Erythrina lysistemon (Ery-l.) = Common Coral Tree/= Lucky Bean Tree

Once flowering is complete; clusters of long, slender black pods appear. These pods are segmented between each seed. The pods split open to reveal red “lucky bean” seeds which are collected by the local community to be made into trinkets and necklaces to be sold as lucky charms (Roberts, 1997:70). The leaves are trifoliate and are large with a tapering apex. They have hooked prickles/thorns on them. The leaves appear after the spring flowers are over. The bark is smooth and dark gray to gray-brown and is not very corky. Randomly scattered over the trunk and branches are short hooked prickles (Mbambezeli & Notten, 2002).

2.2.4 Traditional uses

Erythrina lysistemon is not just a decorative shade tree; it is thought to have both medicinal and magical properties by many people. These trees were planted as living fences around homesteads, waterholes and kraals. These trees were regarded as royal trees and Zulu chiefs were honoured by having a tree planted on their graves. These trees are much respected in African folklore and it was believed that by taking a truncheon from a tree growing near the deceased person‟s home and planting it on his grave, it would protect him in the afterlife (Mbambezeli & Notten 2002; Roberts, 1997:70). In traditional cultures, plant products are used in combination with psychological treatments. This allows for a flexible, holistic approach to the treatment of a patient in much the same way as a homoeopathic treatment would. The psychological component of traditional healthcare often takes the form of magical, spiritual, ritual or symbolic practices that unless they are seen from a contextual viewpoint, are very difficult to understand (van Wyk & Wink, 2004:7). The leaves, bark, wood, roots and seeds are all widely used although it would seem that the bark has the most prolific applications. The wood is used for making canoes, rafts and floats for fishing-nets as it is light and cork-like when dry. It is also tarred and used as shingles for roofing (Mbambezeli & Notten 2002). The bark is traditionally soaked in water by a tribal chief who then bathes in this water which he believes will help earn him the respect of the community. Bark soaked in water to which has been added the root of a Cussonia species is believed to act as a purifying emetic (Mbambezeli & Notten 2002; Hutchings, 1996:145). Strips of bark are cut from all four sides of the tree and are wrapped around a bunch of wild herbs. The package is then infused in boiling water. The tea is given to women in labour to ease the pains of childbirth (Roberts, 1997:70; Hutchings, 1996:145). The bark applied as a poultice is used to treat sores, wounds, abscesses and arthritis (Mbambezeli & Notten 2002) and open wounds are disinfected and treated with the ash of burnt bark which acts as an anti-bacterial (Roberts, 1997:70). The bark is also used as a toothache remedy. Roberts (1997:70) recounts seeing gardeners peel strips of Erythrina lysistemon bark from the branches of the tree, remove the thorns and wrap the strips around the handles of spades and forks. It was believed that this would give them strength and would soothe sore hands. It was believed that crushed leaves from the tree would clear maggots from a maggot-infested wound. The crushed leaves were also applied to sores and suppurating wounds to speed up healing. Some people thought that crushed leaves placed in shoes would relieve sore and tired feet and would help heal cracked heels (Hutchings, 1996:145). The Zulu and Tswana people make a strong tea by boiling a cupful of leaves in 2 cups of water for half an hour. The warm liquid is then used to relieve earache, a drop is placed into the ear and the rest is used as a poultice – a cloth is soaked in the liquid, wrung out and then placed behind the ear (Roberts, 1997:70). The roots are boiled in the same way and are used as a lotion or poultice to help relieve bruises and sprains. It also relieves tired, sore feet (Roberts, 1997:70; Mbambezeli & Notten 2002).

From its uses in traditional medicine it can be suggested that Erythrina lysistemon has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It has applications in gastrointestinal complaints, headaches, nervous complaints such as anxiety and mental disturbances, pain control, rheumatism and painful joints. It is used as an anti-sorcery medicine and is a powerful emetic. It is used as a trance inducer (Hutching, 1996:145). From this vast array of traditional applications it was hypothesized that Erythrina lysistemon in 30CH potency would have as many beneficial applications for the modern homoeopath.

MIND – ABRUPT, rough S1 MIND – ACTIVITY – desires S2 MIND – ACTIVITY – restless S3 MIND – ANGER S9 MIND – ANGER – conversation; from S11 MIND - ANGER - violent S13 MIND – ANSWERING - abruptly S14 MIND – ANSWERING – aversion to answer S15 MIND – ANXIETY S16 MIND – ANXIETY - anger during S18

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MIND - ANXIETY - anticipation; from S18 MIND – ANXIETY – BED, in bed: tossing about with S19 MIND – ANXIETY – business; about S19 MIND – ANXIETY – future, about S22 MIND – ANXIETY – money matters; about S23 MIND – AVERSION: - children, to: S27 MIND – CAPRICIOUSNESS – irritability, with S32 MIND – CAREFREE S32 MIND – CENSORIOUS S33 MIND – CHARMING others S34 MIND – CHEERFUL S34 MIND - CHEERFULL: - alternating with: - sadness S35 MIND - CHEERFULL: - alternating with: -weeping S36 MIND - COMPANY: - aversion to S38 MIND - COMPANY: - desire for S40 MIND – CONCENTRATION – difficult S41 MIND – CONCENTRATION – difficult – attention, cannot fix S42 MIND - CONFIDENCE: - want of self-confidence S43 MIND – CONFIDENT S43

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MIND – CONFUSION of mind S43 MIND – CONFUSION of mind – concentrate the mind, on attempting to S45 MIND – CONFUSION of mind, sleep, after S47 MIND – DELUSIONS – drugged; as if: S69 MIND - DELUSIONS: - FOREIGN, SOMETHING IN HIS BODY, AS IF N MIND - DELUSIONS: - forsaken, is S74 MIND – DELUSIONS – separated – body – mind are separated; body and S79 MIND – DELUSIONS – separated – body – shake off tension (physical body), he could N MIND – DISCONTENTED – everything, with S92 MIND – DRUGS: - taken drugs; as if one had: S108 MIND – DULLNESS: S108 MIND – DULLNESS – Sleepiness, with S111 MIND – DULLNESS - thinking: long; unable to think S111 MIND – DULLNESS – thinking; slowly S111 MIND – EXCITEMENT – anticipating events, when S115 MIND – EXERTION – physical – ameliorates S118

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MIND – EXERTION – physical – desires S118 MIND – FASTIDIOUS S120 MIND – FEAR – failure, of: examinations, in: S127 MIND – HOMESICKNESS S148 MIND – IMPATIENCE S154 MIND – IMPATIENCE – reading, while S154 MIND – IMPATIENCE – working, when S154 MIND – IRRESOLUTION, indecision S164 MIND – IRRESOLUTION, indecision – laziness, with S164 MIND – IRRITABILITY S165 MIND – IRRITABILITY: daytime: S165 MIND – IRRITABILITY: - causeless: S167 MIND – IRRITABILITY: - children, towards: S167 MIND – IRRITABILITY: - MENSES: - appear; as if menses would: S168 MIND – IRRITABILITY – reading, while S169 MIND – LAZINESS S176 MIND – LAZINESS – sleepiness, with S177

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MIND - MEMORY- WEAKNESS OF S184 MIND – MENTAL EXERTION: - impossible: S187 MIND – MENTAL EXERTION: - aversion to: S188 MIND - MISTAKES; making: -speaking, in: S191 MIND – MISTAKES: -reversing words S191 MIND – MUSIC – agreeable, is S196 MIND - OCCUPATION: -ameliorates. S199 MIND - OCCUPATION: -desire S199 MIND – PROSTRATION of mind S203 MIND – PROSTRATION of mind – sleepiness, with S204 MIND – READING – Aggravates mental symptoms S208 MIND – RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS, too occupied with religion S209 MIND – RESTLESSNESS S211 MIND – RESTLESSNESS - anxious S213 MIND – SADNESS–Company, aversion to company, desire for solitude S220 MIND – SENSES – dull, blunted S225

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MIND – SENSITIVE S225 MIND – SPACED-OUT feeling S234 MIND – STUPEFACTION S240 MIND – TENSION, mental S248 MIND – THOUGHTS – wandering S252 MIND – THOUGHTS – wandering – work, at S252 MIND- WEEPING- easily S265 VERTIGO VERTIGO: AFTERNOON S272 VERTIGO: EVENING S272 VERTIGO – OBJECTS: - room whirls: S279 VERTIGO – OBJECTS: - turn in a circle; seem to: S279 VERTIGO – OBJECTS: - walking, while: S279 VERTIGO – SUDDEN S282 VERTIGO – TURNING, AS IF: - everything were turning in a circle; as if: S283 VERTIGO – WALKING – while: S284 VERTIGO – WRITING, while S284

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HEAD HEAD – CONSTRICTION – forehead: - eyes, over the: S292 HEAD – COTTON WOOL; sensation of: / vertex; below the: S292 HEAD - ERUPTIONS – forehead S294 HEAD – ITCHING OF SCALP: - forehead: S310 HEAD – LIGHTNESS, sensation of, intoxicated as if N HEAD – PAIN: S315 HEAD – PAIN – evening – bed, in S318 HEAD – PAIN – accompanied – eye: S319 HEAD – PAIN – accompanied – neck, pain in S319 HEAD – PAIN – accompanied by: - neck: pain in: - nape of neck S319 HEAD – PAIN – constant, continued: S323 HEAD – PAIN - eyes in S325 HEAD – PAIN, eyes in, dark room ameliorates N HEAD – PAIN, eyes in, light aggravates N HEAD – PAIN, eyes in, noise aggravates N HEAD – PAIN – motion – aggravates S329 HEAD – PAIN – rubbing: amel: S332 HEAD – PAIN – sleep – going to – before S333 HEAD – PAIN – spot, pain in small – extending to – all directions S333 HEAD – PAIN – tea – ameliorates S334

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HEAD- PAIN – wandering pains S336 HEAD- PAIN – warm application – ameliorates S336 HEAD – PAIN – extending to: S338 HEAD – PAIN – extending to – back S338 HEAD – PAIN – extending to – cervical region S338 HEAD – PAIN – extending to – temples S338 HEAD- PAIN- forehead S339 HEAD- PAIN- forehead, in- left side S339 HEAD – PAIN – Forehead in, morning on waking S339 HEAD- PAIN- forehead, in- right side S339 HEAD – PAIN – forehead – closed, eyes forcibly S341 HEAD – PAIN, forehead, pulsating S342 HEAD - PAIN - forehead, in: - rubbing amel: S343 HEAD – PAIN – forehead – eyes – extending to – eyes S347 HEAD – PAIN – occiput S347 HEAD- PAIN- sides- left S353 HEAD – PAIN – sides – right S353 HEAD – PAIN – temples – right S355 HEAD - PAIN - temples - left S355 HEAD – PAIN – temples – extending to – eye S357 HEAD – PAIN – temples – needles like S357 HEAD – PAIN – vertex: S358 HEAD – PAIN – dull pain S372

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HEAD – PAIN – dull pain – occiput S372 HEAD – PAIN – dull –temples S374 HEAD – PAIN – Lancinating S375 HEAD – PAIN – pressing vertex inward, weight; like S390 HEAD - PAIN – pressing - vertex weight, as from a: S390 HEAD – PAIN – pulsating – forehead S390 HEAD – PAIN – sharp S391 HEAD – PAIN, pulsating, noise agg S391 HEAD – PAIN, pulsating, rest amel S391 HEAD – PAIN, sharp S391 HEAD – PAIN -NOISE AGG N EYE EYE – AGGLUTINATED, waking, on S425 EYE - CLOSING the eyes: - desire to: S427 EYE - CLOSING the eyes: - involuntary: S427 EYE - CLOSING the eyes: -must close: S427 EYE – DRYNESS S430 EYE – DRYNESS: - Lids: S431 EYE – DRYNESS: - Lids: - Margins of lids: S431

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EYE – DRYNESS: - sensation of: S430 EYE – DISCOLORATION: red – Lids: Margins of; S430 EYE – EXCORIATION: - Lids: S433 EYE – HEAVINESS S435 EYE - HEAVINESS: - lids: mornings S435 EYE - HEAVINESS: - open; as if could not be held: S435 EYE – INFLAMMATION S435 EYE – INFLAMMATION, red S435 EYE – INFLAMMATION: - lids: S435 EYE – INFLAMMATION: - lids: - Margins: S435 EYE – ITCHING: S439 EYE – ITCHING: lids: S440 EYE – ITCHING: lids: - Margins: EYE – ITCHING: rubbing: amel: S440 EYE – ITCHING - lids: - rubbing amel: S440 EYE – LACHRIMATION S440 EYE – OPENING the eyelids – aversion to open them,

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fears it will aggravate the headache S443 EYE – OPENING the eyelids – unable to – headache, during S444 EYE – OPENING the eyelids: - difficult: -keep the eyes open; hard to: S444 EYE – PAIN S444 EYE – PAIN – pressure: agg: S447 EYE – PAIN – burning - itching S450 EYE – PAIN – lachrymation; with: S450 EYE – PAIN – lids: S451 EYE – PAIN – lids: raw S452 EYE – PAIN – Sore – eyeball: S456 EYE – PAIN – Sore: lids as if denuded S456 EYE – PHOTOPHOBIA, watering with S460 EYE – RUB, desire to: S463 EYE – SLEEPY feeling of eyes: S463 EYE – SWELLING, right S465 EYE – TEARS – burning: S466 EYE – TIRED SENSATION: S467 EYE - WIPE - inclination to S470 NOSE

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NOSE – CATARRH: S531 NOSE – CATARRH: Postnasal: S532 NOSE – CONGESTION – nose, to S533 NOSE – DISCHARGE S537 NOSE – DISCHARGE – Morning: S537 NOSE – DISCHARGE: - blood-streaked S537 NOSE - DISCHARGE- CLEAR S538 NOSE - DISCHARGE- crusts, scabs, inside - bloody S539 NOSE – DISCHARGE – posterior nares: S542 NOSE – FORMICATION: S548 NOSE – ITCHING - NOSTRILS S550 NOSE – ITCHING - WINGS: S550 NOSE – OBSTRUCTION S551 NOSE- OBSTRUCTION- MORNING- WAKING ON S551 NOSE – OBSTRUCTION – sensation of S552 NOSE – PAIN: S554 NOSE – PAIN - headache with; S554 NOSE – PAIN: - extending to: root of nose: S555

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NOSE – PAIN: - Root: headache, with; S555 NOSE – PULSATION S560 NOSE – PULSATION - root S560 NOSE – SINUSES – complaints of S561 NOSE – SNEEZING: S562 NOSE – SNEEZING – coryza, without S563 NOSE - SNEEZING- frequent S563 NOSE – SNEEZING: tickling in nose: S564 FACE FACE – DISCOLORATION – RED –Glowing Red S576 FACE – DISCOLORATION – red S576 FACE – DRYNESS S579 FACE - ERUPTIONS - pimples: forehead S586 FACE – FORMICATION: S593 FACE – ITCHING: S597 FACE – ITCHING - Cheeks: S598

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FACE – ITCHING:-burning: dryness from N FACE – ITCHING:-Chin: S598 FACE – ITCHING:-scratching amel: S598 FACE – TINGLING, cheeks S619 FACE – TINGLING - right S619 MOUTH MOUTH – TASTE – bitter –tongue; root of S669 MOUTH – TASTE – bitterish-sour S669 MOUTH – TASTE - sour S672 TEETH TEETH – CLENCHING teeth together – desire to clench teeth together; Constant S679 TEETH – PAIN: aching S682 TEETH – PAIN- Lower teeth: S689 THROAT THROAT - CATARRH S699

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THROAT – CONSTRICTION S701 THROAT – INFLAMMATION S706 THROAT – INFLAMMATION, tonsils S707 THROAT – ITCHING S708 THROAT – LUMP; sensation of a S708 THROAT – LUMP; sensation of a – swallowing S708 THROAT- PAIN S712 THROAT- PAIN- left S712 THROAT – PAIN, right S712 THROAT- PAIN- morning S712 THROAT – PAIN – drinks – warm – ameliorates S713 THROAT – PAIN – smoking, after S714 THROAT – PAIN – swallowing: S714 THROAT – PAIN – swallowing - after S714 THROAT- PAIN- swallowing: left S714 THROAT – PAIN – rawness – smoking, while S718 THROAT – PAIN – rawness – swallowing, when S718 THROAT – PAIN – rawness S718 THROAT – PAIN: sore: S718

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THROAT – SCRATCHING, cold water amel S723 THROAT – SCRATCHING, coughing, amel N THROAT - SWALLOWING – difficult S724 STOMACH STOMACH – APPETITE, diminished S737 STOMACH - APPETITE- increased S738 STOMACH - APPETITE- increased –morning S739 STOMACH – DISTENSION: S746 STOMACH – EMPTINESS S747 STOMACH – ERUCTATIONS S765 STOMACH – NAUSEA S766 STOMACH – NAUSEA, evening S767 STOMACH – NAUSEA, morning S767 STOMACH – NAUSEA – cough, during S770 STOMACH – NAUSEA – throat, in N STOMACH – NAUSEA, fats, after eating S771 STOMACH – NAUSEA, ice amel S771 STOMACH – NAUSEA, sleep amel S774

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STOMACH –PAIN –increasing gradually - ceasing suddenly S779 STOMACH – PAIN – cramping S784 STOMACH – PAIN - cramping – Before S872 STOMACH – PAIN – ulcerative S792 STOMACH – SINKING: S794 STOMACH – THIRST S796 STOMACH – THIRST – frequently, drinking S798 STOMACH – THIRST – large quantities for: S798 STOMACH – THIRST – water, drinking S799 STOMACH- THIRST- thirstless S799 ABDOMEN ABDOMEN – DISTENTION S817 ABDOMEN – FLATULENCE S822 ABDOMEN – FORMICATION S824 ABDOMEN – ITCHING S830 ABDOMEN – PAIN: S832 ABDOMEN – PAIN - diarrhea: would come on; as if S835 ABDOMEN – PAIN – stool during: S839

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ABDOMEN – PAIN – morning: S832 ABDOMEN – PAIN – night: midnight: after: 2h S833 ABDOMEN – PAIN – flatus; passing S835 ABDOMEN – PAIN – pressure – aggravates S837 ABDOMEN – PAIN – stool: S838 ABDOMEN – PAIN – stool – after S839 ABDOMEN – PAIN – stool-during-diarrheic stool S839 ABDOMEN – PAIN – stool – urging – during S839 ABDOMEN – PAIN – urination – after S839 ABDOMEN – PAIN – extending to – across S840 ABDOMEN – PAIN – hypochondria S841 ABDOMEN – PAIN – twinging S883 ABDOMEN – PAIN – cramping, griping S853 RECTUM RECTUM – DIARRHOEA S897 RECTUM – DIARRHOEA- night: midnight: after S899 RECTUM – DIARRHOEA- night: midnight: after 2h S899 RECTUM – DIARRHOEA- sudden: S905 RECTUM – FLATUS S907 RECTUM – PAIN: stool: during S917

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RECTUM: - URGING: stool before S928 STOOL STOOL: FORCIBLE, sudden, gushing: S933 STOOL – FREQUENT S933 STOOL - SHOOTING out: S939 STOOL - SPLUTTERING: S939 STOOL - WATERY: S941 FEMALE FEMALE – LEUKORRHEA, white S1036 LARYNX AND TRACHEA LARYNX AND TRACHEA – IRRITATION – trachea – coughing, from S1083 LARYNX AND TRACHEA – TICKLING – throat-pit, in S1090 RESPIRATION RESPIRATION – DIFFICULT – yawning ameliorates S1108 COUGH

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COUGH – ITCHING: THROAT, IN: S1131 COUGH – EXPECTORATION – loose: S1132 COUGH – TICKLING, throat in: S1144 CHEST CHEST – ITCHING S1177 CHEST – ITCHING: -scratching: amel: S1177 CHEST - PAIN - heart- region of S1188 CHEST – PAIN- cutting, respiration during S1197 CHEST- PAIN - stitching- heart S1210 BACK BACK – FORMICATION: S1237 BACK – ITCHING: S1239 BACK – ITCHING: -scratching: amel: S1239 BACK – PAIN – dorsal region S1250 BACK – PAIN – dorsal region – extending to: scapulae S1250 BACK – PAIN – scapulae – between: extending to: spine; down to S1252 BACK – PAIN – lumbar, bending S1254

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BACK – PAIN – lumbar, cold S1254 BACK – PAIN – lumbar, warm applications amel S1254 BACK- PAIN –ACHING S1261 BACK – STIFFNESS: S1292 BACK – STIFFNESS: - morning S1292 BACK – STIFFNESS: - morning – waking, on: S1292 BACK – STIFFNESS – cervical region: S1293 EXTREMITIES EXTREMITIES – CONTRACTION of muscles and tendons: S1314 EXTREMITIES – CONTRACTION Foot S1315 EXTREMITIES – CONTRACTION morning, on waking N EXTREMITIES – DRYNESS: S1331 EXTREMITIES – DRYNESS: - Joints: S1331 EXTREMITIES – DRYNESS: - Elbow Joint: N EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: S1332 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - dry: S1333 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - elevations: S1333 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - itching: S1333

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EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - scales: S1333 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - Joints: S1334 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - Joints: - itching: S1334 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - Upper limbs: - dry S1334 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - Upper limbs: - elevations S1334 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - Upper limbs: - itching S1334 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - Upper limbs: - scales S1335 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - itchy and scaly S1336 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - Elbow: S1336 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - Elbow: - elevations S1336 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - Elbow: - itching S1336 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - Elbow: - scales S1336 EXTREMITIES – ERUPTIONS: - Elbow: - Olecranon: S1336 EXTREMITIES – FORMICATION: S1349 EXTREMITIES – FORMICATION: - Joints: S1349 EXTREMITIES – FORMICATION: - Elbows: S1350 EXTREMITIES- INFLAMMATION- Fingers- Nails Under S1362 EXTREMITIES – ITCHING: S1363 EXTREMITIES – ITCHING: - scratching: - amel: S1364 EXTREMITIES – ITCHING: - Joints: S1364

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EXTREMITIES – ITCHING: - Elbow: S1365 EXTREMITIES – ITCHING: - Elbow: - Olecranon S1365 EXTREMITIES – NUMBNESS – right arm and right foot S1380 EXTREMITIES – PAIN S1388 EXTREMITIES – PAIN: - morning: S1388 EXTREMITIES – PAIN: - morning: - waking, on S1388 EXTREMITIES – PAIN- Upper Arm left S1394 EXTREMITIES – PAIN: - Foot: S1420 EXTREMITIES – PAIN: – Foot: - morning: S1420 EXTREMITIES – PAIN: - Foot: - morning: - waking, on: S1420 EXTREMITIES – PAIN – aching: S1424 EXTREMITIES – PAIN – aching: - morning: S1424 EXTREMITIES – PAIN – aching: - morning: - waking, on: S1424 EXTREMITIES – PAIN – Foot: - exercise amel: S1428 EXTREMITIES – PAIN – Foot: S1428 EXTREMITIES – STIFFNESS S1522 EXTREMITIES – STIFFNESS, stretching amel S1522 EXTREMITIES – STIFFNESS, calf S1526 EXTREMITIES – STIFFNESS: - Foot: S1526 EXTREMITIES – STIFFNESS: - Foot: - morning: S1526 EXTREMITIES – STIFFNESS: - Foot: - morning:-waking, on: S1526 EXTREMITIES – STIFFNESS: - Foot: - waking, on: S1526

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EXTREMITIES – STIFFNESS: - morning: S1523 EXTREMITIES – STIFFNESS: - morning: - bed, in: S1523 EXTREMITIES – STIFFNESS: - morning: - waking, on: S1523 EXTREMITIES – STIFFNESS: - sleep, after: S1523 EXTREMITIES – STRETCHING out: - Foot: - desire to: N EXTREMITIES – TENSION: S1533 EXTREMITIES – TENSION: - morning: S1533 EXTREMITIES – TENSION: - Foot: S1537 EXTREMITIES – TENSION: - Foot: - morning S1537 SLEEP SLEEP – BAD: S1563 SLEEP – COMATOSE S1563 SLEEP – CONFUSED, waking on N SLEEP – DISTURBED S1565 SLEEP - DOZING – daytime S1567 SLEEP – FALLING ASLEEP: - daytime: S1569 SLEEP – FALLING ASLEEP: - difficult: S1569 SLEEP – FALLING ASLEEP: - late: S1569

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SLEEP – INTERRUPTED S1571 SLEEP – NEED of sleep – great S1571 SLEEP – POSITION: - changed frequently: S1573 SLEEP – RESTLESS S1575 SLEEP – RESTLESS: - night: -midnight: before: S1575 SLEEP – SLEEPINESS: S1577 SLEEP – SLEEPINESS: - daytime: S1577 SLEEP – SLEEPINESS: - morning: S1577 SLEEP – SLEEPINESS: - forenoon: S1578 SLEEP – SLEEPINESS: - noon: S1578 SLEEP – SLEEPINESS: - afternoon: S1578 SLEEP – SLEEPINESS – afternoon – work, at S1579 SLEEP – SLEEPINESS: - evening: S1579 SLEEP – SLEEPINESS: - dullness, with: S1581 SLEEP – SLEEPINESS: - eyes: opening difficult: S1581 SLEEP – SLEEPINESS: - overpowering: S1582 SLEEP – SLEEPLESSNESS: S1585 SLEEP – SLEEPLESSNESS: - evening: S1585 SLEEP – SLEEPLESSNESS: - evening: bed, after going to: S1585 SLEEP – SLEEPLESSNESS: - midnight: before S1586 SLEEP – SLEEPLESSNESS – irritability, from S1591

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SLEEP – UNREFRESHING–morning, tired in morning than in the evening, more S1595 SLEEP – UNREFRESHING: S1595 SLEEP – WAKING: S1596 SLEEP – WAKING: -night: -midnight: after: 2h: S1596 SLEEP – WAKING – difficult – morning S1597 SLEEP – WAKING: - early, too: S1597 SLEEP – WAKING: - early, too: asleep late, and falling: S1598 SLEEP – WAKING – formication in extremities; from S1598 SLEEP – WAKING – sudden – night: midnight – after S1600 SLEEP – WAKING – urinate; with desire to S1601 SLEEP – YAWNING: S1601 SLEEP – YAWNING: - daytime: S1601 SLEEP – YAWNING: - daytime: - incessantly: S1601 SLEEP – YAWNING: - constant: S1602 SLEEP – YAWNING: - frequent: S1603 SLEEP – YAWNING: - sleepiness: - during S1604 DREAMS DREAMS – BUSINESS: S1612 DREAMS – FLYING S1623

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DREAMS – FRIGHTFUL S1623 DREAMS – HUSBAND: - desires, attention from: N DREAMS – STRANGE S1638 DREAMS - UNREMEMBERED S1640 CHILL CHILL – NIGHT: S1648 CHILL – NIGHT: - midnight: - after: S1648 FEVER FEVER – MORNING: S1661 FEVER – MORNING: - chilliness, with: S1661 FEVER – NIGHT: S1662 FEVER – NIGHT: - midnight: - after S1662 FEVER – NIGHT: - chilliness, with: S1663 FEVER – CHILLINESS, with: S1666 FEVER – CHILLINESS; with – alt with heat not perceptible to touch S1666 SKIN

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SKIN – ALIVE – under skin; something were alive S1689 SKIN – BURNING: S1689 SKIN – DRY S1695 SKIN – ERUPTIONS S1695 SKIN – ERUPTIONS – pimples S1703 SKIN – ERUPTIONS – pimples - whitish S1704 SKIN – ERUPTIONS – red S1706 SKIN – FORMICATION – itching; with S1713 SKIN – FORMICATION – rubbing ameliorates S1713 SKIN – ITCHING: S1715 GENERALS GENERALS – ACTIVITY – ameliorates S1737 GENERALS – ACTIVITY – desire for S1737 GENERALS – ACTIVITY – physical S1737 GENERALS - COLD S1751 GENERALS: - DRY sensation: S1770

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GENERALS: - EXERTION, physical: - amel: S1773 GENERALS: - EXERTION, physical: - desire for: S1774 GENERALS – FOOD AND DRINK, apples, desire S1781 GENERALS – FOOD AND DRINK, chocolates desires S1784 GENERALS - FOOD AND DRINK- coffee- desire S1785 GENERALS – FOOD AND DRINK, cold drink, cold water desire S1785 GENERALS – FOOD AND DRINK, fat aversion S1788 GENERALS – FOOD AND DRINK, fruit desire S1790 GENERALS: -FOOD and DRINK: - onions: desire: - fried: N GENERALS – FOOD AND DRINK, salt desire S1796 GENERALS – FOOD AND DRINK– tea – ameliorates S1799 GENERALS – FOOD AND DRINK, water desire S1801 GENERALS – FORMICATION – external parts S1802 GENERALS – HEAVINESS: externally S1807 GENERALS – HEAVINESS - muscles, of S1807 GENERALS – INFLAMMATION – sinuses, of S1813 GENERALS – INFLUENZA – sensation as if S1813 GENERALS - ITCHING S1815 GENERALS – LASSITUDE S1817

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GENERALS – PAIN - MUSCLE S1836 GENERALS – QUIVERING, accompanied by weakness S1862 GENERALS – RESTLESSNESS S1864 GENERALS: - SICK FEELING; vague: S1869 GENERALS – SLUGGISHNESS of the body S1873 GENERALS: - STIFFNESS: S1874 GENERALS: - STRETCHING: desire N GENERALS – TENSION – externally S1880 GENERALS - TENSION: - Internally: S1880 GENERALS – TENSION – muscles; of S1880 GENERALS: - WEAKNESS: S1895 GENERALS- WEAKNESS- morning: waking, on S1896 GENERALS – WEAKNESS, evening S1897 4.3.1 New Rubrics New rubrics that were created from the proving of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH MIND - DELUSIONS: - FOREIGN, SOMETHING IN HIS BODY, AS IF N MIND – DELUSIONS – separated – body – shake off tension (physical body), he could N

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HEAD – LIGHTNESS, sensation of, intoxicated as if N HEAD – PAIN -NOISE AGG N HEAD – PAIN, eyes in, dark room amel N HEAD – PAIN, eyes in, light agg N HEAD – PAIN, eyes in, noise agg N FACE – ITCHING:-burning: dryness from N THROAT – SCRATCHING, coughing, amel N STOMACH – NAUSEA – throat, in N EXTREMITIES – CONTRACTION: morning, on waking N EXTREMITIES – DRYNESS: - Elbow Joint: N EXTREMITIES – STRETCHING out: - Foot: - desire to: N SLEEP – CONFUSED, waking on N DREAMS – HUSBAND: - desires, attention from: N GENERALS: -FOOD and DRINK: - onions: desire:- fried: N GENERALS: - STRETCHING: desire N

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5.2 The remedy abbreviation

The researcher suggests that Erythrina lysistemon be abbreviated as Ery-l, in accordance with the binary system described in Synthesis, 8th Edition (Schroyens, 2002).

5.3 The symptoms

The concepts resulting from the proving of Erythrina lysistemon are discussed under various sections of the repertory.

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5.3.1 Mind

Mind symptoms made up a large percentage of this proving. The researcher placed the symptoms into categories or themes so that the complete picture of the remedy could be better extrapolated. Irritability and frustration Most provers experienced bouts of irritability and described it as being short-tempered. It would seem that small incidents would spark off the irritability and the individual would become snappy and intolerant. Prover 1 describes the irritability as a type of tension in his body which he wanted to “shake off”. The irritability was causeless in many instances with provers waking up feeling annoyed and frustrated (14F 02:07:15). There was also an element of impatience within this sense of irritability and provers commented that other people made them annoyed or irritable when they did not do as they were expected to. This sense of frustration and irritability occurred early in the proving and continued throughout. Anxiety There was a nervous anxiousness amongst the provers. Most expressed anxiety about upcoming events such as job interviews or having to meet new people.

The researcher feels that this could be related to a performance anxiety, where concern is felt as to how the person is to be perceived. Most provers recorded this anxiety as a negative experience but prover 1 recorded it as an anticipatory anxiety stating that it was “a sensation of excitability or anticipation of something”. Delusions This was not a very well documented theme but the idea that arose out of the symptoms was the delusion of not being loved anymore by a significant person. One prover thought her partner was being unfaithful to her. Mood There were many contradictions within this theme. Many provers commented on the fact that their moods would change from one extreme to the other. They would be happy and up-beat one moment, the next they would be emotional and angry. Most of the provers were happy and cheerful at first but then would go on to become angry or emotional, crying easily.

Company There is a duality evident in this theme. Some provers express the desire for company and don‟t want to be alone while others state that they are irritated by company and desire to be left alone. Activity/ Occupation Exercise and regular activity seemed to be an ameliorating factor. Provers commented on their sense of well being after an exercise session or they would be looking forward to the opportunity to engage on some form of activity. The prospect of doing work was also seen in a positive light and most provers seemed energised and motivated. Energy Most provers experienced tiredness in some form. There was extreme tiredness as well as a sense of lethargy and laziness. Some express tiredness even after a good night’s rest. Their energy levels dip very low and most of them say that they want to fall sleep. Some provers commented that they felt tired and unrefreshed on waking. Others felt exhausted and fatigued in the afternoon.

Concentration There was a large lack of concentration amongst the provers with some describing it as a sense of being “spaced-out”. They were unable to focus on tasks at hand and many make mistakes while speaking or writing. This was particularly experienced by prover 32. Confidence This was not a large theme. Some provers felt a boost of confidence but one prover (Prover 26) felt a lack of confidence which he attributed to the remedy. Relationships Relationships were strained in this proving with a lot of tension and insecurities being expressed by the provers. One prover in particular seemed to have a very stormy time in her relationship and she feels that this was due to the remedy as she is not normally prone to emotional outbreaks and disputes with her partner (prover 32).

Religion A prover begs for forgiveness from God (prover 29) while another feels she should do more for Him (prover 14) and questions her faith.

5.3.2 Vertigo

Vertigo was experienced as dizziness and a light headedness. Aggravating factors seemed to be walking and working. The episodes of vertigo were not very prolonged. 5.3.3 Head

Headaches seemed to be a very common symptom in this study. The headaches seemed to be very severe, described as “terrible”, “heavy”, “never had a headache so bad”; ”like a ton of bricks on head”. Some individuals describe the pain as stabbing and unbearable. The headaches appeared to be experienced in the frontal, occiput and temporal regions of the head. Many of the headaches were accompanied by sore or stiff necks and many provers mentioned some sort of eye involvement. Some battled to keep their eyes open while others had painful eyes. One prover felt the pain radiate into the left eye and two provers felt sensations over their right eye. It was not ascertained what the aetiology of the headaches were, but one prover developed a headache after taking a walk on the beach. The intensity of the headaches seemed to vary from very severe, almost debilitating, to a dull heavy headache. The headaches seem to be relieved by rubbing or massaging the head and neck as well as by warm applications such as a warm shower. They seem to be aggravated by loud noises and by moving the head. As well as these headaches, provers also experienced the sensation as if they were becoming ill with influenza. They describe aching bodies and dull headaches as well as sore throats and stuffy noses.

5.3.4 Eye

There were symptoms experienced which were very typical to those of allergies or conjunctivitis. Eyes were described as being itchy and scratchy and sensitive to the light. Some provers had dry eyes while others experienced excessive lachrymation. Eyes were swollen shut on waking and were sore and puffy. Eyelids were dry and excoriated.

5.3.5 Nose

The provers experience a lot of sneezing. This usually happened in the morning on waking but was not limited to this time. Discharges were clear and runny with one prover experiencing flecks of blood in the mucus after blowing the nose. There were several records of post-nasal drips and congested sinuses. 5.3.6 Face There was itching of the face and forehead. Itchiness seems to run throughout this study and the face was no exception. Provers describe the itch as a burning, dry sensation – as if in the wind. One prover felt a tingling on her right cheek as if her face were about to go into a spasm.

5.3.7 Mouth

Prover 21 felt as if he had a toothache and prover 7 was aware that he clenched his teeth. Others experienced a sour taste in their mouth. 5.3.8 Throat Throats were sore and raw with some provers describing it as if the onset of a cold. Prover 10 had swollen glands and a sensation of a lump in her throat that made swallowing difficult. The dry raw sensation was worse at night and on waking but seemed to get better as the day progressed.

5.3.9 Stomach

Provers experienced stomach cramps and spasms. This was accompanied by loose stools. The pains were sometimes relieved by passing stool. Some provers experienced an increased appetite with several commenting on a ravenous hunger that could not be satisfied. Others were not hungry at all, with a marked decrease in appetite. Thirst was generally increased. Cravings were for sweets such as chocolates and also for salty foods. Some provers experienced nausea that was worse for eating fatty foods but prover 13 felt relief after eating ice.

5.3.10 Abdomen

There were incidences of flatulence and bloating and prover 6 complained of lower abdominal pain that was worse for pressure and worse after urinating. The pain was described as pulsating and radiating.

5.3.11 Stool

Frequent stools occurred with prover 21 reporting a “spluttering, spraying stool”. 5.3.12 Urine Prover 6 experienced pain in her lower abdomen after urinating.

5.3.13 Female Genitalia/ Sex

Prover 13 reported a white discharge and prover 17 commented that her period had been without much cramping or bloating. Only these two provers elaborated on this section. The researcher suggests that this may be due to embarrassment or awkwardness about discussing sexuality or menstrual events. This awkwardness may also explain why no provers commented in the male genitalia/ sex section.

5.3.14 Respiration

Prover 6 experienced shortness of breath that was relieved by yawning.

5.3.15 Cough

There were many cough symptoms experienced but only prover 18 elaborated. She experienced lots of coughing and lots of phlegm on her chest. 5.3.16 Chest Some provers felt stabbing pains in their chest areas. Some described it as a stabbing or tightness around the heart. One prover described it as a sharp stitch like pain that was worse for breathing in. 5.3.17 Back

Lower back pain was experienced by a few provers. Prover 13 said her backache was worse for bending forward and relieved by warm compresses. She felt that it was aggravated by the cold. Prover 6 had a deep muscle ache between her shoulder blades but the researcher feels that not much emphasis should be placed on this as environmental factor may have had a role in the causation of this pain.

5.3.18 Extremities

There were numerous symptoms produced in both upper and lower extremities. Most prominent were itchy elbows experienced by prover 18. Along with the itchiness was dry flaky skin. The itch was relieved by scratching. Other provers experienced pains and numbness in their arms. Tightness of lower limbs especially feet was a common symptom. Muscles were described as feeling tight and two provers experienced tightness in the right calf that was better for stretching. Prover 26 developed an infection under the nail of her little finger. There was a discharge from under the nail which was evident on pressure being applied to the area.

5.3.19 Sleep

Generally, a restless quality of sleep was experienced. Provers talk of having “a bad night” and many of them mention being restless and unsettled. Some mention an inability to fall asleep while others seem to have slept well. Many provers woke often during the night, some causeless, others to empty bladder. Most woke up in the early hours of the morning with 2am being common time. Many woke up tired and exhausted and this could also account for the high levels of irritability and sleepiness experienced during the day. 5.3.20 Dreams There were a few dreams recorded although no common themes could be extrapolated by the researcher. 5.3.21 Skin A formication was felt over the skin in various parts of the body. This was described as an itchy, tingling, crawling sensation. The sensation moved about the body randomly and was better for rubbing but was not relieved by scratching and one prover actually scratched till they bled. Fine white pimples were also noted on the inner leg and knee of one prover and on the forehead of others.

5.3.22 Fever

Prover 24 said he felt as if he had a high fever but he was very cold at the same time. The researcher attributes this to the common theme among provers that they are developing a cold. 5.3.23 Generals The general feeling of tiredness and lethargy felt by provers could also contribute to this common theme of feeling as if one were about to get flu. Provers experienced body aches, sore throats and headaches. There was a decrease or increase in appetite with cravings for chocolate and prover 18 desired fried onions even though she normally did not enjoy onions. Dry skin was also a common experience.

5.4 Related studies of Erythrina lysistemon

5.4.1 Toxicology Gryn (2007) dealt with the toxicological aspects of Erythrina lysistemon and the similarities to the homoeopathic proving. The toxicological data needs to be incorporated into the materia medica of Erythrina lysistemon.

5.4.2 Doctrine of Signatures

Thiel (2007) looked at the Doctrine of Signatures as it applied to Erythrina lysistemon and compared this to the results obtained from the homoeopathic proving of the substance. This data needs to be incorporated into the materia medica of Erythrina lysistemon.

5.4.3 Family group analysis

De Beer (2007) compared the family group analysis of Erythrina lysistemon using Sankaran‟s Vital Sensation scheme. This data will also be added to the materia medica of Erythrina lysistemon.

The researcher did not attempt to make assumptions regarding the differential remedies.

It was felt by the researcher that more research was required to make definite conclusions regarding differential remedies. A repertorization of the proving using 8 rubrics (Appendix G (i)) revealed that Ars., Rhus-t. and Hep. were the top 3 rated remedies. A second repertorization (Appendix G (ii)) conducted limited to only plant remedies of the Leguminosae family, produced Physostigma, Baptisia tinctoria and Cytisus laburnum as the top 3 rated remedies. The researcher did not attempt to

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hypothesize the reason for these findings as it was not in the scope of this study to do so.

5.5.2 Antidote

The researcher was not required; at any stage of the study, to antidote any prover. If the need did arise the researcher would have considered the following options: Coffee, camphor, “Olbas Oil”, mints etc to antidote mild cases of suffering An acute remedy dealing with the most severe symptoms The provers constitutional remedy if it is known Looking to the new totality of symptoms to find the antidote Working out the “genus epidemicus” of the proving

(Sherr, 1994:63)

5.6 Other considerations

5.6.1 Grading of the Repertory symptoms

All symptoms were graded using Sherr‟s recommendations (1994:85) as follows:

- Grade 3 rubrics are displayed in bold print

- Grade 2 rubrics are displayed in italics

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- Grade 1 rubrics are displayed in plain type

- New rubrics are underlined with a capital N

In general the researcher adopted a conservative approach to grading and most rubrics were left as grade 1 as it was felt that more research was required before confirming current findings. A small number of rubrics were graded 2 and these were allocated when more than 5 provers experienced that same type of symptom or where a common theme was evident. The researcher feels that this grade 2 grading needs to be confirmed with further research. There were no symptoms allocated a grade 3. New rubrics were created where the symptom produced by the proving was clear and intensely experienced by a prover and where these symptoms could not be found in the existing rubrics.

5.6.2 Clinical conditions

A number of provers experienced symptoms that might be related to Influenza such as headaches, general tiredness and myalgia. Many provers also experienced symptoms associated with rheumatic complaints such as muscle weakness and tightness of the body. Other clinical conditions to consider are Allergies, especially rhinitis, sinusitis and hay fever. This would also include skin eruptions and dermatitis. Also to be considered gastro-intestinal complaints, migraine/ headaches, neuralgia, autonomic disease, general sepsis and inflammation, febrile illnesses and malaria.

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5.6.3 Miasmatic analysis

In this study the researcher did not attempt to repertorize the various Miasmatic categories as this was not within the scope of this study. It has been suggested (de Beer, 2007) however, that the malarial and ringworm miasms are predominant in the picture of Erythrina lysistemon.

5.7 Comparison of the homoeopathic proving of Erythrina lysistemon and its traditional use

The bark of the Erythrina lysistemon tree was used in this proving. When comparing the symptoms obtained from the homoeopathic proving of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH and the existing indications for its traditional uses, similarities between them were revealed.

5.7.1 Nausea

The bark has many traditional uses and some of these uses can be seen echoed in the symptom indications of the homoeopathic proving. The bark was used as a purifying emetic, inducing nausea and vomiting (Hutchings, 1996:145). There was clear evidence of nausea in the proving, although no mention was made of actual vomiting. One prover stated that the nausea was deep seated but that it was not enough to vomit. Provers commented on having a sour or bitter taste in

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their mouth. The nausea was often felt to a larger degree in the morning on waking and then subsided as the day progressed, although there were some individuals that experienced nausea throughout the day, feeling horrible and nauseas in the evening as well. The nausea was described by some as if something was clogging the throat. Prover 13 said that everything made her nauseas. 5.7.2 Abdominal Pain In the proving there were many references made to lower abdominal pain. This pain was described as cramping and twisting. Prover 3 said she experienced a pulsating radiating pain that lasted for about 5 minutes at a time. Prover 7 experienced pains in her lower abdomen after urinating and these pains were aggravated by pressure over the area and were relieved by relaxing the abdominal muscles. There were also references made about incidences of lower back pain. Many of these symptoms correlate to the symptoms that some women experience during pregnancy and especially during labour. Traditionally the bark was used, along with other herbs, to make an infusion that would assist a pregnant woman through the pains of childbirth (Roberts, 1997:70).

Accompanying the pain and cramping in the lower abdomen, symptoms were described where provers felt bloated and experienced flatulence. Stools were loose and explosive with many references to diarrhea. These symptoms

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described in the proving can also be considered in the case of gastro-intestinal complaints. Erythrina lysistemon has traditionally been used to treat the discomfort of gastro-intestinal complaints (Hutchings, 1996:145). It has anti-bacterial properties and this could be the reason for its efficiency at treating these complaints. 5.7.3 Wounds and Abscesses Suppurating wounds and abscesses were treated using the bark as a poultice. Open wounds were disinfected using bark ash and crushed leaves of the plant were applied to open wounds to speed the healing process (Hutchings, 1996:145). Prover 26 developed a painful infection under the nail of his little finger, which suppurated when pressure was applied.

5.7.4 Toothache

The bark is also used as a toothache remedy (Roberts, 1997:70). There were only 2 provers that experienced tooth related symptoms. Prover 21 said he felt as if he had a toothache on the bottom right hand side of his mouth. Prover 7 was aware that he was clenching his teeth. The researcher suggests that had the proving been continued for a further time span, more toothache symptoms may have been revealed.

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5.7.5 Myalgia

The bark is said to soothe sore muscles and feet, and when used as a poultice is helps relieve the pain of rheumatism (Mbambezeli & Notten 2002). The crushed leaves of Erythrina lysistemon are placed in shoes to relieve tired and sore feet and the roots are boiled and used as a lotion or poultice on bruises and sprains as well as tired, bruised feet (Roberts, 1997:70; Mbambezeli & Notten 2002). The plant is used traditionally to treat rheumatism and other illnesses associated with painful joints. In this study it was found that most provers felt some type of body ache at some time during the course of the proving. The most common complaint was that of sore, stiff muscles. Muscle tightness was experienced and provers 13 and 14 both commented on a stiff right calf that was better for stretching. Generally the stiffness was relieved by movement and as a whole; this remedy seems to be ameliorated by activity, either physical or mental. 5.7.6 Headache

Erythrina lysistemon is used in the treatment of headaches (Hutching, 1996:145). Headache symptoms were of the more pronounced and intense symptoms experienced by the individuals involved in this study. Many of them complained that they had not experienced headaches of this intensity and severity before. Others expressed the head pain as being dull but constant. Accompanying the

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headache was stiffness of the neck. The plant is used to relieve the pain of sore and stiff muscles. 5.7.7 Nervous Complaints Hutching (1996:145) also notes that the plant is used to treat nervous complaints such as anxiety, depression, hysteria and mental disturbances. From the results of this proving it was noted that Erythrina lysistemon in potentised form will be an excellent remedy for nervous complaints as well. The researcher identified various themes within the mind section of the proving symptomology. Irritability was experienced by many of the provers. Anxiety was also a theme identified by the researcher with provers experiencing anxiety over up-coming events or because they had to meet people. Others said their anxiety and nervousness was causeless and they could not explain why they were experiencing either. Many provers experienced extreme mood swings from an up-beat, happy mood to a depressed, morose irritability. The general comments were confusion as to why they were experiencing these shifts in mood as many had no reason for this to occur. Only prover 32 experienced a hysterical episode. 5.7.8 Influenza

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From the results of the proving the researcher feels that Erythrina lysistemon as a homoeopathic remedy, would be useful in the treatment of Influenza and other febrile conditions such as malaria and “yuppie flu”. Provers experience exhaustion, malaise and general flu-like symptoms. They complain of sinus irritation, sneezing and sore throats. From this the researcher feels that allergy type complaints would also be relieved by the use of this remedy. Provers experienced severe itching all over the body with some experiencing dry flaky skin as well. Some provers also suffered with puffy, red, irritated itchy eyes and sneezing was a common symptom. Traditional use of the plant does not include allergy or flu treatments. 5.7.8 Cardiac Cardiac pains were experienced by a number of provers. The pain was expressed as tightness around the heart. Some said it was a sharp pain. The researcher feels that this remedy would be beneficial in the treatment of cardiac conditions such as angina but this would need to be verified through extensive clinical use of the remedy. The plant is not used traditionally to treat cardiac conditions. 5.7.10 Earache

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Earache is treated traditionally by boiling the roots of the plant and preparing a poultice and infusion. Drops are placed in the ear and the poultice is placed behind the ear in order to alleviate the pain associated with acute earache. No symptoms were recorded in this study that related to earache. It is suggested that once further investigation has been carried out of Erythrina lysistemon at other potencies, that these traditional uses are also further explored.

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CHAPTER SIX Recommendations and Conclusions

6.1 Recommendations

6.1.1 Standardized Proving Protocol

There are many different proving methodologies used by homoeopaths to assist in homoeopathic research. Unfortunately not all of these methods conform to the high standard required to produce a meaningful remedy picture. The researcher suggests that a standardized proving protocol be implemented to ensure a consistent standard of proving. This proving protocol should be based on current methodologies used by modern homoeopaths such as Herscu and Sherr.

6.1.2 Prover supervision

This study was supervised by 4 researchers. Each researcher was responsible for 8 provers as was recommended by Webster (2002:139) and Smal (2004:186). This made the proving far easier to control. It is recommended that in future provings, the prover groups supervised by an individual be no more than 10. This greatly increases the ability of the researcher to maintain close contact with provers and facilitates the proving process.

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6.1.3 Provers

Provers were recruited from amongst practicing homoeopaths, and homoeopathic students (2nd – 5th year), as well as patients presenting to the Homoeopathic Day Clinic (DUT) and their relatives and friends. The majority of provers utilized in this study had only a very basic understanding of homoeopathy (laymen) .An instructional lecture was attended by all provers to ensure that they understood what was required of them and to ensure that they all understood the basic homoeopathic philosophy as recommended by Walach (1997). Despite this effort, some of the recorded symptoms remained vague and not of a particularly useful nature. The researcher feels that a greater attempt should be made to include more homoeopathic students as provers and that 1st year students should not be excluded. The researcher recommends that provings should be included into the Homoeopathy syllabus at DUT and that it become compulsory for students from every year to take part in at least one proving per academic year and that they be involved in all aspects of the proving process.

6.1.4 Triple-blind Proving Methodology

A triple-blind methodology was employed in this study. The researcher suggests that further provings be conducted using this method in order that the effectiveness of bias elimination can be investigated thoroughly.

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6.1.5 Further provings of Erythrina lysistemon

It is suggested by the researcher that further provings of Erythrina lysistemon be conducted in both higher and lower potencies so that the benefits of the remedy may be investigated entirely. The researcher suggests that a further proving be conducted of 200CH. It is also suggested by the researcher that follow up consultations be conducted with the provers of this study of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH at time intervals of 6 months and 1 year after the initial proving. This would be beneficial to ascertain any lasting effects of the proving.

6.1.6 Clinical Information

Clinical use of the remedy will help verify the symptomology gathered from the proving of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH. The proving should be published and distributed within the homoeopathic community so that it uses came become known to other practitioners. Actual cases of the remedy should also be documented and distributed so that the homoeopathic community can benefit from this remedy.

6.1.7 Provings of Indigenous substances

As suggested by Wright (1999) further investigations and provings need to be conducted of indigenous substances. Southern Africa has a rich history of

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indigenous substances being used in traditional healing and these substances, be they plant or animal, should be proved in order to contribute to the compilation of a Southern African homoeopathic materia medica.

6.1.8 Remedy Relations

Further investigation should be made to determine the relationship between Erythrina lysistemon and existing remedies. The researcher suggests that the differential remedies referred to in section 5.5.1 be used as a basis for this investigation and should be compared with the information reported in this proving. 6.2 Conclusion The results of this proving show a wide range of useful symptoms throughout the repertory, indicating that Erythrina lysistemon 30CH may be prescribed successfully according to homoeopathic principles. This remedy may be indicated in the treatment of conditions such as allergies, influenza and rheumatism. Other symptoms indicate a possible use in the treatment of gastro-intestinal complaints, conjunctivitis and septic conditions. This remedy may also be useful as an all round pain control medication.

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The similarities between the traditional uses of Erythrina lysistemon and its homoeopathic indications where investigated and compared. Similar indications were found in the mind section as well as head, gastro-intestinal system, musculoskeletal system and extremities sections. The researcher urges that the symptoms recorded in this proving be verified through clinical use of the remedy and that further provings of Erythrina lysistemon be conducted in order for the remedy to become a recognized and utilized remedy in the homoeopathic materia medica. The researcher hopes that this study significantly contributes to the compilation of a Southern African materia medica as suggested by Wright (1999).

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REFERENCES ARCHIBEL S.A. 2003. RADAR 9: Synthesis 8 Full View. [Computer disk]. Assesse, Belgium; ARCHIBEL S.A Cook, T.M. 1989. Homoeopathic Medicine Today. New Canaan: Keats Publishing De Beer, E. 2007. A “family group analysis” (Sankaran) evaluation of a triple-blind homoeopathic drug proving of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH. M.Tech. Hom. Dissertation, Durban University of Technology, Durban. Demarque, D.1987. The Development of Proving Methods since Hahnemann. The British Homoeopathic Journal, 76:71-75. De Schepper, L. 2001. Hahnemann Revisited. Santa Fe: Full of Life Publications. European Institute for Homoeopathy. 2002. Homoeopathic Provings: Principles, Conduct, Documentation. Results of the Consensus Conferences of the Deutscher Zentralverein Homoepathischer Arzte 1998-2000. Kothen: Germany Gaier, H. C. 1991. Thorson‟s Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Homoeopathy: the definitive reference to all aspects of Homoeopathy. London: Thorson‟s.

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Gryn, A. 2007. A comparison of the results of a triple-blind homoeopathic drug proving of Erythrina lysistemon 30CH, with the toxicology of the crude substance. M.Tech. Hom. Dissertation, Durban University of Technology, Durban. Hahnemann, S. 2001. Organon of the Medical Art. 6th Edition. Translated W. B. O‟ Reilly. California: Birdcage Books Hutchings, A. 1996. Zulu Medicinal Plants: An Inventory. Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press. ISBN 086980-893-1 International Council for Classical Homoepathy.1999. Recommended Guidelines for Good Provings. Homoeopathic Links. Spring (2/99). Kell, C. 2002. A Homoeopathic Drug Proving of Sutherlandia fructescens and a subsequent comparison of the results to the major chemical constituents of the plant. M.Tech. Hom. Dissertation, Durban Institute of Technology, Durban. Low, L. 2002. An Evaluation of the Homoeopathic Drug Proving of Sutherlandia fructescens in the light of a Doctrine of Signatures Analysis. M. Tech. Dissertation, Durban Institute of Technology, Durban. Morris, C.A. 2002. A Homoeopathic Drug Proving of the Fungus Pycnocarpus sanguineus. . M. Tech. Dissertation, Durban Institute of Technology, Durban

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Nagpaul, V.M. 1987. Provings - Planning and Protocol. The British Homoeopathic Journal, 76:76-80 Raeside, J. R. Fifteen years of drug provings in London. The British Homoeopathic Journal, 51:203-205. Riley, D.S. 1995a. Provings: Geranium robertianum. The New England Journal of Homoeopathy, 4:45-55. Riley, D.S. 1995b. Proving Report – Veronica officinalis. The British Homoeopathic Journal, 84:144-148. Riley, D.S. 1997. Extracting Symptoms from Homoeopathic Drug Provings. The British Homoeopathic Journal. 86:225-228 Roberts, M. 1997. Indigenous Healing Plants. Halfway House: Southern Book Publishers. Schulz, K.F. & Grimes, D.A. 2002. Blinding in randomized trials: hiding who got what. Lancet, July 20:9328:250 Sherr, J. 1994. The Dynamics and Methodology of Homoeopathic Provings. Malvern: Dynamis Books. ISBN 0-9524633-0 x

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