A thematic group analysis of three indigenous Bitis spp remedies

Introduction This group analysis study was aimed at the intention to extend the materia medica knowledge of the under-utilized homoeopathic remedies namely the three indigenous Bitis spp. remedies which was inclusive of Bitis arietans arietans, Bitis gabonica gabonica and Bitis atropos. Group analysis methodology was applied to the Bitis spp. remedies to give a clearer understanding of the remedies within the international context as well as the South African context. Methodology The three indigenous snake remedies which are Bitis arietans arietans, Bitis gabonica gabonica and Bitis atropos were analysed in terms of a review, extraction of information, organisation of data into tables, recording of materia medica, extraction and comparison of common themes, extraction and comparison of common sensations, comparison of all acquired data with the broader snake family themes and determination of indigenous group themes. Data extraction resulted using tables for categorisation and a subsequent comparative analysis was conducted on the Bitis spp. remedies. A group of three similar remedies to the Bitis spp. was derived and a subsequent miasmatic classification was derived based on the extracted data. Common sensations were also extracted and thereafter reactions to those sensations with the compensations were deduced. Results The emerged sensations derived from the symptoms were constriction, stiffness and tension that were seen on many levels of the remedies. The symptoms from the mental sphere were converted to themes of spaced-out feelings that seemed to be consistent throughout the Bitis spp. remedies. Indigenous themes that emerged reflected situations and feelings peculiar to the South African context. Some of these themes are freedom, fear/ panic, money problems, drugs and alcohol and crimes. Sensations derived were mainly anger and depression amongst others. The researcher proposes that the predominant miasmatic influence seen from the symptomatology was the Sycotic miasm. Conclusion This study has improved the information of lesser known homoeopathic remedies and has given an understanding of under-utilized remedies. Group analysis is an interesting and useful tool to expand the remedies of a group, to a more effective basis of knowledge and will help practitoners improve their skills as homoeopaths for the better.