Comparison:
Suth. Indigo
Baptisia tinctoria Sepia succus Ambra
grisea Carbon compositions
Compare Suth. with Indigo and Baptisia tinctoria repertorised highest in
Leguminocae, and Sepia succus and Ambra grisea were the closest remedies in the
animal kingdom. Carbon compositions.
Suth. = Sutherlandia
A comparison of Suth to Indigo.
Vermeulen (1997): Indigo is gloomy, sad, discontent, ill-humoured,
introverted, weepy at night, indolent in the morning and irritable in the
evening.
These symptoms are covered by Leguminaceae family and the proving
symptoms of Suth. .
The proving produced marked sadness, want of confidence, and feelings of
isolation. Weepiness, indolence in the morning and alternation of mood is seen
to be shared by both remedies.
Indigo has a marked effect on the nervous system which was not produced
as a prominent feature during the proving of Suth.
The epilepsy, hysteria and excitability of Indigo are absent in Suth.,
but the symptoms of cramping muscles, cheerfulness and desire for and > from
physical exercise are perhaps milder
forms of similar traits which could be investigated during re-provings
of Suth.
Indigo experiences vertigo with nausea and a headache (Vermeulen
1997:882), as does Suth.
The vertigo > after remaining some time in open air (Vermeulen
1997:882) which is a general modality produced by Suth.
Both remedies experience headaches and this was a strong feature during
the proving. As with Suth., Indigo's headache characterised by great intensity,
< rest; much > rubbing/pressure;
+ redness and heat of the face (Vermeulen 1997:882).
Fullness, congestion and heaviness of the head are features of both
remedies, with sensations “As if the head being frozen”. “As if hair being
pulled from the vertex only in Indigo.
Indigo experiences violent twitching and jerking of the eyelids,
(Vermeulen 1997:882), whereas the opposite symptoms of heaviness and a desire
to close the eyes experienced during the
proving of Suth.
Both remedies are indicated for a sensation of pressure in the eyes and
inflammation of the glands of the eyelids.
Both remedies experience excessive sneezing and Indigo is noted for
epistaxis (Vermeulen 1997:882) and indication
In whooping cough with nose bleeds (Nash 1998:231).
Both experience a dry hacking cough, difficult respiration and
sleeplessness due to the cough and respiratory inefficiency.
The nervous system of Indigo seems to be much more violently affected in
this sphere, with coughing which causes vomiting, oesophageal strictures and
blue discolouration of the face (Cupr-met).
(Vermeulen 1997:882).
Indigo indicated in epileptiform spasms which seem to be a reflex from
the irritation of worms (Farrington 1995:30).
The nervous system of Suth. is less obviously affected, but on closer
examination of symptoms such as lip biting, clenching of the teeth in anger,
the restlessness, sleeplessness, sensitivity
of mind, prickling and tingling sensations experienced, and urogenital
and gastrointestinal symptoms, the indications become more obvious.
The facial eruptions of Suth. are located around the nostrils, chin and
both cheeks, whereas those of Indigo are described as being small blisters on
the left side of the face, from forehead
to neck (Vermeulen 1997:882).
Both remedies have numbness of the tongue and mucosa.
Indigo experiences a metallic taste in the mouth (Vermeulen 1997:882)
whereas Suth.'s taste described as putrid or stale.
Suth. has eruptions around the mouth and Indigo has vesicles on the tip
of the tongue (Vermeulen 1997:882).
Indigo suffers from severe eructations (Vermeulen 1997:882) and like
Suth., experiences distension of the abdomen, bloating and heat rising from the
abdomen to head.
Suth. experiences severe nausea, but the retching and vomiting of a
watery or glue- like mucus as is experienced by Indigo, was not reported.
The proving of Suth. produced a predominantly increased appetite in
contrast to Indigo's experience of anorexia (Vermeulen 1997:882).
Suth.'s abdominal pain is better for eating. All Indigo's symptoms <
after eating (Vermeulen 1997:882).
Indigo is well indicate in children aroused at night with horrible
itching at the anus due to worms (Farrington 1995:30).
Both remedies have increased frequency of urination, but Indigo has
urine of a small quantity (Vermeulen 1997:882),
Suth. has urine which is copious, more than is drunk. Urethral
strictures following gonorrhoea In males is a strong feature of Indigo
(Vermeulen 1997:883).
Further provings of Suth. is expected to provide more symptoms of male
and female sexual functioning and thus expand on the Materia Medica and provide
increased comparative
information with which to work. Menses which is too early is a symptom
of both remedies, although the proving of Suth. produced both protracted and
early menses.
The majority of female provers experienced a change in the menstrual
cycle, duration of menses, characteristics of the blood and accompanying
symptoms.
Both remedies experience stitching pains between the scapulae and Indigo
has boils on the neck and buttocks (Vermeulen 1997:883).
Suth. has prominent back pain which is very localised, mostly
right-sided and in the lumbar region. Itching (a symptom which runs throughout
the majority of the body systems),
Prickling and formication are experienced on the skin of the back.
Both remedies have excessive itching of the upper limbs and whereas
Indigo is well indicated in sciatica of the lower limbs which > for motion,
rising and walking,
Suth. has prominent cramping of the muscles of the lower limbs,
especially of the right lower limb.
Both Indigo and Suth. have marked itching of the skin. Vermeulen (1997)
suggests a comparison of Indigo to Bapt. and other Leguminaceae, and
Buto, Cimic., Ign., Kali-br., Lye., Rhus-t., Sulph., Cupr-met. and
Oest., which may in turn provide interesting comparisons to, and a greater
understanding of Suth. .
A Comparison of Suth. to Baptisia tinctoria
Baptisia tinetoria is commonly known as wild indigo.
Only the root of the plant is used in the homoeopathic preparation of the
remedy (Jouanny 1984:62) in contrastto the preparation of the whole plant as
was the procedure during the
proving of the 30CH potency of Suth. .
Both remedies share many symptoms,
but the presenting state and expression of the symptoms in each case, is very
different.
Baptisia tinctoria in low dilutions produces a form of antibodies to the
typhoid bacteria, thus raising the body's natural resistance to the invasion of
the bacillary intoxication which produces
the typhoid syndrome (Vermeulen 1997:256).
As studies of Suth. have not yet been done in potencies other than the
30CH, no conclusive evidence can be given on the effects on antibodies when the
remedy used
in low potency.
On surface examination of the mental sphere of each remedy, there seems
to be many shared symptoms, incl. mental confusion, inability to think,
indifference, melancholia, difficult
concentration, brain fag, aversion to mental effort and sensation of
intoxication (Vermeulen 1997:256).
Both remedies have dullness of mind
and stupefaction (Farrington 1995:401).
Baptisia tinctoria seems to share many of Suth.'s qualities, but easily
distinguished by the septic, decaying, zymotic state of the patient.
Baptisia tinctoria brings on septic states more rapidly than most other
remedies (Kent 1999:209) and has been grouped with Gelsemium, Rhus t. and
Lachesis as invaluable remedies
in the treatment of typhoid fever (Farrington 1995:403).
The Baptisia patient has a sudden onset of prostration, delirium and
adynamic fever.
The patient is delirious, his mind is wild with scattered thoughts, he
is restless, sleepless and has the appearance of a drunkard (Kent 1999:400).
The patient is later stuporous, has
a besotted countenance, offensive discharges, cadaverous odour and is
barely able to stay awake to answer questions (Kent 1999:401).
The dullness of mind, disconnectedness, absentmindedness, stupefaction
and aversion to conversation as seen in the proving of Suth. is seen in marked
contrast to that of Baptisia tinctoria.
The delirium, septic, toxic, semi-comatose state of Baptisia is absent
in Suth. and replaced by a self-scrutinising introspection and awareness of the
slowness of mental capacity
and inadequacy of self.
Suth. exhibits feelings of selfworthlessness, isolation, and want of
confidence.
The patient feels disconnected from their environment and separated from
the world.
Baptisia tinctoria is well known for its characteristic delusions that
his parts are separated, and that he is broken or double, and tosses about the
bed trying to get the pieces together
(Vermeulen 1997:256).
He realises a dual existence (Kent 1999:210) and imagines his limbs are
talking to each other (Vermeulen 1997:256).
Although the proving of Suth. provided symptoms of delusions of
intoxication, “As if in a dream”, “As if had taken drugs” and isolation and
segregation,
the delirium seen in Baptisia tinctoria will easily distinguish the two.
Both remedies have restlessness and sleeplessness.
Baptisia tinctoria is sleepless with a wandering mind (Vermeulen
1997:260). The patient sleeps till 2 or 3 h. and is restless till morning, with
delusions of the bed being too hard and
himself being scattered about the bed (Vermeulen 1997:260).
Suth. tosses and turns the entire night also, but because the bed is too
hot, the pain too severe, and due to difficult respiration, cough, congestion,
itching skin and urging
for urination.
Baptisia fears going to sleep on account of nightmares and sense of
suffocation (Vermeulen 1997:260).
Baptisia may awaken at night with a sensation as though the room is too
hot making breathing almost impossible, and go to the open window to get air
(Farrington 1995:399).
Both remedies have difficulty
breathing,
Baptisia because he had not the strength to lift his chest for
respiration (Farrington 1995:400).
Both remedies have nightmares which
wake the patient.
Baptisia has dreams of being chained to the bed, of swimming a river or
undergoing some ordeal which makes a great demand of his strength (Vermeulen
1997:260).
Suth. has dreams of the dead, of being pursued, of excitement, new
scenes, dancing and activity.
In both remedies the sleep is disturbed by dreams.
The proving of Suth. also produced symptoms of prolonged, deep sleep,
waking unrefreshed, weakness and tiredness.
The same theme is seen in Baptisia, but to a marked degree.
The Baptisia patient appears drowsy, stupid, languid, weary, as if he
had not slept enough and with his eyes half closed (Vermeulen 1997:260).
He falls asleep while answering questions, being spoken to or doesn't
complete his sentences.
Prostration is very rapid (Vermeulen 1997:256) and he has the appearance
of going down toward death rapidly (Kent 1999:210).
Baptisia tinctoria experiences vertigo of a confused, swimming nature
with a weak feeling of the whole body, especially the lower limbs and knees
(Allen 1992:160).
There is paralysis of the eyelids, nausea (as is seen in Suth.) and
pressure at the root of the nose.
The headache which is marked in Suth. Is not a key feature of Baptisia
and Kent (1999) suggests that Baptisia is not a headache remedy, and used
exclusively to treat
headaches of a congestive character associated with the low form of
fever characteristic of the remedy.
Both remedies have congestion,
fullness, heaviness and enlarged sensation of the head, which is characteristic
of the Leguminaceae family. Baptisia has a sensation of the
skin of the forehead being drawn back towards the occiput and tingling
of the scalp (Farrington 1995:400).
Suth. Has tingling, prickling and marked itching of the scalp.
Baptisia has characteristic eye symptoms of redness, congestion, pains
in and behind the eyes (Kent 1999:211), lachrymation, burning, sensation of the
eyes being pressed
into the head, stitches in the eyes, sore eyeballs, swelling, heaviness
of the eyelids and congestion of orbital vessels (Vermeulen 1997:257).
Suth. shares some of the qualities of dry, itching eyes, heaviness and
pressure in the eyes, pain in and behind the eyes, and a desire to close the
eyes.
Both remedies experience blurred vision.
Both remedies experience sneezing, but this is
very marked in Suth.
Baptisia has pain especially at the root of the nose and that extends to
the posterior nares (Allen 1992:161). Much oedematous swelling of the choanae,
epistaxis of dark blood,
thick mucous and the experience of the right nostril being stopped up
(Vermeulen 1997:257).
The heat, warmth, formication and burning inside the nostrils as is
experienced by Suth. is not reported.
Both remedies have unpleasant sensations in the nose,
Baptisia as if water had passed through the posterior nares while
drinking (Vermeulen 1997:257).
Suth. of foreign bodies, insects and itching inside the nostrils and
crust formation on the septum.
The dusky, sodden, besotted, stupid look on the face of a patient in
need of Baptisia tinctoria is easily identifiable (Vermeulen 1997:25).
The face is dark red, hot, burning, prickling and there is a critical
sweat on the face and forehead (Vermeulen 1997:257).
The lips are dry, cracked and bleeding, the lower jaw is dropped, the
eyelids heavy and the patient may have an anxious, frightened look on his face
(Vermeulen 1997:256).
Suth. experiences flushes of heat to the face and a dazed, confused and
sedated facial expression, but the half-comatose state of Baptisia is absent.
Baptisia looks and smells very toxic, a feature not shared by Suth. The
mouth of Baptisia is very offensive and this is a keynote feature of all
discharges, odours and
exhalations of Baptisia, which is absent in Suth.
The mouth symptoms of Baptisia have been likened to Mercury (Kent
1999:212), with the thick, ropy saliva, putrid ulceration of the whole buccal
cavity, swollen painful, offensive,
thick, leathery tongue, bleeding from the mouth, sordes on the teeth and
foetid breath.
The tongue is first coated yellowish in the centre, with raised papillae
and a red edge, and later the streak down the centre becomes brown, with the
edges of the organ still
Remaining red (Farrington 1995:401).
Vermeulen (1999) describes the taste as flat, bitter, foul, nauseous and
filthy.
The taste experienced by Suth. is described as bad, putrid and stale.
Both remedies experience numbness of the tongue and a dry mucosa.
Suth. Has itching of the gums and palate.
Not reported in Baptisia, and eruptions around the mouth.
The offensiveness of Baptisia's mouth symptoms will indicate its
prescription.
Baptisia has keynotes of constriction of the oesophagus causing frequent
efforts at swallowing, painlessness of sore throats, a dark red discolouration
of the throat and tonsils, and
an inability to swallow solids which causes gagging at the least attempt
(Vermeulen 1997:258).
There is no appetite, a constant desire for water and infants can drink
nothing but milk (Vermeulen 1997:258).
Suth. has a painful, burning, cutting and scratchiness of the throat, as
well as dryness and roughness. The sore throat of Suth. > cold water and
there is a desire for cold water.
Suth. produced symptoms of both decreased and increased appetites, the
latter being more marked.
Both remedies experience heat, cramping, pain and nausea in the stomach.
Baptisia has a gastric fever, intestinal ulceration, a sinking sensation
and a sensation of a hard substance in the stomach (Vermeulen 1997:258).
The right iliac region is very sensitive to touch in Baptisia (Nash
1998:257)
Both remedies much distension,
numbing, fullness, heaviness and pain in the abdomen.
Baptisia has the feeling as if it would be a relief to vomit and has
sudden attacks of vomiting and diarrhoea (Vermeulen 1997:258).
Both constipation and diarrhoea were
noted in Suth. proving.
A marked feature of Baptisia is the offensive, thin, dark, bloody stool,
fetid, exhausting diarrhoea which is apthous, and painless diarrhoea (Vermeulen
1997:259),
an indication of an alarming depression of vitality.
Suth. has copious urine and frequent urination
In contrast to Baptisia's scanty, dark red urine and burning on
urination (Allen 1992:161).
Both remedies experience increased
urination at night.
The menses of Baptisia are too early and too profuse (Vermeulen
1997:259), as was also reported in the proving of Suth.
The menses of Suth. clotted, black, dark, membranous and hot, which
correlates with the discharges of Baptisia.
Baptisia experiences very fetid, cadaverous discharges and acrid, fetid
lochia (Vermeulen 1997:259).
Both remedies have difficult
respiration which causes sleeplessness, and retrosternal pain.
Baptisia has weakness of the chest, oppression, fear of going to bed
should he suffocate, and soreness of the right lung (Allen 1992:161).
Baptisia's pulse is at first accelerated, then slow and faint, and
palpitations are audible (Allen 1992:162).
As is the case with other Leguminoseae members, the extremities of
Baptisia and Suth. are affected to a marked degree.
Baptisia has a sensation of soreness all over, as if bruised, and in
whatever position the patient lies, the parts rested on feel sore and bruised
(Nash 1998:256).
Suth. Also experiences this aching soreness and stiffness.
Both remedies experience rheumatic
complaints, drawing pains and cramping pains.
Baptisia has cramps in their calves, burning, weakness of the
extremities, soreness, stiffness and a sensation of enlarged parts (Vermeulen
1997:259).
Numbness and prickling of the left hand and foot features in Baptisia
(Allen 1992:162).
Suth. has much stiffness of the lower limbs, heaviness, tension and
tingling of the extremities.
The eruptions on the extremities of Suth. Are elevated, itchy and mostly
on the upper limbs.
Baptisia has livid spots on the limbs which are of irregular shape and
not elevated.
Baptisia has burning and heat of the skin (Ars.) eruptions like measles
or urticaria and putrid ulcers (Vermeulen 1997:260).
Suth.'s itching and urticaric eruptions are intense and violent with
prickling of the skin featuring strongly.
The latter is also a feature of Baptisia and is described as the
sensation of the part going to sleep or want of circulation (Allen 1992:162).
Suth. and Baptisia share many symptoms in the back.
Both remedies have soreness and a
bruised sensation of the back, back pain which is dull, rheumatic and located
in the sacrum, lumbar region and right scapular and subscapular regions.
Cervical stiffness and weakness is shared by both.
Baptisia is so weak and prostrated as to slide down in bed, jaw dropped,
eyelids heavy and unable to hold his head in any position (Vermeulen 1997:259).
The appearance and disposition of the patient will be a clear indicator
as to the prescription of the simillimum in each individual case
Comparison of Suth. to Ambra grisea
Ambra grisea affects the cerebra-spinal nervous system and is well
indicated where there is extreme nervous hypersensitivity (Vermeulen 1997:72).
The patient is feeble, trembling, totters about in a dreamy state of
mind, is forgetful about the simplest facts and has flighty speech, jumping
from one topic to another (Kent 1999:91).
There is vanishing of thoughts, indifference to all things and
alternations of mood between depression and anger (Kent 1999:92).
He is forced to dwell on disagreeable things and has hideous images and
visions that keep him awake (Kent 1999:92).
He imagines he is going out of his mind, experiences despair, loathes
his life, sits for days weeping and wonders whether life is worth living (Kent
1999:93).
Suth. Shares the hypersensitivity of the nervous system with Ambra in
symptoms such as hypersensitivity to the opinion of others, over-reaction to
trifles and angered easily.
The patient is also dreamy, feels spaced out, dissociated, disconnected,
forgetful, slow minded and has difficulty with concentration and comprehension.
Suth. Also has vanishing thoughts,
indifference to all things, alternation of moods, dwells on disagreeable
things, sadness, despair, weeping and hopelessness.
Ambra is averse to smiling faces as he is suspicious of others and has
delusions of being laughed at (Vermeulen 1997:73).
Suth. experiences this in the form of isolation sensations, delusions of
being looked down upon, despised and regarded as an outcast.
A want of confidence is clearly seen in both instances and the remedies
at this point may seem indistinguishable.
Ambra appears to be a much more prostrated, weak, nervous, debilitated
state.
Suth. has periods of absolute emotional overwhelment with feelings of
life being too much to cope with, and this hopelessness and despair is very
marked in Ambra.
Both remedies have a great aversion
to company and conversation.
Ambra has a marked aggravation of all symptoms in the presence of
others, and embarrassment. This bashfulness is evident in the inability to pass
stool or urine in the close vicinity of
others (Kent 1993:93).
Ambra suffers from constipation, ineffectual urging for stool and
weakness in the stomach after the passing of stool (Kent 1999:95).
Suth. experiences both constipation and diarrhoea, but the stool is
predominantly thin and watery.
Both remedies experience frequent
micturition at night and copious urine.
Ambra urinates 3x as much as the drink taken (Vermeulen 1997:75), which
is torbid with a brown sediment (Allen 1992:53).
Marked itching in both remedies.
Ambra experiencing extreme itching of the pudendum (Vermeulen 1997:75).
Suth. experiences itching of the vulva, swelling, soreness and burning
(Ambra).
A keynote of Ambra is the discharge of blood between periods at the
least effort (walking, straining for stool and coughing).
The proving of Suth. produced spotting before and after periods, but
this can't be assumed to be the result of engorgement of the uterus and laxity
of the tissues (Ambra) (Farrington 1995:152),
Menses are too early and too profuse in Ambra and this was an experience
shared by certain provers of Suth.
The effect of Ambra on the nervous system is obvious in its
sleeplessness and characteristic spasmodic cough.
Ambra is sleepless from worry, nervous chills and twitching,
restlessness and anxious dreams (Vermeulen 1997:76).
Suth.'s sleeplessness is due to the heat of the bed, muscular pain,
itching skin and difficult respiration. Wakes unrefreshed and finds sleep
exhausting, with many symptoms < morning.
The latter is also a keynote of Ambra (Kent 1999:93).
Ambra has a marked < eating (Kent 1999:93),
Suth. burning, cramping abdominal pains alleviated by eating and this is
a general modality of the remedy.
Ambra finds music intolerable, causing mental distress and back pain as
from a hammer (Kent 1999:93).
They are over-sensitive to touch (Kent 1999:93), as is Sutherlandia, and
also find relief in applying pressure or lying on painful parts (Vermeulen
1997:76).
Ambra experiences mostly one-sided symptoms and the proving of Suth.
produced mostly one-sided, predominantly right-sided, symptoms.
Both remedies are better in open air
and desire cold drinks.
Both remedies < in a warm room
and flushes of heat to the face.
Ambra has cold single body parts (Vermeulen 1997:76), coldness of the
skin over the whole body, except for the face, neck and genital organs, and
internal coldness of certain organs
and systems (Allen 1992:54).
This coldness of Ambra was not reported in the Suth. proving.
Ambra has a characteristic nervous, spasmodic cough with frequent
eructations and hoarseness (Kent 1999:95).
The cough is worse for anything that would excite the nervous system,
e.g. the presence of people (Farrington 1995:151).
The cough is deep, every evening, with pain under the left ribs as if
something were torn loose, paroxysmal, and producing large amounts of bluish
white, salty expectoration (Allen 1992:53).
Suth. a dry, hacking cough which is more superficial, constant and there
was no production of sputum.
The cough produced pain in the larynx and back.
The respiration of Suth. is difficult, causing sleeplessness, and pain
is experienced in the heart region which seems better for pressure.
Ambra experiences asthmatic respiration and oppression is felt in the
chest and between the scapulae.
Rawness, wheezing, itching and pressure as from an obstruction, is felt
in the chest (Vermeulen 1997:75).
The is generally associated with cardiac symptoms and is worse on
attempting coition (Kent 1999:95).
Ambra has epistaxis which is worse in the morning, dried blood collects
in the nose and the nose feels sore internally (Vermeulen 1997:74).
Suth. sensations of foreign bodies, insects and crusts on the septum
experienced, absent in Ambra.
Both remedies have coryza and dryness, but the burning and heat
experienced in the nostrils of Suth. are absent in Ambra.
Ambra has frequent irritation of the nose as from sneezing (Vermeulen
1997:74) and Suth. has marked sneezing (morning).
Both remedies have heaviness of the
eyelids, pressure and smarting of the eyes, and itching of the eyelids.
Both remedies have the sensation of
a stye forming.
Suth. experiences blurred vision; Ambra's vision is described as dim, as
though looking through mist (Vermeulen 1997:73).
Ambra has decreased hearing (Kent 1994:94), is not experienced in Suth.
and is very sensitive to music, comparably to Calc. who has such sensitiveness
that the stroke of the piano
is painful in parts (Kent 1999:94).
Both remedies experience extreme itching all over the body, incl. the
ears, and this itching is a key feature of both remedies.
The sensation of numbness is also found running through both remedies, for
instance Suth. experiences numbness of the skin of parts of the body, the
forehead, scalp, tongue and buccal
mucosa, and Ambra of the scalp, extremities and genitals (Kent 1999:93).
Ambra experiences heat in the face, as is the case in Suth. but chills of
other parts.
The patient is jaundice-coloured with trembling and twitching of the
facial muscles (Allen 1992:52).
The patient requiring Sutherlandia on the other hand, will have a
flushed face and a sedated, dazed and confused look on their face.
Both remedies have painful eruptions
on their faces, Suth. being located on the nose, chin and cheeks, and Ambra's
being confined to the beard/whisker area (Vermeulen 1997:74).
Kent (1999) described the headache of Ambra as pressing, starting from
both temples, drawing and tearing, to and fro.
Shooting, cutting and lancinating pains which < exertion and >
lying and quiet, are experienced.
Tearing pains predominate in the head.
Tearing pains, burning and lachrymation of the right eye, and pressure
in the left frontal eminence, eye and left eyebrow, is experienced.
Headaches are marked in Suth. and are described as throbbing, aching,
dull and of a pressure exerted on, and within the head.
They are also < exertion and > lying and quiet, very sensitive to
touch and > hard pressure.
The latter modality was so strongly felt by one prover that he felt he
had to bang his hand upon his head in order to obtain relief.
The frontal eminences, sides and occipital regions are affected, and the
headaches are mostly right-sided.
The fullness and congestion in the head, as is experienced by Suth. is
not as marked in Ambra, although rushes of blood to the head with the headache
does feature (Allen 1992:52).
Ambra also has marked sensitivity to touching the scalp and soreness of
the scalp on waking (Vermeulen 1997:73).
Suth. has tingling, prickling and marked itching of the scalp.
The headache of Ambra is reported as occurring every other day (Allen
1992: 52) and that of Suth. has been noted as being intermittent in nature.
Suth. vertigo associated with the headaches and has accompanying nausea
associated with it. Motion of the car also brought on the vertigo.
In contrast, Kent (1999) describes the vertigo of Ambra as that of old
persons who are so dizzy upon waking that they must wait awhile until they can
get on their feet.
This is described by Vermeulen (1997) as senile dizziness associated
with weakness in the head and stomach. The weakness and 'all-gone' feeling
experienced in the pit of the
stomach of Ambra (Kent 1999:94) is in contrast to Suth.'s feelings of
heaviness and fullness and bloating.
The weakness in Ambra's stomach necessitates lying down (Vermeulen).
Ambra has nausea after breakfast (Vermeulen 1997:74).
Suth. on the other hand, has marked nausea and the digestive symptoms
> for eating.
Ambra has heartburn, and eructations and burning under the pit
(Vermeulen 1997:74), but this is not as marked as the heat and burning
experienced by Suth.
In contrast, Ambra experiences a coldness of the abdomen which is
usually one sided.
The marked eructation associated with the convulsive cough, vomiting on
attempting to hawk mucous from the fauces, and flatulence experienced by Ambra
(Vermeulen 1997:74)
Absent in Sutherlandia.
Both remedies experience much
distension of the abdomen, borborygmi and abdominal discomfort.
Both remedies experience rawness,
tickling, itching, stitching, scratching, roughness and dryness of the throat.
Suth. throat pain has a marked > drinking cold drinks or water, and
Ambra < drinking warm drinks (milk) (Kent 1999:94).
Ambra has a sour taste in the mouth after drinking milk and bitter taste
on waking (Vermeulen 1999:94).
Suth. has a stale, putrid taste in the mouth.
Both remedies experience dryness of
the oral mucosa and numbness of the lips and tongue.
Ambra foetor, salivation, swollen gums, and bleeding gums and teeth
(Vermeulen 1997:74),
Similar to that of Baptisia, absent in Suth.
Both remedies experience a crawling
sensation In the limbs, tingling, heaviness and painful soreness of the limbs.
Ambra limbs easily become numb, as if going to sleep, paralytic
weakness, loss of muscular power and stiffness is experienced (Kent 1999:96).
Suth. has stiffness predominantly of the lower limbs.
Both remedies have marked cramping
of the muscles of the limbs.
Suth. Cramping is a general feature and marked in the lower limbs.
Ambra is known for its cramping pains in the legs and calves nearly
every night, and cramps in the hands (Vermeulen 1997:76).
The limbs are cold and trembling and there is soreness and rawness
between the thighs and in the hollows of the knees (Kent 1999:96).
Suth. has very itchy, red, elevated eruptions on the limbs, particularly
on the upper limbs.
This itching is also experienced in Ambra in the fingertips and thumbs,
palms of the hands, inner border of the sole of the r. foot and from the lumbar
region through the r. leg (Vermeulen 1997:76).
In contrast to Sutherlandia, the itching is not associated with an
eruption, but has a nervous origin.
The back pain that featured strongly in the proving of Suth. seems not
to be as prominent a feature of Ambra.
Both remedies indicated in rheumatic
pains, Ambra has rheumatic pain on the r. scapula and right side of the back
and painful tension and pressure in the muscles of the loins (Allen 1992:54).
Lumbar pain and mostly right- sided back pain are key features of Suth.
Both remedies are well indicated in
affections of the skin.
Both have itching, numbness, dryness
and burning of the skin.
Suth. has a visible red, blistering, elevated and violent itching rash,
whereas
Ambra has itching due to nervous system stimulation, so that the cause
of the itching may not be evident (Vermeulen 1997:76).
Both remedies have painful pimples
on the face, Suth. on the nose, chin and cheeks, and Ambra confined to the
whiskers (Allen 1992:54).
Prickling, tickling, formication and numbness are present in both.
Ambra has blueness of the left leg from distended veins during menses,
wrinkling of the fingertips, coldness of the skin and shrivelling and brittling
of the fingernail (Allen 1992:54)
Not reported in the Suth. proving.
Both remedies experience profuse
perspiration on the slightest exertion.
Both perspire the most at night,
Ambra after midnight (Vermeulen 1997:76)
Suth. whilst sleeping and from the heat of the bed.
Ambra perspires on the affected side and especially on the abdomen and
thighs (Vermeulen 1997:76).
Ambra has strong-smelling perspiration (Allen 1992:54), whereas Suth.
has odourless, sticky perspiration and an aggravation of symptoms during
perspiration.
Comparison of Sutherlandia frutescens to Sepia succus
Kent (1999) describes Sepia as joyless, sad, weeping, depressed,
suicidal and indifferent to those she loves. Is short-tempered, irritated,
sarcastic, complaining and hard (Kent 1999:920).
She is averse to company and worse for conversation, yet dreads being
alone (Kent 1999:917).
Sutherlandia frutescens experiences a similar depressed, weeping,
indifferent and disconnected state and prefers to be on their own.
The spaciness and stupefaction which is marked
In Suth. not a key feature of Sepia.
Sankaran (1994) suggests the main rubric of Sepia “Body is
disfigured”(Face)
He describes the contradiction of will between the desire to be pleasing
and attractive to the opposite sex, and the other part that sees the whole
relationship as hopeless and would rather give
Herself up to her career and independence (Sankaran 1994:210).
Suth. also has the delusions of being despised and looked down upon.
They feel isolated, ugly and separated as though they are outcasts.
Both Sepia and Sutherlandia have an
inability to realise that things are real and all things seem strange.
Both remedies are sensitive to the
opinion of others and have a hysterical diathesis.
Suth. feels overwhelmed emotionally, as though they can no longer cope
with life's tribulations, and Sepia also has spells of weeping, is sad one
minute, gentle, yielding and excitable, obstinate
and disagreeable the next.
Both remedies are > occupation/exercise
in open air;
Sankaran (1994) describes these features of Sepia as reflections of
Sepia's desire for independence and self-sufficiency.
The Sepia patient looks jaundiced, anaemic, waxy and doughy (Kent
1999:917).
Much pigmentation, mottling of the skin, eruptions around the orifices,
painless bleeding of fissured, parched skin and a characteristic sallow tint
across the nose and cheeks (Kent 1999:917).
Suth. has flushing of the cheeks in contrast to Sepia's pallor, and
painful eruptions on the nose, cheeks and chin.
Sepia is one of 3 remedies with prominently drooping eyelids (Causticum,
Gelsemium and Sepia) (Nash 1998:204).
Suth. has drooping eyelids also and a dazed, sedated and confused
expression on theirface.
Both remedies have itching warts,
ichthyosis and itching skin.
The itching and prickling of the skin, as is experienced in
Sutherlandia, is much more marked than in Sepia.
Sepia has nervous, bilious, periodic, violent, congestive headaches
(Kent 1999:920).
The pain comes in terrible shocks and is associated with an emptiness in
the pit of the stomach (Vermeulen 1997:1461).
The headache is better for lying down, quiet, long and hard exercise,
long sleep, hard pressure and heat.
Suth.'s headache is also better for lying, sitting and quiet, but <
exertion. Suth. has relief from hard pressure in general and hitting the head
relieved the head pain of one of the provers.
Suth.s headaches are mostly right-sided, whereas Sepia's headache has an
affinity for the left eye region.
Both remedies experience occipital
headaches which are intermittent.
The eye, ear and nose symptoms of both remedies seem very similar.
Sepia has a characteristic symptom of large plugs in the nose which are
drawn back into the mouth and expectorated, causing vomiting (Vermeulen
1997:1463).
This is not a feature of Suth.
The burning, heat, formication and unusual sensations experienced in
Suth. nose does not feature in Sepia.
Both remedies experience eruptions
around the mouth and taste alterations,
but the itchiness and numbness of the mucosa and tongue, as experienced
by Suth. is absent in Sepia.
The chronic catarrh so distinctive of Sepia is absent in Suth.
Sepia is a very bilious remedy with much nausea and vomiting (Kent
1999:918).
Suth. experiences excessive nausea, but vomiting did not occur during
the proving.
Sepia vomits a milky discharge, especially in the morning (Vermeulen
1997: 1464).
Sepia has a distinctive 'all-gone' feeling in the stomach which is not
relieved by eating.
Suth. has an increased appetite and the burning, heat and heartburn >
by eating.
Sepia is nauseous at the smell or sight of food.
Both remedies have much distension,
fullness and heaviness of the abdomen.
Sepia also experiences burning and cramping abdominal pains (Vermeulen
1997:1464).
Sepia experiences marked pain and inflammation of the liver, > lying
on the right, not experienced by Suth.
Sepia craves vinegar, pickles, acids and sweets (Vermeulen 1997: 1464),
Whereas Suth. is averse to sweets and craves refreshing food and drink,
cold water, spicy and fried foods and chicken.
Sepia is averse to meat, fat and milk (Vermeulen 1997: 1464).
Suth. both constipation and diarrhoea were reported in the proving. but
the stool was mainly thin and watery.
Sepia on the other hand is well known for its constipation, stool like
sheep's dung, mucoid or jelly like stool and sensation of a ball in the rectum
(Kent 1999:918).
The characteristic prolapsus of Sepia, as exhibited in the tendency to
haemorrhoids, is not marked in Sutherlandia.
The constant oozing from the anus, as seen in Sepia, is absent in
Sutherlandia.
The prolapsed state of Sepia, is found in other symptoms, such as stress
incontinence, enuresis as soon as the child falls asleep, and the desire to
cross the legs in an effort
to prevent the pelvic organs from falling out.
These symptoms are not marked in Suth.
Both remedies have a marked effect
on the genito-urinary systems.
Both have heaviness in the lower
abdomen as if something were about to come out of the vagina, with pain in the
back, and a desire to cross the legs.
These bearing down pains of dysmenorrhoea are key features of both
remedies.
Both remedies have burning and
cramping pains in the uterus, and Sutherlandia experiences a contracting of the
uterus as if the uterus were twisting.
Suth. experiences itching of the vulva accompanying thrush and the
leucorrhoea of Sepia is greenish-yellow, fetid and irritating, making the
vagina dry and painful during intercourse
(Jouanny 1984:372).
The appearance of herpetic eruptions and genital warts is not
experienced by Sutherlandia.
Both remedies have pre-menstrual
tension, Sep. experiences much gusto/enthusiasm the day before her period, and
her habitual weakness generally > during the period (Jouanny 1984:372).
This is not the case in Sutherlandia. Sepia has early and profuse or
late and scanty menses (Vermeulen 1997:1467). This is also the case in
Sutherlandia.
Sutherlandia has very hot menses, not experienced in Sepia, and both
experienced menses of a short duration, and of dark slimy blood.
Sepia has a great amount of soreness of the back, with aching all the
way down the spine, mostly from the loins to the coccyx and spinal irritation
(Kent 1999:924).
Sutherlandia also has marked back pain, especially of the lumbar region.
Sutherlandia, like Sepia, has backache which is better for pressure and
comes on after sitting.
Like Sutherlandia, everything affects the back of Sepia (Vermeulen 1997:
1468).
Both remedies experience heaviness
of the extremities, weakness and swollen, painful joints. The cramping pains
experienced by Sutherlandia are not marked in Sepia,
Both remedies experience itching
eruptions on the skin of the limbs.
A key feature of Sepia is the coldness of the limbs and feet, and the
changing coldness from feet to hands when the feet are warmed (Kent 1999:925).
This is not found in Suth.
Both remedies have restlessness of
the limbs and unrefreshing, restless sleep.
Sepia is very cold and experiences coldness in spots, notably in the
vertex, between the scapulae and of the feet, in bed (Vermeulen 1997:1470),
whereas Sutherlandia is hot in bed and experiences warmth and flushes of
heat over the whole body.
Sepia is indicated in hot flushes during the climaxis accompanied by
momentary sweat, weakness and a tendency to faint (Vermeulen 1997: 1470).
Both remedies perspire easily.
Sutherlandia has sticky, odourless perspiration, whereas Sepia has
perspiration described as having the odour of elder blossoms (Vermeulen
1997:170).
Both remedies are > for motion
and occupation, pressure, crossing the legs, cold drinks and open air.
Both remedies are < for
morning/touch, are restless and experience weariness and lassitude.
Suth. > eating,
Sepia < after eating.
Sepia < morning/evening/scratching/rubbing;
Suth. desires massage, rubbing and scratching of the voluptuous itch
experienced. They are allowed to exist in this world (Scholten 1996:99).
This insecurity may be masked by a persona that is shown to the outside
world (Scholten 1996:99).
They may feel extreme uselessness and worthlessness, as though the world
is full of threats and they are not up to facing it (Scholten 1996:102).
Their inability to stand up for themselves makes them insecure,
indecisive and fearful (Scholten 1996: 192).
They see the whole world as their enemy, their fears become vague and so
strong that they rule their lives (Scholten 1996:99).
Borderline disturbances result, with the extreme effort to control their
fears and insecurities with obsessive behaviour, lack of control over their
impulses, thoughts
that move backward and forward between two extremes, and feelings of
powerlessness on one hand and total power on the other, becoming dominant
expressions.
The proving of Suth. produced remarkably similar symptoms of feelings of
selfworthlessness and an inability to relate to and connect with others. There
is a distinct
Awareness of the separateness of the individual to others.
Many of the provers felt dissociated from their environment and
disconnected from others.
Comparison of Sutherlandia frutescens to the main Carbon themes
On extraction of the minerals repertorising closest to Suth. it is found
that many remedies, incl. Calcarea carbonica, containing the element Carbon
repertorised with a high numerical value
and total number of rubrics.
A comparison of the Carbon themes, as suggested by Scholten (1996), to
those of Suth. follows.
The most important Carbon theme is the individual, the distinction
between the individual and the rest of the world, and the value and meaning of
the individual in the world (Scholten 1996:99).
They search for the core of their existence and the meaning in
everything else, so that their value can be measured against that (Scholten
1996:99).
They are continually questioning their self- worth and may exhibit fears
and questions about whether
In contrast to the Carbons, Suth. wants to be on their own, and pushes
people away from them even though they feel so alone in the world.
The Carbons can't bear to be alone and in the midst of their existential
crisis and paranoia, cling to others for security and recognition.
Suth. is averse to company and conversation.
Suth. is very aware of their position in the environment and like the
Carbons, is continually questioning their own value and that of others.
The proving produced symptoms of introversion and self-inspection, as
seen in the Carbon remedies.
The paranoia exhibited by the Carbons is mirrored in Suth. in symptoms
such as: feelings of paranoia about people and what they think, don't feel I
belong around people, it's as if they are
Against me, the way they looked at me, they didn't want me around,
afraid of what people thought of me, felt inferior to others.
The central theme in Calcarea, of the Ferrum series, is the fear of what
others will think of them (Scholten 1998:325) which is prominent in Suth.
The Carbons become more fixed and rigid in their thinking and behaviour
in an attempt to control their insecurity, whereas Sutherlandia, as far as can
be ascertained, becomes more spacey,
dissociated, disconnected from people, introverted, apathetic and
depressed.
Suth. would rather avoid the situation, fears and insecurities and
escape into the open air to think things through, whereas the Carbons will
stubbornly fix themselves to their task, as if driven
by fate, in an attempt to mask their insecurities (Scholten 1996:101).
Both the Carbons and Sutherlandia
express timidity, doubtfulness, indecisiveness, depression, apathy and feelings
of uselessness.
The controlling, obsessive disposition seen in the Carbon remedies is
absent in Sutherlandia.
The Carbons exhibit disturbances in consciousness. dissociation,
forgetfulness, lack of concentration and mania (Scholten 1996: 103).
Sutherlandia also experiences absentmindedness, slowness of thoughts,
forgetfulness, stupefaction, difficulties with concentration and changes in
perceptions.
The psychosis and mania experienced by the Carbons is seen in a milder
form in the alternation of moods in Sutherlandia and the causelessness of
emotional outbursts.
The sensation of intoxication, delusions of being drugged and spaciness
of Sutherlandia is not a key feature of the Carbons.
The Carbons > when they are with family, at home, feel supported and
safe.
Sutherlandia feels < in others' company, even family, would rather be
left alone, and prefers being outside in a spacious, airy environment.
The Carbons fear death, loss of their support systems (family/friends),
strangers, the unknown and their fear may seem vague and exaggerated (Scholten
1996: 102).
Sutherlandia, as far as can be ascertained, fears that which invades or
encroaches upon their space, such as robbers, narrow spaces, that something bad
will happen and the opinion of others.
Calcarea carbonica repertorised highest on repertory of Suth. and it is
interesting to note that many of the Calcarea traits, as described by Scholten,
are found in Sutherlandia.
Calcarea is found in the second stage and feel as if other people are
constantly looking at them and saying things about them (Scholten 1996:32).
This paranoia is obvious in the Carbons and Sutherlandia.
Calcarea feels observed by his neighbours, criticised and judged, and is
seen by them as 'confused' (Scholten 1996:32).
Suth. has others telling him he looks dazed and confused.
Both Calcarea and Sutherlandia are
very sensitive to criticism and the opinions of others.
Other people only have to look at them and they feel judged, humiliated
or hurt (Scholten 1996:32).
Calcarea, like the Carbons, don't trust themselves and feel they know
nothing and therefore don't have the right to convey their opinion.
The proving of Suth. produced delayed reactions in one prover who could
only cry when alone, not having allowed herself the experience of emotions in
the moment.
In the proving of Suth. this feeling of being separated from themselves,
was expressed as being lost in one's own body.
The Carbon theme of individuation is apparent. Another expression of the
theme of self-worth in the Carbons can be found in a person who is very
unstable (Scholten 1996:163).
They can no longer master their own feelings and get upset by minor
incidents (Scholten 1996:163).
They have no stable frame of reference to measure things by and their moods
are changeable without obvious reason (Scholten 1996: 163).
Scholten (1996) describes the Carbons as having an inability to find
their own centre, and this description matches Sutherlandia's state perfectly.
Sutherlandia feels lost in themselves and separated from the world.
The theme of the Ferrum series, in which Calcarea belongs, is the
individual task, and emphasis is upon a routine orientated, useful and
responsible existence (Scholten 1996:309).
Sutherlandia has a desire for domestic work such as cleaning, cooking
and organising the home, and pleasure is felt with the successful completion of
a constructive task.
These may be the attempts at regaining order in the mind, finding value
in their work and establishing their own centre.