Fungi Thesis
Fungi Thesis
By
Kristian Leisegang
Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s
Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Durban
University of Technology.
I, Kristian Leisegang, do hereby declare that this dissertation represents my own work in
concept and execution.
------------------------------ ------------------------------
Signature of Student Date of Signature
Kristian Leisegang
------------------------------ ------------------------------
Signature of Supervisor Date of Signature
Dr A.H.A. Ross
M.Tech: Hom (T.N.); B.Mus (UCT)
DEDICATION
They have very happily given me the moral and financial support needed so that
I may have the opportunity to complete these seemingly endless years of study,
and have shown unlimited love and encouragement throughout my life, for which
whom I am unbelievably lucky to share not only my life, but eternity too. I love
ii
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Firstly, I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr Ashley Ross. He dedicated some of his
very valuable time for the guidance of this project.
The work of Dr Rajan Sankaran, with which I am familiar with through his numerous
publications and a seminar I attended in Johannesburg (May 2004). His ground breaking
work in the group analysis approach and the systematization of homoeopathy has
inspired me to undertake this study.
I must thank Dr David Naude, with whom I worked closely with on a previous dissertation
proposal. He guided me through the correct methodology of a scientific paper, dedicating
many hours to a project that ultimately never materialized. I must thank him too for his
support in my decision to change my dissertation topic.
iii
ABSTRACT
Until recently the most important method of studying homoeopathic remedies has been to
look at each remedy separately and not in the context of a particular group to which it
belongs. Group analysis, as defined by pioneering authors such as Sankaran (2002) and
homoeopathic practice.
Fungi, as a biological group, have been classified into a kingdom on its own, separating
them from the plant kingdom (Mader, 1998: 539). The homoeopathic remedies obtained
from this kingdom were analysed in terms of rubric representation (size) and a sample
selection was chosen. This selection was analysed in terms of common sensation via a
rubric extraction process using homoeopathic software packages, Radar 9.0 (Archibel,
The primary sensations extracted were burning and itching, leading to restlessness.
There were also sensations of cramps, spasms, dryness, heaviness and formication.
Active reactions included convulsions and twitches, and irritation on various levels.
increased sexual desire and a desire for masturbation, and restlessness. These
sensations and reactions are to be considered as proposals, ideas that need to be further
iv
The differentiation of fungi remedies within the group focuses on miasmatic tendencies of
the various remedies. The researcher classified each on the sample selection remedies
based on keywords relating to each miasm, and according to central essence of each
miasm as understood by Sankaran (2002: 53). The tubercular miasm was found to
contain a few remedies, namely Agaricus muscarius, Bovista lycoperdon, Boletus laricis
and Sticta pulmonaria. Secale cornutum was found to be in the leprous miasm, and
Ustilago maydis was found to be in the ringworm miasm. Both Psilocybe caerulescens
Pathological tendencies of the fungi remedies were outlined based on the sensation
analyses and the proposed themes. Fungi remedies were found to have the following
paraesthesia’s and neuralgia’s, increased sexual desire and masturbation, female sexual
organ pathology and haemorrhagic tendencies. Fungi remedies were also found to have
chilly sensations and reaction to cold, ailments from suppression and ailments from
Common mental and emotional manifestations were analysed too, including anxiety,
The researcher found that the application of this methodology to the fungi group was
possible in terms of execution, and believes an accurate picture of Kingdom fungi has
v
CONTENTS
DEDICATION ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS iii
ABSTRACT iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS vi
LIST OF TABLES ix
LIST OF FIGURES x
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION 1
1.1) Aim of the group analysis study 2
1.2) Rationale for the group analysis of Kingdom Fungi 4
vi
3.3) Data Processing 24
3.4) Data Analysis
3.4.1) Determination of Common Sensations, Reactions and Compensations 25
3.4.2) Miasmatic Classification 26
vii
CHAPTER 6 – CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 92
6.1) Group Analysis Approach to Homoeopathy 92
6.2) Limitations of the Methodology 93
6.3) Recommendations for Further Research 95
viii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2: Themes that have been isolated from the source sensations via the
extraction process 41
Kingdom Fungi 42
ix
LIST OF FIGURES
x
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Faced with the enormous number of living organisms on earth, scientists have
long realized that we needed a way of classifying and naming individual species.
homoeopathic practice. After the advent of homoeopathy in the late 18th century,
remedies that make up the materia medica, a list that is constantly growing. As a
repertory have been some of the more useful attempts by practitioners to help
ease the process of remedy selection for the individual (Gaier, 1991). However,
the most important method of studying homoeopathic remedies has been to look
1
remedies and we extract from these groups that which is common (Scholten,
Considering the diversity of fungi in nature, and the biological importance within
the ecosystem (Mader, 1998: 540), it is surprising that the kingdom does not
The researcher aims to extract and evaluate common themes that can be applied
2
b) Definition of reactions to the common sensations in terms of passive,
remedies?
the kingdom, particularly the so called ‘smaller’ remedies or those used less
frequently.
3
1.2) Rationale for the Group Analysis of Kingdom Fungi
sourced from the fungi are relatively small and not well documented.
4
Fungi play a crucial role in the organised world and this should be
5
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
bodies own healing ability, and thereby aims to treat the whole person
known as the „law of simillars‟, or „similia similibus curentur‟ („let like cure likes‟)
(Lockie, 2000: 14), and was originally described and developed by the German
with a medicine that produces a similar but slightly stronger effect than the true
has sparked major debates and objections in the homoeopathic world (Saine,
6
2.1) Remedy Selection and the Systematization of Homoeopathy
course of his lifetime (Lockie, 2000: 14). In the early decades of the 19th century,
Hahnemann himself had started this process with the identification, definition and
chronic diseases nearly always had a pattern that could be related to psora,
subsequently grouped the initial remedies he knew into these miasms (Gaier,
useful tool with which to classify disease states, and not only helps deepen the
understanding of disease processes but also gives insight into other phenomena
in the world around (for example, the reason for the recent increase in “new
the drug substance and the disease or organ affinity in question, was another
attempt to make sense of the large and growing materia medica (Gaier, 1991).
7
However, the longest serving and most useful method of systemization was the
in 1833 (Gaier, 1991). Many forms of repertories have since been published,
repertories have been converted into computer software formats for analysis and
outlined below).
kingdom analysis in 1880 and Leeser used periodic table information in 1935
(Winston, 2004: 36). However, it was not until the 1990‟s that the first modern
recently the most important method of studying homeopathic remedies has been
to look at each remedy separately and not in the context of a particular group to
which it belongs.
The prime movers of group analysis of the modern era are Scholten and
Sankaran (Wulfsohn, 2005). Scholten (1993: 23) has defined group analysis as
8
from that group. Therefore, by extracting the common theme‟s within a particular
enhanced, which has subsequently added another invaluable tool for accurate
Scholten (1993: 23) realized that homoeopathic practitioners have generally used
symptoms as the only, or almost only, guide to the remedy, without really
considering the source of the drug. It is, however, becoming very clear that the
and that each drug has in it the essence of its source. However, this knowledge
studying their origin. If properly understood, this study could enable us to think
directly of the kind of remedy needed for the patient, a sort of direct application of
main differentiating features of each kingdom (i.e. the plant kingdom, the animal
kingdom and the mineral kingdom). This makes it possible to determine which
kingdom the practitioner is to choose his remedy from. The classification of each
kingdom included the nature of the complaint, the nature of the individual
9
interests, cravings/aversions and even handwriting and words used by a
particular patient.
The central themes common to remedies of the mineral kingdom are „structure‟
Plants are of a „sensitive‟ nature. They are affected by changes in the external
soft and emotional beings. Complaints usually present with rapid onset and are
changeable with many modalities. They are easily affected emotionally and have
Common to the animal remedies is a „conflict‟ which has at its basis a „split‟ in
the self – the animal side and the human side. The animal side is concerned with
competition and a need to attract attention and these personalities are therefore
10
As outlined below, fungi have been classified into their own biological Kingdom,
and have not been investigated as such via a group analysis methodology. The
researcher hopes to shed more light on the fungi kingdom in order to provide a
Chapter 1.2).
Scholten (1993) turned his attention to the mineral kingdom and noticed trends
within the periodic table of the elements. First he created groups of the major
including their respective salts (e.g. Calcarea carbonica and Natrum muriaticum
common themes that can be applied to the group as a whole. For example, the
Carbonicum group has issues around the idea of self worth, needing to find
meaning and values within themselves. They too are found to be rather shy and
timid, and also hard and consistent workers. This theme is found in all
Natrum carbonica, etc. Each individual element (calcarea, magnesia and natrum
in the above example) that forms part of the remedy has its own themes that
Scholten (1996) later used the periodic table of elements to classify and group
11
theme, and that each column („group‟) showed the development of the general
theme of each series. This allowed the practitioner to pin-point a remedy required
The term „miasm‟ comes from the Greek, meaning “pollution or taint”, and was
Hippocrates, through the Middle Ages, and into the 18th century. Hahnemann
eventually used the term in his great theory of the origins of chronic disease (de
Schepper, 2001: 355). While pondering for years on the reason why some
patients would improve with the help of a homoeopathic remedy only to return
later with a recurrence of their former disease state that responded less
(Sankaran, 2000, 449). Through tireless work studying these patients‟ cases, he
found patterns of diseases in the patients and their family histories which he felt
explained the true basis of chronic disease. He called these patterns „miasms‟
(de Scheeper, 2001: 355) and classified diseases as venereal (sycosis and
syphilis) and non-venereal (psora or scabies), and proposed that all disease
states had their origin in these „miasms‟ (Sankaran, 2000: 449). Hahnemann
12
1996: 190). As mentioned earlier, this also began the tendency to systematize
(1828) and outlined 3 miasms: psora, sycosis and syphilis. Later homoeopaths
defined the tubercular miasm (a combination of psoric and syphilitic) and the
cancer miasm (based on a mixture of at least 2, often 3 or even all 4 of the other
sensitizing miasm‟, sycosis as „the miasm of excess and overgrowth‟ and syphilis
Sankaran (1997: 217) extended the model by focusing more deeply on the
13
┌→ Tubercular → Leprosy
│ (Change) (Isolation)
Acute → Typhoid → Psora → Ringworm → Sycosis│ ↓
(Panic) (Critical) (Struggle) (Trying) (Fixidity)└→ Cancer → Syphilis
│ │ (Perfection) (Destruction)
│ │
│ │
└──────→ Malaria ←─────────┘
(Persecuted)
Figure 1: A map of Sankaran‟s extended miasmatic model with the main action of
continuum of responses from the acute miasm through to the syphilitic miasm,
Below is a brief description of the sensation that is at the core of each miasm
according to Sankaran.
Acute Miasm: The feeling is of an acute threat and the reaction is strong
handled for a critical period, will end in total recovery. The reaction is an
14
Psora: The feeling is that of a difficult situation where one has to struggle
in order to succeed. There is anxiety with doubts about his ability, but he is
hopeful and failure does not mean the end of the world. He must struggle
struggle with anxiety about success, and periods of despair and giving up
the self. The action is to attempt to cope with it and hide it from others;
change. The reaction is intense, hectic activity in order to break free from
15
Cancer Miasm: There is a feeling of weakness and incapacity within, and
which seems to have no end. His survival depends on it, for failure would
The extended miasmatic model allows the differentiation between remedies that
essentially share the same sensitivity (i.e. a particular family or group such as the
compositae botanical family) by classifying each individual within the group (i.e.
intersection point between patients primary sensitivity and the patients miasmatic
classification point to the remedy required in each case (Sankaran, 1997: 217).
16
Level 1: Pathological (The main complaint or diagnosis)
Level 3: Emotional (What does it feel like? What is the emotional state of
Level 4: Delusion (What does the patient feel like? Symptoms of the
neuro-endocine-immune axis)
Level 5: Sensation (The sensation felt in the body when exploring the
symptoms)
any experience‟ where the experience itself and the nature of the experience
culmination of the previous four levels that is more reliable due to the multiple
17
view, pathology is a manifestation of the vital sensation – the local sensation and
The vital sensation is specific, and the most accurate, in terms of kingdom
analysis and source identification (Sankaran, 2004b: 5). Sankaran (2005: 293)
suggests that all remedy states and disease states are essentially vital
the plant kingdom and survival relates to the animal kingdom). This suggestion
philosophy that leans towards the group analysis method, and underlines the
need for more research into this realm of practice in order to add to the modern
literature. Wulfsohn (2005) suggested that all rubrics that describe a felt
„sensation‟ in the body need to be analyzed for being as possibilities for the
The software has allowed the extraction process to be undertaken with relative
ease, making the analysis of particular remedy groups and families possible.
18
MacRepertory, for example, uses approximately 1300 homoepathic families
Archibel, a computer software company, has been creating cutting edge software
software package that has been developed by Archibel, and is widely circulated
appropriate symptoms for each case via the worlds most popular repertories,
Hahnemann, to the classic writings of Kent, Allen and Herring, the more modern
works of George Vithoulkas and Jonathan Shore, to the most recent published
Vermeulen, to name but a few2. The unique link between Radar and
advancement, the practitioner and student can quickly and easily access and
19
make use of the entire homoeopathic heritage for more precise prescribing, for
Man has classified the diversity of living things in a variety of ways based on their
more striking features and metabolic criteria. The most fundamental distinction
has traditionally been between animals (motile and food-ingesting) and plants
(static and apparently drawing their nutrients from the soil or in some instances
from other plants). The fundamental features of green plants are that they are
phototrophs, utilizing energy from light, and autotrophs, synthesizing their organic
components from atmospheric carbon dioxide. Animals on the other hand are
the same materials as the source of carbon for the synthesis of their own organic
Fungi resemble plants, but they lack chloroplasts and do not photosynthesize
(Mader, 1998: 539), therefore they are unable to synthesis their energy
requirements from sunlight as plants do. They also have no direct evolutionary
criteria it is clear that fungi resemble animals rather than plants (Carlile et al.,
2001: 4). Yet, fungi clearly aren‟t animals, nor do they resemble bacteria or
20
2.8.1) Kingdom Fungi
Kingdom Fungi contains the fungi, which are mostly multicellular eukaryotes of
varied structure that share a common mode of nutrition (Mader, 1998: 540).
Fungi either live as parasites on other living plants or animals, or they live in
decaying matter. In either way they derive their energy by breaking up highly
complex substances (when these are broken down in another living organism,
the organism suffers) (Vermeulen, 2002: 23). Therefore, like animals, fungi are
1998: 540). Most fungi act as saprotrophic decomposers that aid the cycling of
environs with inorganic nutrients and thereby keep chemicals cycling in the
ecosystem. Some fungi are parasitic, especially on plants, and others are
elongating walled filaments (hyphae), a life cycle with sexual and asexual
nutrition. The characteristic cell wall components are chitin and glucans (Griffin,
1996: 868).
21
The organisms of the fungi lineage include mushrooms, rusts, smuts, puffballs,
truffles, morels, molds and yeasts, as well as many less well-known organisims
(Alexopoulos et al., 1996: 868). About 70 000 species of fungi have been
suggest that 1.5 million species may exist (Hawksworth et al., 1995: 616). Their
the animal kingdom4. It is clear they play a vital role in the cycle of life.
especially when considering the wide variety and ecological importance of the
lycoperdon (Puff ball) and Secale cornutum (Ergot) are the 3 well represented
remedies in the materia medica derived from the kingdom. The other remedies
represented in the materia medica and repertories are all considered small
remedies and currently have limited use in homoeopathic practice. The author
believes that a group analysis of the kingdom will shed more light on the use of
fungi remedies in homoeopathy and allow the relatively small remedies derived
22
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH DESIGN
The first step was to accurately define the fungi group of remedies used in
homoeopathic prescribing, i.e. species (remedies) belonging to the kingdom that have
been subjected to a proving and can be found in homoeopathic literature. This step
significance).
The list of fungi remedies used in homoeopathic literature was obtained via Radar 9.0
computer software (Archibel, 2003), and was tabulated using the following headings:
The sample selection was chosen based on the homoeopathic significance of each
remedy. The group of 32 was narrowed down by the researcher to just 8 of the more
significant fungi remedies. This was done because the group analysis method is
23
The selected sample group is listed below, in order of most significant to the least
significant:
Boletus laricis, which has 172 rubrics in Radar 9.0, was made the end point for
remedies in which to include in the extraction. Thus remedies with less that 172 rubrics
A computer repertory extraction was done using Radar Synthesis 9.0 (Archibel, 2003).
Parameters were set to exclude rubrics containing more than 25 remedies, which
ensured the data used contained sensations that are more characteristic in nature (i.e.
The researcher then scanned the extracted rubrics for those containing sensation.
24
perceive some state or condition of one‟s body or it‟s parts or senses or of one‟s mind
The extracted rubrics and the „sensation‟ rubrics were ranked in order of those
containing the least remedies to those containing the most remedies, arranging the
most significant (smaller) rubrics at the top, and have been included in this study as
The extracted data was analysed in order to propose common sensations of the
Kingdom Fungi. The data was scanned for commonalities in sensation (including
mental symptoms, general symptoms and symptoms particular to various parts of the
body), which were then highlighted by the researcher. The accuracy of the common
sensations was cross-checked via a search of the homoeopathic literature. This test
common links between them, and to identify possible reactions (active and passive) or
full definition via a dictionary, and then a thesaurus was consulted in order to identify
various synonyms relating to the sensation. Each common synonym identified was
25
then subjected to a literature search via Encyclopedia Homoeopathica in order to test
is validity. This was done using a keyword search of a particular sensation or common
synonym, and limiting the results to the fungi remedies. If the sensation or common
The reactions selected by the researcher and confirmed by the literature were divided
actions, a desire to act and or the avoidance or lack of action (Wulfsohn, 2005).
The different fungi remedies were then individually studied and classified in terms of
(Sankaran, 2002: 53). Miasmatic keyword searches, limited to the fungi group, were
26
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
of each individual fungi remedy (based on the number of rubrics) is widely varied,
homoeopathic literature. Listed below is a table of the fungi species that are
27
Agaricus procerus Parasol mushroom Basidiomycota 8 rubrics
Agaricus Half rounded Basidiomycota 6 rubrics
semiglobatus mushroom
Agaricus stercorarius L'Oronge-ciguë Basidiomycota 13 rubrics
Boletus laricis White mushroom; Basidiomycota 172 rubrics
Larch agaric
Boletus luridis Lurid boletus Basidiomycota 6 rubrics
Boletus satanas Satan's fungus; Basidiomycota 19 rubrics
Devil's boletus
Bovista lycoperdon Warted puff ball Basidiomycota 3167 rubrics
Ergotinum Alkaloid of ergot Basidiomycota 22 rubrics
Muscarinum Alkaloid of fly agaric Basidiomycota 5 rubrics
Phallus impudicus Stinkhorn Basidiomycota 14 rubrics
Polyporus pinicola Pine agaric Basidiomycota 71 rubrics
Psilocybe Landslide mushroom Basidiomycota 554 rubrics
caerulescens
Russula foetens Russula Basidiomycota 15 rubrics
Secale cornatum Corn ergot; Ergot of Basidiomycota 2853 rubrics
rye
Solanum tuberosum Rotten potato; Basidiomycota 293 rubrics
aegrotans Diseased potato
Ustilago maydis Corn smut Basidiomycota 574 rubrics
Mucor mucedo Common Pinmould Zyogmycota 27 rubrics
each fungi remedy. For the purposes of an accurate group analysis study, the
researcher limited the sample selection to the more significant remedies in terms
of rubric representation. This was done because the group analysis method is
28
The final selection is listed below, in order of significance:
Parameters were set to exclude rubrics that contain more than 25 remedies (i.e.
sensations that are more characteristic in nature), and all rubrics were extracted
Appendix A.
The researcher then scanned the extracted rubrics (Appendix A), selecting those
that contain words representing sensation. This list, included as Appendix B, was
29
4.3) Analysis of Extracted Sensations
The most common sensations identified via the computer extraction process
were burning, itching and stitching. Other common sensations extracted were
like pain.
a full definition via a dictionary, and then a thesaurus was consulted in order to
identify various synonyms relating to the sensation. Each synonym was then
synonym, and limiting the results to the fungi kingdom. If the sensation or
synonym is supported by the literature, the researcher then submitted the word
The sensations of „burning‟ and „itching‟ were found by the researcher to share
30
These words were found to apply to the fungi group via the literature search.
Below is listed a selection of examples from the literature, in order to illustrate the
above ideas:
Agaricus muscarius
CHEST - TINGLING
EAR – TINGLING
COUGH - TINGLING - Larynx; in
Agaricus phalloides
MIND – RESTLESSNESS
Agaricus stercorarius
MIND – RESTLESSNESS
Boletus laricis
MIND – RESTLESSNESS
MIND - IRRITABILITY
Boletus satanas
31
MIND – RESTLESSNESS
MIND – IRRITABILITY
Bovista lycoperdon
GENERALS – TINGLING
FEMALE GENITALIA/SEX - TINGLING, voluptuous
GENERALS - IRRITABILITY, physical - excessive
MIND – IRRITABILITY
LARYNX AND TRACHEA - IRRITATION – Larynx
Monilia albicans
MIND – RESTLESSNESS
SLEEP – RESTLESS
MIND – IRRITABILITY
COUGH – IRRITABLE
Mucor mucedo
Polyporus pinicola
MIND – RESTLESSNESS
32
Psilocybe caerulescens
SLEEP – RESTLESS
Secale cornutum
MIND - IRRITABILITY
THROAT – IRRITATION
STOMACH - IRRITATION
MIND – RESTLESSNESS
Sticta pulmonaria
EXTREMITIES - RESTLESSNESS
EXTREMITIES - RESTLESSNESS - Upper limbs
GENERALS - RESTLESSNESS
MIND – RESTLESSNESS
EXTREMITIES – TINGLING
NOSE - TINGLING – Inside
33
Torula cerevisiae
MIND – IRRITABILITY
Ustilago maydis
identified via numbness. Both dullness and paralysis where confirmed via a
literature search as being relevant to the fungi group. Examples from the
Agaricus muscarius
MIND – DULLNESS
MIND - SENSES – dull
34
Boletus luridus
MIND – DULLNESS
Bovista lycoperdon
EYE - DULLNESS
GENERALS - PAIN – dull
EXTREMITIES – PARALYSIS
GENERALS - PARALYSIS - Organs, of
Ergotinum
Monilia albicans
Psilocybe caerulescens
Secale cornutum
35
Ustilago maydis
MIND – DULLNESS
HEAD - PAIN - dull pain
Passion emerged from the sensations of „burning‟ and „itching‟, but did not have
a good number of matches via the literature search. The researcher found that
sexual desire, lust and erotic fancies. The literature was searched again using
keywords relating to the sexual sphere, such as sexual desire and masturbation,
and also organic pathology relating to the reproductive system, and a large
number of matches were indeed found to relate to the fungi group. A few
Agaricus muscarius
Bovista lycoperdon
36
MIND - AILMENTS FROM - sexual excesses
FEMALE GENITALIA/SEX - SEXUAL DESIRE – increased
MALE GENITALIA/SEX - SEXUAL DESIRE – increased
Psilocybe caerulescens
Secale cornutum
Sticta pulmonaria
Ustilago maydis
“making a stitch” (Oxford, 1998: 220). The author thus turned to a medical
37
synonyms to stitching was found in the thesaurus, the researcher instead used
stitching and the fact that cramp was identified as a sensation via the extraction
process. Synonyms relating to cramp that proved to belong to the fungi group
were spasm and stitch (further confirming the link), and from spasm, the
Agaricus muscarius
EXTREMITIES – CONVULSION
GENERALS - CONVULSIONS - coition – after
GENERALS – CONVULSIONS
Agaricinum
38
Agaricus pantherinus
GENERALS – CONVULSIONS
Agaricus phalloides
Agaricus stercorarius
Boletus luridus
Bovista lycoperdon
Monilia albicans
39
Mucor mucedo
Russula foetens
Secale cornutum
EXTREMITIES – CRAMPS
Sticta pulmonaria
Ustilago maydis
EYE - TWITCHING
40
4.3.3) Summary of Data Analysis
After extensive analysis of the data obtained via the extraction process, various
words have been identified to represent the fungi remedies as a collective group.
Table 2 below is a summery of these themes listed next to the source sensation
Dryness Dullness
Dragging Dullness
Table 2: Themes that have been isolated from the source sensations
From the above data, the researcher has proposed an array of sensations that
represent the fungi group. Included in this model are possible reactions to these
41
SENSATION ACTIVE PASSIVE COMPENSATION
REACTION REACTION
Cramp
Spasm
Dryness
Heaviness
Formication
Kingdom Fungi.
The fungi remedies were then classified into miasmatic groups, based on
The keywords used for each miasm are based on Sankaran‟s keywords used to
42
describe the sensation of a particular miasm (Sankaran, 2002: 60). The following
Acute
Typhoid
Malaria
Ringworm
trying; giving up; irritation; try; ringworm; tinea; acne; discomfort; herpetic
Sycosis
43
Tubercular
tuberculosis; oppression
Cancer
chaos; order
Leprous
Syphilis
psychosis; devastation
keyword search, and has been tabulated below for illustrative purposes:
44
Agar. Bov. Sec. Ust. Psil. Moni. Stict. Bol-la.
Acute
Typhoid + ++
Malaria + ++ ++ ++
Ringworm ++ + + ++ + +
Sycosis ++ + ++ ++ + + + +
Tubercular ++ ++ ++ ++ + + ++ ++
Cancer ++ + ++ ++ + + +
Leprous ++
Syphilis +
The search of the literature using the above keywords resulted in a quantitative
keyword search offers an insight into possible miasms of the fungi remedies, and
ranking does not represent the final word on miasmatic classification, but
45
The researcher thus classified the fungi remedies based on a more detailed and
Below is a brief description of the sensation that is at the core of each miasm
Acute Miasm
The feeling is of an acute threat and the reaction is strong and instinctive
Psora
The feeling is that of a difficult situation where one has to struggle in order
to succeed. There is anxiety with doubts about his ability, but he is hopeful
and failure does not mean the end of the world. He must struggle in order
Typhoid Miasm
critical period, will end in total recovery. The reaction is an intense struggle
46
Ringworm Miasm
2002: 54).
Malarial Miasm
Sycosis
The feeling is that there is fixed, irremediable weakness within the self.
The action is to attempt to cope with it and hide it from others; hence he
Tubercular Miasm
The feeling is of intense oppression and a desire for change. The reaction
47
Cancer Miasm
His survival depends on it, for failure would mean death and destruction
Leprosy Miasm
Syphilis
The researcher studied each individual fungi remedy of the sample selection to
determine the miasmatic expression of each. This was based on the results of
the miasmatic keyword search and the core sensations of each miasm as
48
4.5.1) Agaricus muscarius
The researcher focused on the disease central to each miasm, and found that
Agaricus muscarius has a large tendency towards tuberculsosis, and cited the
following examples:
An addition has been made of Th. Rückert's essay, comparing the symptoms of
this remedy [Agar.] with the symptoms of incipient tuberculosis; they are
Respiration - Short breath in walking, has to stand still to get breath. Incipient
Agaricus will cure the most inveterate chronic catarrhs with dryness and crusts,
I let it alone and watched and waited patiently and the symptoms of Agaricus
49
Constitutions - TUBERCULOSIS, constitutions (Murphy, 1993).
This indicated that Agaricus muscarius falls within the tubercular miasm. The
Chest - Burning inside the chest, and a kind of oppression (Allen, 1898).
(Hering, 1879).
50
Coughing - SUFFOCATIVE, cough (Murphy, 1993).
1992)
On the skin we find many miliary eruptions, the parts looking red and swollen
Calm, composed, sociable, active, and glad of having done his duty (healthful
mental work. The internal restlessness gives them the title of being 'hyper-
father's bar at an early age and develops a craving for alcohol later. The
51
It renders some remarkably active, and proves highly stimulant to muscular
2001).
affinity for the malarial, ringworm, sycotic, tubercular and cancer miasms.
However, there is a much larger affinity towards the malarial and tubercular
miasms.
The researcher found that there was a wide variation of keywords that relate to
Frequent heat and oppression of the chest, with thirst, anxiety, restlessness;
Chest - Oppression in the middle of the chest, with fine stitches, on breathing
52
(Allen, 1898).
(Clark, 1904).
Upper limbs - Tremor of the hands, with palpitation of the heart and oppressive
Respiratory organs - Great scraping in the larynx as if sore, extending down into
the chest, with much tough mucus in the chest, which threatens to
suffocate her; this mucus is raised with difficulty and tastes salty (Allen,
1928).
53
Sexual organs -Intensified sexual desire (Boger, 1938).
There is one particular locality, a special cite in Bovista where we find intense
itching and that part is the tip of the coccygeus (Choudhuri, 1986).
Phthisis pulmonum - Incessant cough about 5 P. M., from a tickling and rawness
anxiety coupled with restlessness and excitement put the patient into such
a state that you feel as though she were talking over your head
(Vithoulkas, 1992).
Face - Great changes of color in the face, which is at one time red, at another
Pustules, changing to obstinate crusts, under the nose, with swelling of the
Bovista patients, as mentioned, are very emotional. Their emotions are strong
Life to them seems charming at certain times and they love it, whereas at
54
EXTREMITIES - PAIN - Joints - tubercular family history (Schroyens, 2001).
The researcher also cited examples relating to the keywords hectic and activity:
These are spontaneous, lively, quick acting, active people (Vithoulkas, 1992).
This remedy featured under almost every miasm (except acute) when subjected
to the quantitative keyword search via the literature. However, Sankaran states
that Secale cornatum is a „keynote or signature‟ remedy under the leprosy miasm
(Sankaran, 2002: 55). The researcher was not able to find any major evidence in
the literature to counter this statement, as themes of the leprosy miasm are
55
Firstly, Secale cornatum is indicated as a treatment for leprosy:
leprosy, Secale cor. is to be thought of with the dry, cool and shrunken
The leprosy miasmatic themes of oppression, dirtiness, despair and disgust are
Inner head - Feels oppressed; stupid, heavy; aches every night; would waken
1910).
56
GENERALS - PAIN – oppressive (Schroyens, 2001).
The patient generally has a dirty appearance with brown or brownish-white spots
chocolate color, with fetid odor, grows sad and melancholy and fears
The face looks like dried beef, wrinkled, shrivelled, scrawny, as if it had not been
washed, as if grey dirt had dried on the skin, and this especially on the
Tuczek relates a long series of cases in which ergotism was attended by various
57
symptoms pointing to affections of the nervous centres, such as epileptic
Moods of joy, despair, emptiness; and various violent and demented behaviour
(Vermeulen, 2002).
Female sexual organ - Menstrual blood; thin and black, lumpy or brown fluid and
In afternoon became limp and ill, the transpiration had a disgusting odour, he
58
Mental - Sarcasm and contempt (Vermeulen, 2002).
F. The eyelids were stiff and did not at all respond to the touch of my finger.
The tongue was dry and stiff like a piece of wood. The lower jaw having
dropped, the boy lay with his mouth half open. The eyes were half closed.
The part of the conjunctiva which could be seen appeared to be covered with
a thin, hazy, layer. The pulse at the wrist was full but soft. The case appeared
to be all but hopeless. But we homoeopaths are not quite at sea, as the men
of other schools are, when the brain is gravely involved. I prescribed Phos.
ac. Again, but in the third decimal potency, to be exhibited every hour
Evidence extracted via they keyword search indicated that Ustilago maydis
covers the malerial, ringworm, sycotic, tubercular and cancer remedies fairly
equally.
59
The researcher searched the literature for all fungi remedies useful in the
SKIN - The scalp became one filthy mass of inflammation, two thirds of the hair
came out, the rest matted together, with oozing of watery semen from
scalp, eruption like rubeola on neck and chest, gradually extending to feet,
thickest on chest and joints, itching aggravated night, rubbing any part
brought out the eruption, on face and neck it was in patches like
The researcher thus places this remedy in the ringworm miasm, citing further
60
Male sexual organs - Irritable weakness and relaxation of the male sexual
Sexual organs, Male - Sexual dreams, followed the next day with great physical
(Burt, 1883).
Male - Dull pain in lumbar region, with great despondency and mental irritability
(Boericke, 1927).
1883).
Examples from case material reflecting the essence of the miasm (try):
I wasn't a great student. I don't think I tried very hard. Boys were always more
1991).
But I would like to try to get pregnant. He (gynecologist) says that it's not very
61
He has taken the keys to my car and has threatened to take the credit cards. I try
not to react, but I feel so helpless and small (International Foundation for
Homeopathy, 1991).
I don't know why I want to get pregnant. I think maybe I am trying somehow to
My whole belly feels like it is heavy, like a big lead weight is in there trying to
dissolve, but never does. In the last six months my belly is bigger. I am
always touching it and feeling for this big thing in there that never seems
That is what the dreams are about, wanting and trying to say goodbye and just
not being able to let go (weeping). Letting my mother go would seem like
freedom, but I hold on to something - her? I don't know. But I can't go on like
this; I will weep myself to death and still not have let go. Maybe it isn't her I
can't let go of; maybe it's the anger and the guilt that I swallowed and pushed
Homeopathy, 1991).
The researcher found very little evidence linking this remedy to a particular
miasm, with only a few indications pointing to the sycotic, tubercular and cancer
62
Mind - MEMORY, general, active - weakness, of (Murphy, 1993).
Failed five times an examination, from mental weakness (in a prover who never
All persons taking the LM6 experienced an extreme weakness and tiredness
(Vermeulen, Undated).
Another key feature of the sycotic miasm is warts, with the researcher finding
The researcher feels that there is enough evidence to support the idea that
63
4.5.6) Monilia albicans
This remedy was very difficult to classify, as very few clues where obtained via
The researcher believes that Monilia albicans belongs to the sycotic miasm,
based on the source material and original provings. The remedy is sourced via a
fungus that is naturally found in the human organism (Archibel, 2004), but if there
females, usually affecting the genitor-urinary system (Robbins. et al. 2003: 684).
This indicates the sycotic miasm, as it has an affinity for the genitor-urinary
A major factor for the over-growth of the fungus is due to the over use of anti-
biotics in the human organism (Robbins. et al. 2003: 684). This results in a
Suppression plays a major role in the sycotic miasm. Any form of suppression,
such as vaccinations, overuse of antibiotics or cortisone and even the use of oral
contraceptive pills (suppressing the natural cycle of the female hormonal system)
can “fuel the fire” of the sycotic miasm (de Schepper, 2001: 382). Below the
64
Thoughtless use of antibiotics (as well as cytostatic and immune-suppressing
drugs) damages the intestinal flora and promotes, amongst other things,
1998b).
These people have been inhibited, often hindered and suppressed in expressing
their free will and this suppression has become the central theme of their
The resulting (suppressive) effects are enormous and far reaching: It has caused
(Schroyens, 2001).
65
Weakness is prominent in Monilia albicans, further evidence suggesting the
sycotic miasm:
(Schroyens, 2001).
Sticta pulmonaria belongs to the tubercular miasm, with very little evidence
66
Lungs - TUBERCULOSIS, infection (Murphy, 1993).
There too is much suffocation and oppression running through the remedy
picture:
Mrs. P. thirty-six years of age in robust health, took cold and from it a
desire to sneeze from a titillation in the upper nares; if she falls into a dose
1912).
Cough - After taking a severe cold, hard, racking cough, agg at every inspiration;
Inner chest and lungs - Oppression of chest and feeling of a hard mass there;
67
CHEST – OPPRESSION (Schroyens, 2001).
Mind - Inability to concentrate the mind upon any one subject; a general
confusion of ideas, increasing in intensity all day (after one hour, third
Eye - Burning in the eyelids, with soreness of the ball, on closing the lids or
turning the eye, increasing in intensity during the entire day (after one
It was found to cause severe coryza, with violent sneezing, intense headache,
Case IV. Mr. F., aged 50 years, came to me, saying he had rheumatism all over
him……the pain in the neck and head were intense......I gave Sticta Ist,
Aug. 23. Mr. F. reports himself greatly improved; pains not so severe
(Hale, 1886).
Clarke writes that Price noticed "one symptom so frequently present in the cases
was not in the provings: A spot of inflammation and redness on the affected
joint like the hectic flush on the cheeks in phthisis." Commenting on the
68
connection between tuberculosis and rheumatism, Clarke says: "Phthisis and
and rheumatism [as the word implies] is related to catarrh. Sticta meets all
these conditions; and it has, like Bacillinum, 'a deep-in headache' "
(Vermeulen, 2002).
(Murphy, Undated).
Tubercular and other enervating night-sweats 1-4 to 1-2 grains doses, also in
Chest - Sharp darting pains in the left lung, with slight suffocating feeling,
causing me to rise up in bed, lasting four hours (fourth day) (Allen, 1983).
69
Nausea and vomiting - Nausea and slight vomiting of a sour watery fluid,
Upper face - Weak and languid; poor appetite; every day for the last week, at 12
M., burning pain in upper teeth, left side of jaw, also in left temple; pain
intense, lasts until midnight, when it gradually passes off; feels it slightly
Fever - Hectic chills and fever in phthisis, with copious night sweats (Burt, 1883).
Sweat - Profuse, at night, & hectic chills and fever (Vermeulen, Undated).
found strong affinity for the fungi remedies to the tubercular miasm (Agar, Bov,
70
Agar. Bov. Sec. Ust. Psil. Moni. Stict. Bol-la.
Acute
Psora
Typhoid
Malaria
Ringworm +
Sycosis + +
Tubercular + + + +
Cancer
Leprous +
Syphilis
71
CHAPTER 5: ANALYSIS OF FUNGI REMEDIES
concepts and themes that may be synonymous with the group as a whole and to
systems, and the following sphere of action was noted in the case of the
Kingdom Fungi:
around the above systems. This is further explored below in Chapter 5.2.
72
5.2) Pathological Tendencies Relating to Kingdom Fungi
As a direct result of the proposed sensations that represent the fungi group of
Please note that the evidence produced below is sourced from “Concordant
otherwise.
1998: 124).
Agaricus muscarius
73
Involuntary movements while awake; cease during sleep: chorea, from simple motions
and jerks of single muscles to dancing of whole body; trembling of whole body.
It is esp. useful in muscular twitching of a choreic nature, but where chorea has not fully
developed.
Bovista lycoperdon
Secale cornutum
Twitching; spasms.
Chorea; expression of face varied every moment from a constant play of the muscles.
Cramps in calves and spasmodic twitching of limbs.
Convulsive jerks and shocks in paralyzed limbs. Spasmodic jerks of hand
Tetanic spasms & full consciousness.
Formication, pain and spasmodic movements [Limbs].
Ustilago maydis
Twitching of eyes, they seem to revolve in circles and dart from object to object.
Clonic and tetanic movements [Limbs].
Restless [sleep]; tossing about.
Nerves - CONVULSIONS, general (Murphy, 1993).
Sticta pulmonaria
74
b) Paraesthesia and Neuralgia
damage of sensory fibers in the spinal cord (Oxford, 1998: 484). Neuralgia is
usually described as a burning or stabbing [shooting] pain that follows the course
1999: 1491). These conditions reflect the affinity of the fungi remedies too the
Agaricus muscarius
Bovista lycoperdon
75
GENERALS – TINGLING (Schroyens, 2001).
Lower limbs - Numbness and tingling in the legs with inability to stand upright, especially
in the afternoon (Vithoulkas, 1992).
Secale cornutum
Ustilago maydis
Psilocybe caerulescens
Monilia albicans
76
Sticta pulmonaria
The researcher found a strong influence of the fungi remedies on the sexual
Agaricus muscarius
77
Bovista lycoperdon
Secale cornutum
Ustilago maydis
Psilocybe caerulescens
Sticta pulmonaria
78
d) Female sexual organs
Pathology relating to the female sexual organs is very marked in the fungi
remedies, particularly focusing on the uterus and menstrual cycle. There is much
are apparent here too, especially on the external female sexual organs.
Agaricus muscarius
Bovista lycoperdon
Before, during and after menses: pain as if bruised and weary in loins.
Painful urging toward genitals (before menses) & weight in lumbar region. Burning in
genitals.
Menses too early and profuse.
Leucorrhoea acrid, thick, tough, greenish (leaving green spots on linen), follows menses.
Traces of menses between periods.
Menses every two weeks, much dark and clotted blood.
Diarrhoea agg. before and during menses.
Disordered menstruation. Metrorrhagia. Affections of the ovaries (Vithoulkas, 1992).
Female - SEXUAL, behavior - voluptuous sensation, tingling, coitus-like (Murphy, 1993).
79
Secale cornutum
Ustilago maydis
80
Monilia albicans
Sticta pulmonaria
e) Haemorrhagic tendencies
Agaricus muscarius
81
Bovista lycoperdon
Secale cornutum
Ustilago maydis
Haemorrhage.
Congestive, passive or slow bleeding or clots; blood dark, but watery.
Haematemesis of a passive nature, profuse, blood venous, & nausea, which amel. after
haemorrhage.
GENERALS – HEMORRHAGE (Schroyens, 2001).
Psilocybe caerulescens
Monilia albicans
82
SKIN - ITCHING - bleeding - scratching; after (Schroyens, 2001).
FEMALE GENITALIA/SEX - CONGESTION – Ovaries (Schroyens, 2001).
FEMALE GENITALIA/SEX - CONGESTION – Uterus (Schroyens, 2001).
Sticta pulmonaria
Haemorrhages [Causation].
GENERALS – HEMORRHAGE (Schroyens, 2001).
Hysterical chorea coming on after profuse haemorrhage has been cured by Stic[ta
pulmonaria]. (Clarke, 1904).
researcher via the proposed methodology, it was noted that evidence relating to
this tendency was found throughout the literature of the fungi remedies. There is
aggravation of symptoms by cold. This includes cold air, weather, food or drink,
and even sensations of coldness in various parts. The researcher has found this
Agaricus muscarius
83
Worse: COLD AIR; FREEZING AIR; OPEN AIR.
Many symptoms appear when walking in the open air; this is a very general and
characteristic aggravation.
Great chilliness in open air, strikes through whole body.
The feeling that the painful part is affected by frost; the pain felt is similar to that of
frostbite: this is actually a more general characteristic of Agaricus (Vithoulkas, 1992).
Bovista lycoperdon
Secale cornutum
Coldness, but doesn't want to be covered up. Coldness and intolerance of heat.
Sensation of coldness in stomach.
Cold feeling in abdomen and back.
[Abdomen] Coldness and cramps. Coldness and intolerance of being covered & great
exhaustion.
Fingertips sensitive to cold.
Coldness; cold, dry skin; cold, clammy sweat.
ICY COLD EXTERNALLY, YET BURNING HOT INTERNALLY.
Psilocybe caerulescens
Monilia albicans
84
GENERALS - COLD - take cold; tendency to (Schroyens, 2001).
HEAD - COLD - air - sensitive to (Schroyens, 2001).
Boletus laricis
symptoms, as-well-as from sexual excesses or abuse (see below). The causation
by this group.
Agaricus muscarius
Secale cornutum
85
Lachrymation suppressed. Urine suppressed.
Suppression of milk; breasts don't fill properly.
FEMALE GENITALIA/SEX - MENSES – suppressed (Schroyens, 2001).
Ustilago maydis
Monilia albicans
Sticta pulmonaria
The researcher found that consequences of sexual excess and/or sexual abuse
manifesting in fungi pathology. This was not a surprise as this project has already
established the increased sex drive of the fungi remedies leading to excessive
86
Agaricus muscarius
Bovista lycoperdon
Secale cornutum
Ustilago maydis
87
GENERALS - WEAKNESS - sexual - excesses, after (Schroyens, 2001).
MIND - AILMENTS FROM - abused; after being – sexually (Schroyens, 2001).
the fungi remedies that pertain mostly to the physical plane of manifestation, with
very few references to the deeper mental and emotional states of the kingdom as
a whole. The researcher has just touched on these themes as they are outside
the aims of the study as defined in Chapter 3, but they do however colour the
a) Anxiety
There is a sense of anxiety that is common to the fungi group. The anxiety is
sensation that is felt in various parts of the body, but which stems from a more
The following remedies are listed under the rubric „MIND – ANXIETY‟: Agaricus
tuberosum aegrotans.
88
b) Confusion of mind
There is much confusion in the mentality of the fungi remedies. The confusion is
The following remedies are listed under the rubric „MIND – CONFUSION of
maydis
c) Delusions
This is an area of great affinity for the fungi remedies. Delusions seem to be such
this kingdom should not be considered without some sense of delusions within
The following fungi remedies are listed under the rubric „MIND – DELUSIONS‟:
89
poisoned
under superhuman control
low weight/incorporeal
visions (fantastic; beautiful; on closing eyes)
d) Irritability
This is a sensation that runs through the whole being of a fungi remedy, as it was
theme can run through the organism from a physical level to the sensation level.
The following remedies are listed under the rubric „MIND – IRRITABILITY‟:
Ustilago maydis.
The fungi have been recently classed biologically as a kingdom in their own right,
separating them from both the plant and animal groups. They are essentially
placed between the plant and animal kingdoms, sharing commonalities with both
nature‟ is reflected in the strong sexual desire of the fungi remedies, leading to
90
sexual excesses or even masturbation. However, there is little evidence of the
fungi sharing the more central animal characteristics of „competition‟ and a „need
The researcher believes that, generally, the characteristics of the fungi remedies
suggest that the fungi manifests homoeopathically closer to the plant kingdom
mental confusion and various delusions, and have a more „sensitive‟, „emotional‟
However, the themes of „confusion to identity‟ are very curious indeed, as that is
how the fungi are viewed biologically. With the scientific problem of classifying
„confusion‟ about the definition of a fungi and which organisms can be placed
within that definition, as they are not an animal and they are not a plant.
91
CHAPTER 6: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
(Winston, 2004: 36), has created a major paradigm shift within the profession. It
various authorities of those who are opposed to the notion, those who fully
accept the ‘change’, and those who are unsure about it.
each substance. In this modern age, where scientific thinking dominates what’s
will help move the profession closer to mainstream science, which in turn will
open the path to more stringent and serious scientific studies into the principles
Ultimately though, the researcher believes that by gaining a greater insight into
in a new light, that the patient will benefit most of all. Armed with a new
92
practitioner is better able to determine the simillimum needed by an individual so
This research has shown that Sankaran’s methodology of group analysis can be
used in order to explore other biological groups of remedies, and that biologically
related remedies share common characteristics that can define them as a group,
The fungi remedies are a relatively small group in terms of rubric representation.
They too have a very limited use in homoeopathic prescribing, especially outside
2003). Although the sample selection used for the purposes of this study
93
revealed enough data for an accurate extraction of common sensation, the
researcher was unable to confirm some ideas proposed in this study by applying
There too is a lack of in-depth, ‘cured’ cases of the lesser known fungi remedies.
Case studies provide detailed insight into the essence of a remedy, allowing a
Again, this creates a problem as the themes proposed in this study can’t be fully
these ‘small’ groups together, larger, well known remedies become part of the
with greater accuracy. For the purposes of this study, the researcher basically
Ascomycota, Lichen and Basidiomycota. However, the main reasoning for this
was so that an understanding of the entire kingdom may be obtained, and not the
individual sub-divisions.
94
6.3) Recommendation for Further Research
Research into the Kingdom Fungi is important, especially considering that very
few remedies used in homoeopathy are derived from this ecologically vital
Firstly, more high quality, in-depth provings of both the smaller fungi remedies
and previously unproven fungi remedies are needed. This is of great importance,
as more rubrics representing individual fungi remedies in the literature will greatly
more cured case studies need to be compiled and analysed in-depth in terms of
vital sensations and reactions. Together, this will provide insight into the kingdom
With a greater number of fungi remedies in the literature, research into the sub-
95
REFERENCES
Alexopoulos, C.J. et al. 1996. Introductory Mycology. John Wiley and Sons,
New York, USA.
Allen, H.C. 1879. The Therapy of Intermittent Fevers.Jain Publishers, New Delhi,
from Encyclopaedia Homeopathica.
Allen, H.C. 1928. The Therapy of Fevers.Boericke & Tafel, Philadelphia, from
Encyclopaedia Homeopathica.
Allen, H.C. 1983. The Therapy of Tuberculous Affections. New Delhi, from
Encyclopaedia Homeopathica.
Allen, R.E. 1990. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English. Oxford,
Oxford University Press.
Buck, H. 1987. The Outlines of Materia Medica and Clinical Dictionary. Jain
Publishers, New Delhi, from Encyclopaedia Homeopathica
Carlile, M.J. et al. 2001. The Fungi. Academic Press, London, UK.
Clark, J.H. 1904. Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica (Vol. 1-3). London, from
Encyclopaedia Homeopathica.
Durham, C. 1879. Lectures on Materia Medica. Jain Publishers, New Delhi, from
Encyclopaedia Homeopathica
Hale, E. M. 1886. Special Therapeutics of the New Remedies. Boericke & Tafel,
Philadelphia, from Encyclopaedia Homoeopathica
Hawksworth, D.L. et al. 1995. Ainsworth and Bibsy’s Dictionary of the Fungi.
CAB International, Wallingford, United Kingdom.
Kent, J.T. 1904. Lectures on Homoeopathic Materia Medica .4th edition. New
Delhi: Jain Publishers, from Encyclopaedia Homoeopathica
Pierce W. I. Undated. Plain talks on Materia Medica with Comparisons. Haren &
Brother, Calcatta, from Encyclopaedia Homoeopathica.
Vithoulkas, G. 1992. Materia Medica Viva. Health and Habitat, San Fransisco,
from Encyclopaedia Homoeopathica.
RUBRIC Agar. Bov. Sec. Ust. Psil. Moni. Stict. Bol- Size
la.
MIND – delirium – silent 1 1 2
HEAD – pain – stitching – sides of – 1 1 3
morning
ABDOMEN – pain – stitching – 1 1 3
hypochondria – sitting – bent, while
EYE – pain – burning – cough – with 1 1 3
FEMALE – abortion – tendency to 2 2 3
abortion – flabby woman; in
CHEST – eruptions – pimples – 1 1 3
burning
EXTREMETIES – pain – upper arm – 1 1 3
forenoon
EXTREMETIES – pain – stitching – 1 1 3
knee – rising from a seat
EXTREMETIES – sensitive – cold, to 1 1 3
– fingers
HEAD – motions of head – pains, 1 1 4
moves head to relieve
HEAD – pain – burrowing – temples – 1 1 4
left
MIND – menses – after 2 1 5
MIND – speech – jerks, by 2 1 5
FEMALE – metrorrhagia – delivery – 1 2 5
inertia uteri, with
SKIN – eruptions – urticaria – menses 1 1 5
– during
GENERALS – weakness – walking – 1 1 5
house, in the
FACE – eruptions – excoriating – nose 1 1 6
MOUTH – eruptions – vesicles – blood 1 1 6
vesicles
FEMALE – metrorrhagia – 1 1 6
subinvolution, from
CHEST – palpitation of heart – 1 1 6
nausea; with
BACK – pain – straightening up the 1 1 6
back – amel.
EXTREMETIES – eruptions – upper 1 1 6
limbs – pimples – burning
EXTREMETIES – pain – burning – 1 1 6
forearm – forearm – near the wrist
EXTREMETIES – sensitive – fingers 1 2 6
SKIN – eruptions – pimples – 1 1 6
scratching – after – white after
scratching; pimples become
MIND – delirium – exaltation of 2 1 7
strength, with
HEAD – pain – night – midnight – after 2 1 7
– 3h
EAR – pain – dinner, after 1 1 7
NOSE – itching – external nose 1 1 7
FACE – pain – pressing – chin 1 1 7
MOUTH – speech – difficult – spasms; 2 1 7
from – tongue; from
BACK – pain – aching – stooping – on 2 1 7
SKIN – burning – sparks; as from 1 3 7
SKIN – eruptions – tubercles – 1 1 7
ulcerating
SKIN – indurations, nodules, etc. – 1 1 7
white nodules – scratching; after
MIND – insanity – violent 1 1 8
NOSE – tingling – inside – right 1 2 8
MOUTH – twitching – tongue 1 1 8
STOMACH – nausea – pain, during – 1 1 8
stomach, in
FEMALE – lochia – thin 2 1 8
COUGH – irritation; from – throat; in - 1 1 8
right
EXTREMETIES – eruptions – foot – 1 1 8
back of – vesicles
MIND – rage – mischievous 1 1 9
HEAD – pain – stunning, stupefying – 1 1 9
vertex
NOSE – discharge – offensive – putrid 1 1 9
NOSE – sneezing – morning – rising – 1 1 9
after
MOUTH – ulcers – tongue – painful 1 1 9
ABDOMEN – pain – drawing – 1 1 9
inguinal region – right
RECTUM – flatus – noisy – moving 1 1 9
about, changing place; the noise is
RESPIRATION – asthmatic – allergic 1 1 9
SKIN – electric – sparks; sensation as 1 3 9
from electric
MIND – dancing – jumping; and 1 1 10
NOSE – discharge – crusts, scabs, 2 1 10
inside – detach – hard to detach – raw
and sore spot; leave
ABDOMEN – itching - hypochondria 1 1 10
ABDOMEN – pain – hypochondria – 1 1 10
morning
FEMALE – leucorrhea – atony, from 1 1 10
FEMALE – lochia – dark 3 1 10
FEMALE – menses – clotted – partly 2 1 10
fluid
FEMALE – metrorrhagia – bright red – 1 2 10
clots, with
FEMALE – metrorrhagia – delivery, 1 1 10
after
BACK – cracking – dorsal region 1 1 10
EXTREMETIES – motion – irregular 2 2 10
SKIN – eruptions – pimples – hard 1 2 10
FACE – pain – stitching – lips – lower 1 1 11
STOMACH – nausea – breakfast – 1 1 11
during
ABDOMEN – pain – tearing – 1 1 1 11
menses – during
STOOL – thin – formed then thin 1 3 11
FEMALE – leucorrhea – dark 1 1 11
EXTREMETIES – pain – sore – upper 1 1 11
limbs – joints; of
MIND – delusions – enlarged – 1 1 12
objects are
HEAD – pain – occiput – coition, after 1 1 12
NOSE – discoloration - bluish 1 1 12
NOSE – epistaxis – blowing – nose; 2 2 12
the – morning
NOSE – obstruction – sensation of – 1 1 12
watery discharge; with
NOSE – pain – root – headache, with 3 1 12
FACE – discoloration – pale – morning 2 3 12
URETHRA – discharge – viscid 1 1 12
FEMALE – metrorrhagia – pale 1 1 12
EXPECTORATION – bloody – 1 1 12
uncoagulated
BACK – itching – sacrum 1 1 12
BACK – numbness – dorsal region 1 1 12
EXTREMETIES – paralysis – wrist – 1 1 12
sensation of
SKIN – discoloration – spots – 1 1 12
fleabites; like
SKIN – eruptions – rash – white 1 1 12
MIND – menses – after 1 1 13
VERTIGO – accompanied by – 1 1 13
epistaxis
VERTIGO – periodical 1 1 13
EAR – itching – meatus – boring with 1 2 13
finger – amel.
NOSE – dryness – inside – blowing 1 3 13
nose, but without discharge; compels
THROAT – inflammation – left 1 1 13
SLEEP – sleepiness – eating – during 1 1 13
RUBRIC Agar. Bov. Sec. Ust. Psil. Moni. Stict. Bol- Size
la.
HEAD – pain – stitching – sides of – 1 1 3
morning
ABDOMEN – pain – stitching – 1 1 3
hypochondria – sitting – bent, while
EYE – pain – burning – cough – with 1 1 3
CHEST – eruptions – pimples – 1 1 3
burning
EXTREMETIES – pain – stitching – 1 1 3
knee – rising from a seat
HEAD – pain – burrowing – temples 1 1 4
– left
FACE – eruptions – excoriating – 1 1 6
nose
EXTREMETIES – eruptions – upper 1 1 6
limbs – pimples – burning
EXTREMETIES – pain – burning – 1 1 6
forearm – forearm – near the wrist
NOSE – itching – external nose 1 1 7
FACE – pain – pressing – chin 1 1 7
MOUTH – speech – difficult – 2 1 7
spasms; from – tongue; from
BACK – pain – aching – stooping – 2 1 7
on
SKIN – burning – sparks; as from 1 3 7
NOSE – tingling – inside – right 1 2 8
MOUTH – twitching – tongue 1 1 8
COUGH – irritation; from – throat; in - 1 1 8
right
HEAD – pain – stunning, stupefying 1 1 9
– vertex
ABDOMEN – pain – drawing – 1 1 9
inguinal region – right
SKIN – electric – sparks; sensation as 1 3 9
from electric
NOSE – discharge – crusts, scabs, 2 1 10
inside – detach – hard to detach – raw
and sore spot; leave
ABDOMEN – itching - hypochondria 1 1 10
BACK – cracking – dorsal region 1 1 10
FACE – pain – stitching – lips – lower 1 1 11
ABDOMEN – pain – tearing – menses 1 1 1 11
– during
NOSE – obstruction – sensation of – 1 1 12
watery discharge; with
BACK – itching – sacrum 1 1 12
BACK – numbness – dorsal region 1 1 12
EXTREMETIES – paralysis – wrist – 1 1 12
sensation of
VERTIGO – periodical 1 1 13
EAR – itching – meatus – boring with 1 2 13
finger – amel.
NOSE – dryness – inside – blowing 1 3 13
nose, but without discharge; compels
STOMACH – heaviness – 1 1 14
epigastrium
RECTUM – itching – anus; around – 1 1 14
stool – after
EXTREMETIES – pain – stitching – 1 2 14
ankle – malleolus – outer
MIND – stupefaction – morning 1 2 15
FACE – pain – stitching – chin 1 1 15
EXTREMETIES – swelling – foot – 1 1 15
right
NOSE – pulsation 2 1 16
HEAD – pain – stitching – forehead – 1 1 17
eyes, over – left
EYE – pain – burning – closing lids 1 1 17
THROAT – pain – burnt; sensation as 1 1 17
if
BACK – formication – spine 3 1 17
EXTREMITIES – coldness – lower 1 2 17
limbs – sensation of
EXTREMETIES – stiffness – toes 1 1 17
EXTREMETIES – restlessness – 2 1 18
fingers
HEAD – itching of scalp – morning 2 1 19
COUGH – burning; from – larynx; in 1 1 19
CHEST – pain – burning – external 1 1 19
EXTREMETIES – contraction of 1 2 19
muscles and tendons – leg – calf
HEAD – pain – shooting – forehead – 1 1 20
eyes, over
STOMACH – pain – lancinating 1 1 20
EXTREMITIES – awkwardness – 1 3 20
fingers
EXTREMETIES – pain – jerking, 1 1 20
tearing – foot
SKIN – eruptions – pimples – burning 1 1 20
MOUTH – pain – stitching – palate – 1 1 21
hard palate
ABDOMEN – heaviness – 1 3 21
hypogastrium
FEMALE – itching – voluptouos 2 1 21
FEMALE – menses – ropy, 1 1 21
tenacious, stringy
COUGH – dry – evening – lying down 1 2 21
EXTREMETIES – pain – fingers – 1 1 21
rheumatic
ABDOMEN – pain – dragging, 1 1 22
bearing down – menses – before
FEMALE – pain – tearing – uterus – 2 2 22
menses – during
SKIN – itching – scratching – bleeds; 2 2 22
must scratch until it
GENERALS – pain – burning – blood 1 1 22
vessels, in
FACE – heat – chin – sensation of 1 1 23
MOUTH – spasms – tongue 1 1 23
BACK – itching – coccyx 1 2 23
BACK – numbness 2 1 23
EXTREMETIES – cramps – ankle 1 1 23
EXTREMETIES – formication – legs 1 2 23
– calf
EXTREMETIES – pain – forearm – 1 1 23
rheumatic
FEMALE – pain – labor like – menses 2 1 24
– before
EXTREMETIES – lightness, 1 1 24
sensation of
GENERALS – convulsions – 2 1 24
excitement, from
RECTUM – dragging – heaviness, 1 1 25
weight – stool – during
Burning Itching Stitching Spasm Numbness Heaviness Dryness Dragging
APPENDIX C
Definition “On fire, very “tickling “a sharp “strong “deprived of the “having a great “without water “to pull
hot; intense; sensation in localized involuntary power to feel” weight; a great or moister; something
(Oxford, hotly discussed” skin, causing a pain…it is a contraction of amount of force; thirsty; boring heavy along;
1998) desire to form of a muscle” full of sadness or or dull” continue
scratch” cramp” worry” slowly and
dully”
Synonyms Intense Irritation Cramp Convulsion Deadness Weight Aridity Tedious
All-consuming Tingling Contraction Dullness Gravity Aridness Boring
(Collins, Eagar Spasm Paroxysm Insensibility Heftiness Dehydration Dull
2005) Frantic Desire Ache Twitch Insensitivity Ponderousness Drought Going slowly
Frenzied Craving Contraction Paralysis Thirst Humdrum
Impassioned Hankering Crick Burst Stupefaction Onerousness Thirstiness Monotonous
Passionate Hunger Pain Access Torpor Arduousness Tiresome
Zealous Longing Pang Eruption Unfeelingness Burdensomeness Dull Wearisome
Crucial Lust Stiffness Fit Grievousness Boring
Acute Passion Stitch Frenzy Oppressiveness Dreary
Critical Restlessness Twinge Outburst Severity Monotonous
Essential Seizure Weightiness Plain
Important Longing Spasm Tedious
Significant Burning Sluggishness Tiresome
Vital Curiosity Ache Deadness Uninteresting
Blazing Impatient Contraction Dullness
Fiery Inquisitive Stiffness Languor Sarcastic
Flaming Stitch Lassitude Cutting
Glowing Twinge Numbness Droll
Hot Torpor Keen
Illuminated Quietly
Stinging Sadness Humorous
Biting Dejection Sharp
Caustic Depression Sly
Irritating Despondency
Painful Gloom
Tingling Melancholy
Analysis of the various common sensations extracted. Words highlighted in red were found to be supported by a search of the
literature and have been included in the data analysis.