Erythrina lysistemon (Ery-l.) = Common Coral. Tree/= Lucky. Bean Tree
Vergleich: Siehe: Fabales + Theorie of Erythrina lysistemon
[Greg
Thiel]
Once
flowering is complete; clusters of long, slender black pods appear. These pods
are segmented between each seed. The pods split open to reveal red “lucky bean”
seeds which are collected by the local community to
be made
into trinkets and necklaces to be sold as lucky charms (Roberts, 1997:70). The
leaves are trifoliate and are large with a tapering apex. They have hooked
prickles/thorns on them. The leaves appear after the spring
flowers are
over. The bark is smooth and dark gray to gray-brown and is not very corky.
Randomly scattered over the trunk and branches are short hooked prickles
(Mbambezeli & Notten, 2002).
Traditional uses
Not just a
decorative shade tree; it is thought to have both medicinal and magical
properties by many people. These trees were planted as living fences around
homesteads, waterholes and kraals.
These trees
were regarded as royal trees and Zulu chiefs were honoured by having a tree
planted on their graves. These trees are much respected in African folklore and
it was believed that by taking a truncheon from a tree
growing
near the deceased person’s home and planting it on his grave, it would protect
him in the afterlife (Mbambezeli & Notten 2002; Roberts, 1997:70). In
traditional cultures, plant products are used in combination
with
psychological treatments. This allows for a flexible, holistic approach to the
treatment of a patient in much the same way as a homoeopathic treatment would.
The psychological component of traditional healthcare often
takes the
form of magical, spiritual, ritual or symbolic practices that unless they are
seen from a contextual viewpoint, are very difficult to understand (van Wyk
& Wink, 2004:7). The leaves, bark, wood, roots and seeds are
all widely
used although it would seem that the bark has the most prolific applications.
The wood is used for making canoes, rafts and floats for fishing-nets as it is light
and cork-like when dry. It is also tarred and used as
shingles
for roofing (Mbambezeli & Notten 2002). The bark is traditionally soaked in
water by a tribal chief who then bathes in this water which he believes will
help earn him the respect of the community. Bark soaked in
water to
which has been added the root of a Cussonia species is believed to act as a
purifying emetic (Mbambezeli & Notten 2002; Hutchings, 1996:145). Strips of
bark are cut from all four sides of the tree and are wrapped
around a
bunch of wild herbs. The package is then infused in boiling water. The tea is
given to women in labour to ease the pains of childbirth (Roberts, 1997:70;
Hutchings, 1996:145). The bark applied as a poultice is used to
treat
sores, wounds, abscesses and arthritis (Mbambezeli & Notten 2002) and open
wounds are disinfected and treated with the ash of burnt bark which acts as an
anti-bacterial (Roberts, 1997:70). The bark is also used as a toothache remedy.
Roberts (1997:70) recounts seeing gardeners peel strips of Erythrina lysistemon
bark from the branches of the tree, remove the thorns and wrap the strips
around the handles of spades and forks. It was
believed
that this would give them strength and would soothe sore hands. It was believed
that crushed leaves from the tree would clear maggots from a maggot-infested
wound. The crushed leaves were also applied to sores
and
suppurating wounds to speed up healing. Some people thought that crushed leaves
placed in shoes would relieve sore and tired feet and would help heal cracked
heels (Hutchings, 1996:145). The Zulu and Tswana people
make a
strong tea by boiling a cupful of leaves incups of water for half an hour. The
warm liquid is then used to relieve earache, a drop is placed into the ear and
the rest is used as a poultice – a cloth is soaked in the liquid,
wrung out
and then placed behind the ear (Roberts, 1997:70). The roots are boiled in the
same way and are used as a lotion or poultice to help relieve bruises and
sprains. It also relieves tired, sore feet (Roberts, 1997:70; Mbambezeli &
Notten 2002).
From its
uses in traditional medicine it can be suggested that Erythrina lysistemon has
anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It has applications in
gastrointestinal complaints, headaches, nervous complaints
such as
anxiety and mental disturbances, pain control, rheumatism and painful joints.
It is used as an anti-sorcery medicine and is a powerful emetic. It is used as
a trance inducer (Hutching, 1996:145). From this vast array of traditional
applications it was hypothesized that Erythrina lysistemon in 30CH potency
would have as many beneficial applications for the modern homoeopath.
Repertory:
Mind: Abrupt, rough
Activity -
desires it/restless
Anger (from
conversation/violent)
Answering
(abruptly/aversion to answer)
Anxiety
(during anger during/from anticipation/in bed with tossing about/about
business/about future/about money matters)/Fear of failure in examinations
Aversion to
children
Capricious
with irritability
Carefree
Censorious
Charming
others
Cheerful (#
sadness/# weeping)
Company -
aversion to/desire for
Concentration
difficult (can’t fix attention)
Confident/want
of self-confidence
Confusion
(can’t concentrate the mind on attempting/after sleep)
Delusions –
“As if drugged”/”As if something foreign in the body/is forsaken/body and mind
are separated/can shake off tension (physical body)
Contended
with everything
“As if
taken drugs”
Dullness
(with sleepiness/unable to think long/thinking slowly)
Excited when
anticipating events
Exertion
physical - >/desires it
Fastidious
Homesick
Impatient
(reading/working)
Irresolute,
indecision (with laziness)
Irritable
(in daytime/causeless/towards children/”As if menses would appear”/reading)
Lazy (with
sleepiness)
Memory weak
Mental
exertion – impossible/aversed to
Mistakes –
speaking/reversing words
Music is
agreeable
Mind - >
occupation/desires it
Mind
prostrated (and sleepy)
Reading
< mental symptoms
Too
occupied with religion
Restless
(anxious)
Sadness -
aversion to company, desire for solitude
Senses
dull, blunted
Sensitive
Spaced-out
feeling
Stupefaction
Tension
mental
Thoughts
wandering (at work)
Weeps
easily
Vertigo: afternoon/evening
Objects -
room whirls/seem to turn in a circle/walking
Sudden
“As if turning”
- everything were turning in a circle
Walking
Writing
Head: Constriction in forehead over the
eyes
“As if
cotton wool” below vertex
Eruptions
on forehead
Itching on
forehead:
“As if
intoxicated”
Pain
[l./r./evening in bed/+ in eye/+ in (nape of) neck/constant, continued/in eyes
(> dark room/< light/< noise/< motion)/> rubbing/before going to
sleep/pain in small spot ext. all directions/> tea/wandering/> warm
application/ext.
(back/cervical region/temples)/forehead (l./r./morning on waking/closed eyes
forcibly/pulsating/> rubbing/ext. eyes)/occiput/temples (l./r./needles
like)/dull pain (occiput/temples)/lancinating/pressing vertex inward like a
weight (in vertex)/pulsating in forehead/sharp/pulsating < noise/pulsating
> rest/sharp/< noise
Eye: Agglutinated on waking
Desires to
close the eyes/closes the eyes involuntary/must close eyes
Dry
[(margins) of lids]/”As if dry”
Lids –
red/heavy in morning/inflamed (margins)/itching (margins/> rubbing)/aversion
to open them (fears it will aggravate the headache)/unable to open during
headache/difficult to keep the eyes open
Heaviness
(“As if could not be held open”)
Lachrymation/tears
burning
Pain [<
pressure/burning – itching/with lachrymation/(raw) in lids/sore (in
eyeball/lids as if denuded)]
Photophobia
with watering
Desires to
rub
Sleepy
feeling of eyes
Swollen r.
“As if
tited”
Wipe -
inclination to
Nose: Catarrh (postnasal)
Congested
Discharge
(morning/blood-streaked/clear/crusts, scabs, inside – bloody/from posterior
nares)
Formication
Itching – nostrils/wings
Obstructed
(on waking)/”As if obstructed”
Pain – with
headache (root)/ext. root of nose
Pulsation
(root)
Sinuses
Sneezing
(without coryza/tickling in nose)
Face: (Glowing) red
Dry
Eruptions –
pimples on forehead
Formication
Itching
(cheeks/burning from dryness/chin/> scratching amel)
Tingling
–r./cheeks
Mouth: Taste - bitter on root of
tongue/bitterish-sour/sour
Teeth: Desires to clench teeth together
constant
Aching
Pain in
lower teeth
Throat: Catarrh
Constriction
Inflamed
(tonsils)
Itching
“As if a
lump” (swallowing)
Pain
(l./r./morning/> warm drinks/after smoking/(after) swallowing (l.)/(when)
rawness (smoking)/sore
Scratching
(> cold water/> coughing)
Swallowing
difficult
Stomach: Appetite – diminished/increased
(morning)
Distended
Emptiness
Eructations
Nausea
(morning/evening)
Nausea -
during cough/in throat/after eating fats/> icecream/> sleep
Pain -
increasing gradually and ceasing/cramping/ulcerative/sinking
Thirst
(drinking frequently/for large quantities/for water)/thirstless
Abdomen: Distended
Flatulent
Formication
Itching
Pain
(morning/after midnight - 2h /“As if diarrhea would come on”/during
stool/passing/< pressure/(after) stool/during diarrheic stool/during urging
for stool/after urination/ext. across abdomen/in hypochondria/twinging/
cramping,
griping
Rectum: Diarrhoea [after midnight
(2h)/sudden]
Flatus
Pain during
stool
Urging
before stool
Stool: Forcible, sudden,
gushing/frequent/shooting out/spluttering/watery
Female
organs: Leukorrhea
white
Larynx
and trachea: Irritation
in trachea from coughing
Tickling in
throat-pit
Respiration: Difficult > yawning ameliorates
Cough: Itching in throat
From
tickling in throat-pit
Expectoration: loose
Chest: Itching > scratching
Pain - in
heart-region/cutting during respiration/stitching in heart
Back: Formication
Itching
(> scratching)
Pain –
dorsal region (ext. scapulae)/in between scapulae ext. down spine/in lumbar
region (bending/cold/> warm applications)/aching
Stiff
[morning (on waking)/in cervical region
Extremities: Contraction of muscles and tendons
(morning on waking/foot)
Dryness
[(elbow) Joints]
Eruptions
[dry/elevations/itching/scales/on joints (itching)/upper limbs
(dry/elevations/itching/scales)/itchy and scaly/on elbow
(itching/scales/olecranon)]
Formication
(joints/elbows)
Inflammations
(under fingers nails)
Itching
[> scratching/joints (elbow/elbow –olecranon)]
Numbness in
right arm and right foot
Pain
[morning (on waking)/l. upper arm/in foot (morning – on waking/> exercise)/aching (morning - on
waking)]
Stiffness
[morning (in bed)/morning on waking/after sleep/> stretching/calf/foot (in
morning – on waking)]
Desires to
stretch foot
Tension
[morning (foot)]
Sleep: Bad/comatose(confused on
waking/disturbed/dozing in daytime/falls asleep in daytime/falling asleep
(difficult/late)/interrupted
Great need
Changes
position frequently/restless (before midnight)
Sleepy [in
daytime/morning/forenoon/noon/afternoon (at work)/evening/and dull/opening eyes
difficult/overpowering]
Sleepless
[evening (after going to bed)/before midnight/from irritability]
Unrefreshing
(more tired in morning than in the evening)
Waking
[after midnight/difficult in morning/too early (and falling asleep late)/from
formication in extremities/sudden after midnight/with desire to urinate]
Yawning
[daytime (incessantly)/constant/frequent/during sleepiness]
Dreams: Frightful/desires attention from
husband/strange/unremembered
Chill: [In morning (with chilliness)/at
night (after midnight)]
Fever: at night [after midnight (with
chilliness)]
With chilliness
(# with heat not perceptible to touch)
Skin: “As if something were alive under
skin”
Burning/dry
Eruption
[pimples (whitish)/red/with itching/> rubbing]
Itching
Generals: > activity/desires activity
Cold
“As if dry”
Physical
exertion (>/desires it)
Food and
drink: Desires: apples/chocolates/coffee/cold drink, cold water/fruit/fried
onions/salt/water; > tea; Aversion
to: fat;
Formication
in external parts
Heaviness –
externally/of muscles
Inflamed
sinuses
“As if
influenza is there”
Itching
Lassitude
Pain in
muscles
Quivering +
weakness
Restless
Sick
feeling vague
Sluggish
body
Stiffness
Desire to
stretch
Tension –
externally/internally/in muscles
Weakness
(morning on waking/evening)
Mind
symptoms made up a large percentage of this proving. The researcher placed the
symptoms into categories or themes so that the complete picture of the remedy
could be better extrapolated. Irritability and frustration
Most
provers experienced bouts of irritability and described it as being
short-tempered. It would seem that small incidents would spark off the
irritability and the individual would become snappy and intolerant.
Prover
describes the irritability as a type of tension in his body which he wanted to
“shake off”. The irritability was causeless in many instances with provers
waking up feeling annoyed and frustrated (14F 02:07:15).
There was
also an element of impatience within this sense of irritability and provers
commented that other people made them annoyed or irritable when they did not do
as they were expected to. This sense of frustration and irritability occurred
early in the proving and continued throughout.
Anxiety
There was a
nervous anxiousness amongst the provers. Most expressed anxiety about upcoming
events such as job interviews or having to meet new people.
The
researcher feels that this could be related to a performance anxiety, where
concern is felt as to how the person is to be perceived. Most provers recorded
this anxiety as a negative experience but prover recorded it as an anticipatory
anxiety stating that it was “a sensation of excitability or anticipation of
something”. Delusions This was not a very well documented theme but the idea
that arose out of the symptoms was the delusion of not
being loved
anymore by a significant person. One prover thought her partner was being
unfaithful to her. Mood There were many contradictions within this theme. Many
provers commented on the fact that their moods
would
change from one extreme to the other. They would be happy and up-beat one
moment, the next they would be emotional and angry. Most of the provers were
happy and cheerful at first but then would go on to
become
angry or emotional, crying easily.
Company
There is a duality
evident in this theme. Some provers express the desire for company and don‟t
want to be alone while others state that they are irritated by company and
desire to be left alone.
Activity/Occupation
Exercise
and regular activity seemed to be an ameliorating factor. Provers commented on
their sense of well being after an exercise session or they would be looking
forward to the opportunity to engage on some form of activity. The prospect of
doing work was also seen in a positive light and most provers seemed energised
and motivated. Energy Most provers experienced tiredness in some form. There
was extreme tiredness as well as a
sense of
lethargy and laziness. Some express tiredness even after a good night’s rest.
Their energy levels dip very low and most of them say that they want to fall
sleep. Some provers commented that they felt tired and unrefreshed on waking.
Others felt exhausted and fatigued in the afternoon.
Concentration
There was a
large lack of concentration amongst the provers with some describing it as a
sense of being “spaced-out”. They were unable to focus on tasks at hand and
many make mistakes while speaking or writing.
This was
particularly experienced by prover 32.
Confidence
This was
not a large theme. Some provers felt a boost of confidence but one prover
(Prover 26) felt a lack of confidence which he attributed to the remedy.
Relationships
were strained in this proving with a lot of tension and insecurities being
expressed by the provers. One prover in particular seemed to have a very stormy
time in her relationship and she feels that this was
due to the
remedy as she is not normally prone to emotional outbreaks and disputes with
her partner (prover 32).
Religion
A prover
begs for forgiveness from God (prover 29) while another feels she should do
more for Him (prover 14) and questions her faith.
Vertigo
Vertigo was
experienced as dizziness and a light headedness. Aggravating factors seemed to
be walking and working. The episodes of vertigo were not very prolonged.
Head
Headaches
seemed to be a very common symptom in this study. The headaches seemed to be
very severe, described as “terrible”, “heavy”, “never had a headache so bad”;
”like a ton of bricks on head”. Some individuals describe the pain as stabbing
and unbearable. The headaches appeared to be experienced in the frontal,
occiput and temporal regions of the head. Many of the headaches were
accompanied by sore or stiff necks and many provers mentioned some sort of eye
involvement. Some battled to keep their eyes open while others had painful
eyes. One prover felt the pain radiate into the left eye and two provers felt
sensations over their right eye.
It was not
ascertained what the aetiology of the headaches were, but one prover developed
a headache after taking a walk on the beach. The intensity of the headaches
seemed to vary from very severe, almost debilitating,
to a dull
heavy headache. The headaches seem to be relieved by rubbing or massaging the
head and neck as well as by warm applications such as a warm shower. They seem
to be aggravated by loud noises and by moving the head. As well as these
headaches, provers also experienced the sensation as if they were becoming ill
with influenza. They describe aching bodies and dull headaches as well as sore
throats and stuffy noses.
Eye
There were
symptoms experienced which were very typical to those of allergies or
conjunctivitis. Eyes were described as being itchy and scratchy and sensitive
to the light. Some provers had dry eyes while others experienced excessive
lachrymation. Eyes were swollen shut on waking and were sore and puffy. Eyelids
were dry and excoriated.
Nose
The provers
experience a lot of sneezing. This usually happened in the morning on waking
but was not limited to this time. Discharges were clear and runny with one
prover experiencing flecks of blood in the mucus after blowing the nose. There
were several records of post-nasal drips and congested sinuses. 5.3.6 Face
There was itching of the face and forehead. Itchiness seems to run throughout
this study and the face was no exception.
Provers
describe the itch as a burning, dry sensation – as if in the wind. One prover
felt a tingling on her right cheek as if her face were about to go into a
spasm.
Mouth
Prover 21
felt as if he had a toothache and proverwas aware that he clenched his teeth.
Others experienced a sour taste in their mouth. 5.3.8 Throat Throats were sore
and raw with some provers describing it as if the onset of a cold. Prover 10
had swollen glands and a sensation of a lump in her throat that made swallowing
difficult. The dry raw sensation was worse at night and on waking but seemed to
get better as the day progressed.
Stomach
Provers
experienced stomach cramps and spasms. This was accompanied by loose stools.
The pains were sometimes relieved by passing stool. Some provers experienced an
increased appetite with several commenting
on a
ravenous hunger that could not be satisfied. Others were not hungry at all,
with a marked decrease in appetite. Thirst was generally increased. Cravings were
for sweets such as chocolates and also for salty foods.
Some
provers experienced nausea that was worse for eating fatty foods but prover 13
felt relief after eating ice.
Abdomen
There were
incidences of flatulence and bloating and provercomplained of lower abdominal
pain that was worse for pressure and worse after urinating. The pain was
described as pulsating and radiating.
Stool
Frequent
stools occurred with prover 21 reporting a “spluttering, spraying stool”.
Urine
Proverexperienced
pain in her lower abdomen after urinating.
Female Genitalia/ Sex
Prover 13
reported a white discharge and prover 17 commented that her period had been
without much cramping or bloating. Only these two provers elaborated on this
section. The researcher suggests that this may be due to embarrassment or
awkwardness about discussing sexuality or menstrual events. This awkwardness
may also explain why no provers commented in the male genitalia/ sex section.
Respiration
Proverexperienced
shortness of breath that was relieved by yawning.
Cough
There were
many cough symptoms experienced but only prover 18 elaborated. She experienced
lots of coughing and lots of phlegm on her chest.
Chest
Some
provers felt stabbing pains in their chest areas. Some described it as a
stabbing or tightness around the heart. One prover described it as a sharp
stitch like pain that was worse for breathing in.
Back
Lower back
pain was experienced by a few provers. Prover 13 said her backache was worse
for bending forward and relieved by warm compresses. She felt that it was
aggravated by the cold. Prover had a deep muscle ache between her shoulder
blades but the researcher feels that not much emphasis should be placed on this
as environmental factor may have had a role in the causation of this pain.
Extremities
There were
numerous symptoms produced in both upper and lower extremities. Most prominent
were itchy elbows experienced by prover 18. Along with the itchiness was dry
flaky skin. The itch > scratching.
Other
provers experienced pains and numbness in their arms. Tightness of lower limbs
(feet) was a common symptom. Muscles were described as feeling tight and two
provers experienced tightness in the right calf that
was better
for stretching. Prover 26 developed an infection under the nail of her little
finger. There was a discharge from under the nail which was evident on pressure
being applied to the area.
Sleep
Generally,
a restless quality of sleep was experienced. Provers talk of having “a bad
night” and many of them mention being restless and unsettled. Some mention an
inability to fall asleep while others seem to have slept
well. Many
provers woke often during the night, some causeless, others to empty bladder.
Most woke up in the early hours of the morning with 2am being common time. Many
woke up tired and exhausted and this could also account for the high levels of
irritability and sleepiness experienced during the day.
Dreams
There were
a few dreams recorded although no common themes could be extrapolated by the
researcher.
Skin
A formication
was felt over the skin in various parts of the body. This was described as an
itchy, tingling, crawling sensation. The sensation moved about the body
randomly and was better for rubbing but was not relieved by scratching and one
prover actually scratched till they bled. Fine white pimples were also noted on
the inner leg and knee of one prover and on the forehead of others.
Fever
Prover 24
said he felt as if he had a high fever but he was very cold at the same time.
The researcher attributes this to the common theme among provers that they are
developing a cold. 5.3.23 Generals The general feeling of tiredness and
lethargy felt by provers could also contribute to this common theme of feeling
as if one were about to get flu. Provers experienced body aches, sore throats
and headaches. There was a decrease or increase in appetite with cravings for
chocolate and prover 18 desired fried onions even though she normally did not
enjoy onions. Dry skin was also a common experience.
Related
studies of Erythrina lysistemon
Toxicology Gryn (2007) dealt with the
toxicological aspects of Erythrina lysistemon and the similarities to the
homoeopathic proving. The toxicological data needs to be incorporated into the
materia medica of Erythrina lysistemon.
5.4.2 Doctrine
of Signatures
Thiel
(2007) looked at the Doctrine of Signatures as it applied to Erythrina
lysistemon and compared this to the results obtained from the homoeopathic
proving of the substance. This data needs to be incorporated into the materia
medica of Erythrina lysistemon.
5.4.3
Family group analysis
De Beer
(2007) compared the family group analysis of Erythrina lysistemon using
Sankaran’s Vital Sensation scheme. This data will also be added to the materia
medica of Erythrina lysistemon.
The researcher
did not attempt to make assumptions regarding the differential remedies.
A
repertorization of the proving using 8 rubrics: Ars., Rhus-t. and Hep. were the
toprated remedies.
A second
repertorization limited only to plant remedies of the Leguminosae family,
produced Physostigma, Baptisia tinctoria and Cytisus laburnum as the toprated
remedies. The researcher did not attempt to
hypothesize
the reason for these findings as it was not in the scope of this study to do
so.
Clinical conditions
A number of
provers experienced symptoms that might be related to Influenza such as
headaches, general tiredness and myalgia. Many provers also experienced
symptoms associated with rheumatic complaints such as muscle weakness and
tightness of the body. Other clinical conditions to consider are Allergies,
especially rhinitis, sinusitis and hay fever. This would also include skin
eruptions and dermatitis. Also to be considered gastro-intestinal complaints,
migraine/ headaches, neuralgia, autonomic disease, general sepsis and
inflammation, febrile illnesses and malaria.
Comparison
of the homoeopathic proving of Erythrina lysistemon and its traditional use
The bark of
the Erythrina lysistemon tree was used in this proving. When comparing the
symptoms obtained from the homoeopathic proving of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH
and the existing indications for its traditional uses, similarities between
them were revealed.
Nausea
The bark
has many traditional uses and some of these uses can be seen echoed in the
symptom indications of the homoeopathic proving. The bark was used as a
purifying emetic, inducing nausea and vomiting (Hutchings, 1996:145). There was
clear evidence of nausea in the proving, although no mention was made of actual
vomiting. One prover stated that the nausea was deep seated but that it was not
enough to vomit. Provers commented on having a sour or bitter taste in their
mouth. The nausea was often felt to a larger degree in the morning on waking
and then subsided as the day progressed, although there were some individuals
that experienced nausea throughout the day, feeling horrible and nauseas in the
evening as well. The nausea was described by some as if something was clogging
the throat. Prover 13 said that everything made her nauseas.
Abdominal Pain
In the proving
there were many references made to lower abdominal pain. This pain was
described as cramping and twisting. Proversaid she experienced a pulsating
radiating pain that lasted for about minutes at a time. Proverexperienced pains
in her lower abdomen after urinating and these pains < pressure over the
area and were relieved by relaxing the abdominal muscles. There were also
references made about incidences of lower back pain. Many of these symptoms
correlate to the symptoms that some women experience during pregnancy and
especially during labour. Traditionally the bark was used, along with other
herbs, to make an infusion that would assist a pregnant woman through the pains
of childbirth (Roberts, 1997:70).
Accompanying
the pain and cramping in the lower abdomen, symptoms were described where
provers felt bloated and experienced flatulence. Stools were loose and
explosive with many references to diarrhea.
These
symptoms described in the proving can also be considered in the case of
gastro-intestinal complaints. Erythrina lysistemon has traditionally been used
to treat the discomfort of gastro-intestinal complaints (Hutchings, 1996:145).
It has anti-bacterial properties and this could be the reason for its
efficiency at treating these complaints. 5.7.3 Wounds and Abscesses Suppurating
wounds and abscesses were treated using the bark as a poultice. Open wounds
were disinfected using bark ash and crushed leaves of the plant were applied to
open wounds to speed the healing process (Hutchings, 1996:145). Prover 26
developed a painful infection under the nail of his little finger, which
suppurated when pressure was applied.
Toothache
The bark is
also used as a toothache remedy (Roberts, 1997:70). There were onlyprovers that
experienced tooth related symptoms. Prover 21 said he felt as if he had a
toothache on the bottom right hand side of his mouth. Proverwas aware that he
was clenching his teeth. The researcher suggests that had the proving been
continued for a further time span, more toothache symptoms may have been
revealed.
Myalgia
The bark is
said to soothe sore muscles and feet, and when used as a poultice is helps
relieve the pain of rheumatism (Mbambezeli & Notten 2002). The crushed
leaves of Erythrina lysistemon are placed in shoes to relieve
tired and sore
feet and the roots are boiled and used as a lotion or poultice on bruises and
sprains as well as tired, bruised feet (Roberts, 1997:70; Mbambezeli &
Notten 2002). The plant is used traditionally to treat rheumatism and other
illnesses associated with painful joints. In this study it was found that most
provers felt some type of body ache at some time during the course of the
proving. The most common complaint was that of sore, stiff muscles. Muscle
tightness was experienced and provers 13 and 14 both commented on a stiff right
calf that was better for stretching. Generally the stiffness was relieved by
movement and as a whole; this remedy seems to be ameliorated by activity,
either physical or mental.
Headache
Erythrina
lysistemon is used in the treatment of headaches (Hutching, 1996:145). Headache
symptoms were of the more pronounced and intense symptoms experienced by the
individuals involved in this study. Many of them complained that they had not
experienced headaches of this intensity and severity before. Others expressed
the head pain as being dull but constant. Headache + stiffness of the neck. The
plant used to relieve the pain of sore
and stiff
muscles.
Nervous Complaints
Hutching
(1996:145) also notes that the plant is used to treat nervous complaints such
as anxiety, depression, hysteria and mental disturbances. From the results of
this proving it was noted that Erythrina lysistemon in potentised form will be
an excellent remedy for nervous complaints as well. The researcher identified
various themes within the mind section of the proving symptomology.
Irritability was experienced by many
of the
provers. Anxiety was also a theme identified by the researcher with provers
experiencing anxiety over up-coming events or because they had to meet people.
Others said their anxiety and nervousness was causeless
and they
could not explain why they were experiencing either. Many provers experienced
extreme mood swings from an up-beat, happy mood to a depressed, morose
irritability. The general comments were confusion as to
why they
were experiencing these shifts in mood as many had no reason for this to occur.
Only prover 32 experienced a hysterical episode.
Influenza
From the
results of the proving the researcher feels that Erythrina lysistemon as a homoeopathic
remedy, would be useful in the treatment of Influenza and other febrile
conditions such as malaria and “yuppie flu”. Provers experience exhaustion,
malaise and general flu-like symptoms. They complain of sinus irritation,
sneezing and sore throats. From this the researcher feels that allergy type
complaints would also be relieved by the use of this remedy. Provers
experienced severe itching all over the body with some experiencing dry flaky
skin as well. Some provers also suffered with puffy, red, irritated itchy eyes
and sneezing was a common symptom. Traditional
use of the
plant does not include allergy or flu treatments. 5.7.8 Cardiac Cardiac pains
were experienced by a number of provers. The pain was expressed as tightness
around the heart. Some said it was a sharp pain. The researcher feels that this
remedy would be beneficial in the treatment of cardiac conditions such as
angina but this would need to be verified through extensive clinical use of the
remedy. The plant is not used traditionally
to treat
cardiac conditions.
Earache
Earache is
treated traditionally by boiling the roots of the plant and preparing a
poultice and infusion. Drops are placed in the ear and the poultice is placed
behind the ear in order to alleviate the pain associated with acute earache. No
symptoms were recorded in this study that related to earache. It is suggested
that once further investigation has been carried out of Erythrina lysistemon at
other potencies, that these traditional uses are also further explored.
Comparison of the
results from the proving of Erythrina
lysistemon 30CH, with toxicology of the crude substance.
[Agnieszka Gryn]
Erythrina
lysistemon is
widely grown in S. Africa and belongs to genus of tropical and subtropical flowering
trees in the Family Fabaceae. Contains a large number of alkaloids that are
known to be
highly toxic, but its
use in traditional medicine suggests that they have antibacterial,
anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia,
2007).
Alkaloids are secondary
metabolites in plants which are usually derivatives of amino acids. Many
alkaloids have pharmacological effects on humans and animals (Wikipedia, The
Free Encyclopaedia, 2007).
Erythrina
species
also contain a number of curare-like alkaloids (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk,
1962: 601). The term curare is a generic for a group of substances
characterized by a paralyzing action at the myoneural junction
in skeletal muscle but
are not toxic (Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk, 1962: 601).
"All
substances are poisons; there is none which is not a poison. The right dose
differentiates a poison and a remedy." Paracelsus
When a substance is
administered the defense mechanism will respond accordingly by displaying specific
manifestations which is a direct indication of the substance’s action upon the
organism. If a substance is given in a poisonous/toxic dose every organism will
react to it, however, as mentioned above, the reaction will be too gross (e.g.
coma, vomiting, diarrhoea etc.) and thus of no value in homoeopathy. In order
to elicit an array of relevant symptoms in a homoeopathic schema infinitesimal
and potentized doses are used (Vithoulkas, 1981: 145–146).
Toxicological data is
very crude data when compared to proving data, as it is well known that
provings in potency bring out much finer distinctions of symptoms (Vithoulkas,
1981: 144–148). Much of the information in homoeopathic material medicas,
however, comes directly from reports of poisoning (Sherr, 1994: 89).
Toxicological data, not
only provides the researcher with information on the gross pathological changes
that may occur and hence cure but also is a useful source of information
organic pathology that does not arise from the provings (Sherr, 12 1994: 88)
i.e. these changes did not occur in provers for the substance was taken in a
potency.
Toxicology of the Proving Substance.
Erythrina
lysistemon contains
erythraline alkaloids, some of which are distributed in several parts of this
plant. The other major group of compounds is the flavonoids, especially
prenylated ones and these compounds are prevalent in the stem and root bark.
The extracts from Erythrina lysistemon
have been used in traditional medicine and have also shown antiviral,
anticancer and cytotoxic activities (Juma et al., 2004).
Erythrina
lysistemon contains
a large number of alkaloids that are known to be highly toxic (Wikipedia, The
Free Encyclopaedia, 2007). Alkaloids isolated from Erythina lysistemon are: erythraline, erythistemine, erysodine,
erysovine, erysopine, 11–hydoxyerysodine, 11–hydoxyerysovine,
11–methoxyerysodine and 11–methoxyerysovine (Hutchings, 1996: 3870).
However recently there
have been three non–alkaloids isolated from Erythrina lysistemon, namely: enoic acid, neolignan and
isoflavanone. These were isolated along with other known flavonoids, benzenoids
and phenylpropanoids. Some of these compounds have shown high antifungal
activity against Candida mycoderma.
Moderate activity has been exhibited against the Gram positive (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram
negative bacteria (Escherichia coli)
by some of these compounds (Juma et al., 2004).
The stem bark of Erythrina lysistemon is one of the
traditionally used "women remedies", and it has been assessed for its
estrogenic activity in rats (Tanee et al., 2006).
There seems to be a
large interest in traditional use, medicinal application, as well as,
composition of Erythrina spp. all
around the world. The
researcher, however, found that the literature documenting pharmacological and
toxicological actions of Erythrina
lysistemon was very limited and not easily accessible.
Discussion.
COMPARISON OF THE TOXICOLOGY OF ERYTHRINA
LYSISTEMON AND SYMPTOMS OBTAINED IN THE PROVING.
abdominal pain
3 provers experienced
abdominal pain of various intensity and character;
prover number 06
experienced stabbing abdominal pain and provers 03 and 07 experienced dull
pain;
hypotonia
Prover number 01 felt
his body was heavy, slow and unresponsive to the instructions from the brain
and on another occasion his body felt exhausted as if he had done long hours of
physical work. But a number or
provers experienced the
exact opposite i.e. increased muscle activity/tone.
weakness and convulsions
8 provers experienced
lack of energy or low energy levels on numerous occasions; prover 7, 32 and 17
took naps during the day or simply dosed off on the couch even though the had
had sufficient amount of sleep the
night before; prover 18
recorded that she slept the whole day.
A number of provers
experienced either a general stiffness of the body or stiffness and
contractions of parts of the body. Prover 01 refers to tight spots around the
body and prover 32 experienced tingling of the side of
her face which she
described “as if it [face] was about to go into a spasm”.
This symptom can be
assigned to the action of a group of alkaloids that exhibit curare–like
activity. The alkaloids which have been isolated from species growing in the
Southern and Eastern Africa are: erysodine,
erysopine, erysovine and
erythraline (Watt & Breyer–Branwijk, 1962: 601).
The paralytic action of
the above alkaloids arises from interference with the activity of acetylcholine
initiating muscle contraction at the myoneural junction in skeletal muscle
(Watt & Breyer–Brandwijk, 1962: 601).
bradycardia
In order to detect
changes in one’s heart rate pulse reading must be obtained. The provers had not
been instructed to measure their pulse throughout the proving, and therefore
this symptom was not recorded by
any of the provers.
hypotension
During the proving the
researchers were in telephonic contact with the provers, and therefore it was
not possible to measure the provers’ blood pressure.
5 provers, however,
experienced vertigo (dizziness) or lightheadedness which is a cardinal symptom
of low blood pressure. Prover 18 had what she describes as dizzy spells
repeatedly, and prover 11 compares her
dizziness episodes with
a drunken state.
Testing of the free
alkaloids, erythramine, erytraline, erysopine and erysovine on frogs, cats and
mice established a pronounced action of these alkaloids on lowering the blood
pressure and slowing of the heart
rate (Unna &
Greslin, 1943).
slow depressed
respiration
One prover (number 06)
experienced shortness of breath which was better for yawning. Curare– like
alkaloids have a paralyzing action (as described above) and therefore if
toxicity arises death will occur by
asphyxia (suffocation),
as a result of paralysis of the muscles of respiration (Watt &
Breyer–Branwijk, 1962: 601). These are, however, considered to be non–toxic by
mouth because the absorption from the
gastro–intestinal tract
is relatively slower than excretion by the kidneys (Hutchings, 1996: 144).
increased salivation
This symptom was not
recorded by any of the provers.
nausea and vomiting
A significant number of
provers (7) diarized nausea at different times of the day but it was never
associated with vomiting.
Prenylated Flavonoids.
The other major group of
compounds is the flavonoids, especially prenylated ones and these compounds are
prevalent in the stem and root bark of Erythrina
lysistemon (Juma et al., 2007).
The term flavonoid
refers to a class of plant secondary metabolites which are most commonly known
for their anti–oxidant activity (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopaedia, 2007).
antifungal activity
Some of the flavonoids
found in Erythrina lysistemon have
shown antifungal activity against the yeast Candida mycoderma. As stated in The Merck Manual – Fifteenth
Edition Candidiasis is usually limited to the
skin and mucus
membranes, and is characterised by well–demarcated erythematous [red] patches
that may be associated with itching (Berkow et al., 1987: 2270).
During the proving,
although none of the participants developed the characteristic patches of Candidiasis,
a majority complained of itching, some recorded itchiness on the face and
forehead, others of chest,
stomach and back, yet
others had itchy elbows, knees, shoulders and shins.
Based on the above
findings the researcher concluded that Erythrina
lysistemon 30CH can be used for treatment of all the variations of
Candidiasis (e.g. oral, vaginal etc.). It is strongly suggested, however, that
Erythrina
lysistemon 30CH
be specifically proved for efficacy in Eosophageal Candidiasis which can prove
fatal in severely immunocompromised patients i.e. AIDS patients.
Another symptom that
occurred in a few provers and that is strongly associated with itching is
formication (sensation of something crawling under the skin).
antibacterial activity
A moderate activity of
flavonoids has also been exhibited against Gram–positive bacteria – Staphylococcus aureus (Juma et al.,
2007).
One of the provers
developed a pustular eruption on his pinkie finger, which, if one refers to The
Merck Manual, might have been a furuncle (boil) (Berkow et al., 1987: 2264).
The finger was not examined by the
researcher.
An overwhelming number
of provers developed a sore throat although they did not developed the
classical manifestation of a Staphylococcal throat infection it nevertheless
indicates the possible indication of
Erythrina
lysistemon 30CH
in such condition.
CONCLUSIONS.
One of the very
prominent symptoms experienced by the provers was affections of the sinuses. That
symptomatology, however, cannot be directly assigned to any of the active
constituents of Erythrina lysistemon, for
there
is no literature
available to support that action.
The researcher has
concluded that the toxicology of the crude Erythrina lysistemon was reflected in the majority of the
symptomatology obtained during the proving. In order for Erythrina lysistemon 30CH to be
clinically applied in homoeopathic practice however, further studies are
strongly suggested.
Vorwort/Suchen. Zeichen/Abkürzungen. Impressum.