Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Introduction Provings form a fundamental part of the philosophy and practice of homoeopathy and the foundation on which homoeopathic prescribing rests. The substance chosen for this study is Yam ha-Melach (Dead Sea water). This substance has been known for its healing properties since ancient times and thus seemed an apt addition to the homoeopathic Materia Medica. Purpose The primary purpose of this investigation was to investigate and determine the complete symptom picture of Yam ha-Melach , homeopathically prepared to the thirtieth centesimal potency, on the healthy individuals and record the mental, emotional and physical signs and symptoms produced, so that it may be prescribed to those suffering from similar signs and symptoms, according to the Laws of Similars, as required by homoeopathy. A further purpose of this investigation was to compare the symptom picture gained to the existing indications of clinical therapeutic use of this substance. This study was done in conjunction with Natasha Wallace, who compared the symptom picture gained from the proving of Yam ha-Melach 30CH to the symptom picture of its constituent minerals. Methodology To prepare the remedy, Yam ha-Melach was triturated at a ratio of 1:99 with Saccharum lactis powder to the 3rd centesimal potency. Liquid potencies were then manufactured from Yam ha-Melach 3CH to a potency of 30CH. The remedy was dispensed in the form of Saccharum lactis granules that have been triple impregnated at 1% volume/volume (according to Method 10 of the GHP) with Yam ha-Melach 30CH in 90% ethanol. The remedy was dispensed in the form of 6 single enveloped powders. 10 lactose granules impregnated with potentised Yam ha-Melach 30CH was added to each envelope. This was administered to the provers in the experimental group. The placebo was dispensed in the form of 6 single enveloped powders. 10 neutral lactose granules were added to each envelope. This was dispensed to the placebo group. The placebo and the active remedy were identical in appearance thus ensuring the double blind nature of the experiment with neither the provers nor the researchers able to differentiate the active remedy from the placebo. The research methodology of Jeremy Sherr is thorough and well researched as well as very user friendly thus for the purpose of this study the methodologies suggested by Sherr in his Dynamics and methodology of Homoeopathic Provings were used (1994). Twenty healthy individuals took part in this study. Participants were fully informed about the research (Appendix D) and had to meet all the inclusion criteria (Appendix B) before commencing the proving. 10% (2 provers) of the prover group received placebo and the remainder (18 provers) of the group received the verum. The homoeopathic proving of Yam ha-Melach 30CH took the form of a double blind placebo controlled study where neither the provers nor the researcher knew to whom the placebo or active remedy was given. The provers had no knowledge of the substance being proved or the potency in which it was administered. The potency utilized for this proving was the 30th centesimal potency or 30CH. Data collection was in the form of a journal kept by each prover. Provers observed themselves before, during and after administration of the remedy and recorded all their mental, emotional and physical signs and symptoms in the journal. On completion of the proving the information elucidated by the provers was correlated and assessed by the two researchers for suitability to be included in the Materia Medica of Yam ha-Melach 30CH. These symptoms were then translated into Materia Medica and repertory language. Information obtained from the case histories, physical examinations (Appendix F) and group discussions were also utilized. The information obtained from the proving of Yam ha-Melach 30CH was compared to the existing indications of clinical therapeutic use. This highlighted important themes in the remedy and explained symptoms. Symptoms and themes that emerged from the proving were related to the ailments, symptoms and signs being treated with Dead Sea water in an attempt to clarify and expand on the understanding of the remedy. Results Provers experienced a wide range of symptoms on the mental, emotional and physical planes. In the mental and emotional spheres, provers experienced intense irritability, anxiety and depression which was characterized by loneliness and hopelessness as well as much crying and thoughts of suicide. Mania was prevalent with spontaneity and rebellion against societal norms and religion, paranoia and discrimination. Physically, provers experienced much joint pain and stiffness as well as a variety of skin symptoms resembling psoriasis and vitiligo. Dehydration was a central theme as was detachment and symptoms involving the female system. Conclusions It was hypothesized that the proving of Yam ha-Melach 30CH would produce clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy individuals. The results of the proving show no contradiction to this and thus the hypothesis verified. The musculoskeletal symptoms of Yam ha-Melach 30CH were comparable to those of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and skin symptoms were comparable to those of psoriasis and vitiligo. These are the primary clinical therapeutic indications for Dead Sea products. This verifies the homoeopathic principle of the Law of Similars.

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2009. / Provings are important to expand known materia medica and advance homeopathy. The Dead Sea was chosen as a substance because it has numerous therapeutic properties in its crude form, making Yam ha-Melach an invaluable homeopathic remedy as the therapeutic properties of a substance is increased during the potentization process. Objective The objective of the study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of Yam ha- Melach 30CH, on healthy provers and to record the signs and symptoms produced, so that it may be prescribed according to the Law of Similars, to those presenting with similar symptoms and further to compare the materia medica of Yam ha- Melach’s constituent minerals with symptoms obtained from the proving of Yam ha- Melach 30CH. Methodology This proving took the form of a randomised double-blind, placebo controlled study. The potency used was the 30th centesimal potency or 30CH. The proving population consisted of a combined project of twenty provers who met the inclusion criteria (Appendix A). Ten percent of the test group (two subjects) received placebo and the rest received Yam ha-Melach 30C (18 subjects). In order for the study to have remained double blind, neither the researchers nor the provers were aware of who received placebo and who received the remedy. Data collection was in the form of a journal kept by each prover, in which their symptoms were recorded daily for a total of five weeks, before, during and after taking the powders. On completion of the proving, data obtained from the journals were analyzed by the researcher for suitability of symptoms for inclusion in the materia medica of Yam ha-Melach. These symptoms were then translated into ii materia medica and repertory language, and a homeopathic picture of the remedy formulated. Data obtained from the case histories and physical examinations (Appendix E) and group discussions were also considered. A comparison between the ‘minimum characteristic syndrome’ of Yam ha-Melach and the symptoms on the mental, emotional and physical planes of each of Yam ha- Melach’s main constituent mineral remedies and their group themes were made, whereby the essential similarities and differences between them were elucidated. The main constituent minerals of the Dead Sea are magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, bromide and sulphur. The materia medica of Yam ha- Melach’s main constituent minerals therefore included the remedies: Magnesium muriaticum Kali muriaticum Natrum muriaticum Bromium Sulphur The proving symptoms were also compared to the materia medica group themes of the Magnesuims, Kali’s, Bromatums, Muriaticums and the Natrums in Scholten’s Homeopathy and Minerals (Scholten, 1993). Rabinowitz (2008) conducted an analysis of the proving symptoms, comparing the symptoms with existing indications of the Dead Sea’s clinical therapeutic use, in a parallel study of similar methodology. Symptoms were taken from the groups of both studies and included in the materia medica and repertory for Yam ha-Melach. Results The symptoms obtained from the proving had a very definite polarity. On the one side there was depression and loneliness, whilst on the other side there was happiness. This was shown also on the mental sphere, which varied from confusion to mental clarity. iii The main symptoms of this proving were the dreams, especially of war; violence; evil; religion; family and friends. Provers experienced a wide range of symptoms on mental, emotional and physical levels during the study. The main themes were feelings of loneliness and isolation, depression and hopelessness, being emotionally overwhelmed and crying, irritability and frustration, worrying about family and friends, needing affection, paranoia, oversensitivity and mood swings; and the feeling of being relaxed, calm and happy. The polarity continued on the physical level with regards to sleep, energy and appetite. On the physical level provers experienced dehydration resulting in headaches, dry itchy skin, eyes and mouth with diarrhea or constipation as well as nausea and vomiting. Some of the subjects had no appetite while others had an increase in appetite. Provers noted flu and hay fever like symptoms as well as joint and muscle stiffness and pain. Numbness, pins and needles and increased sensitivity were present in the extremities of most provers. Provers noticed pimples and dry patches on skin with severe itchiness and burning all over. Sleep was affected with some provers having difficulty sleeping, waking up all the time and others sleeping like a ‘rock.’ There was either a lack of energy or an increase in energy levels. Some provers had hot flushes and others felt cold and noticed fluctuations of body temperature. There was a general increase in perspiration. Some provers displayed black rashes and black stools. Provers experienced a general aggravation from alcohol. The main cravings were for salty food and coffee. The main aversion was for sweets. There was a general increase in thirst among the prover population. Conclusions The 30CH potency of Yam ha-Melach produced clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy provers. Comparing the symptoms elucidated from the proving iv of Yam ha-Melach to the materia medica of its mineral constituents attempted to expand and clarify the therapeutic action of the remedy and allowed a better understanding of the similarities and differences between Yam ha-Melach and these remedies that exist in known materia medica. A complete and thorough understanding of Yam ha-Melach and its relationship to these remedies was achieved and contributed to a comprehensive remedy picture and aided in its practical application. The comparison revealed that Yam ha-Melach was most similar to Magnesium muriaticum on mental, emotional and physical planes. Both remedies had similar feelings of aggression, depression, being overwhelmed quickly, dreams of water, anxiety and restlessness, lethargy and similar sensations and complaints on the physical level. This is interesting as the Dead Sea consists of 53% magnesium chloride, 37% potassium chloride, 8% sodium chloride, low concentration of sulfate ions and a high bromide concentration. Magnesium chloride is therefore the main mineral constituent of the Dead Sea.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effect of Strychnos henningsii 30CH on healthy provers, and to compare these signs and symptoms to a selection of remedies sharing commonality with prominent rubrics. It was hypothesised that the 30CH potency of Strychnos henningsii would produce clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy provers. It was further hypothesised that a comparison of Strychnos henningsii to those remedies yielding the highest numerical value and total number of rubrics on repertorisation of the proving symptoms would highlight differences and similarities between Strychnos henningsii and other existing homoeopathic remedies so that confusion as to its therapeutic indication is reduced. METHODOLOGY A mixed-method, triple-blind, placebo-controlled proving of Strychnos henningsii 30CH was conducted on thirty-two healthy volunteers who met specific inclusion criteria. Sixteen of the thirty-two provers received independently assigned placebo, with neither researcher nor prover knowing who was on placebo. A homoeopathic case history was taken and a thorough physical examination performed on provers before commencement of the proving. Data collection was in the form of a journal. On completion of the proving, the information from each journal was collated and assessed by the four researchers. The symptoms elicited were then translated into materia medica and repertory language, and a homoeopathic picture of the remedy emerged. Data from the case histories, physical examinations and group discussions were also considered. A repertorisation of 37 rubrics chosen to represent the essence of Strychnos henningsii was done using Radar 9.0. Exclusion repertorisation 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, and Loganiaceae family respectively. iii RESULTS A total number of 877 rubrics were produced. Exclusion repertorisation yielded the basis for comparison to the remedies from the animal kingdom namely Sepia which repertorised the highest, followed closely by Calcarea carbonica. Exclusion repertorisation of remedies from the mineral kingdom showed basis for comparison with Natrum carbonicum, Arsenicum album and Causticum, and from the plant kingdom, Lycopodium clavatum, China officinalis, Staphysagria and Rhus toxicodendron. Within the Loganiaceae family Nux vomica and Ignatia amara repertorised the highest, although Spigelia anthelmia, Gelsemium sempervirens and Strychninum also shared striking similarities with Strychnos henningsii. CONCLUSION The investigation clearly supported the hypothesis that Strychnos henningsii 30CH would produce observable signs and symptoms in healthy provers. The subsequent comparison of Strychnos henningsii proving symptoms to the materia medica of Sepia, Calcarea carbonica, Natrum carbonicum, Arsenicum album, Causticum, Lycopodium clavatum, China officinalis, Staphysagria, Rhus toxicodendron, Nux vomica, Ignatia amara, Spigelia anthelmia, Gelsemium sempervirens and Strychininum highlighted the similarities and differences between these remedies and Strychnos henningsii.

Submitted in fulfillment of the Masters Degree in Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / Introduction All the studies on the perception of homoeopathy in South Africa conducted so far have found that the group least knowledgeable about homoeopathy is the African group. However, no study yet has focused on this group, and tried to find out more detail about their perceptions of homoeopathy. The study took place in Mnambithi, a town in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal within the Uthukela District with a population of about 200 000 people. Aim of the study The overall aim of this study was to determine the perception, knowledge and utilization of homoeopathy amongst African adults resident in Mnambithi, KwaZulu Natal. Methodology The survey method was employed to conduct this study. The research instrument was a self-administered questionnaire. The number of questionnaires completed was 1034, distributed according to suburbs 10.6%, centre of town iii 9.8%, former township areas 58.7% and rural areas 20.6% which approximately reflected the proportion of the population resident in those areas. The data was primarily analyzed by means of descriptive statistics using frequency tables. Results The sample consisted of 50.3% males and 49.5% females, with the largest group of respondents being 41 years old and above. Most were unemployed (61.8%). The educational standard was high, with 43.8% of respondents having matric and 20.4% having a diploma or degree. Most respondents (98.6%) had not heard of homoeopathy before. Only 0.1% of respondents had consulted a homoeopath before. 83.8% of respondents answered that they would consider consulting a homoeopath in the future, and 43.3% indicated they were interested in learning more about homoeopathy. The lack of knowledge about homoeopathy and yet being interested in learning more, is a similar finding to other perception studies. Conclusions It can be concluded from the results that the level of knowledge of homoeopathy amongst respondents was minimal, with only 10 out of 1034 respondents having heard of homoeopathy. Questions relating to the perception of homoeopathy were restricted to those who had heard of homoeopathy, but because of the small number, no conclusions regarding perception can be drawn.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / The therapeutic effects of homoeopathic Arsenicum album potencies were investigated in-vitro, using human cell cultures which were previously antagonised by arsenic trioxide (As2O3). Primary cell culture (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) and a continuous cell line (MT4) were treated with succussed and unsuccussed homoeopathic potencies, 6CH, 30CH and 200CH. This study aimed to verify the homoeopathic law of similars and to determine whether potencies diluted beyond Avogadro’s constant had physiological effects on cells; whether various potencies would cause different effects as proposed by the Arndt-Schultz law; whether succussed and unsuccussed homoeopathic potencies had different effects on the cells; and to establish whether a biotechnological method could be used to evaluate the above. Initial experiments involved isolation and culturing of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the MT4 cell line. Cell titres were determined using the trypan blue dye exclusion assay. The solubilization method of As2O3 was optimized through various dissolution experiments, so as to attain a homogenous arsenical solution. The MTT assay was used to measure the percentage cytotoxicity and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) caused by the antagonist As2O3 on the PBMCs and the MT4 cell line. The two cell cultures were compared with regard to their susceptibility to As2O3 and their reliability of response. The homoeopathic potencies of Arsenicum album (6CH, 30CH and 200CH) were prepared by initially triturating the As2O3, and then either hand succussing 10 times (succussed) or allowing to diffuse for 30 s (unsuccussed) in sterile distilled water, with the final potencies made up in cell culture media, RPMI. The MTT assay was used to determine the percentage cell viability when the As2O3-antagonised cells were treated with the Arsenicum album potencies. All assays were performed in triplicate. v The As2O3 was found to fully dissolve when 396 mg of dry As2O3 was added to 100 mL of sterile distilled Milli-Q water, which was left to stand for 10 days at 80°C. The cytotoxicity results showed that the PBMCs were not as reliable as the MT4 cells, which showed significant susceptibility to the As2O3. The IC50 of As2O3 on 1 mL of MT4 cells was found to be 5 μM As2O3 (133 μL) for 48 h. The trypan blue dye exclusion assay demonstrated that the viable MT4 cells decreased in number after exposure to the As2O3, with an increase in number of the non-viable cells. Microscopically, the cells were fewer in number and displayed signs of possible blebbing and cell shrinkage, showing potential cell death due to apoptosis. The cell viability results showed that the Arsenicum album 6CH resulted in the lowest absorbance readings and the Arsenicum album 200CH gave the highest readings; this verified the therapeutic effects of homoeopathic remedies when given according to the law of similars; that potencies diluted beyond Avogadro’s constant had stimulating effects; and that the more dilute potencies stimulated recovery in the cells more than the lower potencies, verifying the Arndt-Schultz law. The treatments and the times of exposure were found to be statistically significant determinants of cell viability, whereas succussion did not cause any significant variation in the results. The study thereby provided evidence that a biotechnological method could be used to scientifically evaluate the physiological effects of homoeopathic potencies on human cells; that the homoeopathic potencies did have therapeutic effects; and that succussion was not required in the potentization method in order to produce a curative remedy.

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / The purpose of this study was to investigate the homoeopathic indications of the bark of the Strychnos henningsii tree, through a homoeopathic proving, and to subsequently compare these results to the documented traditional use of the crude substance. Methodology The study design took the form of a triple-blind placebo-controlled trial consisting of 32 participants who met defined inclusion criterion. These participants were randomly divided into four groups, each consisting of eight provers and supervised by one of four M. Tech Homoeopathy students. Fifty percent received placebo and fifty percent received verum. Neither the researcher nor the provers were aware of the nature of the proving substance as well as who received the placebo and who received the verum until the study was completed. The proving substance was administered in the 30CH potency, according to an ECH (European Committee of Homoeopathy) methodology. All provers were subjected to pre – and post -proving consultations in which case histories and physical examinations were performed. A pre-proving workshop was held for all provers and supervisors. Symptom collection was done by using information obtained from prover journals which was then collated, edited and translated into repertory language. By identifying broad areas of traditional use of Strychnos henningsii and relating these to rubrics derived from the proving of Strychnos henningsii 30 CH, a comparison was performed in order to evaluate the overlap between the homoeopathic indications and traditional use of the proving substance. Results After critical evaluation, it was found that whilst overlaps exist in the treatment of liver disease, nausea, dysmenorrhea, rheumatism, chest pain, malaria and dizziness, no overlap was found in the use of the homoeopathic remedy in snakebites. In addition the proving revealed symptoms that were not indicated in traditional use such as headaches, asthma, influenza, sinusitis and hayfever, as well as infections of the eye, ear, nose and throat. Conclusion Thus, upon comparison of the traditional uses of Strychnos henningsii to the symptoms produced in the proving of Strychnos henningsii 30CH, revealed that similarities pertaining mainly to the gastro-intestinal system, female gynaecological tract and rheumatic complaints exist. However, the proving elicited many new symptoms that are purely homoeopathic, these included head, mind, sleep, dream, nose, ear, chest and respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, it is hoped that further provings of this substance at different potencies would contribute further to the materia medica of the substance.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2010. / The homoeopathic drug proving of Strychnos henningsii 30CH took the form of a mixed-method triple-blind, placebo-controlled study. The purpose of the study was to compare the results of the triple-blind homoeopathic drug proving with the toxicology of the crude substance. Methodology Thirty-two provers were selected and randomly divided into four equal groups of 8 provers, with each group supervised by one of four M.Tech.Hom student researchers. Fifty percent of the subjects (16 or the 32) received placebo in a random manner. Provers recorded their state in journals for one week prior to commencing the verum/ placebo powders. Data was extracted from journals and combined with case histories, physical examinations to compile the proving profile. The data derived from journals and case histories were edited and collated and thereafter reformatted and classified according to standard materia medica and repertory conventions. This constituted the homoeopathic remedy picture which was then compared to the toxicity of the major chemical constituents of Strychnos henningsii by qualitative methods. Results Provers produced symptoms on the mental, physical and emotional levels. There was a distinct similarity between the toxicology of Strychnos henningsii in its iii crude form, and a majority of the symptomatology obtained during the proving. The comparison of Strychnos henningsii proving symptoms and that of the crude substance was demonstrated by the proving symptoms showing similarity with the chemical constituents of the bark. The bark contained alkaloids which demonstrated similar symptoms in poisonings as described by the provers. The alkaloids found in the Strychnos henningsii bark were strychnine, diaboline, holstiine, strychnochromine and guianensine. Conclusions This homeopathic proving of Strychnos henningsii allowed for successful comparison between the alkaloids contained in the bark and the proving symptomatology. Notwithstanding the successful comparison and noted levels of overlap, it was observed that prior knowledge of homeopathy was beneficial to the provers. Furthermore, the researcher argues that the triple blind method employed is effective, but may hinder the researcher during analysis and that it is important that toxicological information about any substance should be obtained before a proving commences.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology, Department of Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / INTRODUCTION Homoeopathy is based on the law of similars meaning the medicine that produces symptoms in a healthy individual will cure the same symptoms in a sick individual (Sankaran, 1991:5). AIM Conducting a proving on Ubiquinone 30CH will lead to an establishment of its therapeutic potential through the application of the law of similars thus adding to the Materia Medica and advancing Homoeopathy (Vithoulkas, 2002). It was hypothesised that the 30CH potency of Ubiquinone would clearly produce observable signs and symptoms in healthy prover’s. It was further hypothesised that a comparison of Ubiquinone to those remedies yielding the highest numerical value and total number of rubrics on repertorisation of the proving symptoms would elucidate differences and similarities between Ubiquinone and other Homoeopathic remedies to clarify its therapeutic indications. It was hypothesised that in this manner a better understanding of Ubiquinone and its relationship to other Homoeopathic remedies would be gained. Methodology The proving of Ubiquinone 30CH was a randomised, double blind placebo controlled study, using the 30th centesimal potency and a total of 26 participants who met the inclusion criteria. Each prover was provided with a journal to record their symptoms daily. The data extracted from the journals were added to the case histories and physical examinations to compile a proving profile. The identity of the substance was revealed and the information was correlated after completion of the proving. The symptoms found were translated into Materia Medica and repertory language. Once the proving was concluded, a comparison to the remedies yielding the highest numerical value and total number of rubrics on repertorisation - which is the technique of using a repertory to identify the Homoeopathic medicines whose Materia Medica corresponds most closely to the clinical picture of the patient and from amongst which a simillimum may be chosen (Swayne, 2000:183) - was compared to the proving symptoms. Results The remedy’s main influence was on the mental and physical state. The most prominent symptoms seen in the mental sphere were extreme irritability and exhaustion. There was a sense of emotional fragility with a desire to be alone. On the physical side, headaches were common and weakening pains of the extremities were experienced. It can be concluded that the 30CH potency of Ubiquinone, if used precisely according to Homoeopathic principles, can be applied to a clinical setting, as the extensive range of symptoms produced during the proving suggests an equally wide array of application of the remedy Ubiquinone. Conclusion One of the downfalls of Homoeopathy is the limited number of provings being done, (Vithoulkas, 2002). Vithoulkas (2002:143) maintains that in order for Homoeopathy to advance, it is necessary to perform provings on new substances to expand the Homoeopathic armamentarium. Increasing the number of remedies in the Materia Medica facilitates greater accuracy and individualisation when treating patients (Wright, 1999). According to Herrick (1998) numerous cases cannot be solved because many of the most important remedies have not yet been developed. The purpose of this study was to increase the knowledge of drug substances due to the limited amount of information in our current Materia Medicas, by investigating the therapeutic potential of Ubiquinone 30CH. The investigation supported the hypothesis that Ubiquinone would produce clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy volunteers. It is essential that the proving symptoms be verified and expanded through clinical use and with further proving of Ubiquinone in various potencies so that it becomes a well utilised remedy in the future.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)--Durban University of Technology, 2008 / The proving substance Hemachatus haemachatus commonly known as the Rinkhals belongs to the family of Elapidae. This spitting-cobra is a local snake found only in Southern Africa. This proving tested the effects of the thirtieth centesimal (30CH) potency of venom from Hemachatus haemachatus on healthy provers. OBJECTIVES It was hypothesised that Hemachatus haemachatus 30CH would produce clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy provers, and that the comparison of Hemachatus haemachatus to those yielding the highest numerical value and total number of rubrics on repertorisation of the proving symptoms would highlight differences and similarities between the remedy symptoms so that confusion as to the indication is eliminated. It was hypothesised that a fuller understanding of Hemachatus haemachatus and its relationship to other remedies would be gained following this comparison. METHODOLOGY A double blind, placebo controlled proving of Hemachatus haemachatus 30CH was conducted on thirty healthy volunteers who met the inclusion criteria. Six of these thirty provers randomly received placebo, with neither prover nor researcher knowing whom received placebo. Provers had a homoeopathic case history taken and a physical examination performed on them prior to commencement of the proving. The provers recorded their signs and symptoms 6 by means of a journal before, during and after administration of the remedy. On completion of the proving, the information obtained was correlated and assessed by the two researchers, De la Rouviere and Cahill. The symptoms elicited during the proving were translated into materia medica and repertory language, and a homoeopathic picture of the remedy was subsequently formulated. Data from the case histories, physical examinations and group discussions were also considered in the assessment. RESULTS During the period of investigation, provers experienced a variety of symptoms on the mental, emotional and physical spheres. On the mental emotional sphere there was a marked degree of irritability and changeability in moods as is commonly seen in many of the snake remedies. Along with this, it was noted that there were feelings of anxiety for reasons unknown, a sense of having lost something or someone close, and a desire to be left alone. There were also a great number of feelings regarding the home, where there were feelings of the home being a place of safety and wanting order in the home. On a physical level, many of the provers noted varying degrees of abdominal discomfort and headaches. Along with anxiety, provers experienced palpitations and sensations of chest restriction or constriction with shortness of breath. There were a variety of musculoskeletal symptoms ranging from painful joints in the fingers to stiffness and tightness in the neck and back. Provers noted flushes of heat and alterations of their internal thermostat. Provers experienced marked dryness of the mucus membranes and the skin, and there was also a general feeling of weakness and heaviness as well as a marked aggravation in the mornings on waking. 7 CONCLUSIONS Symptoms obtained from the proving of Hemachatus haemachatus 30CH were studied and evaluated. Those symptoms that appeared to represent the remedy picture of Hemachatus haemachatus most accurately in the researchers‟ opinion were used in the repertorisation of the remedy. The investigation supported the hypothesis that Hemachatus haemachatus 30CH would produce clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy provers. The subsequent comparison of the proving symptoms of Hemachatus haemachatus to Lycopodium (Club moss), Sulphur, Alumina (Aluminium oxide), Sepia (Cuttle fish) and Calcarea carbonica (Carbonate of Lime) highlighted differences and similarities between these remedies and Hemachatus haemachatus. The further comparison of remedies that came up on repertorisation restricted to the plant, mineral and animal kingdoms respectively provided a further comparison of remedies, which aimed at enhancing the differentiation of Hemachatus haemachatus to other similar remedies. / M

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy in the Department of Homoeopathy at the Durban University of Technology, 2008. / The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Gymnura natalensis 30CH on healthy volunteers, and to record the signs and symptoms produced, so that it may be prescribed to those requiring it according to the Law of Similars. The other aims of this study were to compare the proving symptoms of Gymnura natalensis 30CH to the toxicology of stingray venom and to analyze the remedy picture in terms of the Doctrine of Signatures. It was hypothesised that the thirtieth centesimal potency of the remedy would produce clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy volunteers (provers). It was further hypothesised that the above signs and symptoms would show a correlation to the toxicology of stingray venom and to the Doctrine of Signatures. The homoeopathic proving of Gymnura natalensis took the form a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. The selected proving potency was the thirtieth centesimal potency. A total population of 30 suitable and consenting volunteers participated in this trial. Twenty percent of this population was randomly administered a placebo-control substance. The collection of data from the provers took the form of a journal which was kept by each prover in which their proving signs and symptoms were recorded over a period of five weeks after the administration of the remedy or placebo. On completion of the proving, each journal was assessed by the researcher to determine the suitability of the recorded symptoms for inclusion in the materia medica of Gymnura natalensis. These symptoms were then translated into the language of the materia medica and repertory and a remedy picture was then formulated. Data from case histories, physical examinations (Appendix D) and group discussions were also taken into account during the analysis of the proving the symptoms. A concurrent proving study of Gymnura natalensis, conducted by Naidoo (2008), focused on comparing the symptoms of this remedy to those of other existing remedies that were derived from the sea. A variety of mental, emotional and physical symptoms were extracted from the proving study of Gymnura natalensis. The main mental and emotional symptoms of the remedy included anxiety, irritability, depression, a feeling of disconnection, spaciness of the mind and dreams of events and incidents of the past. The characteristic physical symptoms obtained from the proving included headaches, a reduction of pre-menstrual symptoms, heart palpitations, skin eruptions on the back, low energy levels, tiredness and sleep abnormalities. Symptoms that showed a correlation to the toxicological symptoms of stingray envenomation included frequent urination, muscular cramps, heart palpitations, laboured breathing, fever and copious night sweats. The symptoms that characterised the remedy in terms of the Doctrine of Signatures included anxiety, instinctive behaviour, the desire to be alone, feelings of disconnection, detachment and isolation and skin eruptions on the back. The investigation confirmed the hypothesis that Gymnura natalensis would produce clearly observable sings and symptoms in healthy volunteers. The correlation of the proving symptoms to the toxicology of stingray venom and the Doctrine of Signatures provided a clarification of the remedy picture to assist in the understanding and prescription of this remedy. / M