A comparison of Hahnemannian and Korsakovian potentising methods using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to analyse and compare the NMR spectra ofa homoeopathic remedy (in this case Natrum muriaticum was used for its easy solubility and purity), that was prepared in the classical single vial Hahnemannian method, and also the widely used multi-vial Korsakovian method. Comparison was made in terms of the chemical shift (8) and relative integration values of the CH3, CH2, H20, and OH signals. A control was employed for both methods. The only difference between control and test remedies was the actual inclusion ofNatrum muriaticum in the latter, and the same weight of solvent as solute in the former. Comparison was made between both test methods, between test and control, and between the two controls. It was hypothesized that the method of dilution plays an important part in the potentisation process, and thus becomes part of the remedy's information content. The evolution of distinct physicochemical identities was hypothesized to occur specific to each method in ascending potency levels. Differences were therefore also hypothesized to exist between both methods at parallel potency levels in terms of chemical shift and relative integration values. The experiment was conducted as per the limitations of the scientific method. Both methods and their controls of Natrum muriaticum were potentised to the 9C, 30C, and 200C potency levels. They were prepared in 16ml volumes and transported to the NMR spectroscopy laboratory in Pietermaritzburg for analysis.