Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)--Durban University of Technology, 2008. xix, 122 leaves / Discussion among homoeopaths in South Africa provides the impression that there is a degree of misunderstanding and ignorance about homoeopathy, and opinions are varied on its application and efficacy amongst the South African public. An over the counter (OTC) medicine, is a medicine which is sold without a prescription directly to the public, which includes homoeopathic medicines. OTC medicines may be sold at any retail outlet, i.e. a pharmacy or general store. There is much evidence pointed towards the growth and rise in over the counter sales in complementary and alternative medicine, a growth of more than 17% in total, homoeopathy is a major part of the complementary and alternative medicine group, having its own growth of more than 16% over a four year period. Self-medication in the form of over the counter medicines forms the main part of this industry (Caldis, 2000). The market was previously examined by the Mintel Group for complementary medicines and its growth in sales, in April 2003. Since then, the market has continued to expand, growing by 45% in real terms from 1999 to 2004. Greater consumer awareness of alternative medicines, an interest in healthy lifestyles, and the willingness to self-medicate certain conditions have all contributed to the increased value of sales (Mintel, 2005). Whenever the economic and public health benefits of self-medication are discussed, it is important to address inequalities in health. This means that not every citizen may feel sufficiently confident to practice responsible self-medication. It is also evident that not everybody has the financial means to do iii so. The whole notion of responsible self-medication both in a traditional sense and in the future is based on the concept of choice. Allowing individuals certain options when they suffer minor, self-limiting or chronic diseases is the fundamental consideration behind responsible self-medication (AESGP, 2004). Methodology A non-experimental descriptive survey was conducted to determine the perceptions of registered South African Homoeopaths regarding the availability of over the counter homoeopathic remedies. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and 68 anonymous responses were obtained. Raw data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the relationships between variables tested for correlations. Results Respondents perceived homoeopathic OTC medicine sales and their availability in health shops and pharmacies, as contributing to the promotion of the profession as well as increasing its accessibility to the public. Other benefits perceived were the cost effectiveness of homoeopathic OTC medicines and convenience for home usage. The majority of respondents felt that there should be certain restrictions regarding the availability of OTC homoeopathic medicines, such as, the limitations regarding the availability of certain potencies. Participants also expressed concern over the degree of training held by retail outlet staff. Certain respondents felt that homoeopathic medicines should only be iv available with a prescription or used under the guidance of their practitioner. Other negative aspects of over the counter homoeopathic medicines were: incorrect use of medication, overdosing, and potential negative effects the patient may experience if the OTC medicine interacts with other medication, as well as the concern over the risks of self-medicating without the advice from a practitioner. Conclusions and recommendations The majority of respondents were in favour of the availability of homoeopathic OTC medicines to the public, provided that they are suitably regulated to ensure patient safety and quality control. Furthermore the regulation of the relevant retail outlets including education of staff in this regard was recommended. Respondents also were in favour of the awareness of the profession that homoeopathic OTC medicines created.

M.Tech. / Homoeopathy is considered to be a safe and effective modality of treatment for various ailments commonly encountered during pregnancy, such as constipation, exhaustion, pyrosis, backache, haemorrhoids, and varicose veins (Castro, 2004; Rothenberg, 2004). Pyrosis is defined as a burning sensation in the epigastric and sub-sternal region, which may radiate to the neck, throat, back and even the face, with rising of acid liquid from the stomach (Beers & Berkow, 1999; O’Toole, 2003). Pyrosis affects up to 85% of pregnant woman, the aetiology being complex and multi-factorial (Broussard & Richter, 1998; Page & Percival, 2000; Richter, 2005). The aim of the study was to determine the effect of homoeopathic similimum treatment on the frequency and severity of pyrosis during pregnancy, and also on the frequency which other antacid medication was taken. A qualitative, interventive, and descriptive study was conducted monitoring twelve participants over a period of five weeks. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed to select twelve pregnant women between 12-34 weeks gestation, suffering from pyrosis, and met the inclusion criteria for the study. Participants were recruited through referrals from midwives and advertisements placed in pharmacies and health stores. The participants evaluated their own symptoms on a daily questionnaire, recording how often they suffered from pyrosis, and also rating the severity of their discomfort. The questionnaire was completed for one week prior to treatment, and then for four weeks during which the participant received homoeopathic similimum treatment. The researcher interviewed each participant during three consultations. A thorough homoeopathic case history was taken during the initial consultation, capturing the totality of the participants’ symptoms on a case study form. After evaluation of the symptoms and repertorisation, a homoeopathic similimum remedy was prescribed. The choice of dosage and potency was individualized to the participant according to homoeopathic principles. A follow-up consultation was conducted after two weeks of treatment. During the follow-up consultation the participants’ symptoms were recorded on a follow-up sheet and their response to the treatment was evaluated. Where indicated the treatment was continued as before, the similimum remedy changed if indicated by a change in symptoms, or treatment stopped when no longer necessary. A final consultation was conducted after another two weeks. The symptoms were again recorded on a follow-up sheet, and the effectiveness of the similimum treatment was then evaluated. The data from the consultations were used to write in-depth case studies representing a qualitative evaluation of the study, based on the subjective experience of symptoms by the participants. Quantitative data was obtained from the daily questionnaires, and represented graphically. The means for all twelve cases, relating to the frequency and severity of pyrosis during the time of the study, were obtained from this data, and represented on bar graphs. From the case studies and questionnaires it was determined that there was an improvement in all twelve of the cases studied. All the participants, except for case five, eight, and nine, experienced improvement in the frequency that pyrosis was experienced. There was improvement of the severity of the symptoms in all twelve case studies. In case five, eight, and nine, the frequency of the symptoms of pyrosis didn’t decrease, but there was amelioration of the severity of the symptoms. In several cases there was also improvement of other concomitant symptoms and participants reported an overall improvement of their health. In case three the symptoms were no longer present after the first two weeks of treatment. No further treatment was required, and the participant remained symptom free for the remainder of her pregnancy. In all of the other cases the participants still continued to experience symptoms, but less frequently and suffered less discomfort. The symptoms were typically ameliorated when the prescribed remedy was taken. Provisional findings suggest that homoeopathic similimum treatment may be effective in managing pyrosis during pregnancy.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)--Durban University of Technology, 2008. xix, 122 leaves / Discussion among homoeopaths in South Africa provides the impression that there is a degree of misunderstanding and ignorance about homoeopathy, and opinions are varied on its application and efficacy amongst the South African public. An over the counter (OTC) medicine, is a medicine which is sold without a prescription directly to the public, which includes homoeopathic medicines. OTC medicines may be sold at any retail outlet, i.e. a pharmacy or general store. There is much evidence pointed towards the growth and rise in over the counter sales in complementary and alternative medicine, a growth of more than 17% in total, homoeopathy is a major part of the complementary and alternative medicine group, having its own growth of more than 16% over a four year period. Self-medication in the form of over the counter medicines forms the main part of this industry (Caldis, 2000). The market was previously examined by the Mintel Group for complementary medicines and its growth in sales, in April 2003. Since then, the market has continued to expand, growing by 45% in real terms from 1999 to 2004. Greater consumer awareness of alternative medicines, an interest in healthy lifestyles, and the willingness to self-medicate certain conditions have all contributed to the increased value of sales (Mintel, 2005). Whenever the economic and public health benefits of self-medication are discussed, it is important to address inequalities in health. This means that not every citizen may feel sufficiently confident to practice responsible self-medication. It is also evident that not everybody has the financial means to do iii so. The whole notion of responsible self-medication both in a traditional sense and in the future is based on the concept of choice. Allowing individuals certain options when they suffer minor, self-limiting or chronic diseases is the fundamental consideration behind responsible self-medication (AESGP, 2004). Methodology A non-experimental descriptive survey was conducted to determine the perceptions of registered South African Homoeopaths regarding the availability of over the counter homoeopathic remedies. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and 68 anonymous responses were obtained. Raw data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the relationships between variables tested for correlations. Results Respondents perceived homoeopathic OTC medicine sales and their availability in health shops and pharmacies, as contributing to the promotion of the profession as well as increasing its accessibility to the public. Other benefits perceived were the cost effectiveness of homoeopathic OTC medicines and convenience for home usage. The majority of respondents felt that there should be certain restrictions regarding the availability of OTC homoeopathic medicines, such as, the limitations regarding the availability of certain potencies. Participants also expressed concern over the degree of training held by retail outlet staff. Certain respondents felt that homoeopathic medicines should only be iv available with a prescription or used under the guidance of their practitioner. Other negative aspects of over the counter homoeopathic medicines were: incorrect use of medication, overdosing, and potential negative effects the patient may experience if the OTC medicine interacts with other medication, as well as the concern over the risks of self-medicating without the advice from a practitioner. Conclusions and recommendations The majority of respondents were in favour of the availability of homoeopathic OTC medicines to the public, provided that they are suitably regulated to ensure patient safety and quality control. Furthermore the regulation of the relevant retail outlets including education of staff in this regard was recommended. Respondents also were in favour of the awareness of the profession that homoeopathic OTC medicines created.

M.Tech. / Cat allergy is the allergic reaction of a person’s body when exposed to allergens borne in the cat’s dander (shed skin cells), saliva or urine. The major cat allergen, called Fel d 1, is found in cat saliva, dander from sebaceous glands in the skin, fur and anal sebaceous glands. Symptoms of cat allergies may include sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, coughing and wheezing and in rare circumstances anaphylaxis occurs. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic complex Cat hair 9cH and Histaminum 9cH in treating the symptoms of cat allergy using the skin prick test and a symptom score card which rates the severity, frequency and duration of symptoms experienced. This was a four-week double blind, placebo-controlled study in which thirty participants, male and female between the ages of 18 and 45 were randomly divided into two groups. Advertisements was placed at the University of Johannesburg Doornfontein campus and at the Weleda pharmacy (Fourways). Potential participants that meet the inclusion criteria were requested to sign the Participant Information and Consent Form. This study had to form part of a group study related to cat allergy analysis. Participants were requested to report to Ampath laboratories to undergo a skin prick test to establish the presence of a cat allergy. Those participants that tested positive for cat allergies were to undergo an initial consultation involving a case history and a focused physical examination. Participants were given a score card each week to evaluate their severity, frequency and duration of their symptoms to be completed at the end of each week. Participants were given a 25ml bottle of either the homoeopathic complex of Cat hair 9cH and Histaminum 9cH or the placebo in tablet form, and each participant was instructed to take two tablets twice daily throughout the four week study. At the second consultation the physical exam was repeated and a second bottle of medication were given. At the end of week four, participants had to report to Ampath laboratories for the final skin prick test. This was to be followed by the third and final consultation, where the physical examination was done and all score cards collected. All data will be analysed using the Shapiro Wilk test, Mann-Whitney test, Friedman test and Wilcoxon test. With the aid of results from each participant the researcher arrived at the conclusion that the homoeopathic complex Histaminum 9cH and Cat Hair 9cH was effective on alleviating the symptoms of cat allergy.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Cat allergy is an Immunoglobulin E (IgE) response by the body in hypersensitive individuals, triggered by exposure to cat allergen, which can be found in cat saliva and cat dander. Cat allergy produces a number of symptoms which negatively influence daily living and may be exacerbated in hypersensitive individuals to halt daily functioning. Conventional treatment for cat allergy comprises of antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, leukotrine blockers and decongestants, which have many adverse effects, are not always effective and may lead to drug tolerance. To date, research has been conducted by Naidoo et al., (2011) on the efficacy of the homoeopathic complex of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH in treating the symptoms of cat allergy, which yielded positive and statistically significant results according to the skin prick test. The desensitising effect of this complex on blood IgE levels has not yet been studied. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH in the desensitization of cat allergy, by use of cat specific RAST tests and a symptom score card. The complex of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH was prepared according to homoeopathic principles and prescribed according to isopathic principles. Thirty male and female participants between the ages of 18 and 45, who had a positive RAST test result for cat allergy, were selected for this four week, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The RAST tests were performed at the beginning of the study (week 1) and at the end of the study (week 4). The participants were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received the homoeopathic complex of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH and the control group received the placebo. Participants were asked to take two tablets in the morning and two tablets at night sublingually for the duration of the study period. Each participant received a symptom score card which was to be completed at the end of each week. The symptom score card rated the severity, frequency and duration of their symptoms. The results were statistically analysed using, the Friedman-K Related Samples Test, the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and the Mann-Whitney U Test. The results showed that the homoeopathic complex of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH did not improve the IgE levels or IgE grading in the treatment group. When looking at the symptoms, the treatment group had a statistically significant improvement in the severity, duration and frequency of the symptom “red itchy eyes”, as well as improved duration of the symptoms “runny itchy stuffy nose” and “sneezing”; while the control group was found to have a statistically significant improvement in the frequency of the symptom “red itchy eyes”, “scratchy throat”, as well as the duration of “red itchy eyes”. In conclusion it can be said that the homoeopathic complex of Cat saliva 9cH and Histaminum 9cH did not produce desensitization to cat allergen, thus leading to the rejection of the hypothesis and the acceptance of the null hypothesis.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is the inflammation of the nasal and often conjunctival mucous membrane. It manifests due to the exposure of inhaled allergic agents and results in an immunoglobulin E (lgE) mediated reaction (DiPiro et al., 2002; Shargel et al., 2001). Allergic rhinitis is characterised by four principle symptoms, watery rhinorrhoea, nasal obstruction, nasal itching and sneezing (Min, 2010). In addition to the cardinal symptoms experienced during AR other common symptoms include postnasal drip, pruritic eyes; ears; nose and palate (Kemp, 2009). Although allergic rhinitis is not life threatening, the adverse impact on quality of life is significant. Those affected by allergic rhinitis are restricted in their ability to carry out their normal daily activities (Nelson, 2007; Wilson et al., 2002). Sleep, social interaction, emotional well being as well as cognitive and psychomotor function are affected by allergic rhinitis, and can lead to impaired learning ability. Serious disorders such as eczema, asthma, sinusitis, otitis media, nasal polyposis, respiratory infections and orthodontic malocclusions are. frequently linked with allergic rhinitis (DiPiro et al., 2002; Kemp, 2009)., The therapeutic goal for patients suffering with allergic rhinitis is to prevent or minimise symptoms, using treatment with minimal or no side effects and of reasonable expense, so that patients may maintain a normal lifestyle (DiPiro et aI., 2002). One of the most frequent indications for which homoeopathic treatment is sought after is for respiratory allergies (Ramchandani, 2009). Thus it has been proposed that the remedies contained within Otirin Nasal Spray"; namely Allium cepa, Euphrasia officinalis, Luffa operculata and Sabadilla officinarummay be effective as a treatment for allergic rhinitis (Vermeulen, 2000). Otirin Nasal Spray" is a homoeopathic complex preparation indicated for allergic rhinitis. No specific research has been conducted on this product to determine its efficacy in this condition (Medford, 2008). The aim of this research study was to determine the efficacy of Otirin Nasal Spray" in the treatment of allergic rhinitis with regard to the severity Of symptoms; specifically on the symptoms relating to the nose, eyes, throat, mouth and ears. Diary cards and questionnaires were completed, making use of the severity of symptoms scores to grade the symptoms. This research study was a quantitative" double-blind, placebo-controlled study and included thirty participants suffering from AR. Participants volunteered to participate in the study, were over the age of eighteen and consented to the procedures of the research study. Participants involved in the study were randomly divided into a treatment (experimental) group and a control (placebo) group. The treatment group received the Otirin Nasal Spray'" as opposed to the control group who received the placebo nasal spray (saline nasal spray). The research study was conducted over a period of four weeks at the UJ Health Centre. Participants were instructed to complete an individual "Treatment Diary Card" (Appendix E) during each hayfever attack by scoring the severity of each symptom they suffered from. During the final consultation the "Response to Treatment Questionnaire" (Appendix F) was completed under the researcher's supervision. This questionnaire required participants to score an amelioration, aggravation, no change or not applicable for each symptom, as well as other associated symptoms. Results acquired from the research study were statistically analysed by Statkon at the University of Johannesburg by means of descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric tests. The parametric test included the Independent Samples TTest. Non-parametric tests included the Friedman Test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank, and Mann-Whitney U Test. This research study determined that the homoeopathically prepared Otirin Nasal Spray" did have a statistically significant effect in the treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms. A trend towards a decrease in the severity of the participant's symptoms was observed, in particular for rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal blockage/congestion, pruritic/itchy eyes and postnasal drip.

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy) / More than 90% of all injuries that occurs while participating in sport will either be a strain or a contusion. Strains occur when the muscle is subjected to excessive tensile forces that lead to overstraining of the muscle fibres, resulting in tearing (Järvinen et al., 2007:318). Symptoms of minor muscle strains (first and second degree strains) include pain on isometric movements and on stretching the affected muscles (Magee, 2008:28). Homoeopathic remedies may be useful in the treatment of exercise induced muscle strain, however there is very little research done to date on its efficacy (Jones & Wilson, 2010:11). This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a complex homoeopathic topical cream for pain relief from acute exercise induced minor muscle strains. The complex consisted of Arnica montana, Bellis perennis, Bryonia alba, Rhus toxicodendron and Ruta graveolens. Pain levels were measured on a visual analogue pain scale, and pain relief was rated relative to baseline. Participants rated their satisfaction with the cream at the end of the study. This study was conducted on thirty adult volunteers who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This was a double-blind placebo controlled study that was conducted over a period of three days. Once participants were accepted into the study they were placed in matched pairs according to pain severity to ensure equal distribution in both groups. Group A, the control group, received the un-medicated aqueous cream while group B, the treatment group, received the homoeopathically medicated aqueous cream. The cream was applied seven times in total to the affected area. Statistical analyses were done to determine if any significant changes occurred in either group or between the two groups over time.

Submitted in partial compliance with requirements for Master`s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a symptomatic disorder of the nose characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa. It consists of a group of disorders that are all typified by the presence of one or more of the following: nasal itching, congestion, sneezing and rhinorrhoea (Wallace et. al., 2008). Allergic rhinitis can result in decreased quality of life, decreased sleep quantity, obstructive sleep apnoea and impaired performance at work and school (Blaiss, 2010: 375-380). According to Small and Kim (2011) allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common allergic condition and one of the most common of all minor afflictions. It affects between 10- 20% of all people in the United States, and the prevalence of the disorder is increasing. This may result in significant impairment to quality of life, sleep and work performance (Small and Kim 2011). A therapeutic goal for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis is to prevent or minimise symptoms, using treatment with minimal effects or no side effects and of reasonable expenses, so that patients may maintain a normal life style (DiPiroet al.2002). Homoeopathy is a complete system of medicine developed by German physician and chemist, Dr Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843). It is based on the following theories, first the doctrine of signature that disease is curable by those drugs which produce effect on the body similar to the symptoms of the disease “similia similibus currantur”; second that the effects of the drug are increased by giving it in a minute dose, which is obtained by dilution or trituration to an extreme limit and thirdly the notion that chronic disease are only manifestation of suppressed itch or psora (Ernst 2016). Similasan Nasal Allergy Relief Spray® is commercially available as a homoeopathic nasal spray. It is based on the principle of "let likes cure likes" or the Law of Similars. According to the company, this product is 100% natural, and contains active ingredients with non-drowsy effects which relieves allergic congestion, itching and runny nose, and it is preservative free (Similasan Corporation 1999-2015). Similasan Nasal Allergy ReliefSpray® mist gently stimulates the body's natural ability to relieve allergic congestion, itchy, runny nose and rhinitis caused by pollen, pet dander, dust and mould spores. Furthermore, the Similasan Nasal Allergy ReliefSpray® mists is non-habit forming and will not cause reliance or a rebound effect. The ingredients are: Cardiospermum 6X, Galphimiaglauca 6X, Luffa operculata 6X, Sabadilla 6X (SimilasanCoorporation 1999-2015). The aim of this double-blind randomised controlled study is to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic Similasan Nasal Allergy Relief Spray® in the management of allergic rhinitis. Outcomes were monitored using questionnaires and a daily log book. This was a quantitative study which included thirty participants suffering from allergic rhinitis. Participants volunteered to participate in the study, were over the age of eighteen and consented to the procedure of the study. Participants involved in the research study were randomly divided into treatment group and placebo group. The treatment group received Similasan Nasal Allergy Relief Spray® and the placebo group received a saline nasal spray. The research study was conducted over a period of four weeks at the Durban University of Technology Homoeopathic Day Clinic. Participants were instructed to rate their symptoms before, during and after taking treatment (Appendix, C and D). The parametric test used in this study was Independent Samples T- Test. Non-parametric tests included ANOVA and Pearson chi-square. Rhinorrhoea, sneezing, itching of the eyes and nasal congestion showed a statistically significant results but some of the participant’s symptoms deteriorated after a period of improvement. This research determined that Similisan Nasal Allergy Relief Spray ® didn’t have a significant effect in treating allergic rhinitis in terms of the CARAT questionnaire. / M

M.Tech. / Allergic rhinitis, otherwise referred to as hay fever, is a common allergic reaction affecting the nose, throat, eyes, and respiratory system, of persons of all ages and both sexes. This study attempted to demonstrate the effect of the homoeopathically prepared remedy Sabadilla officinarum 30CH and Sabadilla officinarum 200CH in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Thirty participants were selected for this one hour, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The participants were randomly placed into one of three groups of ten, consisting of the control group, and the two experimental groups. The control group received the placebo medication. The first experimental group received Sabadilla officinarum 30CH, and the second experimental group received Sabadilla officinarum 200CH. The patients were all supplied with: a stat dose of medication to use at the time of an allergic rhinitis attack, a diary card on which to score the severity of their symptoms at the time of such an attack, and a response to treatment questionnaire to fill in after the completion of their treatment. The results were statistically analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, the Kruskal Wallis Test, and descriptive statistics. The results show that treatment with Sabadilla officinarum 30CH and 200CH had a significant effect in improving the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)- Dept. of Homeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2008. xxvi, 161 leaves. / The purpose of this placebo controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (Carbo Vegetabilis D9, Lycopodium clavatum D9, Nux Vomica D9 and Robinia Pseudoacacia D9) in the treatment of patients suffering from functional dyspepsia; in terms of the patient’s perception of the treatment. It was hypothesized that the patients treated with the complex would respond favorably in terms of the symptoms associated with dyspepsia. In this experimental study the single variable design was used for its ‘before and after with control’. Thirty patients with functional dyspepsia were selected after been screened according to diagnostic criteria identified by the researcher. These patients were divided into two groups according to simple random sampling. Data was collected at the Homoeopathic Day Clinic at the Durban University of Technology. Group one received the homoeopathic complex and group two received a placebo complex. Patients received treatment over a period of six weeks (three consultations). The patients, during each consultation, in the presence of the researcher, completed the Patient Perception Questionnaire. Results were statistically analysed using the FriedmansTest (inter group comparison) and The Wilcoxon signed Rank Test (intra group comparison). When the three questionnaires for each patient were compared it was found that neither the placebo group, nor the experimental group yielded significant improvement. Therefore the results of this clinical trial demonstrated that this homoeopathic complex is not effective in the treatment of functional dyspepsia, when compared to placebo, in terms of patient perception.