The reasons why particular substances were selected as homeopathic remedies are complex and varied. Many were familiar from traditional Western folklore or herbal lore. Some, such as mercury, were used in contemporary conventional medicine. Others included minerals or elements that had been used as nutritional supplements, such as zinc. Out of curiosity, or because they had a long herbal tradition or were known to have a strong, even toxic, effect, different substances were tried and the information cataloged. The greatest influence came initially from herbalists in Europe but, as knowledge grew of the medicinal traditions of other cultures, more substances were tested for their homeopathic potential. European explorers and settlers filtered back information amassed on their travels. Dr. Constantine Hering, for instance, visited South America and discovered the healing properties of the bushmaster snake.
Hahnemann set down strict guidelines for testing, or “proving,” potential remedies. This term developed from Prüfung, the German word for a trial. A set of volunteers, or “provers,” take a trial substance in different strengths, or potencies, and make a detailed, archetypal “character” emerges. Essential or “keynote” characteristics, both mental and physical, can be established to give a thumbnail summary, enabling homeopaths to recognize cases where a particular remedy is appropriate. Dr. James Tyler Kent carried out a great deal of research to enlarge knowledge of the remedies in the daily record of their moods, sensations, and any symptoms that develop. Symptoms are categorized as general, relating to a temperamental picture, or specific, affecting a particular part of the body. Surrounding or provoking circumstances, and triggers that make symptoms better or worse, are all noted. Certain general, physical, and psychological affinities appear more evident than others, and some symptoms will be very common among the provers; for example, a headache first thing in the morning that gets better after eating, or indifference to loved ones. These are “first-line” symptoms. Other symptoms may be experienced by only a few, or even one, prover. These are known respectively as “second-line” and “third-line” symptoms. Any symptom that can be shown to be unlike the person’s usual state of health will be recorded. This information is then compiled to produce a “symptom picture” that takes into account the potential variations produced by different provers’ constitutional types. Often this will then be compared with information about the substance and its characteristics, possibly from its prior use within herbal or folk medicine, or from knowledge of its toxicology, to deepen understanding of the remedy. As understanding of each remedy’s “symptom picture” grows, an materia medica, and his work has been built on and augmented by many other practitioners.
Beyond the individual remedies, it is possible to make connections between remedies and to establish group relationships. Studying the group of remedies based on potassium or calcium compounds, for example, reveals themes, such as physical weakness with all Kalium remedies, or sensitivity and shyness with all Calcium remedies. This thematic analysis is most obvious in clear categories like families of the periodic table, which have recently been researched by the British homeopath Jeremy Sherr. Relationships between plants within the same botanical family, or between animals with common links, can also be found. For example, all snake-based remedies tend to affect the blood and nervous system, and are for highly oversensitive individuals. The Indian homeopath Rajan Sankaran is working on an approach to case-taking that emphasizes the underlying sensations a patient feels, and linking this to a framework running through the animal, plant, and mineral kingdoms and families that form the basis of remedies. The breadth of information available from some of the old provings is not complete, whereas other provings are very well documented. New provings tend to be carefully managed and usually give a full picture.
Just wasting some free time on Digg and I found your entry. Not typically what I like to read about, but it was absolutely worth my time. Thanks.
Here’s a comment. Great advice =) Thanks
Hey, I think your really on target with this, I wouldn’t say I am completely on the same page, but its not really that big of a issue.
I have been visiting related blogs and sites lately and i have to admit you have a nice design and content. I have bookmarked your page and hope to mention your post in my potential blog.
That was stimulating . I like your quality that you put into your work. Please do continue with more like this.
You have really great taste on catch article titles, even when you are not interested in this topic you push to read it
Not bad article, but I really miss that you didn’t express your opinion, but ok you just have different approach
Hey I was just looking at your article on my Blackberry and I was wondering how well it will work on the new ipad thats coming out. Fleeting thought…. Anyway thanks!
I saw this really great publish today.
Excellent post! I’ll subscribe correct now wth my feedreader software!
This blog can definitely touch lives. Thanks for all you have written on this. I will definitely continue coming back to read more of your pieces.
Great points…I would note that as someone who really doesn’t write on blogs much (in fact, this may be my first post), I don’t think the term “lurker” is very becoming to a non-posting reader. It’s not your fault really , but perhaps the blogosphere could come up with a better, non-creepy name for the 90% of us that enjoy reading the content .
This is one of the most honest blogs I have ever browsed. Nothing overcomes good first hand knowledge on things. Thank you for being true about this.
…
Great brief and this post helped me alot. Say thank you I seeking your facts….
Wow am I literally the only reply to this incredible article?