Theorie of Haemachatus
haemachatus
http://ir.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/436
[Lize de la Rouvière]
ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to elicit and document the effects,
in the form of signs and symptoms produced in relatively healthy volunteers, of
the venom of Hemachatus haemachatus, prepared in accordance with the methods
set out in the homoeopathic pharmacopoeia. These signs and symptoms form the
indications for the prescription of the remedy, according to the homoeopathic
Law of Similars. A further aim of this study was a comparative analysis of
symptoms produced by Hemachatus haemachatus 30ch with existing remedies derived
from snake venom used in homeopathy, with the aim of highlighting the
similarities and differences between them. The homoeopathic drug proving of
Hemachatus haemachatus 30ch took the form of a double-blind, placebo controlled
trial. The proving population consisted of 30 healthy subjects who met with the
necessary inclusion criteria (Appendix B). Eighty percent (24 subjects) served
as the experimental group, receiving the active verum in a randomised manner,
while twenty percent (6 subjects) formed the placebo group, receiving
non-medicated placebo powders in a randomised manner. Provers were unaware of
either the nature or potency of the substance. Verum and placebo were
indistinguishable from each other, and neither researcher nor volunteers knew
who received verum and who received placebo. Intra-individual control was
achieved through a pre-proving observation period of a week’s duration, during
which provers recorded the signs and symptoms of their normal state. This
symptom picture served as a baseline for comparison with symptoms noted after
administration of the remedy.
Verum and placebo were dispensed in the form of six powders to be taken
sublingually three times a day for a period of two days, or until the onset of
symptoms. Data was primarily collected in the form of a diary or journal kept
by each prover in which they recorded symptoms on a daily basis. Provers were
closely monitored by the researchers during this period. Data collected by the
researchers during daily telephonic contacts, as well as during the pre-proving
consultation, was also considered. Information obtained from the journals was
then assessed by the researchers for suitability for inclusion in the materia
medica of Hemachatus haemachatus. The data did not require statistical
analysis. In a concurrent study of similar methodology, Cahill (2008) conducted
a comparison of the symptom complex produced in the proving of Hemachatus
haemachatus, with other homeopathic remedies which scored highest on repertorisation.
Symptoms from both studies were collated and included in the materia medica and
repertory of Hemachatus haemachatus. The investigation supported the hypothesis
that Hemachatus haemachatus would produce clear and observable signs and
symptoms in healthy proving volunteers. During the course of this study provers
experienced a wide range of mental, emotional and physical symptoms. The
highest number of symptoms was produced on the mental and emotional level.
Provers experienced elation, joy, increased confidence, enthusiasm and energy.
On the other hand, there was lack of confidence, vulnerability, anxiety,
decreased motivation, decreased concentration, lethargy, depression and
indifference. There were sudden changes in mood and provers experienced marked
irritability. On the physical level, many provers experienced headaches,
irritation of the eyes, symptoms resembling allergic rhinitis, sore throats,
nausea, heartburn, abdominal pain and flatulence, menstrual disturbances,
lumbar pain, rheumatic joint pains, and skin eruptions. There were disturbances
in normal sleep patterns, subjective perceptions of increased body temperature
with hot flushes, and generalised tiredness and lethargy. Symptoms obtained
from the proving of Hemachatus haemachatus were analysed as part of a
comparative study with other remedies derived from snake venom: Lachesis muta,
Naja tripudians, Elaps corallinus, Naja mossambica and Bitis arietans arietans.
This comparison highlighted both the similarities and differences between these
remedies and Hemachatus haemachatus.
Centesimal potency A potency scale with a dilution in the proportion of
1 part in 100 (Swayne, 2000:36). Indigenous Native to a particular area. An
organism or species that occurs naturally in an environment or region
(Cambridge University Press, 1987:194). Law of similars A doctrine that states
that any drug which is capable of producing morbid symptoms in the healthy will
remove similar symptoms occurring as an expression of disease (Yasgur,
1997:234). It is usually expressed as: Similia similibus curentur, from Latin
meaning: let like be cured by like (Swayne, 2000:193). Materia medica In
homoeopathy, a reference work listing remedies and their therapeutic action
(Yasgur, 1997:144). The description of the nature and therapeutic repertoire of
homoeopathic medicines; of the pathology, the symptoms and signs and their
modifying factors (Swayne, 2000:132). Miasm Trait within a society, family or
individual making them susceptible to a particular pattern of morbidity; an inherited
or acquired disposition to be ill in a certain way (Swayne, 2000:137). Placebo
In homoeopathic practice, it refers to a non-medicated substance that is
relatively inert (Gaier, 1991:426). The inactive agent used for comparison with
the substance or method to be tested in a controlled trial, and is
indistinguishable from it (Swayne, 2000:162). Potency
The medicinal power of a homoeopathic medicine, released or developed by
dynamisation or potentisation. The measure of power of the medicine based on the
degree to which it has been potentised, expressed in terms of the degree of
dilution. (Swayne, 2000:166) Prover Subject of a proving or a homeopathic
pathogenetic trial. A volunteer, who should be in good health, who records
changes in his or her condition during and after the administration of the
substance to be tested (Swayne, 2000:174). Proving From the German Prüfung. The
process of determining the medicinal/curative properties of a substance. This
process involves the administration of substances either in crude form or in
potency to healthy human subjects in order to observe and record symptoms
(Yasgur, 1997:201). Rubric The phrase used in a repertory to identify a symptom
or disorder and its component elements and details, and the categories of these,
and to which a list of the medicines which are known to have produced that
symptom or disorder in homeopathic pathogenetic trials, or to have remedied it
in clinical practice, is attached (Swayne, 2000:186). Simillimum The single
homeopathic medicine, the drug picture of which most nearly approaches the
total symptom complex of the patient (Gaier, 1991:509). Succussion
(dynamisation) Vigorous shaking, with impact or ‘elastic collision’, carried
out at each stage of dilution in the preparation of a homeopathic potency
(Swayne, 2000:201).
Verum
True, real or genuine (Yasgur, 1997:275). In the context of a
homoeopathic proving it refers specifically to the medically active substance
administered to provers as opposed to the medically inert placebo (
CHAPTER ONE
1. OVERVIEW
1.1. INTRODUCTION
Homeopathic drug provings are one of the fundamental principles of
homeopathy (Riley,1996 a). Vithoulkas (1980:144) defines the purpose of a
proving as: „to record the totality of morbid symptoms produced by that
substance on healthy individuals; and that totality will then be the curative
indications upon which is to be prescribed the curative remedy in the sick
individual’.
In Aphorism 143 of the Organon, Hahnemann (1982) insists that only the
pure, reliable effects of substances are collected in a materia medica. There
is no other method of accurately predicting the effect of any substance as a
remedy (Sherr, 1994:7). It can thus rightly be asserted that homeopathic drug
provings are the pillars on which homeopathic practice are built (Sherr,1994:7)
(Walach,1997). Vithoulkas (1980:143) says that in order for homeopathy to
advance, it is necessary to perform provings on new substances to expand the
homeopathic armamentarium. In aphorism 162 of the Organon, Hahnemann (1982)
says that in cases where the exact simillimum has not yet been proved, the
homeopathic practitioner is forced to employ the most appropriate remedy. Only
when a new remedy is proven well, can cases partially covered by existing
remedies be cured (Sherr,1994:8). In aphorism 145, Hahnemann (1982) urges the
discovery of a suitable remedial agent for every known disease. Increasing the
number of remedies in the materia medica facilitates greater accuracy and
individualisation when treating patients (Wright,1999). Herrick (1998) feels
that the reason that some cases cannot be solved, is because „many of the most
important remedies have not yet been developed. Foremost among these are the
animal remedies’.
Sherr (1994:49) makes the point that the indicated remedy should be a
local one, as nature will always provide an accessible cure. The expansion of
the indigenous materia medica is thus particularly important for South African
homeopaths and patients, although local remedies may prove also to have
universal application (Sherr,1994). Furthermore, proving natural substances
indigenous to
1.1.1. Objectives of the study
The first objective of this study was to conduct a homeopathic proving
of Hemachatus haemachatus 30ch to investigate its effects on healthy provers by
recording the clearly observable signs and symptoms it produced, so that it may
in future be prescribed in accordance with the Law of Similars. The second
objective of this study was a group analysis of Hemachatus haemachatus in
relation to existing remedies in the materia medica that have been derived from
snake venom. This was achieved by comparison of the symptoms obtained from the
proving of Hemachatus haemachatus with characteristic symptoms of other
remedies within the snake family. The aim of this comparative study was to
clarify the specific indications of Hemachatus haemachatus in homeopathic
practice. It will also help to differentiate this remedy from other remedies in
the context of clinical prescribing (
1.2. THE HYPOTHESES
It was hypothesised that the 30ch potency of Hemachatus haemachatus
would produce clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy proving
volunteers. It was further hypothesised that a comparison of Hemachatus
haemachatus to existing homeopathic remedies in the materia medica that have
been derived from snake venom would elucidate similarities and differences
between these remedies. It was further proposed that the analysis of these
remedies as a group would offer a clear understanding of the therapeutic
indications of the proving substance in relation to other remedies in the snake
family.
1.3. THE DELIMITATIONS
The study did not: attempt to explain the mechanism of action of the
homeopathic preparation of Hemachatus haemachatus in its production of symptoms
in healthy proving volunteers; determine the effects of potencies of the
substance other than the thirtieth centesimal potency; compare the proving
results between the provers in the two locations.
1.4. THE ASSUMPTIONS
§ The homeopathic Hemachatus haemachatus was
prepared in accordance with methods set out in the German Homeopathic
Pharmacopoeia (GHP) (1991) for the preparation of the venom of Lachesis muta:
the venom was reconstituted with water in the ratio of 3 parts venom to 7 parts
water, after which it was prepared by serial dilution and succussion up to the
30ch potency.
§ The venom was correctly extracted,
freeze-dried and transported.
§ The allocation of the verum and placebo was
correctly done according to the randomisation code.
§ The provers complied with the proper procedures
as determined by the proving methodology outlined in Appendix E, Instructions
to Provers. The provers would not deviate from their normal lifestyle or
dietary habits immediately prior to or during the period of the proving. The
provers would practice conscientious, accurate self-observation and symptom
recording. The provers would take the remedy in the dosage, frequency and
manner as instructed by the researcher.
2.2 Comparative materia medica
2.2.1 Group analysis The study of homeopathic materia medica has in
recent years been enhanced by emphasising the method of group analysis. This
method was pioneered by Scholten (1993) and Sankaran (2002). Here, remedies are
not only studied separately, but in groups, and the common characteristics are extracted
(Scholten, 1993:23). Initially, Scholten analysed composite chemical remedies,
for example all remedies containing sodium. The common symptoms between these
then became the theme of that group, expressed in certain key-words.
Subsequently, Scholten applied this method of analysis to the periodic table,
finding a theme for each period and each row (Scholten, 2004). The central
theme of each remedy was found by crossing the central concept of each stage
and that of each row. Scholten feels that this method not only adds to the
understanding of well-known remedies, but allows for the development of a
remedy picture of hitherto unknown remedies (Scholten, 1993:289).
Sankaran (2002) also devoted much time to the classification of remedies
into various categories. One category is the miasm of the remedy, dependent on
the pace and rapidity of the remedy.
A second classification is into natural Kingdoms - plant, mineral or
animal, depending on the behaviour and reactions of patients needing those
remedies. This was followed by a refinement into
subkingdoms, for example Mammalia, Arachnida, Insecta or Mollusca in the
animal kingdom, each with particular behavioural characteristics. In the plant
kingdom, Sankaran (2002) analysed remedies from each family for their common
sensations, which he found is expressed in all remedies of that family. This
classification was developed into a unique system of case analysis and remedy
prescription.
2.2.2 The comparative study of the homeopathic materia medica is not
new. Farrington (1995) asserts that the comparison of drugs is as necessary as
the analysis of the drug itself, and Roberts (1942:139) maintains that the
analysis of proving symptoms is not complete until a comparison is made with
those produced by other drug provings. Smal (2004) also recommends a careful
study,
and comparative analysis, of a proven snake remedy to determine its
place in the repertoire of snake remedies.
of Chamaeleo dilepis dilepis, especially in the context of newly proven
remedies that have not yet undergone the trials of clinical use. Thakkar
(2007:13) describes the application of a modified version of the Doctrine of
Signatures in analysing a case and arriving at the correct remedy. The
substance is studied in relation to the family and kingdom it belongs to. The
characteristics of the substance are then matched to the characteristics of the
patient and the homeopathic remedy required. Thakkar feels that this study is
important in the exploration and understanding of homeopathic remedies.
Kulkarni (2002:6) stresses the importance of a thorough understanding of
the differential materia medica for prescribing the simillimum and
comprehending the unfolding of the case. Thakkar (2007:13) cautions against
over-generalisation and loss of focus on particulars. Kulkarni (2002:26) warns
that in the generalisation needed for group study, one may sacrifice individual
attributes of remedies that do not fit, and that this may decrease the efficacy
of the remedies.
2.3 Proving Substance
2.3.1
Common names: Rinkhals, spoegslang, swartrinkhals
2.3.2 Description
2.3.2.1 Appearance Hemachatus haemachatus belongs to the family
Elapidae, and is closely related to the true cobras, differing in having keeled
scales like the adders and no solid teeth on the maxilla. It is the only member
of the genus. It is a relatively stouter and shorter snake than the cobras
(Visser and Chapman, 1978:49), reaching a maximum length of 150cm, with an
average
length of 90 - 120 cm (FitzSimmons, 1974:167).
2.3.2.2 Habitat Hemachatus haemachatus is endemic to Southern Africa,
preferring grasslands of the highveld and KwaZulu-Natal up to 2500m (Visser and
Chapman, 1978:51), as well as the Southern Cape, Transkei, Free State, Lesotho,
western Swaziland and South-East Transvaal (Perry, 2007). They are restricted
to the cooler parts of
to extremes of below 7º C or above 38º C for any length of time. Most
snakes prefer a range of 20 - 32º C (FitzSimmons, 1974:29).
Hemachatus haemachatus displays a relatively wide thermal tolerance
(Alexander, Mitchell and Hanrahan, 1999). They are highly effective
thermo-regulators and are able to raise their body temperature rapidly, even
when the ambient temperature is low (Alexander, 2001). Under some
circumstances, they select low body temperatures - so low that Alexander refers
to them as "hypothermic" (Cool snakes, 2000). Hypothermic snakes use
only a fraction of the energy of "normothermic" snakes to stay alive,
so there is a clear benefit for snakes to cool themselves down.
Under other circumstances, such as when radiant heat is available,
Rinkhals selects body temperatures that are more typical of snakes, but are at
the upper limit of "normality" for snakes (32° C). Alexander (Cool
snakes, 2000) has observed specimens basking in the sun with spread hood to
increase surface area. Alexander explains that it has to do with the costs and
benefits of low and high body temperatures: snakes save energy when cool, but
are better at defending themselves or making a hasty retreat when their body
temperature is high. Snakes, including Rinkhals, hibernate, or more accurately
ruminate, during cold winter months. In the temperate areas such as
2.3.2.4 Diet Hemachatus haemachatus is diurnal, active from about 8:30am
or 9am onwards. When their body temperature has risen sufficiently, they are
able to move actively and start hunting (Perry, 2008). Well-watered areas, near
vleis or dams, are favourite habitats, due to a fondness for amphibian prey (Visser
and Chapman, 1978:51). Most snakes, including Rinkhals, are excellent swimmers
(FitzSimmons, 1974:28) and inflate their lungs to increase buoyancy (Perry,
2008).
Perry (2008) says that Rinkhals are indiscriminate feeders, and will eat
food rejected by other species, leading to obesity in captivity. Their diet
includes eggs, rodents, frogs, and other snakes.
In common with other snakes, due to the loose attachment of the two
halves of the lower jaw to each other and to the skull, as well as the distensibility
of the skin of the neck and body,
Rinkhals is able to swallow large prey with ease (FitzSimmons, 1974:25).
Prey is invariably swallowed head first. 2.3.2.5 Senses Snakes have fairly
accurate vision at short range, but poor vision at greater distances when
movement alone attracts attention (FitzSimmons, 1974:26). Their field of vision
is also restricted due to the lateral positioning of the eyes. Smell through
the nose is poorly developed. However, snakes use their tongues, which are
capable of picking up minute scent and taste particles, with which to „smell’. The tongue is constantly
flickered, and on withdrawal into
the mouth, the particles are transferred to the Organs of Jacobsen,
sensitive hollow pits in the roof of the mouth. Snakes investigate any prey
thoroughly with their tongues before it is swallowed (FitzSimmons, 1974:27).
Snakes have no external ear canal or ear-drum, and thus cannot hear. They are
extremely sensitive to vibration particularly that transferred through the
ground, and can
detect approach of potential prey or predators at a distance
(FitzSimmons, 1974:27).
2.3.2.6 Reproduction
According to Perry (2008), snake movement is determined by two factors -
ambient temperature, and moisture. In spring, directly after the first summer
rains, snakes emerge to hunt and mate.
Males track females via her scent-trial (FitzSimons, 1974). There is
often much approach-play by the male, which investigates the female thoroughly
with his flickering tongue. Actual mating is protracted and may last hours to
days. Males are equipped with two hemipenes, one on either side of the tail
(FitzSimons, 1974). Snakes are solitary animals. They have no contact with
other snakes of the same species other than mating (Perry, 2008). If a male
encounters a rival male, they will combat in a ritualized dance, twisting their
bodies around each other, rearing up and striking, trying
to push their rival’s head to the ground. Neither snake is injured in this combat. In
contrast to the majority of snakes, Hemachatus haemachatus is ovoviviparous
(Branch, 1988), giving birth to 20
to 30 (exceptionally up to 60) live young during the late summer
(FitzSimmons, 1974:167). Rinkhals young are born in the burrow. They develop
within a membrane in the female’s body and are
born inside this membrane. After birth they pierce the membrane with a
specialized tooth. The young disperse immediately and there is no maternal
protection (Perry, 2008). 2.3.2.7 Behaviour
Visser and Chapman (1978:51) discuss the behaviour of the Rinkhals when
threatened. When encountered, it flattens its body to appear larger. It is not
an aggressive snake, but will rear up and spread its hood when provoked,
displaying one to three pale bands on a dark background across the neck that
give it its common name, Rinkhals (literally: ring around the collar), while
hissing slowly and loudly. This serves as the first warning (The Rinkhals,
2003). It requires some provocation to „spit’, which it always does from the
reared position, throwing the body forward and hissing. Spitting is the result
of the internal structure of the venom canal, which is bent in an L-shaped
elbow, causing the venom, which is forced down the canal under pressure, to be
deflected forward
and outward at right angles to the fang’s surface (Visser and Chapman,
1978:45). The effective spitting range is 210 to 250cm (FitzSimmons, 1974:167).
The venom is not directed at the eyes of
the threat, but ejected in a cloud, thus giving the snake a better
chance of blinding the attacker while it makes its getaway (The Rinkhals:
2003). It causes blurred vision (Perry, 2007) and intense conjunctivitis with
pain and photophobia which resolve completely in two to three days (Visser and
Chapman, 1978:51). It also causes coryza and sneezing (Perry, 2008). Opthalmia
has been reported, but has not caused the severe complications caused by the
venom of the other indigenous snakes which spit, notably Naja mossambica
(Perry, 2007). Immediate lavage with sufficient water or milk is necessary to
prevent symptoms (Visser and Chapman, 1978:52). As with most snake venoms, the
venom has an intensely bitter taste (Thakkar, 2007) (Perry, 2008). If
aggravated further,
the Rinkhals will drop to the ground with its head and body twisted and
contorted, the mouth agape and the tongue lolling out, very convincingly
feigning death. Perry (2007) describes this behaviour as melodramatic.
FitzSimmons (1974:167) reports cases where it has been picked up and thrown
about in this state, but it remains very capable of biting at any moment. Soon
after the assumed threat has left, the snake rolls over onto its belly and
glides away (Perry, 2007). 2.3.2.8 Venom Snake venom is a specialised form of
saliva (FitzSimmons, 1974:32). There are two venom glands, one on either side
of the head behind the eyes. It serves three functions: to immobilise or kill
prey; to aid digestion; and, in the case of the spitting snakes, defence. The
venom of Hemachatus is less viscid than that of other African Elapids (Perry, 2007),
as thinner venom is easier to spit. As with other front-fanged snakes, the
venom is neurotoxic, but it is less potent than that of other Elapids, and more
dilute when spit (Perry, 2007). It is, however, produced in copious amounts -
yields average 80-120 ml (Perry, 2007). The estimated lethal dose for humans is
50-60 mg. All snakes have full control over whether venom is injected with a
bite (Thakkar, 2007). One in six Elapid bites are dry bites, where no venom is
injected, serving as warning bites to would-be attackers (Perry, 2008). When
required, the venom is expelled from the glands by a muscular squeezing action
(FitzSimmons, 1974:32). To inject venom, snakes have to hold on and chew - they
chew on alternate sides, while emptying the venom sac on the opposite side to
which they are biting down on (Perry, 2008).
Human bites by Rinkhals are rare, with fatalities unheard of (Perry,
2007). 25% of bites cause local swelling or bruising. Common general symptoms
are drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, violent abdominal cramps and vertigo, as well
as mild pyrexia. Neurotoxic symptoms are rare, and only diplopia and dyspnoea
have been reported (Perry, 2007).
CHAPTER THREE METHODOLOGY
3.1 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN The homeopathic proving of Hemachatus
haemachatus took the form of a randomised, double blind placebo-controlled
trial, using the 30ch potency. The proving was conducted at the Homoeopathic
Day Clinic at the
Collection of data was in the form of a journal kept by each prover in
which their symptoms were recorded on a daily basis for the duration of the
trial.
Data collected by the researcher from the case history and physical
examination was also considered. Provers recorded their normal state for a week
prior to taking the remedy. This ensured intra-individual control where provers
served as their own controls. The methodology in this study closely followed
the guidelines set by Sherr (1994), which has been followed in other provings
conducted at the Durban University of Technology, namely that of Taylor (2004)
and Smal (2004) in their proving of Naja mossambica, Thomson’s 2003 proving of Bitis gabonica and
that of Webster (2002) of Sutherlandia frutescens. In the proving of Bitis
arietans ariens, Wright (1998) used two prover populations, one at the Durban
Institute of Technology, and one in
3.2. THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS
This study was conducted concurrently with a similar proving of
Hemachatus haemachatus. The two proving supervisors were Masters of Technology:
Homoeopathy students, Lize de la Rouviere and Jodi Cahill. During the proving
process the researchers were referred to as the proving supervisors, as they
were directly responsible for supervision and management of the proving
population during this study. The academic research supervisors or research
co-ordinators were Dr. M. Maharaj (M.Tech:Hom) and Dr. A.H.A. Ross
(M.Tech:Hom).
3.3 OUTLINE OF THE EXPERIMENTAL METHOD The methodology proposed in this
study followed that recommended by Sherr in his Dynamics and Methodology of
Homoeopathic provings (1994)
Provers were recruited from homeopathic students, practitioners and the
general public.
Posters were displayed on the homeopathic notice board and other
appropriate notice boards at the Durban University of Technology and the
University of Johannesburg (Appendix A).
An initial interview was conducted with each recruited subject, during
which they were screened in accordance with the inclusion criteria.
Prospective participants were given a proving information sheet. (Appendix
F).
A pre-proving group meeting was held between all the selected provers
and the two researchers. All aspects of the proving, including what is expected
of them, was explained. They had the opportunity to ask questions on anything
they do not fully understand.
Provers signed an informed consent form (Appendix C).
A date was scheduled with each prover for the pre-proving consultation
and physical examination, during which each researcher took a thorough
pre-proving case history and performed a physical examination on each prover
under her supervision (Appendix D).
At this consultation, provers were allocated prover codes, and given a
list of instructions (Appendix E), a blank journal, and medication in the form
of six powders. A starting date and convenient daily contact time was agreed
on.
Prover starting dates were staggered to ensure more thorough interaction
between researchers and provers.
On the agreed date, provers started to record their normal state in
their journals, three times a day or as symptoms occur. This was done for the
first week, to serve as baseline and individual control for each prover (Sherr,
1994), and evaluate each prover for compliance (Riley, 1996a).
The researchers then contacted provers to assess the journal for
accuracy of symptom recording and compliance.
One week after starting the diary, the provers began taking the proving
remedy three times daily, continuing to record symptoms in their diaries, in
accordance with the instruction sheet.
The prover stopped taking the remedy as soon as proving symptoms
occurred, as experienced by the prover, or noticed by relatives or friends or
the researcher.
If no symptoms arose the prover continued to take the remedy. If after
the maximum of six doses, taken three times daily for two days, the prover
experienced no symptoms, he/she stopped taking the proving medication but
continued to record their symptoms.
Provers recorded their symptoms for four weeks after taking the remedy.
Daily telephonic contact was kept between the provers and the researcher
for the first week so that symptoms could be described in detail while still
fresh in the memory. The telephonic contact was then decreased to three times a
week in the second week, twice in the third and once a week thereafter.
The prover continued to record symptoms in the diary until all proving
symptoms disappeared.
The proving was considered complete if after one week no further
symptoms appeared. This was followed by a one week post proving observation period.
The journal was collected from the prover and a post-proving
consultation scheduled.
After all provers had completed the proving and all diaries collected, a
group meeting and group discussion took place as expanded on below.
The proving was un-blinded to the researchers to enable them to
distinguish placebo and verum groups.
Extraction and collation of the data was then performed.
All references to a prover’s symptoms was done using the code allocated
to each prover at the beginning of the proving, which is known only to the
researchers, the research supervisor and the technician of the homoeopathy
department at the Durban University of Technology. The confidentiality of
provers is thus maintained.
Statistical analysis of the data was impractical in this study (Riley,
1996a), other than age and sex analysis.
The extracted data was then organised and written up in materia medica
and repertory format, compared with other snake remedies, and published.
3.4 THE PROVING SUBSTANCE
3.4.1 The potency Hahnemann (1982), in the 6th edition of the Organon,
recommends that the 30ch potency should be used for provings. Sherr (1994:27)
found that the 30ch produced the most mental and emotional symptoms in a
proving of Hydrogen he conducted with a range of potencies. Sherr describes how
he has used various potencies in his provings, and states that it is equally
valid to use either only one, or a wide range of potencies. He further says
that it is up to each proving committee to decide which potency to use. The 30ch
potency was used in this study to produce the widest mental and general symptom
picture.
3.4.2 Collection, preparation and dispensing of the proving substance A
sample of freeze-dried venom was obtained from Mr. Mike Perry, a herpetologist
in
§ The venom was reconstituted with water in the
ratio of 3 parts venom to 7 parts water as per method 5a of the GHP.
§ The first three potencies were prepared by
serial dilution and succussion in the dilution of 1 part in 99 parts 85%
glycerol as per method 5a of the GHP.
§ It was then further potentised in alcohol up
to the 30ch potency as per method 5a of the GHP.
§ This liquid potency was then used to triple
impregnate lactose granules with 96% alcohol at 1% volume: volume as per method
10 of the GHP.
§ Ten of these granules were
then added to each set of inert lactose powders designated for verum, which
will then be administered to the provers in the experimental group.
This method, using the freeze dried venom, was used in the provings of
Bitis arietans arietans (Wright, 1999) and Naja mossambica (
§ The placebo was manufactured similarly to the
verum, with the following exceptions
o Pure 85% glycerol was used up to the 3ch
stage
o The 3ch dilution of glycerol was added to
alcohol, and then succussed and diluted serially in the same manner as the
verum up to the 30ch level.
o The 30ch potency in 96% alcohol was used to triple
impregnate lactose granules, ten of which was added to each set of the inert
lactose powders to be administered to the control group.
The placebo was thus exposed to the same manufacturing process as the
verum. This ensured that the pure effect of the proving substance was tested.
It also ensured that the placebo and verum were indistinguishable from each
other to both provers and researchers, to guarantee the double-blind nature of
the study. 3.4.3 Dosage and posology One powder was dissolved sublingually
three times daily for two consecutive days, or until symptoms arose, but for no
longer than two consecutive days (Sherr, 1994).
3.5. POPULATION CRITERIA 3.5.1 Prover Population Vithoulkas (1980)
envisages that a thorough proving needs to include 50-100 provers. Sherr (1994)
argues that this number is far too large, resulting in an over-proved remedy
that produces an excess of common symptoms, overcrowding lesser proved remedies
in the repertory. Sherr (1994) found that 5 provers were enough for a small
project, and that 15-20 provers produce a complete proving picture. The Durban
University of Technology research standards require at least 30 subjects, so
this is the number that was used.
3.5.1.1 Experimental group 80% of subjects served as the experimental
group, receiving verum in a randomised fashion. 3.5.1.2 Placebo group 20%
served as the placebo control, receiving placebo in a randomised fashion.
3.5.2 Randomisation Randomisation was done by the supervisor, and
dispensing was done by the Technician of the Department of Homeopathy. The
verum and placebo were indistinguishable to ensure that neither researchers nor
provers knew who received verum and who received placebo. 3.5.3 Inclusion
criteria The subjects:
§ Were between the ages of 18 - 60 (Smal, 2004).
§ Were competent and able to sign the consent
form.
§ Were able to comply with the keeping of the
journal in a competent manner.
§ Were subjectively and objectively in a
relatively good state of health (Sherr,1994) as judged by the researcher on the
basis of the case history and physical examination (Riley,1996a).
§ Did not have any surgery or medical treatment
planned for the duration of the proving (Riley,1996a).
§ Had not had any surgery for the six weeks
before the proving commenced (Riley,1996a).
§ Were not pregnant or nursing.
§ Maintained their normal lifestyle and usual
daily routine as closely as possible, and had no major lifestyle changes
(moving house, diet, divorce) for the duration of the proving.
§ Practised moderation in the consumption of
alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes.
§ Were not a user of recreational drugs such as
cannabis, ecstasy, LSD.
3.5.4. Lifestyle of provers during the proving
Provers were advised to follow certain precautions while participating
in this study, details of which were clearly explained in Appendix E,
Instructions to Provers. To try to maintain their usual habits and lifestyle
(Sherr, 1994:92). To avoid antidoting factors such as camphor, mint and menthol
and discontinue the use thereof two weeks prior to starting the proving and for
the duration of the proving (Sherr, 1994:92). To store the proving powders in a
cool, dark place away from strong smelling substances, electrical equipment and
cellular phones (Sherr, 1994:92). To exercise moderation with respect to work,
alcohol, smoking, diet and sexual activity (Sherr, 1994:92).
To avoid taking any medication especially antibiotics, vitamins or
mineral supplements, or herbal or homoeopathic medication (Sherr, 1994:92). To
consult their doctor, dentist or hospital should a medical emergency arise and
to contact their proving supervisor thereafter (Sherr, 1994:92).
3.5.5 Monitoring the provers Close contact was maintained between the
researcher and the provers during the initial stages of the proving and as long
as symptoms continued to appear. The researcher monitored each prover by daily
telephonic contact for the first week or until symptoms started to abate. The
contact was then reduced to three times in the second week, twice in the third
and then once weekly until the proving was completed. This ensured:
§ that the researcher knew when the substance
began to act, so that she could tell the prover to stop taking the substance.
§ that the prover did not neglect to record a
symptom.
§ the safety of the provers by closely
monitoring each prover for any reaction that may have needed to be antidoted.
3.5.6. Ethical considerations
The proving methodology of this study was approved by the Faculty of
Health Sciences Ethics Committee, Durban University of Technology, prior to
commencement, to protect the rights and safety of each prover. Each prover
consented to voluntary participation in this study by signing an Informed
Consent Form (Appendix C). Confidentiality was maintained throughout the study.
Provers were made aware of the fact that they were under no obligation and were
free to withdraw from this study at any point.
3.6. DURATION OF THE PROVING
3.6.1 Case history and Physical examination
Provers who were deemed suitable for participation in the proving attended
a pre-proving consult. A thorough case history and general physical examination
(Appendix D) following standard homoeopathic format was taken. This served to
clarify and confirm the baseline status of each prover prior to administration
of the proving substance.
3.6.2. Pre-proving observation
Each prover commenced the recording of their „normal’ daily symptoms for a period of one
week prior to taking the first dose of the proving substance. This established
a baseline of each prover’s ate of health and was used to confirm the validity
of symptoms experienced by the prover while under the influence of the proving
substance. It also served to make provers accustomed to self-observation and
regular symptom recording (Sherr, 1994).
3.6.3. Commencement of the proving
The provers were dispensed six powders, to be taken a maximum of 3x day
for two days, or until the onset of symptoms. The starting dates were staggered
to allow for more effective supervision
of the provers. No further powders were required to be taken thereafter.
Provers continued to record their symptoms daily for a period of four weeks or
until no further symptoms were noted.
3.6.4. Post-proving observation
A further one week was allowed for general observation, in case any
further symptoms arose during this period. At the end of the post-proving
observation period, a follow-up case-history and physical examination was
conducted with each prover. The journals were collected from each prover, and
the researcher clarified any symptoms that the prover recorded. The proving was
now considered complete.
3.6.5 Group discussion After all the provers had completed the proving
and all the diaries collected, a group discussion was held in each location, at
the Durban University of Technology and the University of Johannesburg. This
allowed the provers an opportunity to discuss their ideas and questions. It
helped the researcher to clarify issues and to confirm or discard doubtful
symptoms (Sherr,1994). The process of amalgamating the separate provings into
one totality, in which the symptoms of each prover are considered to have taken
place in one person (Sherr, 1994:32), could now begin to take place.
3.7 DATA COLLECTION
3.7.1 Collection of data Data was collected in the form of a diary or
journal kept by each prover, in which they recorded their symptoms on a daily
basis for the duration of the proving.
The information collected by the researcher from the pre-proving case
histories, physical examinations and telephone conversations during the proving
period was also taken into account.
Data collected from the pre-proving case histories and physical
examinations was used as a baseline control for the individual provers. The
provers were asked to comply with the following in recording symptoms:
§ To note the concomitants , locality, times,
sensation and duration of each symptom (Sherr,1994).
§ To write each symptom on a new line, leaving
space for remarks (Sherr,1994).
§ To start each day on a new page, marking the
day and date clearly (Sherr,1994).
§ To classify the symptoms
into:
o (RS) - recent symptom - experienced in the
last year.
o (NS) - new symptom - never experienced
before.
o (OS) - old symptom - occurred more than a
year ago.
o (AS) - altered symptom.
o (CS) - cured symptom - old or recent symptoms
that have stopped.
§ To do the above in red pen alongside the
relevant symptom.
§ To note the time of occurrence of each symptom
with each symptom.
§ To record each symptom chronologically
according to the day, and the number of hours or minutes since the proving
began (first dose taken), as DD:HH:MM, where:
o DD is the number of days.
o HH is the number of hours.
o MM is the number of minutes.
§ After 24 hours the minutes became unimportant and
were represented by XX. After a few days the hours became redundant and were
marked by XX. (Sherr,1994).
3.7.2 Extraction and evaluation of data At the end of the proving,
prover journals were collected and the recorded symptoms extracted and
evaluated for conversion into materia medica and repertory format. The
information collected by the researcher from the pre-proving case histories,
physical examinations and telephone conversations during the proving period was
also taken into account. After careful evaluation, symptoms were validated as
proving symptoms or discarded according to the criteria set out below. 3.7.3
Criteria for including symptoms as proving symptoms
The following criteria were used:
§ If the prover was under the influence of the
remedy (as can be seen by the general appearance of symptoms), then all other
new symptoms belonged to the proving (Sherr, 1994).
§ The symptom appeared shortly after the
substance (Riley,1996a).
§ The symptom appeared (with intermissions) over
a period of several days (Riley,1996a).
§ The symptom occurred in more than one
volunteer (Riley,1996a).
§ The symptom occurred with marked or specific
intensity (Riley,1996a).
§ The symptom was unusual, striking or rare
(Riley,1996a).
§ The symptom was not current or usual for the
prover, unless intensified to a marked degree, with clear descriptions as to
how it was markedly modified or changed (Sherr,1994).
§ The symptom occurred in association with other
symptoms (Riley,1996a).
§ The symptom occurred in association with
specific modalities (Riley,1996a).
§ The symptom could be precisely defined by the
prover (Riley,1996a).
§ If the prover had a deep conviction that the
symptoms did not belong to her, it served as a reliable indication for
inclusion (Sherr,1994).
§ Symptoms present in the prover prior to the
proving which disappeared during the proving, are included and noted as a cured
symptom. The character of the symptom was clearly explained as to function,
location and sensation (Sherr,1994).
§ Any symptom which had occurred in the prover’s recent history, i.e. one year or
less, was discarded (Sherr,1994).
§ Any symptom which occurred a long time
previously, especially five or more years, which had no reason to appear
naturally but had reappeared, was included (Hahnemann,1982; Sherr,1994).
§ Accidents, coincidences and synchronistic
events that happened to more than one prover (Hahnemann,1982; Sherr,1994).
§ If in serious doubt, leave it out
(Sherr,1994).
3.8 COLLATING AND EDITING THE DATA The proving symptoms collected from
the journals were collected and combined into a coherent, logical and
non-repetitive format, to create a structured picture of the symptom-complex
that Hemachatus haemachatus 30ch produced.
The data was, wherever possible, classified into the same chapters and
sections, and following the same format, as the repertory. Similar or identical
symptoms from different provers were grouped together but entered as separate,
consecutive entries within the group, according to the following criteria set
out by Sherr (1994), in order of importance:
1. Nature or meaning of the symptom.
2. Individual prover.
3. Sequence of development of the symptom.
4. Chronology.
3.9 REPORTING THE DATA The edited data was recorded into two different
standardised formats, the materia medica and the repertory. This will ensure
that the data produced by this proving
of Hemachatus haemachatus is usable in clinical homoeopathic practice
and prescribed according to the Law of Similars. 3.9.1 The Repertory The data collected
in this proving was converted into rubrics and sub-rubrics that conform to the
format of the standard modern repertory: SYNTHESIS: Repertorium Homoeopathicum
Syntheticum 9.1 (ARCHIBEL SA., 2006). 3.9.2 Materia medica The collated and
edited data, in conjunction with known toxicological data, was written up in
typical materia medica format, conforming to the chapters of SYNTHESIS:
Repertorium Homoeopathicum Syntheticum 9.1 (ARCHIBEL SA., 2006).
Proving symptoms were entered under the following main headings:
Mind Vertigo Head Eye Vision Ear Hearing Nose Face Mouth Teeth Throat
External throat Stomach Abdomen Rectum Stool Bladder Kidneys Prostate Urethra
Urine Male genitalia / Sex Female genitalia / sex Larynx Respiration Cough
Expectoration Chest Back Extremities Sleep Dreams Chill Fever Perspiration Skin
Generals
CHAPTER FOUR
4. THE RESULTS
4.1. INTRODUCTION
The symptoms from the proving journals were extracted, collated and
edited. The results were converted into the standard homeopathic referencing
formats of materia medica and repertory. Symptoms listed under the materia
medica sections are presented in the provers’ words. In the repertory section,
symptoms have been translated from the provers’ words to rubrics and presented
according to the Synthesis Repertorium Homeopathicum 9.1 (ARCHIBEL SA, 2006).
4.1.2 REPERTORY The conversion of proving symptoms to repertory rubrics
was done in accordance with the principles laid down by Schroyens (2002:36-37).
The method employed for grading
of symptoms is a combination of grading according to frequency of
symptom occurrence (Sherr, 1994:85) and grading according to the number of
provers experiencing the particular symptom (Schroyens, 2002).The average
percentages, relating to 24 provers on verum, were calculated, resulting in the
following grading system:
Table 1: Grading system
Number of provers
Average percentage
Vertigo
Heaviness of the head and pain in the forehead
Epistaxis
Sensation of a lump in the throat and difficulty in swallowing
Increased thirst
Abdominal flatulence and rumbling and a tendency to constipation
Painful menses
Sense of constriction and oppression in the chest, and heart
palpitations
Pain in the cervical region and rheumatic pain in the extremities
Coldness of the hands and feet
Deep sleep, sleepiness
Weakness
REPERTORY:
MIND: COMPANY - aversion to - > alone
COMPANY - aversion to - desire for solitude
COMPANY - desire for a friend
CONCENTRATION – active/difficult (cannot fix attention)/difficult
studying
CONFIDENT
CONFIDENCE - want of self-confidence (self-depreciation)
CONSCIENTIOUS about trifles
CONTENT (with himself)
CONTRADICTION - intolerant of contradiction
DELUSIONS - she is not appreciated/way home were too long/being laughed
at and mocked at/he is light [= low weight (when walking)]/love is
impossible/he or she is neglected/he is persecuted/
of smell/is trapped/looks through some one else’s vision/is being
watched/”As if observing”
DISCONTENTED
DISORDER, sensitive to
DISTANCES inaccurate judged
DRUGS – “As if one had taken drugs”
DULLNESS with sleepiness
EFFICIENT, organized
ELATED (# sadness)
EXHILARATION # sadness
FASTIDIOUS
FEAR [of accidents all day relieved after going to bed/of death during
heart symptoms/of driving a car/something will (terrible is going to) happen]
HIGH SPIRITED
HOME - desires to go
HURRY - in occupation
IMPATIENCE (about his children/driving)
INACTIVITY
INDIFFERENCE (to business affairs/to duties/work/with sleepiness)
INDUSTRIOUS
INSECURITY; mental
INTOLERANCE
INTROSPECTION
IRRESOLUTION
IRRITABILITY (wishes to be alone/# with cheerfulness/towards
children/driving a car/easily/inefficiency/before menses/from noise/with
people/when
questioned/from trifles/when aroused by noise during sleep)
JEALOUSY
JOY
LAZINESS (with sleepiness)
LONGING - sense of/for good opinion of others/for repose and
tranquillity)
LOVE – desires romantic love
MEMORY - weakness of memory (for everyday things)
MENTAL POWER increased
MIRTH
MISTAKES in speaking - misplacing words
MOCKING – sarcasm
MOOD – changeable (quickly/sudden)
> OCCUPATION
OFFENDED, easily
ORDER - desire for
POSITIVENESS
PROSTRATION of mind (with sleepiness/on waking)
REPROACHING – oneself/others
RESPONSIBILITY - aversion to
REST - desire for/cannot rest when things are not in the proper place
RESTLESSNESS – anxious
QUARRELSOME
QUIET; wants to be
SADNESS - from disappointed love/about past events
SELF-CONTROL – increased
SENSITIVE [to emotions/(slightest) noise/rudeness]
SENTIMENTAL
SHRIEKING – in anger
SMILING
SNAPPISH
SPACED-OUT feeling
SULKY
SWIMMING - desires
SYMPATHETIC
THOUGHTS - repetition of/persistent/of the past
TRANSCENDANCE – sensation of
TIMIDITY
TRANQUILLITY
UNTIDY
USEFUL; desire to be
WILL - loss of will power
YEARNING
VERTIGO: + heaviness in head
> CLOSING THE EYES
> after COLD drinks
DRIVING
< HEAT of the sun
> HEARING LOSS
< MOTION (sudden motion)
< after rising
SUDDEN
“As if everything were turning in a circle”
< WALKING
HEAD: “As if COTTON WOOL in head”
EXPANDED sensation feels inflated
FULLNESS in forehead
ITCHING of scalp (vertex)
HAIR in falling in handfuls
(combing the hair)
HEAVINESS (from headache)
LIGHTNESS; sensation of
PAIN – evening (stitching)/in forehead (r./shooting)/occiput (>
lying/pulsating/ext. eye/l. eye/ext. temples)/+ numbness and tingling of nose/+
pain
in abdomen/+ complaints of lower limbs/< bending head/bursting
pain/> coffee/> cold applications (drinks)/> closing the eyes/>
darkness/
dull/ext. to eyes/ext. to teeth (canine)/< (artificial/daylight)
light (shooting)/(<) before menses/pressing/“As from a
nail”/paroxysmal/piercing/
> pressure (shooting)/pulsating/< sniffing/in temples and
forehead/on waking “As from a blow”/< warmth/> warm drinks
PERSPIRATION of scalp on Forehead
EYE: > CLOSING EYES
Desires to CLOSe EYES
> COVERING eyes with hand
> Darkness
DISCOLORED - red in inner canthi
DRY – morning on waking/Lids (margins of)
HEAVINESS of Lids
ITCHING (l. eye/r. eye/< from light)/> rubbing/<
(artificial/daylight) light
PAIN – “As from sand”/burning/raw
PHOTOPHOBIA (driving/during headache/< from (artificially/day)light
Must squeeze the eyes
“As if swollen” in lower lids
TINGLING
TIRED SENSATION (> closing the eyes)
> WASHING
WINKING
VISION: BLURRED (closing the eyes)
EAR: DISCHARGES – earwax
FULLNESS, sensation of
ITCHING (l./> scratching/in eustachian tubes)
NOISE - <
NOISES - in ears during headache/ringing
PAIN – l./boring pain – tickling/< lying on the ear
HEARING: ACUTE
LOST – short duration after masturbation
NOSE: < BLOWING THE NOSE
COLD
CONGESTed
DISCHARGE bloody (l./r./morning/blood streaked)/clear
(l.)/copious/sticky
DRYNESS (< in open air)
FULLNESS, sense of (in root)
NUMBNESS in tip
ODORS; imaginary and real (metallic/sweetish)
PAIN – burning (in morning/in sinuses)
SNEEZING (with itching/> rubbing/tingling in nose)
FACE: Jaw CLENCHED (l.)
> COLD applications
COMPLAINTS of face in maxillary sinuses - in corners of mouth (l.)
DISCOLORATION – red (flushes/with heat)
DRY (lips/maxillary sinus)
ERUPTIONS [acne/itching/pimples (blind/on chin/rough)/stinging,
painful/above lips r.)
GREASY
Hot with cold feet
ITCHING (on cheeks)
LICKING lips
ROUGH skin
Swollen under eyes/”As if swollen”
< TOUCH (lips)
MOUTH: CRACKED - Tongue fissured in centre
CRAWLING on Tongue
DISCOLORATION (Tongue white)
DRYNESS [> morning on waking/> cold water/”As if sand in
it”/during sleep/with thirst (not > drinking)/
ERUPTIONS - vesicles [on tip of tongue (burning)]
FURRY Tongue
INDURATION of Tongue (knotty)
SALIVATION profuse (at night)
TASTE salty
ULCERS on tongue (l./tip)/PAIN in tongue (stinging/”As if burnt”)/on
hard palate/
SOFT lips
TASTE putrid (water)
TEETH: GRINDING
PAIN in canines
THROAT: CLUCKING sound, esophagus
DRYNESS (+ dryness of mouth)
> DRINKING in sips
HANGING in throat; sensation as if something were – thread
HAWK; disposition to
PAIN [l. sore/burning/lump/”As if raw”/”As from something sharp”]
PRICKLY - swallowing; only on empty
SWALLOWING difficult (from cold drinks)
EXTERNAL THROAT: ERUPTIONS – pimples
INDURATION of glands (cervical)
Inflamed cervical glands
NECK: > MOTION
STIFFNESS (painful)
TENSION
STOMACH: ANXIETY
APPETITE – capricious/easy satiety (after a few bites)/increased (+
rumbling in abdomen)/# loss of appetite/eating small amounts all day/wanting
> BENDING DOUBLE
DISTENSION (Epigastrium)
< EMOTIONS
EMPTINESS (> eating)
ERUCTATIONS; TYPE OF – bitter (burning)/< during stool
HEAVINESS
INDIGESTION (< after eating)
NAUSEA [after cough/< after eating/> after lying down/<
motion/caused by odor of tobacco/in throat/< during stool]
PAIN [burning (morning/“As from hot coal”/< bread)/morning cramping
(< fruit/from hunger)> pressure]
TENSION /in epigastrium)
THIRST (morning/night/cold water)
ABDOMEN: “As if bubbles were moving about”
DISTENSION (morning on waking/from flatulence/< motion/<
stool/Region of umbilicus/> warm application)
EMPTINESS (gnawing)
FLATULENCE
ABDOMEN [PAIN (> bending double/burning/cramping (+ pain in
bladder)/drawing pain/dull pain/> eructations/< eating/pressing pain/in
iIliac
fossa (l.)/Lower abdomen (burning)/> lying/< pressure/pressing
pain (“As from flatulence”)/radiating/sharp/> sitting/wavelike/> warmth
RUMBLING
< TOUCH
RECTUM: COLDNESS in anus
CONSTIPATION - ineffectual urging and straining
FLATUS – acidic/evening/loud/noisy/offensive (sulphur odor)
INACTIVITY of rectum
INVOLUNTARY urination < during stool
“As if anus open” (< after stool)
STOOL: evening/at night
like (mall) balls
BROWN light
CLAYISH
COPIOUS
DRY and hard
EVENING
HARD
LIGHT COLORED
MUCOUS
ODOR offensive
SMALL quantity
SOFT
BLADDER:
“As if full”
PAIN – aching/burning/cramping/ext. kidney/stitching pain
TENESMUS
URINATION – frequent/dribbling – involuntary (if delayed/> during
cough)
DREAMS: ESCAPING/FACE disfigured/FIGHTS/FLIES/FLYING/FRIENDS
(old)/FRUSTRATION/GUILT/HIDING/HOME/HOMOSEXUALITY/
HOUSE (dirty)/JOURNEYS (by water)/MONEY (lack of, to pay bill)/NECK
Slit/being obese/PLACES well known but changed/being PURSUED
(by murderers/by animals/by a
bear/by police/being POISONED/PROSTITUTES/PROTECTING/QUARRELS/RAPE/goes back to
old school/
SEEING AGAIN an old
schoolmate/SEXUAL/SHIP/SNAKES/SPIDERS/STOOL/STUCK/SUFFOCATION/TUNNEL/being
UNPREPARED/vivid/
UNREMEMBERED/WAR
CHILL: CHILLINESS – at night/“As if hair standing on
end”/
SHAKING at night
PERSPIRATION: COLD at night
On COVERED parts
ODORLESS
PROFUSE at night < during sleep
SKIN: “As if BITTEN by an insect”
CICATRICES - become red/sensitive
DRY – rough
ERUPTIONS – < warmth/acne/blotches/dry/eczema (< warm
applications)/elevated/pimples/red (like insect stings)/rough/scaly/GOOSE FLESH
ITCHING (after bite of insect/> cold/> scratching/< warm
bathing)
ROUGH
SENSITIVE
SOFT
GENERALS: l. side/MORNING (on waking)
ACTIVITY – physical
AFTERNOON - 17 h.
EVENING (18 h.)
> BATHING (in the sea)
< COVERS
DRIVING
ELECTRICITY; sensation of static
ENERGY excess of
EXERTION; physical - aversion for/desires it
FOOD and DRINKS:
Desires: alcoholic drinks/chocolate/black
coffee/fruit/meat/oil/salt/seafood/sugar (ed water)/wine/yoghurt
<: alcoholic drinks
Aversion to: vegetables
HEAT - flushes of – at night (in open air)/in preventing sleep/#
sensation of coldness
HEAVINESS
LIE DOWN - desire to
< LIGHT – sunlight
MEDICINE - allopathic – “As if taken tranquilizers”;
RIDING in a car
> after (short) sleep
> STRETCHING (limbs)
GENERALS
exposure to the sun
aversion to/< (smell of) TOBACCO
on WAKING
WEAKNESS
WEARINESS
< cold wet weather
> thunderstorm
CHAPTER FIVE 5. DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS 5.1 INTRODUCTION This chapter
deals with the discussion and overview of the proving results. The data
collected from the proving, in the form of prover symptoms, provided
information for a total of 901 rubrics. The rubrics were distributed throughout
33 sections of the repertory. There was a predominance of symptoms in the Mind;
Head; Eye and Nose; Mouth and Throat; Stomach and Abdomen; Female; Extremities
and Back; Skin; and Dreams sections. Figure 3 below provides a visual
representation of the number of rubrics distributed in the various sections of
the repertory. It was hypothesised that Hemachatus haemachatus 30ch would
produce signs and symptoms on healthy volunteers. Data collected from this
study serves as evidence to support this hypothesis and it is therefore
concluded that the hypothesis is valid. 5.2 ABBREVIATION OF THE REMEDY The
recommendations made by Schroyens in Blueprint for a New Repertory, Synthesis
Repertorium Homeopathicum (2002:39-41) have been followed, in order to
contribute to a logical coherent system of arriving at remedy abbreviations,
and avoid ambiguity. The Latin name of a remedy serves as the basis for the
abbreviation. The researchers have chosen the unique root Hem, and the
extension „-h’, creating the abbreviation Hem-h for Hemachatus haemachatus.
5.3 THE SYMPTOMS In the discussion of the symptoms, an attempt has been
made to unify the individual symptoms into a coherent whole, as if they had
been experienced by one person. This follows the recommendation of Sherr
(1994:32), to allow for the development of an integrated materia medica remedy
picture. 5.3.MIND The greatest number of rubrics in the proving of Hemachatus
haemachatus were created in the Mind section. An attempt has been made to
organize these into prominent themes. Enthusiasm Many provers experienced a sense
of elation (13 F 06), enthusiasm (03 M 01XX:XX), and positivity (14 F 02); a
carefree, relaxed, bubbly mood (28 M 12, 22 F 04). There was an increase in
productivity and alertness 22 F 03, 19 M 01, 29 M 09). There was an increase in
confidence ( 07 F 01, 17 F 08), a sense of coping better. Provers felt more
alert, focused and in control (11 M XX, 29 M 01). Lethargy The opposite
symptoms were also experienced. Provers felt extremely lazy (04 M XX, 16 M 06),
listless (07 F 24), lethargic. Many provers had a lack of motivation (15 F 04,
16 M 06, 30 F 02). There was an avoidance of and indifference to normal
responsibilities (06 F 04, 13 F 26, 15 F 04, 18 F 14, 20 F 04). There was
sleepiness (04 M 00, 22 F 05), and a many provers were tired, and felt heavy and
exhausted (06 F, 07 F, 14 F, 15 F, 18 F, 19 M, 24 F, 27 M, 30 F). Provers just
wanted to stay in or crawl into bed (06 F 04, 14 F 13, 15 F 04).
Tranquillity The remedy produced a sense of calmness (03 M 00:00:05) and
relaxation (03 M 01, 27 M 09, 29 M 01), which was accompanied by a sense of
alertness ( 03M 01, 29 M 00). Some provers felt spaced out, as if they had
taken a tranquillizing drug (03 M 00:00:10, 15 M 00:05, 22 F 05), There was a
sense of detachment (04 M 00, 29 M 00) and transcendence ( 04 M 00), but also a
sense of deeper reconnection (04 M XX:XX, 20 F 21 ). Prover 4 described this as
a sense of „observant spaciousness’ (04 M 03). Spaced out Provers felt spaced out
and drugged (03 M 04, 15 F 00:00:05). There was cloudy thinking (03 M 00:00:15),
and poor concentration (18 F 03, 27 M 07), and difficulty focusing (27 M 180
with erratic memory (20 F 09). There were repetitive activities (28 M 00), and
the experience of a tune stuck in the mind (20 F, 28 M 00). There was also
clumsiness (22 F 03, 28 M 02), with difficulty in accurately judging distances
(13 F 05, 22 F 04). My Space, Home The theme of home and private safe space
emerged strongly. Provers had a need to organise their personal space (05 F 06,
14 F XX, 20 01), and became irritated by mess (20 F 03), as well as people in
their space (05 F 01). Provers had a need to be at home (15 F 04, 28 M 10),
which felt like the safest place to be (20 F 09). Provers experienced anxiety
on leaving home and especially when driving (14 F 13, 15 F 04, 28 M 06). There
were dreams about home, with confusion about whose home it was (07 F 02) and
dysfunctionality at home (18 F 04). There were also dreams of attack to the
home (18 F 11). Vulnerability, insecurity
Provers felt fragile (27 M 07), sensitive (03 M 01) and non-resistant
(03 M 00:00:10). They picked up on the moods of those around them
(27M 13, 30 F 05). There was a feeling of being unimportant (06 F 14, 13
F 26) and not good enough (13 F 21) in relationships. Prover 15 had an
experience of feeling extremely vulnerable, as if others were able to see her
deepest insecurities and use them against her (15 F 00). She felt insecure,
vulnerable, childish, humiliated and embarrassed. Provers had a need to be
appreciated (28 M 04), of being worth something to the world (29 M 07). Alone,
Longing There was a strong desire to be alone (06 F 04:XX;XX, 15 F 00, 30 F 02
XX:XX). There was amelioration from being alone in a quiet atmosphere (29 M
00), in one’s own nest (20 F 21), pursuing one’s own interests (28 M 10). There was
a reconnection with old friends (13 F XX) and a compassion for friends in need
( 20 F 09, 28 M 04). There were dreams of old friends (16 M 24) and old work
colleagues (10 F 00, 11 M 01). Two provers felt as though there was something
or some-one missing in their lives (03 M 03, 07 F 30). There were thoughts of
past relationships, with a sense of deep longing (15 F 03), and a deep need to
love with the feeling of being unable to do so (29 M 14). Changeability Provers
experienced an alternation of moods (03 M 01, 13 F 06, 14 F XX). Sometimes the
change occurred rapidly (22 F 07, 24 F 24). There was a lack of emotional
stability (22 F 13), described as a roller-coaster (30 F 06).
Anxiety
Provers felt anxious, often a vague sense of anxiety (29 M 03) as if
something felt wrong (27 M 10), or as if something was going to happen (18 F
12). Prover 14 had a panic attack when faced with a routine drive, as if
something awful, such as an accident, was going to happen (14 F 13). Two
provers experienced the anxiety in the stomach (16 M 24) or solar plexus (03 M
03).
Irritability 42% of provers experienced irritability, in many cases as a
very marked symptom, resulting in 45 individual diary entries. This
irritability was felt toward people (13 F 26, 20 F 21) and directed at who-ever
was around (04 M 02, 15 F 02), or in their space (05 F 01), or at the provers’ partner (06 F 08) or children (07 F
33). There was specific irritation at being asked stupid questions (04 M XX),
inefficiency (18 F 11), bad service (26 M 00:02:00), incompetence (13 F 07) and
poor planning (28 M 02). There was also deep irritation at inconsiderate and
incompetent other drivers (28 M 11). Some provers became snappy (20 F 02, 24 F
16) or sarcastic (05 F 01). In some cases the irritation led to anger and an
impulse to physical violence, wanting to rip some-one’s head off (18 F 03) or punch them
in the face (28 M 10). Frustration There was a sense of having a lot to do (06
F 05, 26 M 00:00:00), with an inability to relax and constant anxiety about
what needed to still be done (26 M 00, 29 M 16). This was accompanied by a
feeling of being stressed out (06 F 05) and frustrated (06 F 05 , 29 M 17)
There was an urge to get things in order (20 F 11). There was impatience and a
frustration if things fell behind schedule (29 M 17). There was also a sense of
not being able to cope (06 F 04, 30 F 06). Some provers had a sense of being
trapped with a need to get out (06 F 13, 28 M 09). There was also a sense of
being picked on (06 F 21) and harassed (28 M 02). 5.3.2 VERTIGO
There were sensations of vertigo, described as dizziness or
light-headedness. The vertigo was pronounced on sudden movement (03 M 01, 05 F
00) or suddenly rising form a sitting position (03 M 01, 21 M 02). Some provers
experienced it as a sense of disorientation (10 F 01) or disconnection (03 M
03). There was also a description „as if head were in a cloud’ (21 M 16) or „made of feathers’(21 M 06). The vertigo was in some
provers related to a spaced out feeling (15 F 00:00:05). 5.3.3 HEAD Many
provers experienced headaches, predominantly in the frontal, temporal or
occipital areas or around the eyes. Right-sided headaches were either frontal
(06 F 10), temporal (06 F 03), or around or behind the eye (07 F 06).
Left-sided headaches extended from the occiput to behind the eye (16 M 00) or
neck to the temple (18 F 13), from the temple to the eye (18 F 20), or from the
temples to the teeth (18 F 19). Some headaches extended to or from the neck or
back (18 F 13), or were accompanied by neck stiffness or spasm (18 F 16). There
were three main types of pain experienced: dullness (06 F 03); stabbing (05 F
00), piercing (16 M 02) or shooting (21 M 16), as if a nail was driven in (18 F
01); and bursting, throbbing (28 M 01) or pounding. Provers experienced
headaches on waking (21 M 07, 24 F 05). Headaches were aggravated by light (12
F 12); while pressure (12 F 12, 29 M 21), and icy (21 M 18) or cool
applications (29 M 02) provided relief. One prover experienced a sensation as
if the head was wrapped in cotton wool (18 F 14) or under water (18 F 14).
There was also a sensation of heaviness of the head. 5.3.4 EYE AND VISION
Provers experienced itchiness (06 F 06), dryness (24 F 13) and scratchiness in
the eyes. Eyes felt gritty (07 F 34), as if there was sand in them (07 F 31).
There was also pronounced burning (18 F 11) and rawness (28 M 06), and provers’ eyes appeared puffy (07 F 31 ), red
and bloodshot (29 M 05). There was a strong aggravation from any form of light
(24 F 02): sunlight (20 F 00), artificial light (24 F 08), light from a
computer screen (16 M 00) or from a camera flash (19 M 04). One prover
experienced a blurriness or haziness of vision (21 M 15).
5.3.5 NOSE Provers experienced itchiness (06 F 17, 15 F 00:00:05) in the
nose, as well as dryness (29 M 01). There was a burning (05 F 04) tickling
feeling (18 F 08), as if there was pepper in the air (07 F 00:02:30), or as if
irritated by chlorinated water (28 M 01). There was sneezing (07 F 00:01:30, 15
F 00:00:05, 22 F 00). The discharge was clear (18 F 08, 29 M 23), profuse (28 M
05) or in one case sticky (20 F 04). Sinuses felt dry (29 M 00), burning (10 F
01) and itching (14 F 00). 5.3.6 FACE Provers experienced dryness (28 M 07) and
cracking (18 F 03) of the lips. One prover developed an eruption similar to a
fever blister above the lip (13 F 01:03:45). There was also a dry scaly
eruption on the eyelids (18 F 14). 5.3.7 MOUTH Provers experienced dryness of
the mouth (11 M 00, 21 M 11) accompanied by increased thirst (06 F 03, 21 M 02
). The opposite symptom of increased salivation was also noted (14 F 00, 18 F
04). One prover had a sandy taste in the mouth (21 M 01). Provers developed
ulcers on the tongue, at the tip (06 F 06, 07 F 21) or lateral aspect (07 F
03). There was a sensation as if the tongue had been scalded (06 F 06, 07 F
21). There was also pain in the region of the hard palate (07 F 21). One prover
had tightness of the left jaw (22 F 00) with a blocked sensation of the ear.
5.3.8 THROAT
Provers experienced difficulty in swallowing (06 F 02). There was a
sensation of a dry throat (16 M 01:07:00, 28 M 07). Provers experienced throat
pain, which was sharp (06 F 00:01:00), raw, or burning (10 F 01). There was
tickling (13 F 04) and itching (29 M 26) in the throat. There were various
sensations of something stuck in the throat (13 F 04), of a lump in the throat
(06 F 02), or adherent to the throat (18 F 04), or of a mucous plug (06 F
00:01:15) which needed clearing (13 F 03). 5.3.9 STOMACH There was a strong
influence on the gastro-intestinal tract. Many provers experienced a marked
increase in thirst (13 F 02, 14 F 01, 18 F 02:XX:X, 24 F 21), with a sensation
of a dry mouth (06 F 03, 21 M 02). Provers experienced a big increase in
appetite (24 F 07) with hunger pains (06 F 08) or continuous nibbling (17 F 00,
22 F 08). Others experienced a decreased appetite (18 F 02:XX:X, 30 F 02) with
easy satiety (30 F 06). Provers experienced nausea (06 F 05, 13 F 01). The
nausea was aggravated by driving (06 F 11), 30 F 04) and flying (30 F 00). It
was experienced after eating (06 F 05, 13 F 01), or relieved temporarily by
eating (30 F 02). There was a tendency toward somatisation of negative emotions
leading to nausea and stomach pain (06 F 11). Anxiety was also experienced as
tension in the solar plexus (03 M 01, 16 M 24) or bubbles in the stomach (21 M
13). There was also a sensation of hollowness or emptiness in the stomach (18 F
01, 29 M 20), as if filled with air (21 M 16). Heartburn was experienced by
provers (16 M 00, 20 F 01), with retrosternal burning like hot coals (18 F 08).
There was an aggravation after eating (15 F 04). The sensation rose up in the
oesophagus (29 M 12), causing scalding (20 F 05). It was accompanied by
indigestion, bloating and stomach cramps (20 F 01, 28 M 01, 28 M 09). Stomach
pain was relieved by pressure (29 M 12) or bending double (29 M 20, 29 M 27).
5.3.10 ABDOMEN
Provers experienced lower abdominal or suprapubic pain (13 F 18). The
pain was compared to that of a bladder infection (06 F 02, 07 F 06). Female
provers experienced premenstrual lower abdominal pain, and pain in the region
of the ovaries (06 F 17), both on the left (06 F 17) and on the right (15 F
00:00:10). Pain was experienced as stitching or stabbing (16 M 16, 18 F 01).
Pain was also cramping, coming in waves (07 F 06, 18 F 01), or burning (06 F
02), like hot coals or burning water (18 F 01). Pain was relieved by bending
forward (18 F 01) or bending double (13 F 02, 13 F 18, 18 F 01 ) and by warmth
(13 F 02). There was much bloating (13 F 02, 18 F 00:09:10, 21 M 02) and
flatulence (18 F 04, 20 F 04, 20 F 10, 28 M 04). There was also a hollow, empty
sensation (18 F 01, 18 F 17). 5.3.11
RECTUM AND STOOL There was an increase in the amount of rectal flatus
(06 F 09, 24 F 16, 28 M 02, 28 M 03). Flatus was noisy (18 F 02, 20 F 04) and
smelly (20 F 04, 28 M 01), like animal manure (07 F 00) or meaty (28 M 00).
Provers experienced absence of the urge to defecate (16 M 01) or ineffectual
urging (20 F 06, 28 M 01) and constipation (28 M 02). There was a tendency to
diarrhoea (18 F 16) with a loose (07 F 00:02:00, 20 F 04), soft (20 F 04, 24 F
10, 28 M 02) stool. Passing stool provided relief (20 F 04, 28 M 02). There was
also the opposite tendency to constipation with hard dry small stools (28 M 07),
like raisins (18 F 01), which were difficult to pass (18 F 01, 18 F 02). 5.3.12
BLADDER, URETHRA AND URINE There was burning suprapubic pain compared to that
of a bladder infection by provers (06 F 02). There was a sensation of a full
bladder (07 F 06). Provers experienced increased urination (18 F 12, 20 F 06)
with constant urging (18 F 01). Urine was hot and viscid (20 F 00:01:45).
Prover 20 experienced urinary incontinence (20 F 02, 20 F 06) which was worse
sneezing, coughing, or movement (20 F 03).
5.3.13 FEMALE GENITALIA / SEX Female provers experienced changes in the
normal menstrual cycle and the character of the flow. There was an absence of
their normal dysmenorrhoea (13 F 21, 17 F 15, 30 F 02), and normal
pre-menstrual discomfort (14 F XX, 30 F 02). Menstrual pain was experienced as
heavy (18 F 01), bearing down (18 F 30) as if the insides were going to come
out (30 F 03), or lower pelvic cramping (22 F 09). There was also pain in the
ovarian region (06 F 16, 15 F 01). Flow was lighter than normal (13 F 25, 17 F
15, 18 F 14, 30 F 04), dark (17 F 15, 18 F 14), fluid (18 F 30), with an
absence of clots (15 F 02, 17 F 15, 30 F 04). There was also a dark, muddy
brown, sandy leucorrhoea (13 F 13). Both male (16 M 12, 28 M 01) and female (07
F 33) provers experienced an increase in libido. 5.3.14
CHEST Provers experienced fluttering (20 F 01) or palpitations (24 F 04)
in the chest. This was associated with a fear of death (24 F 04) , and one
prover had palpitations during a panic attack (14 F 13). Palpitations were
experienced on pausing or on lying down (20 F 02). There was a sensation of
being short of breath (24 F 00). One prover had a sensation of constriction, as
if a rope was being tightened around the chest (18 F 03). The ribcage felt
bruised and tender (24 F 01), and there was burning parasternal pain as if
fingers were dug into the chest (14 F XX). There was sensitivity of the left
breast (14 F XX) . Prover seven had pain in the left breast resembling that of
mastitis (07 F 35), which was worse for any movement including expiration, and
better for support of the breast. It was accompanied by fever and rigors.
5.3.15
NECK AND BACK
There was muscle tension (05 F 02), pain and stiffness of the neck (21 M
12). Lumbar back pain was experienced, which was described as
sharp shooting (06 F 00:05:20), stabbing (26 M 10 ), as if pulled or
stretched (16 M 03), or a tight stiff strained pain (29 M 03, 29 M 05, 29 M
18). The pain was aggravated by movement or a change in position, especially
moving off centre (26 M 10 ), leaning forward (16 M 03), reaching or bending
forward or over (26 M 10, 28 M 07). It was relieved by lying down (28 M 12) and
by a bath (28 M 07). There was stiffness of the lower back (20 F 05) relieved
by movement (20 F 05, 29 M 03). 5.3.16 EXTREMITIES Provers experienced weakness
(05 F 00, 28 M 01), tiredness (28 M 01) and heaviness (21 M 00:21:00, 21 M 06)
of limbs. There was tightness and stiffness of the neck (05 F 02, 29 M 15),
shoulders (06 F 07) and upper extremities (21 M 22), as well as the calves (29
M 24) and the hamstrings (29 M 14). Stiffness was relieved by stretching. There
was cramping of the calves (21 M 14, 27 M 14). Pains in the joints were
experienced strongly. Joints affected were the predominantly the fingers (18 F
10, 18 F 19, 27 M 11, 28 M 08), wrists (27 M 08, 29 M 09), toes (20 F 05, 29 M
25) and ankles (26 M 02, 27 M 11), and also the shoulders (29 M 08) and knees
(29 M 21). The pain was experienced as a deep ache (18 F 19), a stabbing pain
(29 M 25), or a tight stiff pain (27 M 27, 29 M 21). There was dryness and
itching (13 F 10, 18 F 04, 29 M 20) of the extremities. Provers developed
blisters on the toes (18 F 17) and eruptions around the ankles (20 F 10).
Prover 28 also experienced lightness of the body (28 M 00) and a sensation as
if wading through water.
5.3.17 SLEEP
Provers experienced a change in their sleep cycle. Sleep was restless
(18 F 03, 22 F 05) and broken (16 M 06), with tossing and turning (21 M 07).
Provers woke often (18 F 13, 21 M 08) or remained aware of their environment
(18 F 07, 20 F 05). Two provers, who normally sleep badly, experienced deep
restful dreamless sleep as a cured symptom (14 F 03, 29 M 02). Many provers
experienced overwhelming sleepiness (03 M 01, 04 M 00, 22 F 05 ) or tiredness
(07 F 25, 15 F 04, 18 F 03, 30 F 00) during the day. There was also difficulty
waking up in the morning (06 F 04, 07 F 07, 27 M 08, 30 F 01) with a strong
desire to remain in bed (06 F 05, 14 F 13). Prover 21 had excessive yawning
with a feeling as if the mouth were too small to accommodate the yawn (21 M
09). 5.3.18 DREAMS Certain themes emerged in the dreams that provers had. There
was a theme of deceit (16 M 12, 18 F 13 , 27 M 04) and mistakes (11 M 02).
There were dreams of embarrassment (04 M 04, 13 F 07), guilt (13 F 09, 16 M 04)
and being unprepared (07 F 06), as well as of inappropriate sexuality (04 M 10,
13 F 09, 16 M 12, 24 F 18). There were dreams about home, confusion about whose
home it was (07 F 02), disorder and dysfuntionality at home (18 F 04). The
theme of travelling emerged, with dreams of driving (11 M 02), riding on a
bicycle, even travelling in a pram (11 M 02). Provers dreamt about ships (17 F
01, 18 F 11 , 21 M 06) and spaceships (27 M 04). Provers dreamt of old friends
(16 M 24) and old business colleagues (10 F 00, 11 M 01). There were dreams
about communication and difficulties and frustration therewith (11 M 08, 16 M
17, 18 F 13).
There were dreams about rescuing and protecting animals (16 M 19, 24 F
10), and also dreams in which the object of protection was in some way deformed
(24 F 09, 24 F 10). This tied up with the theme of deformity in other dreams
(16 M 24, 24 F 05). There were dreams of cats (16 M 19) and snakes (07 F 12, 07
F XX), with a feeling that the snakes were in some way protecting the prover
(07 F XX). There were dreams of pursuit: being pursued by dinosaurs (13 F 04),
bears (14 F 08), the police (21 M 14) or murderers; or pursuing snakes (07 F
XX).Provers strove to outwit the pursuer, as different pursuers required
different techniques (13 F 04), and then tried to teach others how to escape
(13 F 09). There were dreams of others in trouble and being involved in their
protection (24 F 14). There were also dreams of attack (18 F 11), of rape (24 F
01), and of war (16 M 13, 27 M 12, 28 M 02). One prover dreamt of being
poisoned by a liquid causing suffocation (21 M 11). 5.3.19 SKIN There was a lot
of dryness of the skin - of the lips (14 F 05 , 18 F 18), on the face (28 M 04)
arms and legs (18 F 04) and feet (18 F 06). Provers noticed itchiness of the
skin - on the back (19 M 04), chest (22 F 08), arms(18 F 04), hips (26 M 01),
legs (18 F 10, 29 M 20) and feet (13 F 10). Prover 17 described the skin as dry
and lizard-like (27 M 02), prover 28 noticed that the facial skin was coarse
like sandpaper (28 M 00), prover 29 described a tight feeling of the skin as if
it had been in the sun for tool long (29 M 10:XX:X). There was an eruption
above the lips resembling a cold sore (13 F 01:03:45). The face was affected
with a break-out of pimples (20 F 08, 24 F 16). There were eruptions around the
ankles with heat and swelling (20 F 10), and red maculo-papular eruptions on
the arms (18 F 11). Old scars felt inflamed and the surrounding skin was red
(27 M 04). One prover developed a red lesion resembling an insect bite on the
chest (22 F 02). This echoed redness, swelling and itching of the leg „as if
bitten by an insect’ (29 M 20).
5.3.20 GENERALS Some provers experienced an increase in energy levels
(03 M 06, 20 F 01, 22 F 04) with an increased ability to do physical activity
(17 F 00), or an urge to get things done (20 F 02). Others experienced sharply
decreased energy levels with exhaustion (06 F 04, 07 F 06, 16 M 02, 27 M 07, 30
F 00). There was a change in subjective experience of body temperature. Provers
felt hot (27 M 00) and bothered (26 M 07), preventing sleep at night (27 M 02 ,
27 M 14). Provers suffered from hot flushes (18 F 02, 18 F 08:XX:X) to the face
(20 F 01) and chest (27 M 27), even if hands and feet were cold (06 F 09).
There was a marked aggravation on waking (05 F 04, 06 F 09, 18 F 02, 20 F 03,
21 M 02, 24 F 05) and also in the morning and evening between five and seven
(13 F 03). There was a craving for salty (21 M 22, 27 M 19), savoury (13 F 03,
20 F 01) food and a desire for red meat (20 F 01, 21 M 06, 21 M 09). There was
a craving for alcohol (21 M 17), specifically red wine (21 M 06), although an
aggravation from sherry was noted (20 F 00). Provers 20 and 21 developed a
strong aversion to tobacco smoke (20 F 02, 21 M 08, 21 M 14). Prover 20 was
aggravated by exposure to tobacco smoke (20 F 02, 20 F 03). Patients
experienced an amelioration of symptoms during a thunderstorm (28 M 05), and in
cloudy overcast weather (28 M 05), although there was emotional resistance to
rainy „miserable’ weather (04 M XX, 15 F 04). Patients experienced an aggravation from
driving (06 F 11, 06 F 17, 14 F 13 , 15 F 04). One prover felt in increase in
static electricity (13 F 07). Prover 27 had a desire to go swimming (27 M
05:XX:X), while prover 28 had an amelioration of symptoms after swimming in a
salted pool (28 M 03).
4 ANTIDOTE In the event that any signs and/or symptoms attributed to the
proving substance, (whether mental, emotional or physical in nature), cause
excessive discomfort for the prover, the following methods of antidoting the
effects of the remedy exist (Kerschbaumer, 2004):
a. A homoeopathic similimum based on the totality of symptoms of both
the pre-proving case history and the proving.
b. If Method a. was ineffective, the provers “constitutional’’ homoeopathic remedy would be
administered. If it were unknown, it would have been ascertained from the
pre-proving case history.
c. If Method b. was ineffective, an “acute” homoeopathic remedy would be
prescribed according to the smaller presenting totality of the proving
symptoms.
d. If Method c. failed, the commonly known methods of antidoting i.e.
applying camphor, coffee, mints etc. would be used.
Many provers experienced symptoms which were of a mild or transitory nature,
or did not disturb the prover to the degree where they felt the remedy needed
to be antidoted. However, prover 7 was affected to the extent that she produced
strong ongoing symptoms for two months after the remedy. Finally, four months
after starting the proving, prover 7 required antidoting. Her symptoms included
ulceration of the tongue, dry lips, pain in the hard palate, and extreme
emotional lability. Naja mossambica 30ch was administered, which provided rapid
relief of all symptoms.
POSSIBLE CLINICAL CONDITIONS The symptomatology produced by Hemachatus
haemachatus indicates that it may be useful in the following clinical
applications: Depression Anxiety Allergic rhinitis Pharyngitis and tonsillitis
Apthous ulceration
Heartburn Gastro-intestinal disturbances such as Irritable Bowel
Syndrome Rheumatism Lumbar back pain Dry, scaly itchy skin eruptions Menopause
MIASMATIC ANALYSIS Hemachatus haemachatus produced symptoms which are
characteristic of the sycotic miasm in homeopathy. In the mind, it produced
feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment , humiliation, feelings of being stuck,
avoidance of company and the withdrawal to a quiet, private space, repetitive
thoughts, feelings of inadequacy and not being able to cope, avoidance of
responsibility, depression and lethargy. These themes are echoed in the dreams,
and there were also dreams of deceit, of mistakes, of embarrassment, and of
being unprepared. Furthermore, there were dreams of intense sexuality, and
inappropriate sexuality, with knowledge that there would be disapproval of
these tendencies and a tendency to conceal them. There were
also symptoms consistent with the malarial miasm as proposed by Sankaran
(2002): intense irritability, especially with inefficiency, resentment to being
controlled, feelings of being harassed and persecuted, of being trapped with a
need to get out, longing for past relationships, changeability. There were
dreams of intense frustration, of harassment, attack, rape, of being stuck in a
situation,
of protecting others and others being nasty or mean to one. There were
dreams of being pursued. Pain was experienced as annoying, irritating.
Vesicular skin eruptions were produced. Sankaran describes the malarial miasm
as a combination of the sycotic and the acute miasms. It is thus proposed that
Hemachatus haemachatus belongs to the malarial miasm.
Lachesis muta is the Bushmaster of lowland rainforests of Central and
gloom and fury, apprehensive irritability. There may be anguish and anxiety,
which may be unbearable. Hemachatus haemachatus produced emotional lability,
with rapid changes in mood. Provers experienced anxiety, a sense of
apprehension and a fear that something terrible may happen, to the point of
experiencing panic attacks. Thakkar (2007) identifies home and relationships as
the two most important areas for Lachesis muta. There is great anxiety and care
for relatives and friends, and great sympathy and affection for others. Their
involvement with others and their relationships deepen very quickly, and their
commitment and care leaves them very vulnerable to hurt and disappointment. The
themes of home and friends also featured very strongly in the proving of
Hemachatus haemachatus. There was a need to organise and sort out personal
space, and a desire to go home or remain at home, as it felt the safest place
to be. There was intense sympathy for friends and acquaintances in need, and a
desire to reconnect with old friends, as well as dreams of old friends and work
colleagues. Lachesis muta is a remedy for patients whose ailments follow
disappointment in love, grief and death of family members. In health, they are
communicative, vivacious, affectionate and amorous, craving amusement and
entertainment. This relates to feelings of positivity, capability, joy,
enthusiasm and elation seen in Hemachatus haemachatus, with a carefree, bubbly
mood, and enjoyment of the company of friends. Lachesis muta becomes
argumentative, opinionated, domineering, jealous and suspicious when unbalanced,
and in the proving of Hemachatus haemachatus, feelings of jealousy and
argumentativeness were produced. Lachesis muta displays clairvoyance, and can
feel the energy of others. In Hemachatus haemachatus, we see sensitivity,
vulnerability and provers absorbing the mood of others. There was a feeling of
deepened spirituality, of reconnection with themselves, and of transcendence.
This contrasts with Lachesis muta, who may become very religious, even
dogmatic, moralistic or puritan (Vermeulen, 2000), praying fervently (Thakkar,
2007).
Lachesis muta sleeps into an aggravation and is aggravated after sleep
(Gibson, 1987), with many symptoms being aggravated in the morning on waking.
There is a marked tendency to insomnia, especially before midnight (Vermeulen, 2000).
Symptoms are predominantly left-sided. Patients are warm-blooded (Vermeulen,
2000). There is an aggravation from the sun, and from heat and humidity, and a
tendency to hot flushes. Lachesis muta patients crave alcohol but are
aggravated by it, and have an aversion to tobacco as well as being aggravated
by it (it is one of the remedies listed as useful to increase the disgust for
tobacco). All of these symptoms were also produced in the proving of Hemachatus
haemachatus. Lachesis muta has a particular affinity for the throat, causing
tonsillitis/ pharyngitis which is left-sided or spreads from left to right.
There is a constricted sensation in parts of the body, e.g. a sensation of a
lump in the throat, which may be painful and returns after swallowing
(Vermeulen, 2000). Hemachatus haemachatus produced sharp, raw throat pain with
dryness of the mouth and throat. There was also the feeling of a lump in the
throat, or something stuck to the tongue or to the sides of the throat.
Lachesis produces headaches which are one-sided and spread to the neck and
back. Pains may shoot down to the eye, or from the zygoma to the ear, or down
the nape to the shoulders (Gibson, 1987). The pain is bursting, pressing and
congestive, and is aggravated by motion, heat and after sleep. The headaches of
Hemachatus haemachatus were predominantly in the frontal, temporal or occipital
areas or around the eyes. They extended from the occiput to behind the eye, or
neck to the temple, from the temple to the eye, or from the temples to the
teeth. Some headaches extended to or from the neck or back, or were accompanied
by neck stiffness or spasm. Congestive, bursting, pounding head pains were also
produced, as well as sharp piercing stabbing pains. Headaches were aggravated
by light, while pressure, and icy, cool applications provided relief.
The marked photophobia in Hemachatus haemachatus, with itchiness,
dryness and scratchiness in the eyes, is also seen in Lachesis, which has
intense photophobia with pain, itching, stinging and sensitivity to
touch, and a desire to rub the eyes (Gibson, 1987). Lachesis muta produces hard
thumping palpitations of the heart, aggravated by lying down, associated with a
sense of constriction or tightness of the chest (Gibson, 1987). There are
episodes of oppression of the precordium. Hemachatus haemachatus produced
palpitations, with anxiety, felt when pausing or lying down. There was a sense
of constriction around the chest, and burning parasternal pain as if fingers
dug into the chest. In the respiratory system symptoms of Lachesis, there is
shortness of breath and asthma, with air hunger and an aggravation in a closed
stuffy atmosphere. Hemachatus haemachatus produced a feeling of shortness of
breath. In the female reproductive system, the most striking symptom of
Lachesis muta is severe PMS which is markedly ameliorated by the appearance of
the menses. Menses is thin, dark, scanty and offensive. Provers taking
Hemachatus haemachatus experienced irritability and snappishness which was
compared to pre-menstrual tension. Menses was dark, fluid, muddy or sandy, with
an absence of clots, and a decrease in the usual pain. Both remedies have pain
in the ovarian region. During menopause, Lachesis patients suffer from hot
flushes, headaches, palpitations, dyspnoea, night sweats and severe mood
changes (Gibson, 2007). These symptoms were also produced in the proving of
Hemachatus haemachatus. Abdominal bloating is common in Lachesis muta patients,
relieved by loosening the clothes round the waist (Gibson, 1987). There may be
much ineffectual urging to stool. Bloating and flatulence were strong features
in the proving of Hemachatus haemachatus, and there were also other digestive
disturbances such as heartburn, abdominal pain, acidity, and constipation.
There is a tendency to frequency of urination in both remedies, and in
Hemachatus there is also lower abdominal pain likened to provers to that of
cystitis, and incontinence.
Low back pain in Lachesis muta, as if the back was dislocated, is
accompanied by weakness, fatigue and trembling. In Hemachatus haemachatus,
lumbar pain was sharp shooting, stabbing, as if stretched or a tight, stiff,
strained pain. The pain was aggravated by movement or a change in position, and
was relieved by lying down and by a bath.
Naja tripudians is the Indian cobra, a member of the Elapidae, which
produces highly neurotoxic venom with hardly any cytotoxic or haemorrhagic
effects. Ross (2007) identifies the fundamental conflict in Naja tripudians as
that between the duty and responsibility they feel due to life circumstances,
and their own needs as a human being. Naja tripudians has strong maternal
instincts, with a strong sense of duty and dedication toward their children,
younger siblings and family members (Thakkar, 2007). Their duty is carried to
the point of domination, and they may become bossy, impatient, controlling and
dictatorial, which leads to conflict and disappointment, felt intensely by Naja
tripudians. There are feelings of being disappointed in love, of being
neglected, alone and forsaken, not being appreciated and betrayed by the loved
one. Thakkar (2007) thus sees this conflict between the anxiety of neglecting
their duty, and the apprehension of doing something wrong as the core issues in
Naja tripudians. This is reflected in dreams of not protecting siblings or
children or pets. Sankaran (1997) says that the qualities of nobility, morality
and responsibility seen in Naja, are often in conflict with the feeling of
being wronged, with anger, malice and an impulse to harm the offending person.
The comparative extraction (Appendix H) shows rubrics which support this
interpretation.
There is a lack of self-confidence in Naja tripudians, with a feeling
everything they do is wrong, and that they cannot succeed. There is a tendency
to sadness, introspection, and specifically brooding, even over imaginary
troubles. There may be thoughts of suicide, and a feeling as though they are
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not worthy of the gift of life. Naja tripudians has a fear of being
alone with a corresponding desire for company, fear of accidents, and fear of
death during heart symptoms. Naja tripudians patients display mildness and
timidity, with a loss of will-power. They are sensitive, secretive and
sentimental. There is an alternation in moods. There are delusions that they
are being deceived, injured or wronged, and a delusion of being trapped.
Hemachatus haemachatus produced feelings of sympathy for others, especially
those in need. There were dreams of protecting the weak and abandoned, such as
animals or babies. There was however a sense that the object of affection had
something wrong with them, either it was deformed or had some offensive
disease, and there was a sense of being trapped into looking after it.
Hemachatus produced much greater irritation than Naja, even with members of the
family, and there was an aversion to company, with a need to be alone in a
quiet, restful, safe space. There was sometimes an effort to control the
irritability and concomitant violent impulses, but often provers were snappish,
shouting at offenders. Provers experienced a sense of not being good enough,
especially in the realm of personal relationships, and easily felt rejected or
not appreciated. There was also dwelling on past relationships with a deep
sense of longing or yearning for love, and a sense of something or some-one
missing in their lives. The lack of self-confidence was also expressed as a
feeling of being unable to cope, of not managing. Provers felt sensitive and
vulnerable, with a need to be appreciated, to be worth something to the world.
In the proving of Hemachatus haemachatus there was a sense of being harassed,
picked on, persecuted, and purposefully annoyed. There were dreams of others
being mean to them. There was intense frustration with a feeling and dreams of
being trapped or stuck, and a need to get out. Irritability was much more
marked in Hemachatus haemachatus, and this was specifically directed at
inefficiency, incompetence, others being slow or slack. The alternation in
moods was marked, with moods changing rapidly.
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The conflict between duty in responsibility in Hemachatus haemachatus
manifested in an avoidance of responsibilities, which was coupled with great
lethargy and lack of motivation. Responsibilities were perceived to be
regarding work, and the aspect of duty toward the family did not arise in the
proving. 5.7.4 Elaps corallinus Elaps corallinus is the Brazilian coral snake,
a member of the Elapidae family. It is known in homeopathy primarily for a few
leading or keynote symptoms - a desire to play (in the grass), a need to get
into the country away from people, black discharges, a craving for oranges,
salads, ice and yoghurt, and dreams of falling (Vermeulen, 2000). Thakkar
(2007) has provided greater insight into the remedy. She identifies a feeling
of isolation, of being separate and not belonging to the world as central to
the remedy. There is a strong sense of independence, a need for freedom, with
an aversion to being domesticated, held back or obstructed. Elaps displays
intolerance to the pretence, dishonesty and lies of humanity, an inability to
live in the city for too long, and a deep connection with nature and the
outdoors. They are critical of themselves and others, and intolerant of others
who are unaware and careless, hurting others because they are not mindful of
their actions. They may feel rage, as of the blood boils, with a need to shriek
or break things, together with a fear of losing control. Elaps may also be
fastidious, and particular about cleanliness and order.
The comparative analysis in RADAR (Appendix H) identified some emotional
characteristics unique to Elaps corallinus. There is a strong aversion to
company, they cannot bear even the sight of anybody, with a need to get into
the countryside away from people. At the same time, there is a fear of being
alone, due to a fear that something may horrible happen. There is moroseness
and taciturnity, and a tendency to sit wrapped in thought, dwelling on past
disagreeable occurrences. There is anger and irritability, felt especially when
disturbed or spoken to.
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Hemachatus haemachatus produced intense irritability, but this was
caused by perceived inefficiency, incompetence and poor planning. There was
disgust with hypocrisy. There was anger with violent impulses to harm the
offender - to punch them in the face, or rip their heads off, but these were
controlled, and frustration was mostly vented by shouting. There were feelings
of frustration, and of being deliberately harassed or picked on. Provers had a
feeling of being trapped, and a need to get outside, into nature or go for a
walk on a field. Hemachatus haemachatus displayed and aversion to company and a
need to be alone, in a quiet restful space, but home was identified as that
safe space, and provers retreated to their homes or rooms to pursue their own
interests. Provers experienced a sense of anxiety, as if something bad, such as
an accident, might happen, or as if something was just not quite right. There
was a fear of driving, a sense of danger on the roads, even dreams of a massive
accident. The playfulness seen in Elaps corallinus is echoed in the carefree,
bemused, happy, bubbly feelings of Hemachatus, the enjoyment of the company of
friends and the irritation felt by one prover at that fun being spoiled by a member
of the group. Joyfulness, vivacity and a desire for entertainment seem,
however, to be qualities common to all the snake remedies.
5.7.5 Naja mossambica
Naja mossambica is the Mozambican Spitting Cobra, an Elapid indigenous
to the north-eastern parts of
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feelings of not caring about tests and work, just wasting to have fun.
Very similar feelings were seen in the Hemachatus haemachatus proving. In Naja
mossambica, we see heightened emotions, even emphasized to the extreme, with
mood swings and a sense of being unbalanced. Provers felt somewhat manic and
mad, with bouts of uncontrollable laughter and giggling and acting in a silly
manner. There was restlessness and hyperactivity, a feeling of being rushed.
While Hemachatus haemachatus also produced sudden changes in mood, the
unbalanced, manic quality was absent. In Naja mossambica there was a feeling of
being spaced out, light-headed, dazed or stoned, which seems similar to the
spaced-out feeling of Hemachatus haemachatus, which had the feeling „as if
taken tranquilizing drugs’. There was however a spiritual element of transcendence, of reconnecting
to themselves or of observant spaciousness in Hemachatus haemachatus, while in
Naja mossambica the feeling seems more out of control and dazed. In Naja
mossambica there is anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed and not able to
cope. There was depression, a feeling of being low, and anti-social feelings.
Similar emotions were experienced by provers in the Hemachatus haemachatus
proving. Depression was also described as a feeling of being low or flatness.
Both remedies show tiredness and lethargy and a lack of motivation, perhaps
more strongly seen in Hemachatus haemachatus. While there was a need for
private space in Hemachatus haemachatus, we also see an effort to connect with
old friends, and dreams of old friends and work colleagues. The sentimental
longing or yearning seen in Hemachatus haemachatus, as well as the sense of
vulnerability and insecurity, was absent in Naja mossambica.
Naja mossambica produced irritability and frustration, with a desire to
just be at home by themselves, a need for space and quietness. The irritability
was directed at family, and everything they did irritated provers. It was also
felt
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towards authoritative people pushing them around, as well as when
driving. The irritability produced by Hemachatus haemachatus was more central
to the proving, as it was experienced more intensely by a greater number of
provers. It was either causeless or triggered by trifles, or specifically felt
in response to incompetence, inefficiency and poor planning; on the road
towards incompetent drivers; when provers felt harassed by others; or when they
felt emotionally hurt or neglected. There were many similarities in the dreams
of the two remedies: dreams of fighting, being bothered or harassed by a man
and then punching or attacking him, attack on one’s house, ships, strange but familiar
places, sleeping or bathing in excrement, rescuing animals, vivid dreams,
frustrating dreams about difficulties in communication, dreams of snakes, being
pursued, being stuck. Physically, there are many points of similarity between
the two remedies. Naja mossambica has feelings of lightness of the head, as
well as light-headedness. Hemachatus haemachatus also has vertigo, and a
feeling of heaviness of the head, as well as various strange sensations: as if
the head wrapped in cotton wool, made of feathers, or is under water. The
headaches of Naja mossambica were felt in the forehead and temple, those of
Hemachatus in the frontal, temporal or occipital areas or around the eyes. Many
headaches in Hemachatus haemachatus extended from one area to another: from the
occiput to behind the eye, or from the neck to the temple, from the temple to
the eye, or from the temples to the teeth. Some headaches extended to or from
the neck or back, or were accompanied by neck stiffness or spasm.
Both remedies affect the eyes. Naja mossambica caused burning, redness,
marked swelling, difficulty in focusing and even purulent discharge from the
eyes, while in Hemachatus haemachatus, itchiness, scratchiness, a gritty
feeling and photophobia predominated. Both remedies caused sneezing and coryza,
as well as dryness of the mouth and lips, and a tendency to formation of
vesicles in the mouth. Both remedies caused sore throat -sharp raw
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scratchy pain in Hemachatus haemachatus, scratchiness in Naja
mossambica. Both have the sensation of a lump in the throat, which we saw
earlier is a common symptom in snake remedies. Both remedies have increased
thirst and an increase in appetite. Naja mossambica had intense cramping in the
stomach and abdomen, with mild symptoms of nausea and flatulence. Hemachatus
haemachatus produced cramping, heartburn and marked nausea in the stomach; and
cramping, burning or stabbing lower abdominal pain, and much flatulence. The
lower abdominal pain produced by Hemachatus haemachatus, likened to provers to
that of cystitis, the urinary frequency and incontinence, and the hot and
viscid urine, were absent in Naja mossambica. Both remedies produce pain in the
ovarian region. Hemachatus has dark red, almost black menses, with an absence
of clots and pain, Naja mossambica has scanty menses, late in appearing, also
with decreased pain. Hemachatus haemachatus showed increased libido in both
sexes, not mentioned in Naja mossambica. Naja mossambica produced sharp pains
in the chest, while Hemachatus had a sense of constriction, or a burning pain
as if fingers dug into the chest. Both remedies have painful enlargement of
axillary lymph nodes. The symptoms corresponding to mastitis seen in Hemachatus
were absent in Naja mossambica. Low back pain and pain in the extremities were
present in both, but more strongly so in Hemachatus haemachatus. Itchy, dry
skin, with eruptions and redness, was also a more pronounced feature of
Hemachatus haemachatus.
Both remedies had in increase in body temperature, with provers feeling
hot. In Hemachatus haemachatus, it was experienced particularly at night,
preventing sleep, and there were also flushes of heat to the face. Sleep was
either restless and disturbed or deep, in both remedies. The intense lethargy
and sleepiness seen in Hemachatus haemachatus was not as pronounced in Naja
mossambica.
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5.7.6 Bitis arietans arietans Bitis arietans arietans is the Puff Adder,
Africa’s largest viper, responsible for most snake bites in Africa. The venom is
haemolytic and cytotoxic. Wright conducted a proving of the venom in 1998. The
feeling of being spaced-out and disconnected was prominent in the Bitis
arietans arietans proving. Provers felt intoxicated, trippy, or stoned. There
was difficulty in concentrating during conversation or attempting to think,
read or write, and easy distraction. Similar sensations were seen in Hemachatus
haemachatus. Provers taking Bitis arietans felt removed from reality, with
everything seeming unreal, even feeling disconnected from themselves, while in
Hemachatus haemachatus there was a feeling of reconnecting with their spiritual
side. The sensation of „cotton wool in the head’ seen in Hemachatus haemachatus was
also experienced in the Bitis arietans proving. Both remedies have clumsiness
and a tendency to drop things, trip or bump into things. Lethargy and laziness
were prominent symptoms in both provings, as well as depression and feelings of
downness. Provers taking Bitis arietans arietans felt sensitive to the opinion of
others, and feelings of being socially left out were experienced. Strong
feelings of being socially embarrassed and humiliated were experienced by one
prover taking Hemachatus haemachatus. We also see strong feelings of not being
good enough, specifically in the realm of relationships. The sadness and
yearning for love, dwelling on past relationships, sense of someone missing in
their lives, and the dreams of old friends and acquaintances in Hemachatus
haemachatus, are echoed in the sad, sentimental thoughts of the past of Bitis
arietans arietans. In Bitis arietans arietans there was some anxiety, which was
specifically felt while driving, to the point of panic attacks, which is also a
feature of Hemachatus haemachatus.
There was an urge to clean and tidy and a need for order in Bitis
arietans arietans, but in Hemachatus haemachatus the impulse was stronger, with
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energy to get things at home sorted out and do major home improvements.
The feature of retreating to the home or private room, seen as a quiet,
restful, safe space, so prominent in the Hemachatus haemachatus proving, was
absent in Bitis arietans arietans. Provers experienced irritability in the
Bitis arietans arietans proving, which was worse in crowds or groups of people,
and also felt when relatives were staying in the family home. This is similar
to the irritation felt in the Hemachatus haemachatus proving, when friends of
provers’ parents, or children of acquaintances, where in the home. Irritation
was however a much more prominent feature of Hemachatus haemachatus,
specifically felt in response to incompetence, inefficiency and poor planning;
on the road towards incompetent drivers; when provers felt harassed by others;
or when they felt emotionally hurt or neglected. Sometimes it was causeless or
triggered by trifles. There are similarities in the dreams produced in the two
provings. Both have dreams of pursuit, of escaping, of snakes, of children and
babies connected to violence, and ambiguous or inappropriate sexuality. There
was a dream in Bitis arietans arietans which is similar to a dream in both Naja
mossambica and in Hemachatus haemachatus. It involves being in a swimming pool
with a male, and spending time with or being pursued by him, even though the
prover doesn’t particularly like him. Bitis arietans arietans produced a decrease in
energy, tiredness and lethargy. Stiffness was a prominent feature. Provers
became more chilly and cold-sensitive, the opposite of the heat and hot flushes
of Hemachatus haemachatus. A sensation of being charged, with increased static
electricity, was a feature of both remedies.
Bitis arietans arietans produced throbbing congested headaches,
occipital, temporal or behind the eyes, and a heavy feeling of the head was
prominent. The eyes were affected much less than in Hemachatus haemachatus:
eyes
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felt tired, overstrained and slightly itchy. Vision was blurred with
difficulty in focusing. Mouth and lips were dry, but no blister formation was
noticed. Appetite was mostly decreased with Bitis arietans arietans. There is
abdominal cramping and a marked increase in flatulence, similar to Hemachatus
haemachatus. There was urgent desire to pass stool in Bitis arietans arietans,
followed by another loose stool some half an hour later, and also some
ineffectual urging. Female provers experienced heavier than normal menses, with
dark clots, which came on too early and without the normal warning signs. In
Hemachatus haemachatus, menses tended to be dark, fluid, lighter than normal,
with an absence of clots, and generally a decrease in the usual pain, but with
pain in the ovarian region. Respiration was affected more in Bitis arietans
arietans, with symptoms similar to asthma produced. Stiffness of the back, neck
and extremities was a marked feature. The pain in smaller joints of hands,
feet, wrists and ankles seen in Hemachatus haemachatus, was not as pronounced.
Sleep was less restless and broken than that of provers taking Hemachatus
haemachatus.
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CHAPTER SIX 6. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 6.1 CONCLUSIONS The homoeopathic
drug proving of Hemachatus haemachatus 30ch produced a variety of mental,
emotional and physical symptoms. Hemachatus haemachatus shows the potential to
be clinically useful in treating patients presenting with similar
symptomatology. It is hoped that clinical application of the remedy will
provide verification of these indications. The comparative analysis of the
symptoms of Hemachatus haemachatus with other remedies derived from snake venom
used in homeopathy, confirmed the close similarity between remedies from these
sources. It is hoped that as clinical information becomes available for the
remedies more recently proven, the differentiating features will become
clearer. 6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS 6.2.1 Prover Group
Hahnemann (1982) emphasised that provers must be diligent, honest,
reliable and conscientious. Many homeopaths feel that the attention of the
prover is crucial to the success of a proving (Scholten, 2007) (Sherr, 1994)
(Vithoulkas, 1981). The long period over which a proving is conducted, requiring
diligence in recording symptoms for a minimum period of five weeks, makes it
thus of vital importance to recruit provers who fulfil the above criteria, and
who also show high motivation and enthusiasm for the proving. Many provers were
recruited from the body of homeopathic students, and it was noted that they
made sensitive and self-aware provers who contributed greatly to the
development of the remedy picture. Members of the public who participated did
not respond to advertisements, and required more detailed personal introduction
to the proving process. It is recommended that the advertisements placed to
recruit provers should be interesting, inspiring and
220
motivational. These should also primarily be directed at potential
provers who would be inclined to respond to advertisements in the proving
context. Every effort must be made to motivate and inspire provers. It is
recommended that in future provings, the researchers draw up a motivational
letter, written in a non-academic style, establishing personal rapport with
provers. This could serve to explain the proving process in an understandable,
motivational manner. The use of inspiring quotes from old masters and modern
homeopaths, who have experience in conducting provings, may be appropriate.
6.2.2 Supervision of provers
The value of maintaining constant personal contact throughout the
proving process by the supervisors/researchers cannot be over-emphasised. The
limiting of the number of provers that each supervisor is responsible for has
been recommended by Kerschbaumer (2004) and Moore (2007). The staggering of
dates that provers start taking the remedy is also highly recommended to ensure
adequate supervision of provers by the researchers. 6.2.3 Publication of
results The results of the proving of Hemachatus haemachatus indicate that it
may be a remedy useful in homeopathic clinical practice. It is recommended that
the results of the proving are published in homeopathic journals, and that the
full proving is made available on the internet databases of existing provings.
This will allow for the expansion of the clinical use of Hemachatus haemachatus
and the continuous verification of its therapeutic use. 6.2.4 Indigenous
substances
South Africa has a rich variety of indigenous flora and fauna. There is
a wealth of plants used for their medicinal or poisonous properties by South
African population groups, including the Khoisan, the indigenous Black
populations and later the Dutch settlers (Van Wyk, Van Oudshoorn, and Gericke:
1997). South Africa has a unique and rich indigenous flora. The Cape Floral
Kingdom has been designated one of the earth’s plant kingdoms,
221
as it hosts 8600 plant species of which 5800 are endemic, in an area of
less than 90 000 square kilometres (Cowling and Richardson:1995). The succulent
Karoo contains over 6000 species, the world’s richest collection of succulents,
40% of which are endemic. Wright (1994) recommended the proving of indigenous
substances for purposes of creating a South African materia medica. Many
indigenous substances have subsequently been the subject of homeopathic
research at the Durban University of Technology, for example Sutherlandia
frutescens [Cancer bush] by Kell, Low, Van der Hulst and Webster (2002),
Harpagophytum procumbens [Devil’s claw] by Kerschbaumer (2004), Naja mossambica [Mozambican spitting
cobra] by Smal and Taylor (2004), Chamaeleo dilepis dilepis [Chameleon] by
Moore and Pistorius (2007) and Gymnura natalensis [Butterfly stingray] by
Naidoo and Pather (2008). The researcher also recommends further provings of
substances indigenous to South Africa to facilitate the creation of a South
African materia medica.
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APPENDIX A
PROVERS NEEDED
Samuel Hahnemann
Applicants are required to be between the ages of
18 & 60 years, in a general good state of health,
and interested in taking part in the
Research of a new Homoeopathic remedy at the
Durban University of Technology.
Please contact:
Lize de la Rouviere : 076 160 4199
Or
Jodi Cahill: 083 946 6439
Or
Homoeopathic Day Clinic: (031) 2042041
APPENDIX B:
SUITABILITY FOR INCLUSION IN THE PROVING
All information will be treated as strictly confidential
Surname:
First names:
Sex:
Telephone number:
PLEASE CIRCLE THE APPROPRIATE WORD:
1. Are you between the ages of 18 and 60 years? YES/NO
2. Do you consider yourself to be in general state of good health?
YES/NO
3. Are you on or in need of any medication?
- Chemical/Allopathic YES/NO
- Homeopathic YES/NO
- Other (e.g. herbal) YES/NO
4. Are you pregnant or nursing? YES/NO
5. Have you had any surgery in the last six weeks? YES/NO
6. Do you use any recreational drugs such as YES/NO
Marijuana, LSD or MDMA (ecstasy)
7. Do you consume more than:
- 2 measures of alcohol per day? YES/NO
(1 measure = 1 tot/ 1beer/ ½ glass wine)
- 10 cigarettes per day? YES/NO
- 3 cups of tea, coffee, herb tea per day? YES/NO
8. If you are between the ages of 18 and 21 years do you have YES/NO
consent from a parent/guardian to participate in this proving?
9. Are you willing to follow the proper procedures for the duration
of the proving? YES/NO
10. Is English your first language and/or are you fluent in English?
YES/NO
This appendix has been adapted from: Wright, C. 1999. A Homoeopathic
Drug Proving of the venom of Bitis arietans arietans. M. Tech. Hom.
Dissertation, Technikon Natal, Durban.
APPENDIX C
This appendix has been adapted from the proving by Smal (2004) and
Taylor (2004) of Naja mossambica.
INFORMED CONSENT FORM
(To be completed in duplicate by the prover)
Title of the research project
A Homoeopathic Drug Proving
Name of the supervisor
Dr M. Maharaj (M. Tech. Hom.)
(031) 2042041
Names of the research students
Lize de la Rouviere and Jodi Cahill
Please circle the appropriate answer:
1. Have you read the research information sheet? YES/NO
2. Have you had the opportunity to ask questions regarding this proving?
YES/NO
3. Have you received satisfactory answers to your questions? YES/NO
4. Have you had an opportunity to discuss this proving? YES/NO
5. Who have you spoken to? __________________________________
6. Have you received enough information about this proving? YES/NO
7. Do you understand the implications of your involvement in this
proving? YES/NO
8. Do you understand that you are free to withdraw from this proving:
a. at any time
b. without having to give a reason for withdrawing
c. without affecting your future care? YES/NO
9. Do you agree to voluntarily take part in this proving? YES/NO
If you have answered NO to any of the above, please obtain the
information before signing.
I ____________________________ hereby give consent for the proposed
procedures to be performed on me as part of the mentioned research project.
Prover:
Name: ___________________ Signature: ___________________
Date:____________
Witness:
Name: ___________________ Signature: ___________________
Date:____________
Researcher:
Name: ___________________ Signature: ___________________
Date:____________
1
APPENDIX D Case History Sheet This has been adapted from: Wright, C.
1999. A Homoeopathic Drug Proving of the Venom of Bitis arietans arietans. M.
Tech. Hom. Dissertation, Technikon Natal, Durban. Prover number: Name: Sex:
Date of birth: Age: Marital status: Children: Occupation: Past medical history:
Please list all previous health problems and their approximate dates: Do you
have a history of any of the following? (please tick √)
Cancer
Asthma
HIV
Pneumonia / Chronic bronchitis
Parasitic infections
Tuberculosis
Glandular fever
Tendency to suppuration / boils
Bleeding disorders
Haemorrhoids
Eczema or skin conditions
Cardiovascular disease
Arthritic / Rheumatic conditions
Warts
2
Surgical history: Please list any past surgical procedures you have
undergone, and the approximate dates. (Including the removal of tonsils, warts,
moles, appendix) Allergies: Vaccinations (Including any reaction to them):
Medication (Including supplements): Estimation of daily consumption of:
Alcohol: Cigarettes: Family history: Is there a history of any of the following
within your family?
Cardiovascular disease
Cerebrovascular disease
Diabetes mellitus
Tuberculosis
Mental disease
Cancer
Epilepsy
Bleeding disorders
Arthritic / Rheumatic conditions
3
Please list any other medical conditions within your family: General
Health: Energy: Describe your energy levels on a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is
the lowest and 10 is the highest. Stress: Describe your stress levels on a
scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is the lowest and 10 is the highest. Sleep:
Quantity
Quality
Position
Dreams: Include any recurrent dreams and themes; and any significance
related to life situations at the time of the dream.
4
Time modalities: Weather modalities: Temperature modalities:
Perspiration: Distribution
Odour
Colour
Appetite: Hunger
Cravings
Aversions
Aggravations
Thirst: What do you normally drink
Quantity
How do you drink (small / large sips…)
Travel:
5
Specific Body Systems: Symptoms from each system will be concentrated on
more than pathologies - these headings are just guidelines for the researchers.
Head: Scalp, hair
Headache
Trauma, whiplash
Concomitants
Modalities
Neurological: Seizures
Weakness / palsy
Sensations
Concomitants
Modalities
Eyes: Pain
Inflammation
Discolouration
Vision
Concomitants
Modalities
6
Ears: Otitis
Balance / vertigo
Tinnitus
Hearing
Concomitants
Modalities
Nose: Allergic rhinitis
Coryza
Sneezing
Sinusitis
Post-nasal drip
Concomitants
Modalities
Throat: Sore throats
Hoarseness
Tonsils - IN / OUT
Concomitants
Modalities
7
Pulmonary: Chest
Cough
Sputum
Asthma
SOB
Bronchitis
Pneumonia
Concomitants
Modalities
CVS: Hyper / Hypotension
Pain / discomfort (chest)
Palpitations
Syncope
Oedema
Phlebitis, varices, telangiectasias, anaemia, easy bruising…
Concomitants
Modalities
GUT and Abdomen: Nausea / vomiting
Indigestion / heartburn
8
Hernia
Ulcers
Abdominal pain
Bloating
Bowel movements
Constipation / Diarrhoea
Flatulence
Any organs particularly affected (Liver, pancreas, gallbladder…)
Haemorrhoids
Any GI surgery
Concomitants
Modalities
Urinary system: Urine output per day (quantity, color, odour…)
Fluid intake (what, how much, hot / cold…)
Infections
Nocturia
Haematuria
Renal stones
Concomitants
Modalities
9
Male system: Libido
Pain
Impotence
Emissions
Prostate
Swellings
Lesions
STD’s
Concomitants
Modalities
Female system: Contraception For how long?
Past history of… Libido
Coital pain
Pain (other)
Bloating
Cysts
PMS
Menstrual cycle
o Interval
o No. days
10
o Amt. of flow
o Colour of blood
o Clots
o Pain
o Menarche
Menopause
Discharge
Breast pain
Check-ups
PAP smear
Last gynae appointment
Pregnancy
Labour
Infections
STD’s
Concomitants
Modalities
Skin: General appearance
Eruptions
Dryness
Turgor
11
Nails
Concomitants
Modalities
Musculoskeletal: Muscle pain / stiffness
Joints
o Pain
o Stiffness
o Inflammation
Concomitants
Modalities
Mental: Please describe your mental and emotional state as it is at this
present time.
12
Physical Examinations: Vital signs: Pulse
Temperature
Blood pressure
Height
Weight (any recent change…)
JACCOLDD: Jaundice
Anaemia
Capillary refill
Cyanosis
Clubbing
Oedema
Lymphadenopathy
Dehydration
Dyspnoea
Cursory examination: Brief head to toe examination of all the systems.
Skin
Head and neck
Respiratory
CVS
13
Abdomen
Extremities
o Reflexes
o Range of motion
o Muscle tone
APPENDIX E
INSTRUCTIONS TO PROVERS AND LETTER OF INFORMATION
Dear Prover
Thank you very much for taking part in this proving.
As an active participant in this proving you will play an integral part
in introducing a new indigenous homoeopathic remedy. This study provides an
opportunity to utilize one of South Africa's natural resources for a medicinal
purpose, which will benefit people for generations to come.
Risks and benefits:
You may experience some mild transient symptoms whilst taking the
homoeopathic medication. You however will be in daily contact with the
researcher and under constant supervision of a qualified homoeopathic
physician, who will antidote any unpleasant intolerable symptoms if necessary.
Please be reminded that you are under no obligation and are free to withdraw
from the study at any stage.
As a participant of this proving you may experience some indirect
benefits such as an increased awareness of yourself, an increased sense of
well-being and a better understanding of how homoeopathy works. Homoeopathy
students will gain a better understanding of homoeopathic provings and
homoeopathy in general.
Before the proving:
Ensure that you have:
§ Completed and signed the informed consent form
§ Attended the pre-proving meeting
§ Had a case history taken and a physical
examination performed
§ Been allocated a prover code
§ The correct journal
§ Been given a set of six powders
§ Read and understood these instructions
Your proving supervisor will inform you of the date that you may start
the one week pre-proving observation period and of the date that you are may
start taking the remedy. Please give your supervisor a convenient time at which
she may contact you on a daily basis .
Should there be any queries or anything you don't fully understand,
please do not hesitate to call your supervisor.
Beginning the proving:
After the supervisor has contacted you and asked you to commence the
proving, record your symptoms daily in the diary for one week prior to taking
the remedy. This will help you get into the habit of observing and recording
your symptoms, as well as bringing you into contact with your normal state.
This is an important step as it establishes a baseline for you as an individual
prover.
Taking the remedy:
Begin taking the remedy on the day you and your supervisor have agreed
upon. Record the time that you take each dose. Time keeping is an important
element of the proving.
The remedy should be taken on an empty stomach and with a clean mouth.
Neither food nor drink should be taken for half an hour before and after taking
the remedy.
The remedy should not be taken for more than 3 doses a day for two days
(six powders maximum). In the event that you experience symptoms or those
around you observe any proving symptoms do not take any further doses of the
remedy.
By proving symptoms we mean:
1. Any new symptoms, i.e. ones that you have never experienced before,
or,
2. Any change or intensification of any existing symptom, or,
3. Any strong return of an old symptom, i.e. a symptom that you have not
experienced for more than one year.
If in doubt phone your supervisor. Be on the safe side and do not take
further doses. Our experience has shown that the proving symptoms usually begin
very subtly, often before the prover recognises that the remedy has begun to
act.
Lifestyle during the proving:
A successful proving depends on your recognising and respecting the need
for moderation in the following areas: work, alcohol, exercise and diet. Try to
remain within your usual framework and maintain your usual habits.
Please avoid all antidoting factors such as coffee, camphor and mints.
If you normally use these substances, please stop taking them two weeks before,
and for the duration of, the proving. Protect the powders you are proving as
you would any other remedy, including keeping them away from strong smelling
substances, chemicals, electrical equipment and cell phones.
Avoid taking medication of any sort, especially antibiotics, vitamin or
mineral supplements, herbal or homoeopathic remedies.
In the event of a medical or dental emergency of course common sense
should prevail. Contact your doctor, dentist or local hospital as necessary.
Please contact your supervisor or proving coordinator as soon as possible.
Confidentiality:
It is important for the quality and credibility of the proving that you
discuss your symptoms only with your supervisor. Keep your symptoms to yourself
and do not discuss them with fellow provers.
Your privacy is something that we will protect. Only your supervisor
will know your identity and all information will be treated in the strictest
confidence. Your identity will not be revealed at any part of the study.
Contact with your supervisor:
Your supervisor will telephone you to inform you to begin your one-week observation
period. When you start to take the remedy, your supervisor will contact you
daily at the time you agreed on. This will later decrease to 2 or 3 times a
week and then to once a week, when you and the supervisor agree that there is
no longer a need for such close contact. This contact is to check on your
progress, make sure that you aren’t experiencing any difficulties, and help you
to record the best quality symptoms possible.
If you have any doubt or questions during the proving, please do not hesitate
to call your supervisor.
Recording of symptoms:
When you commence the proving note down carefully any symptoms that
arise, whether they are old or new, and the time of day or night at which they
occurred. This should be done as vigilantly and frequently as possible so that
the details will be fresh in your memory. Make a note even if nothing happens.
Please keep the diary with you at all times to enable you to record symptoms as
soon as they occur.
Please start each day on a new page with the date noted at the top of
each page. Also note which day of the proving it is. The day that you took the
first dose is day zero. Write neatly on alternate lines, in order to facilitate
the extraction process, which is the next stage of the proving.
Please be as precise as possible. Note in an accurate, detailed, but
brief manner your symptoms in your own language.
Information about location, sensation, modality, time and intensity is
particularly important:
LOCATION:
Try to be accurate in your anatomical descriptions. Simple clear
diagrams may help here. Be attentive to which side of the body is affected.
SENSATION:
Burning, dull, lancinating, shooting, stitching, etc.
MODALITY:
A modality describes how a symptom is affected by different situations
or stimuli, such as weather, food, odours, dark, lying, standing, light,
people, activity, etc. Try different things out to see if they affect the
symptom and record any changes. Annotate it as > for better from, and <
for made worse by.
TIME:
Note the time of onset of the symptoms, and when they cease or are
altered. Is it generally > or < at a particular time of day, and is this
unusual for you?
INTENSITY:
Briefly describe the sensation and effect of the symptom on you. You may
want to grade it from 1 to 10, 1 being very slight and 10 being the most
intense possible.
AETIOLOGY:
Did anything seem to cause or set off the symptom and does it do this
repeatedly?
CONCOMMITANTS:
Do any symptoms appear together or always seem to accompany each other,
or do some symptoms seem to alternate with each other?
This can easily be remembered as: CLAMITS
C - concomitants
L - location
A - aetiology
M - modality
I - intensity
T - time
S - sensation
On a daily basis you should run through the following checklist to ensure
that you have observed and recorded all your symptoms:
Mind Vertigo Head
Eye Vision Ear
Hearing Nose Face
Mouth Teeth Throat
External throat Stomach Abdomen
Rectum Stool Bladder
Kidneys Prostate Urethra
Urine Male genitalia / Sex Female genitalia / sex
Larynx Respiration Cough
Expectoration Chest Back
Extremities Sleep Dreams
Chill Fever Perspiration
Skin Generals
As far as possible try to classify each of your symptoms by making a
notation according to the following key in brackets next to each entry:
(RS) - RECENT SYMPTOM i.e. a symptom that you are suffering from now, or
have been
suffering from in the last year.
(NS) - NEW SYMPTOM.
(OS) - OLD SYMPTOM. State when the symptom occurred previously.
(AS) - ALTERATION in a PRESENT or OLD symptom.
(E.g. used to be left side, now on the right side)
(US) - An UNUSUAL SYMPTOM for you.
Please remember to use red ink for these notations and classify your
symptoms accurately. If you have doubts, discuss them with your supervisor.
Mental and emotional symptoms are important, and sometimes difficult to
describe, please take special care in noting these. Please give full
descriptions of dreams, and in particular note the general feeling or
impression the dream left you with. You may also wish to note the phase of the
moon if you have symptoms that are affected by it.
Reports from friends and relatives can be very enlightening. Please
include these if possible. At the end of the proving please make a general
summary of the proving. Note how the proving affected you in general. How has
this experience affected your health? Would you do another proving?
Please remember that detailed observation and concise legible recording
is crucial to the proving.
“The best opportunity for exercising our sense of observation and to perfect
it is by proving medicines ourselves.” (Hahnemann, 1982)
"The person who is proving the medicine must be pre-eminently
trustworthy and conscientious... and able to express and describe his
sensations in accurate terms," (Hahnemann,1982)
Thank you for participating in this proving. We are sure you will find
that there is no better way of understanding and advancing homoeopathy.
Kind regards
Jodi Cahill and Lize de la Rouviere
This appendix has been adapted from
§ Jeremy Sherr’s „The dynamics and methodology of
homoeopathic provings’ (Sherr, 1994)
§ Smal and Taylor’s proving of Naja mossambica
(Smal,2004); (Taylor,2004)
Appendix F
Proving Information Sheet:
What is a proving?
A homoeopathic drug proving is a study in which people who are in a
relatively good state of health, take a homoeopathically prepared
substance in order to observe and record any symptoms that are elicited. These
symptoms are then said to form the drug picture for that substance and can be
used as a basis for prescription, according to the Law of Similars, when a
patient displays a similar symptom picture.
Why participate in a proving?
Provings are vitally important to homoeopathy as they represent the only
truly accurate manner in which to ascertain the action of homoeopathic drugs.
Hahnemann suggests in the Organon that all homoeopaths should take part in
provings because they allow one to gain a practical and experiential
understanding of homoeopathic medicines. He also feels that the process of
having to accurately record all symptoms that are experienced in the proving
can only serve to increase the physician's powers of observation - what he
considered to be the physician's greatest and most important tool.
Are there any health risks in participating in a proving?
Homoeopathic drug provings are safe and pose no threat to one's health
as the substance used in the proving is given in a diluted and potentised
homoeopathic form.
Provings have been conducted for as long as homoeopathy has existed and
it is seen in all provings that symptoms that are experienced during the
proving are generally mild and exist only temporarily.
In addition to this, all provers are continuously monitored by the
researchers throughout the proving process. If at any point a prover
experiences symptoms that are causing discomfort these will immediately be
treated homoeopathically, free of charge, under the supervision of the Research
Supervisor.
What is expected of provers?
There are certain criteria that need to be met in order to enable you to
participate in this proving:
§ Must be between the ages of 18 and 60
§ Must be in a relatively good state of health
§ Must be in what is considered, for yourself,
to be a general state of good health
§ Must be willing to follow the proper
procedures for the duration of the proving
§ Must be able to maintain your normal lifestyle
and usual daily routine as closely as possible and have no major lifestyle
changes (e.g. moving house, marriage or divorce) planned during the proving
period. Any lifestyle changes should take place at least three weeks before
commencing with the proving
§ Must not be on or in need of any medication:
chemical, homoeopathic or other
§ Must not be pregnant or nursing
§ Must not have had surgery in the previous six
weeks
§ Must not have any surgical or
medical procedures planned for the duration of the proving period
§ Must not use recreational drugs such as
cannabis, LSD or MDMA
§ Any consumption of stimulants (alcohol,
coffee, tea, cigarettes) must be in moderation
A total of 30 volunteers, who will be the provers, will be randomly
assigned to two groups. One group (80% of the total) will be given the proving
substance and the other group (20% of the total) will receive placebo. This
will be done in such a manner that neither the provers nor the researches will
know who is in which group, and none of the provers will know what the proving
substance is.
Provers will first need to record their 'normal' symptoms for one week
to establish a baseline of health. You will then be required to take the given
substance (or placebo) three times a day for a total of two days. During this
time you may experience symptoms which you will be required to record in your
proving journal. During the entire proving time the researchers will be in
close contact with you to monitor your symptoms. This will be done under the
supervision of the Research Supervisor.
If you choose to take part in the proving you will be provided with a
detailed list of instructions as to exactly what the proving entails. Here
follows the basic sequence of events:
1. You will contact either of the researchers to say that you would like
to
participate in the proving and will be asked to meet with the researcher
for a pre-proving interview
2. At the pre-proving interview you will be asked to complete the
Inclusion Criteria sheet and provided with any information you require about
the process. You will be given a date for a pre-proving group meeting.
3. The pre-proving group meeting will be held between all of the provers
and both the researchers. This will serve as an informative session where any
questions about the proving will be answered and you will be given a complete
break down as to what the proving entails
4. At the end of this group meeting you will be asked to arrange a time
with a researcher for a 1½ hour consultation and physical examination You will
then be asked to sign the informed consent form.
5. At the consultation you will be given your prover code, journal,
medication and a starting date will be agreed on
6. On completion of the proving there will be another 1 ½ hour
consultation with a researcher.
7. Once all provers have completed the proving there will be another
group meeting between provers and researchers to compare individual
experiences.
If at any point you decide to withdraw from the proving you are
perfectly entitled to do so without having to give any explanation. You may be
asked to withdraw from the proving if there is any conflict with the criteria
listed above, as these are the criteria that have been set to define the study.
Please be aware that confidentiality will be maintained throughout the
proving. On completion of the proving any identifiable data will be removed and
destroyed. Proving symptoms that are recorded will only be published using the
prover code.
Contact details:
If you have any questions, require information or would like to
participate in the proving please contact one of the following people:
Lize de la Rouviere Jodi Cahill
(031) 764 0867 (031) 266 3006
076 160 4199 083 946 6439
mollerdlr@telkomsa.net jodi@mailbox.co.za
Supervisor: Dr Madhu Maharaj
(031) 204 2041
If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your time
Jodi Cahill and Lize de la Rouviere
This Appendix has been adapted from the proving by Smal (2004) and
Vorwort/Suchen. Zeichen/Abkürzungen. Impressum.