Religious review of homoeopathic medicines in the eThekwini district

Abstract

Introduction The purpose of this study was to draw up a list of problematic homoeopathic medications and remedies that conflict with religious restrictions. This research will be considering religions that are most prevalent in South Africa according to the general household survey of 2015 (Census 2015). These were: Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, traditional African religions and “other” religions, such as Buddhism. The scope of this research will only focus on Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Buddhism. This comparative research was conducted through book reviews, and the results obtained from these books were verified with each religious leader. Aim of the study The study aims to determine which homoeopathic remedies or medications could potentially have religious restrictions. The study also intends to investigate the reasons behind these limitations. Methodology This research was conducted in the form of a book review with a qualitative aspect. The book review will show the subtle and implicit religious restrictions and how these restrictions can impede practitioners’ prescriptions. In some instances, these constraints may be lifted, which is also part of what this research aims to investigate. It was important to determine the extent of these restrictions, whether they were self-imposed, enforced by the religion, or imposed by someone else, and what practitioners should be aware of. The researcher identified and approached two religious leaders from each religious group (ten participants in total) in the eThekwini region. Each religious leader was asked about which parts of religious scripture contained the specific restrictions relating to homoeopathic prescription; these limitations were then verified through the texts mentioned. The researcher also confirmed the limitations regarding food, medicine (including CAM and energy healing) and alcohol with each religious leader.