Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / 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. / M

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)-Dept. of Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2005 xxvii, 153 p. / Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) remains a medically unexplained syndrome, with differing aetiological models, case definitions and treatment recommendations (Ranjith, 2005:13). Sharpe & Wessely (1997:179) state that the current case definition for CFS has assumed acceptance as representing nothing more than a working definition of a clinical problem, pending further understanding. CFS has subsequently become the focus of much research and debate (Wessely, Hotopf & Sharpe, 1999:13). Notwithstanding, the definition in terms of diagnostic criteria is adequate in meeting the needs of research studies (Rutherford, 2003). Anecdotal reports, espousing the effectiveness of homoeopathic treatment of CFS, points to the use of the similimum. (Bailey, 1995:189; De Schepper, 2001:6-7; Hardy, 2005:8-10). However, the limited research available on the subject suggests that more research needs to be conducted in this regard (Wessely, Hotopf & Sharpe, 1999:371; Walach, 2004:210-211). This double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of homoeopathic similimum treatment in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)- Dept. of Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2008. xvi, 256 leaves. / Conduct a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled study in order to determine the sphere of action of the imponderable remedy Pink 30CH on healthy volunteers who recorded the signs and symptoms produced in order to determine the substances potential usefulness in a future clinical setting according to the Law of Similars. Determine and highlight the commonalities shared between the symptoms and themes produced by remedy Pink 30CH and the other selected imponderable remedies. In the homoeopathic drug proving of remedy Pink 30CH, provers were uninformed to both the nature of the substance as well as to the potency selected and used for proving purposes. Neither the provers nor the research investigator had any knowledge of who received the verum or the placebo until the end of the proving. Thirty (30) provers were selected after meeting the inclusion criteria of which thirty percent (30%) of the subjects received placebo in a randomised fashion. Verum and placebo were dispensed to the proving body in a set of six (6) powders which were taken sublingually three (3) times daily or until any proving symptoms were experienced. All provers were examined and made to record in their journals before, during and after the administration of the proving substance so as to serve as their own intra-individual controls. At the end of the proving period all journals were then recalled and all proving data recorded was then collated and edited into a repertory and materia medica format, which was then used to formulate a homoeopathic drug picture of the remedy that could be used in future clinical settings. The homoeopathic drug picture thus derived was then analysed with the aim of highlighting the important themes that were elicited during the proving. These symptoms and themes were then related and compared to seven (7) other imponderable remedies: Luna (Moonlight); Magnetis Polus Arcticus (North pole of the magnet); Magnetis Polus Australis (South pole of the magnet); Positronium (Anti-matter); Radium bromatum (Radium bromide); Sol (Sunlight) and X-ray, in order to expand the overall understanding of the commonalities shared by the imponderabilia as an entirety.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)-Dept. of Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2008. xiii, 159 leaves / The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of Gymnura natalensis in the thirtieth centesimal potency on healthy volunteers and to record the signs and symptoms produced by the volunteers during the study. These signs and symptoms determined the therapeutic indications of this remedy for its prescription according to the homoeopathic Law of Similars. A further aim of this study is a proposed group analysis of a natural family of biologically unrelated sea animal remedies (Mangialavori, 2002) with the aim of highlighting themes, similarities and differences within the group.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)-Durban University of Technology, 2008. xiv, 222 leaves / A proving of ivory from the male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) 30CH was conducted. The proving symptoms were then analysed according to the doctrine of signatures, and compared to the proving symptoms of Lac Loxodonta africana. Aims and Objectives of the study The aim of this study was to identify the effects of ivory from male African elephant (Loxodonta africana) in a 30CH dilution, on healthy provers, and to record the clearly observable signs and symptoms produced by the provers, so as to determine the material medica of the proven substance. The objective of the study was to analyze the symptoms obtained from the proving according to the doctrine of signatures, and to establish any correlation that may exist between the homoeopathic drug picture produced and this doctrine. Methodology The remedy was derived from the tusk of a male african elephant (Loxodonta africana) and was prepared in accordance to the German Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia (Drishien, 2003:36-38). The remedy was dispensed in the form of six lactose powders. The research was conducted as a randomised, double blind placebo controlled study. A group of provers (26) that were carefully selected from the general public (Appendix A) were divided into two groups. Recruitment commenced by obtaining suitable provers through speaking to fellow homoeopathic students, as ii well as members of the general public. The researchers conducted interviews with potential provers, excluding those that did not meet the inclusion criteria (Appendix A). The provers were randomly divided into two groups, and instructed to begin recording in their journals a week before starting the remedy, and a week after taking the remedy. The provers continued to record all symptoms until the symptoms abated and continued recording after this time for another two weeks. Once the proving had been completed another full case history and physical exam was performed. Results After the results were collaborated the proving symptoms were then analysed according to the doctrine of signatures. The results of this proving indicated that Loxodonta africana has the potential to be a valuable remedy in homoeopathic practice. Proving signs and symptoms revealed that the remedy could be indicated for mental and emotional conditions as well as a variety of physical diseases. The results of this research confirmed the hypothesis that the proving of Loxodonta africana 30CH would produce clear observable signs and symptoms when administered to healthy individuals. The results of this research also confirmed the second hypothesis that a comparison would exist between the proving symptoms and a doctrine of signatures analysis. Conclusion Thus the proving of Loxodonta africana and the subsequent comparison to the doctrine of signatures has the potential to become a well utilised homoeopathic remedy.

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology, 2007 / The homoeopathic drug proving of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH took a form of a randomised triple–blind, placebo–controlled study. This trial was conducted at the Homoeopathic Day Clinic on the premises of Durban University of Technology. The research group consisted of 32 provers, which were recruited from amongst practicing homoeopaths, homoeopathic students (2`nd–5`th year), as well as patients of the Homoeopathic Day Clinic (DUT) and their relatives. The participation was purely on voluntary basis. Provers were randomly divided into two groups: a placebo group of 12; a proving group of 20. Each researcher supervised 8 provers. Neither the provers, nor the researchers were aware of the name or nature of the substance being proved, and whether a prover is receiving a placebo or the proving substance until the unblinding process. Provers had a homoeopathic case history taken and a physical examination performed on them before commencement of the proving to establish each individual’s baseline. Provers were required to keep journals in which they recorded their sign and symptoms: starting 7 days prior to commencing the proving, throughout the proving, as well as after administration of the remedy formulated. All the information gathered was then correlated and interpreted by the researchers i.e. four M.Tech.Hom students. Subsequent translation of the symptoms into materia medica and repertory language took place. On completion of the proving a homoeopathic picture of the remedy with III distinct affinities was established. Those affinities were then compared to the toxicology of the major chemical constituents of Erythrina lysistemon. Data was then analyzed by qualitative methods for it was not amendable to standard statistical analysis.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements of the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban University of Technology, 2008. / The purpose of this double blind placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the efficacy of a homoeopathic complex (Germanium metallicum 30CH, Nux vomica 12CH, Kalium phosphoricum 6CH, Picricum acidum 6CH) in the treatment of job burnout in the human services field. In total 30 participants were chosen according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The sample group was then randomly divided into a treatment group consisting of 15 participants, and a placebo group consisting of 15 participants. The study was conducted at the Durban University of Technology. The Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey (Appendix A) was used as a measurement tool. There was an initial consultation with the researcher which consisted of a full consultation, physical examination and administration of the survey. Thereafter there were two follow-up consultations at 4 week intervals at which the survey was re-administered. Medication was dispensed to the participants at the initial and the first follow up consultations only. The data obtained from the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey was statistically analysed using the SPSS software package (Version 15). Due to the small sample size of the study non-parametric tests were conducted. The intra-group analysis was performed using Friedman‟s Test and Wilcoxon‟s Signed Rank Test. The inter-group analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis Test. Friedman‟s Test indicated a significant improvement in the emotional exhaustion subscale for both the treatment and placebo groups. The subscales of depersonalisation and personal accomplishment did not however reflect a significant difference.The Wilcoxon‟s Signed Rank Test indicated that for both groups there was a significant improvement in the emotional exhaustion subscale between baseline and follow up 1 and between follow up 2 and baseline (i.e. P<0.05). The Kruskal-Wallis Test showed no significant difference between the treatment and placebo groups. This was the case for all three subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory – Human Services Survey. The results of the study led to the conclusion that statistically the homoeopathic complex (Germanium metallicum 30CH, Nux vomica 12CH, Kalium phosphoricum 6CH, Picricum acidum 6CH) was not effective in the treatment of job burnout.

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.