Naja mossambica = Speikobra, Mosambique

[Lorna Smal]

Indigenous snakes are particularly intriguing because other snakes (Lachesis muta, Naja tripudians, Crotalus horridus) have been extensively and successfully used in homoeopathy.

Bitis arietans arietans (Puff adder) and Bitis gabonica (gaboon adder), both South African species have recently been proven and have produced interesting symptomatology pictures.

It was hypothesized that the proving of Naja-mos. would produce vivid and remarkable symptoms and become an indispensable remedy in the materia medica. The researcher chose Naja-mos. due to its similarity in family

and genus as Naja. Naja., is known generally as the common, Asiatic, Indian or spectacled cobra. Naja. has been invaluable in cardiac cases both in orthodox and homoeopathic medicine.

The Mozambican Spitting cobra or Naja-mos. although related and from the same family as the Indian cobra, has some very different components to its venom.

The significant differences in the properties of the venom should impact on the symptoms experienced in the proving. The researcher will be comparing the differences between Naja. and Naja-mos. in the mind and

dream aspects of the proving.

Zulu: Mfezi Afrikaans: Spoegslang

It is one of the most dangerous snakes, inflicting fatal bites but more commonly spitting its venom. The commonest victims are young African women who get bitten while they are busy around

their home at sunset. The snake is very quick and alert, when threatened or confronted, it raises almost 2/3 of its body, spreads its long narrow hood and hisses loudly in readiness to spit

venom at its enemy when the latter comes into range. The fangs are specially modified with the discharge orifice on the anterior face rather than at the tip. The snake has to lean well back to

ensure that the venom is directed both upwards and forwards. It can eject venom with its mouth only slightly open by lifting its upper lips in the form of a snarl. The snake can also eject venom

from almost any position making it dangerous to the unwary that may expect it to eject venom only from the reared-up position. Venom is effectively ejected from 1,5 - 2 metres but in large

snakes has been recorded up to 3 metres. Venom directed at the eyes and causes instant blindness, which can become permanent unless immediate remedial measures are taken.

The snake seldom attempts an actual bite. It is also one of the snakes that feign death when threatened.

The venom of Naja-mos. has few neurotoxic and primarily local cytotoxic effects and is produced in copious amounts. Bites result in local and extensive cytotoxic effects.

1. local PAIN and swelling/may spread quickly up the affected limb. Painful, tender, enlargement of the regional lymph glands is typical.
2. Blisters may develop as soon as a few hours to 24 hours after the bite. Most marked at the site of the fang marks and may form a ring around a defined area of darkened or pale numb skin. Blisters may also extend up the bitten

limb, discontinuously in the form of "skip" lesions.

1. Earliest signs of tissue death or necrosis are changes in colour and sensation, the appearance of blisters and a smell of rotting flesh. Areas of necrotic tissue and deeper tissues may slough off spontaneously. Tissue loss may be massive, ext. up the bitten limb, along the path of the lymphatics in the form of discrete "skip" lesions separated by areas of apparently normal skin.

4. Complications can include secondary infection of dead tissue, sometimes with bacteria (Clostridia) causing tetanus or gas gangrene (first vomiting); this may require extensive surgical removal/amputation. Other complications include keloid formation; chronic ulceration with or without infection of the underlying bone and in worst cases can lead to cancerous changes later.

There is absence of neurological symptoms and few fatalities. Anti-venoms are not effective (in delay of treatment). Most fatalities occur particularly in infants and children due to shock.

Hypoglycemia caused by leakage of plasma out of blood vessels in the bitten limb resulting in swelling, shock and a severe depletion in blood volume. Venom may also affect the heart directly.

When venom is spit into the eyes an additional, unique form of toxicity is found: acute ophthalmia,. Naja-mos. can spit venom into a person's eyes from up to 3 metres away. Immediate and intense pain results, with blepharospasm,

tearing, and blurring of vision. It is difficult to open the eye, tears flow copiously, membranes around the eye become swollen and inflamed and the eyeball appears very red. Without treatment the lids swell, the membranes of the eye develop haemorrhages and keratitis and ulcerations of the cornea within 24 hours, which is followed by blindness. Systemic toxicity does not occur with eye exposure, but corneal ulcerations, ireitis, and permanent visual impairment

or blindness has been reported in untreated cases.

Mind: Abrupt - rough - harsh

Absentminded - dreamy

> Activity/inactiv

Ailments from suppressed anger

Alert

Angers easily

Antisocial

Anxious – about business/causeless/about own family/about his money matters/about others/for paroxysms felt in stomach/from thoughts

Busy at night

Carefree

Cheerful

Company - < mental symptoms/aversed to (> when alone/desires solitude)/desires it

Concentration – active/difficult (cannot fix attention/on attempting to concentrate/vacant feeling/with headache/reading/studying/talking/working)

Confusion – talking/”As if intoxicated”

Actions contradictory to intentions

Dancing

Delusions: body is divided/body lighter than air/body divided in two parts/floating in air/head separated from body/becomes insane/is intoxicated/is excited and light/body and mind separated/

Separated from the world/separated from the world/thoughts are separated

Disoriented with everything

Dissociation from environment4

“As if in a dream”

Dull - when studying/unable to think long/thinking slowly

Excited easily/emotions heightened/excitement (at night)/# sadness/over trifles

Frivolous

Frustrated

Giggling

Hurry, haste (eating/in movements)

Impatience (driving)

Indifference (for business affairs/to the dictates of conscience/to duties/to everything)

Industrious - mania for work

Introspection

Irresolution, indecision (at night)

Irritable (morning/evening/at night/wishes to be alone/# cheerfulness/causeless?/from conversation/crying and weeping/with discouragement/to won family/about little things/loved ones/from mental exertion/when spoken to/with sleepiness/from trifles/on waking/when working)

Laughing (desires to laugh/foolish/hysterical/loudly/everything seems ludicrous/silly/uncontrollably)

Laziness with sleepiness

Mania (# depression)

Meditating

Memora – weak (of memory/for facts/for recent facts)

Mistakes in speaking - using wrong words

Mood #

Motivated

Optimistic

Overwhelmed

Passionate

Positiveness

Prostration

Reserved

Restless (evening: 20 h,/busy/when attempting to study )

Rude

Sadness (> company/with heaviness of body/would like to sleep and never to wake/with sleepiness)

Sensitive - to all external impressions/to mental impressions/to opinion of others

Serious, earnest

>/< Social meeting

Solitude desires it

Spaced out feeling

Speech – inarticulate/incoherent/”As if intoxicated”

Studying

Stupefaction (during vertigo)

Thoughts – disconnected/two trains of thought

Tranquility, serenity, calmness (# active concentration)

Weeping – anxious/desire to weep all the time/easily/after slight emotion

Will - contradiction of

Vertigo: Morning/+ staggering/”As if elevated”/tends to fall to the left (sitting)/”As if floating”/”As if intoxicated”/like swinging/in temples/”As if head turning around”

Head: Forehead – dull above eyes/cold/heaviness internal/pain (ext. ears/above eyes/behind eyes/between eyes/pulsating)

Constriction

Fullness

Heat

Heaviness

Itching when head becomes warm

Pain [l./r./morning on waking/+ pain in eye/from too eager attention/bending forward/constant, continued/exertion (body/of eyes)/increasing gradually - decreasing gradually/from light in general/

Lying/< motion (of eyes)/> external pressure/> rubbing/after sleep/in small spots ext. all directions/biting teeth together/in occiput/dull (> rising/l. side/from temple to temple/pressing behind

Eyes/pulsating/sharp/shooting (l./from temple to temple)/in temples (l./r./chewing/ext. neck/ext. parietal bone/ext. vertex)/pulsating]

Eyes: Agglutinated in morning

Bleeding - subconjunctival haemorrhage

Discharge yellow

Red (l.)

Dry

Heavy

Inflamed [conjunctiva (granular/> cold applications/sclerae red like raw meat]

Irritation

Itching

Pain [> bathing cold water/< bending forwards/during heat/from light/lying/< Wind/< sunlight/burning “As from sand”/”As from foreign body”/pressing outward/sore]

Photophobia

Staring

Swelling (l./lids)

“As if tired”

Twitching in lids

Vision: Accomodation defective/blutted/dim/foggy

Ear: “As if full”

Itching in meatus

Pain l.

Swollen l.

Nose: Catarrh

Coryza (without discharge/> lying/< motion)

Discharge constant

Itching (inside)

Obstruction (morning on waking)

Pain l.

Sensitive

Sneezing – constant/caused by dust/paroxysmal

Face: Discolored (dark circles under eyes)

Eruptions – l. cheek/acne/pimples (itching/on forehead painful/on lower jaw)

Greasy

Swollen l.

Mouth: Discoloration – white (yellowish)/yellow: white

Dry (with thirst)/”As if dry”

Tongue – enlarged/swollen/”As if thick”

Eruptions - on tongue/vesicles

Numb gums

Pain sore: palate

Salivation profuse

Speech difficult from swelling of tongue

Throat: Constricted

Red

Irritated

“As if a lump”

Mucus – morning on waking/tastes metallic

Pain - > cold drinks/> eating: ameliorates/burning (with dryness/drinking water/oesophagus/sore (sore > eating)

Scratching

Swallowing difficult

“As if thick”

Tickling causing coughing

External Throat: Eruptions – itching/pimples

Pain – l./r./pulsating sideways

Tension (r.)

Stomach: Appetite - diminished (daytime/evening/easy satiety/even after eating)/increased (daytime/even after eating/# loss of appetite/on waking/with weakness/ravenous)/without relish/wanting (evening)/wanting with thirst/wanting without thirst)/

Bubbling/gurgling

Disordered

Emptiness > eating

“As if full” – after eating ever so little

Nausea - after anxiety/after excitement/during fever/looking at food/after sleep

Pain (cramping)

Thirst (daytime/unquenchable/drinking cold water)/THIRST/thirstless

Uneasiness

Abdomen: “As if diarrhoea would come on” (with pain)

Distension

Flatulent on waking

Pain – “As if menses would appear”/cramping (with diarrhoea/during stool/before passing flatus/below umbilicus)

Rectum: Diarrhoea

Flatus (morning on waking)

Stool: Copious/dark/frequent/small

Bladder: Pain (on urination: urging to urinate)

Urine: dark/colourless in morning

Male organs: Pain in penis

Female organs: Leukorrhea - # bloody discharge/black/instead of menses

Menses – brown/too late/with leucorrhea/scanty (late)/painless

Pain sharp: ovaries

Respiration: accelerated/difficult - breathing: deep (want of breathe)/difficult in crowded room/inspiration/felt in throat

Chest: Constricted during fever

Rash

Pain under - r./l. mamma/sides/cramping in heart (cutting)

Back: Pain – in cervical region/in dorsal region: scapulae/in lumbar region (aching/sore)

Stiff

Tension (in cervical region: evening/on waking)

Extremities: Cold feet

Cramps in l. foot

Eruptions on upper limbs: rash/shoulder: rash/desquamation (of palm of hand/fingers/about nails)/pimples (legs itching/ankle)

Itching on lower limbs

Pain - l. knee/l. ankle/l. 5^th toe/

Twitching - upper arm/thumb/thigh

Sleep: Comatose

(Deep and) disturbed

Falling asleep – difficult/easy

Heavy/interrupted

Restless - at night/from bodily restlessness

Short afternoon

Sleepy - morning on waking/difficult opening eyes

Unrefreshing – morning

Waking “As from fright”

Dreams: some

Generals: r. side/l. then r.

> bending double

Heat and cold

Tends to take cold

Food and drinks: Desires: Choc./coffee/cold drink (water); <: smell of food/thought of food; Aversion: to food after eating a little/to food when seen/when smelling food/thinking of eating; Desires: fruit/sweets/water (carbonated);

Heat - flushes of heat with perspiration/lack of vital heat/sensation of heat (on exertion)Becoming heated/with nausea

“As if influenza coming on”

Lassitude

“As if strength”

> stretching

Weakness (morning/night/> exertion/in joints)

The researcher suggests that Naja-mos. be abbreviated Naja -mos, in accordance with the binary system described in Synthesis, 7th Edition (Schroyens, 1997). 5.3 The Symptoms The proving had to be repeated since the lack of compliance in the first trial amongst the lay volunteers resulted in a scanty collection of symptoms. The second trial was conducted with homoeopathic students from first to fourth year and ensured a better and more complete remedy picture. Prover symptoms from both the first and second trial were included in the final write up. The researcher however still feels that to claim that the proving produced a complete essence picture of Naja-mos. would be premature (Mortelmans, 1997:201). The proving at best gives one an indication of the potential of Naja-mos. as a remedy. More research over an extended period of time into Naja-mos.‟s characteristics is required to attain the quality of completeness required for a true understanding of this remedy. (See recommendations) The concepts resulting from the proving are discussed in a simple and comprehensive manner under the various sections of the repertory.

5.3.1 MIND A significant number of contradictions emerged from this proving and were particularly evident in the mind section. This was to be expected when one studies other snake remedies regarding the mind symptomatology - for example: Naja. with regard to the positive, energised emotions versus the depressive, apathetic emotions and Lachesis muta with regard to its loquacity versus its moroseness and lack of communication.

5.3.1.1 THE PARADOXES

The researcher attempted to extract and categorise the paradoxes in order to discuss them in a clear logical fashion.

Alertness versus lack of concentration

Most provers experienced clarity of mind and alertness following an initial period of total lack of concentration and focus. Since most of the provers were students in varying levels of study, this lack of concentration pertained mainly

to studying either for examinations or when attempting to understand lecture material. At first this lack of concentration was met with frustration and reluctant acceptance, then with indifference and a care less attitude that led many to neglect their studies in pursuit of other interests and pleasures. This lack of concentration was described as being “distracted” or “dull, dazed” and a “stoned feeling”. It suggests that the provers felt as if they had been under the influence of some kind of narcotic, which may account for the carefree attitude many adopted subsequently. Mistakes in speaking also occurred, some experienced it as a slurring of words (31F 00: XX: XX) or “kept getting words wrong in my sentences” (29F 00: XX: XX). This lack of concentration and distraction appeared shortly after taking the remedy and was evident throughout the proving.

The alertness felt following this “dazed”, apathetic period resulted in the provers feeling more energised, positive and focussed on the task at hand. There was a feeling of motivation coupled with a sense of confidence in

oneself to accomplish whatever task presented.

Anxiety versus Tranquillity

Anxiety was experienced by many provers but was mainly paired with frustration, agitation or a sense of being overwhelmed by a particular problem or by life in general. This anxiety was experienced as something that one

could not control which exacerbated the frustration and agitation even more. Although the anxiety was caused mainly by events occurring around them, many provers experienced anxiety for no reason. It appears that the

various individuals allowed outside impressions to affect them deeply, to such an extent that they experienced it as an influence that they had no control over. The tranquillity evident in the proving emerges as a reprieve interspersed amongst the periods of tension and restlessness. Tranquillity is experienced as relaxation, peace and a time to replenish the energies. Anti-social versus Desire for company

This aversion to company appeared to be related to the depression and irritability felt by many in the proving. A number of provers felt irritated by company or by a social gathering and became angry at being “imposed”

upon. Although few provers enjoyed company and were reputed to be “party animals”, they became withdrawn in company and seeked solitude. Some provers experienced these contradictory feelings as alternating symptoms

on the same day or on alternating days. All the provers experiencing this anti-social feeling did not experience the desire for company. One prover as an underlying need for security experienced the desire for company as a

“wanting to be around my mom all the time, she stayed with me till I fell asleep” (29F 13:XX: XX). This prover also felt sad and troubled within whilst enjoying the company of friends. Others however experienced this need

for social interaction as a positive, confidence building experience. Carefree versus Heightened emotions This carefree feeling paired with the lack of concentration and spacey feeling was a common thread and with it the

contrast of heightened emotions whether positive or negative were experienced by most of the provers throughout the proving. Carefree was interpreted in different ways as indifference, laziness, apathy, uncaring and an

aversion to perform one‟s duty. The heightened emotions experienced were interpreted by many as a sensitivity to outside impressions which resulted in emotions such as weeping, anger and irritation to name a few. Many experienced a vacillation in emotions and caused many to overreact to trivial occurrences and lash out at those around them. This particular paradox relates to most of the other contradictory symptomatology in the proving. Depression versus Mania

The researcher felt that this was the main theme that emerged from the proving. The depression encompassed sadness, weeping, and suicidal thoughts to being serious and reserved. Provers felt unsure, indecisive and

withdrawn from society whilst in this depressive state. One prover had suicidal thoughts, that didn‟t last too long and were dramatically contrasted by the manic state of laughing, acting silly and being generally loud thereafter.

(29 F 00:20: 00) The depression was vividly contrasted by the manic state in the provers. This state manifested in provers as laughing uncontrollably, acting silly and loud. The behaviour was described as uncharacteristic,

unusual and being uncontrollable, a sense of going mad and an inability to take anything seriously (05 M 179 00:06:10) (03 F 04: 13: 42). The manic state is reminiscent of the effects of recreational drugs that provide one

with a feeling of elation and energy. A prover mentioned her desire to dance, hug everyone and generally feeling loved. (38 F 04 and 05:XX: XX) This is much like the effects of MDMA (ecstasy). Laziness versus Restlessness

This dramatic contrast between the apathetic versus the energetic hyped state is again clearly outlined under these contradictions of symptoms. Laziness is described as an aversion to anything that may be regarded as work or

duty and the subsequent desire for undertaking nothing. This laziness can be related to other feelings such as being carefree, unfocussed, antisocial and indifferent and a desire to participate in other interesting distractions. Restlessness, associated with anxiety, irritability and frustration was felt by most of the provers. This restlessness was expressed as being rushed, wanting time to pass quickly and generally performing daily tasks in a hurried manner. The general restlessness was described as busy and hyperactive. Paradoxical thoughts - two trains of thought Provers 35, 36 and 38 expressed a moral dilemma in thoughts where their desire to do something conflicted strongly with the awareness of doing the “right” thing.

This detached feeling was particularly marked in prover 03 where her head felt detached from her body whilst driving a car. She experienced a sensation of floating and detachment from her surroundings and body when she

was running. Her sense of detachment was associated with dizziness. Her head felt like it was swinging around when she stood still. Prover 29 had a similar experience where her upper body felt detached from the lower part

of her body and her hands and arms “were irritated with writing”. Irritability, short temperedness and impatience Most if not all the provers experienced a general sense of irritability, short temperedness and impatience.

This irritability was associated with tiredness and an over reaction to trivial issues. Impatience was obvious when driving and instilled hostility in the driver due to short temperedness. Heat and humidity appeared to exacerbate these feelings of irritation. Irritability and hostility was mainly vented on family and friends. There was no clear cause for the irritation and general bad temperedness but was more a state induced by overreaction. Motivation

and Enthusiasm This theme is associated with much energy and optimism. The provers expressed a keenness to accomplish tasks and a motivation to study. This is in sharp contrast to the aversion to work found in the laziness theme above. It should therefore also be contrasted with the laziness state. A general positive well-being underlies this energetic state.

Spaced out, tiredness

All the provers experienced tiredness in some form or other. Most experienced this overwhelming tiredness in the afternoon or evening, others felt unrefreshed in the morning. The tiredness in many cases was associated with a feeling of being spaced out and dreamy. Some expressed an irritability associated with the tiredness and being short tempered. Although associated with the tiredness, being spaced out was also experienced on its own.

Provers felt distant from their surroundings either not hearing conversations or in one case the morning alarm and as one prover described as feeling “surreal” on waking. This spaced out feeling was also described as being

stoned and can be related to the unfocused feeling discussed under the lack of concentration theme. Modalities Ameliorating factors for mental emotional symptomatology were the outdoors and open air, activity, eating,

solitude and company. Aggravating factors included heat and humidity, eating, company, morning on waking and mental exertion.

Vergleich: Comparison Naja. + Naja-mos.

Siehe: Schlangen allgemein + Cobras general. + Anhang + Repertorium. (Naja haje. + Naja mossambica. + Ophiophagus Hannah).

Vorwort/Suchen Zeichen/Abkürzungen Impressum