliborus niger D6, Opium D30) and placebo in the management of EDS in terms of the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS). Materials and Methodology : A sample group of 35 participants was selected voluntarily to conduct the study on basis of the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were than randomly divided into two groups; a treatment group consisting of 23 participants and a placebo group consisting of 12 participants. Each participant had to attend three consultations in total with the researcher over a period of four weeks at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Homoeopathic Day Clinic. At the first consultation a comprehensive case history (appendix F) was taken and physical examination (appendix E) was performed by the researcher but no medication was handed at that point. At each consultation the participants with the help of the researcher completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and the seven days’ baseline Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS) was handed to the participants at the first and second consultation which the participants completed without the help of the researcher throughout the trial till their last consultation. Results : Results from the two measuring tools were statistically analysed with SPSS version 24.0. the participant’s level of sleepiness improved in both the treatment group and the placebo group. Intra-group analyses of ESS means revealed that both groups improved significantly over time, intergroup ANOVA analysis however revealed no significant differences between the groups. Section analyses however using the Fisher’s Exact Tests did reveal statistically significant differences within certain variables at some points of the study. Intra-group analyses of SSS data revealed no statistically significant change in SSS scores over the three weeks in both the Homoeopathic Complex and the Placebo Groups, as well as the Inter-group Fischer’s Exact tests revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups. Conclusion : Barring a few exceptions described in Chapter 4 & 5 it can be concluded from the results of the study that statistically the Homoeopathic complex (Nux moschata D6, Phosphoricum acidum D30, Helliborus niger D6, Opium D30) was not superior to placebo in the treatment of EDS. The data shows that both the Homoeopathic Complex and the placebo interventions had a positive effect on EDS and were effective in improving the level of excessive daytime Sleepiness. Irrespective of the general lack of statistical significance between groups a closer analysis of the intragroup and inter-group data does reveal a trend suggesting clinical significance in support of the effectiveness of the homoeopathic complex in the treatment of EDS however this needs to be further explored and confirmed in subsequent studies.
Comparative nuclear magnetic resonance study of Natrum muriaticum LM1 produced in-house and obtained from commercial sources respectively
(2017) Miller, Garth Meredith; Botha, Izel; Ross, Ashley Hilton Adrian
Introduction Hahnemann was adamant that his methodology for LM1 prescription be reproduced exactly, in order to develop the latent medicinal properties of the crude substance reliably (Barthel 1991). Yet quality assurance practices during manufacturing are currently aligned to Good Manufacturing Process, in adherence to Pharmacopeia which permit substantial deviation from the strict quantities and practices (Kayne 2006) prescribed in Hahnemann’s 6th edition Organon (Hahnemann and O'Reilly 2001). Often the equipment, methods and practices favour expedience or utilise new technologies, under an assumption that the remedy produced is unaffected, since the mechanisms underlying the action of homoeopathic remedies are not understood or determined (Barthel 1991). Aim The primary purpose of this study was to compare and evaluate the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of Natrum muriaticum LM1, produced using strict adherence to original Hahnemannian methodology, to samples sourced from a representative variety of sources available to local homoeopathic practitioners, in the medicinal prescription form patients may receive. Additionally, the researcher set out to confirm that these Natrum muriaticum LM1 samples could be shown to produce distinct NMR spectra when compared to a Lactose LM1 control. The final objective was to ascertain whether two samples produced with the same strict adherence to Hahnemannian methodology, from same source materials would yield similar NMR Spectra, distinct from a Lactose LM1 control sample. Methodology The researcher produced an in-house Natrum muriaticum LM1 (0/1) sample in accordance with aphorism 272 of the 6th edition Organon (Hahnemann and O'Reilly 2001). Similarly, a second sample was produced by the DUT Homoeopharmaceutics Senior Lecturer, within the same ambient conditions and protocol. A third sample was produced by a local make-to-order (MTO) company, using the same sodium chloride crude substance sample utilised in the production of the first two samples. These three samples emulate the make-to-order (MTO) options available to homoeopathic practitioners. A fourth sample was obtained ex-stock from highly regarded local supplier (Homoeopathix Trading Company (South Africa)), while the fifth and sixth samples were procured ex-stock from highly regarded suppliers abroad, Helios (United Kingdom) and Roy & Co. (India) respectively. These samples represented the make-to-stock (MTS) sourcing options available to homoeopathic community. The researcher transported the samples to Chemistry Department of the University of Stellenbosch Chemistry Department in Cape Town. Any external influences such as vibration, changes in temperature, electromagnetic disturbances, heat or strong light were avoided or minimised as far as was practical. The six LM1 potency samples were prepared immediately prior to NMR analysis from their respective source materials to a 20% alcohol concentration, as could be done in practice for the patient prescription where the alcohol content would serve as a preservative. Four controls comprised the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth samples, for comparative analysis and to confirm sample homogeneity. . Lactose (LM1) . Source lactose in solution . Water used in preparation of NMR samples . Ethanol solvent The ten samples were assigned a random reference number by Dr Jaco Brand (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Unit Manager), to remove bias during NMR analysis. Five samples were drawn from each of the ten randomised samples and labelled, while deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide-d6 (DSMO) contained within a separate capillary tube served as an external lock and reference solvent. The researcher then carried out the analysis under qualified supervision to ensure best-practice was applied throughout. The resulting data (FID) was processed to derive the chemical shift and relative integration values, which were captured into a Microsoft® Excel 2010 spreadsheet to calculate the relative integration values of each sample run. Statistical analysis was performed in GNU PSPP version 085, the data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the non-parametric tests, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test (due to small data size and nature of distribution) at a statistical significance interval of α = 0.05. Results Natrum muriaticum LM1 samples sourced from a variety of make-to-order (MTO) and make-to-stock manufacturing environments produced almost universally distinct NMR spectra profiles in terms of chemical shifts and relative integration values of the CH2, CH3 and H2O signals, at an alcohol concentration of 20%, when compared to a Lactose LM1 control sample. When the NMR spectra of make-to-order (MTO) and make-to-stock (MTS) remedies were analysed and compared to each other in terms of chemical shifts and relative integration values of the CH2, CH3 and H2O signals, they were for the most part statistically distinct, but some anomalous results emerged. There was no statically significant difference in NMR spectra in terms of chemical shift, between the two samples produced in the same environment using the methodology to closely aligned to Organon (Hahnemann and O'Reilly 2001), yet in terms of relative integration values, they were statistically distinct. Conclusion The low alcohol percentage associated with the medicinal dosage of LM1 prepared for analysis failed to produce an OH peak on NMR spectra. In addition, it is not possible to identify the variables or indeed account for the nature of NMR spectra that are produced after sample analysis. This study concludes that while NMR was able to discern physico-chemical distinction between LM1 potency Natrum muriaticum remedies to control conclusively, this does not translate to practical application of NMR for quality control or remedy comparison for LM potencies at alcohol content levels, associated with medicinal prescription.
A comparison of the symptoms derived using a radionically prepared remedy with the existing materia medica : a triple-blind proving of a well proven homoeopathic remedy
(2017) Lin, Joanna; Ross, Ashley Hilton Adrian; Botha, Izel
AIM The aim of this study was to determine whether a radionically prepared remedy would elicit symptomatology similar to the existing materia medica of the same remedy during a triple-blind proving. METHODOLOGY This homoeopathic proving of a radionically prepared remedy in 30C-equivalent (CR) potency was of a true experimental design, conducted in the form of a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Thirty proving participants (20 verum and 10 placebo) were selected according to defined inclusion criteria, and were closely monitored by the researcher throughout the proving to ensure prover compliance and wellbeing. Data was collected in the form of prover journals, in which provers recorded their symptoms experienced over the pre-proving observation period, the duration of the proving and the post-proving observation period. The proving symptomatology was collated into standard materia medica and repertory formats, following the CHROMA-Prove© method. Twenty keynote rubrics were selected according to criteria, which included symptoms ‘Grade 2’ or higher, PQRS (peculiar, queer, rare, strange) symptoms and general symptoms, and were subjected to repertorial analysis using RadarOpus software program (version 1.38). The nature of the proving substance was unblinded only after an estimation of the substance by repertorial overlap was made by the principal researcher, following which qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the proving materia medica and repertory were made against the existing materia medica of the same remedy accordingly. Results The proving of the radionically prepared remedy produced observable symptoms that resulted in a total of 332 materia medica entries, which translated into 563 rubrics distributed across 32 chapters. Five repertorial techniques were applied to the twenty rubrics selected and the researcher was able to correctly identify the radionically prepared proving substance, which was revealed to be Cantharis vesicatoria. Conclusion From the results of this study, it was evident that the proving of Cantharis vesicatoria 30CR produced symptomatology that was sufficiently characteristic to enable the researcher to correctly identify the remedy. The repertorial and materia medica comparisons to the existing materia medica of Cantharis vesicatoria, however, highlighted several similarities and differences that need to be explored further in order to bridge the observations and questions posed in this study.
The efficacy of Dioscorea villosa cream in the treatment of menopausal syndrome
(2003) Macquet-Maurel, Louise; Naude, David F.
The purpose of this randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy of Oioscorea vil/osa cream in the treatment of menopausal syndrome in terms of subjective and objective data; and to compare the subjective data with that obtained from a concurrent study of ProgestoNat\xAE cream (McTeer, 2003).

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