Homeopathy & error by association

a spidery example

The Tarentella - the dance of the spider has become a modern day Italian courtship dance said to take its name from the ancient city of Tarentum, presently Taranto in Puglia, Italy. Tarantellas were also written for piano by the notable composers Chopin, Liszt, and Carl Maria von Weber, in addition to the more traditional string and woodwind accompaniments.

Tarentella, from the Italian tarantola - the spider whose bite supposedly led to tarantism a type of dancing mania in young women who would dance and dance and dance and in doing so sweat the venom away.¹ The suggested ancient folk remedy for the effects of a tarantola bite was music played loudly and fast.²

A female Lycosa tarantula carrying her egg sac beneath her abdomen. Image taken from Paul Harcourt Davies https://www.paulharcourtdavies.com/wolf-spider-lycosa-tarantula

The homeopathic medicine Tarentula hispanica was thought to originate from the tarantola - the wolf spider Lycosa tarantula³ (pictured above) due, in most part to the folklore and that of its well known symptom music ameliorates. Dr. Nunez is credited with much of the original HPT data, translated from the French by Dr. Terry with additions by Drs. Perry, Cuesta, Gross published prior to 1870.⁴

However, the 2001 comparison of toxicology, clinical findings, modern and historic literature alongside materia medica by Richardson-Boedler actually traced the zoological origin of the homeopathic medicine Tarentula hispanica to the Mediterranean widow spider⁵ with its origin corrected in 2004 as indeed being Latrodectus tredecimguttatus⁶ (pictured below).

Female Latrodectus tredecimguttatus. Image taken from https://www.naturspaziergang.de/Spinnen/Latrodectus_tredecimguttatus.htm

Homeopathic medicine is fundamentally based upon the application of the therapeutic similitude principle or, more simply, like with like - that is, ill health may be addressed through use of the substance which produced similar symptoms within its homeopathic pathogenetic trial (HPT) data⁷ which determines the curative properties of a single mineral, botanical or zoological in-origin-drug via its pathogenetic effects upon healthy volunteers.⁸

Homeopathy is one of the most popular types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the West.⁹

The World Health Organization states that homeopathy (alongside Traditional Chinese Medicine) is the fourth most commonly used CAM worldwide, formally acknowledged in one hundred of its Member States.¹⁰

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As a beginning student in New Zealand (circa 2005) I distinctly recall part of a lecture of the homeopathic medicine Stramonium delivered by Julie Andrews (also a classically trained musician). Julie studied homeopathy in the 1980s, was referred to as a busy homeopath and stated that in her student days study and knowledge of Stramonium was cursory, as it was a remedy hardly required - however, this had completely changed by the mid naughties to become invaluable within her work.

(A Stramonium case study here for your interest)

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I am reminded similarly of this progression in Tarentula hispanica (Tarentula).

As personally, within my first decade of work I had prescribed Tarentula a mere handful of times - however, it becomes increasingly obvious within my work now that there is a real need for it I’ve not seen before (LOVE to know your take (as a homeopath) on this too please).

A common theme to the people I have prescribed Tarentula for lately - especially in wee kids - is the desire to do violence alongside constant exposures and indeed possible addictions to gaming, movies, porn, manga etc., all of which contain ever increasing amounts of sexualized violence, the effects of which are known to greatly increase aggression.¹¹

Unsurprisingly, the Workgroup on Media Violence and Violent Video Games found strong evidence of short-and-long term harmful effects of exposure to violent media which includes increased aggressive thoughts, angry feelings, physiologic arousal, hostile appraisals, aggressive behavior, and desensitization to violence WITH decreased prosocial behaviours i.e., wanting to help others, and empathy - completely aligning with modern social-cognitive-behavioural theories…¹²

According to Roger Morrison M.D., Tarentula is indicated for an over-stimulated nervous system, and perhaps the most hurried of all within materia medica. Where physical outlet is lacking a violent, destructive, raging mania develops (Bell; Stram) with an unbelievable desire for extreme violence, and even a desire to kill.¹³

This can be an extremely serious situation. I provide an example for you here of what this picture can look like in real life with this recent repertorization snapshot;

Please note - the original rubrics were located (as always) within the book repertory The Essential Synthesis. 2007. Edited by Dr. Frederick Schroyens. London: Homoeopathic Book Publishers and Archibel S.A. THIS repertorization is for visual purposes only (Miccant, 2015. Isis Vision [computer program].

NB., due to the severe violent behaviours CASE MANAGEMENT was paramount - this included providing assistance in seeking-out professional advice on prevention of violence within the home etc., to ensure the safety of the other members of the household, which was sought and implemented prior to my prescription being made.

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Far North Queensland IACH diplomate homeopath Sarah Baxter (2022) presents a Tarentula case study followed for 24 months:

Periodic Limb Movement Disorder, Restless Legs Syndrome and Behavioural Problems Improving Simultaneous to a Change in the Nature of Acute Illness: A Homeopathic Case Study

A case which ‘‘showcases the concept of the simillimum, and how one remedy can resonate powerfully and act for an extended period. It highlights how homeopathic treatment is more than just giving remedies for disorders; it is about tailoring the treatment towards the individual and monitoring a case and all its nuances.’’

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ONE OF THE REASONS I write here and now on Tarentula - first ‘proved’ via HPT prior to 1870 - is that yesterday I saw an ad for a course in ‘new remedies (not the kind Nana knows)…’ I felt sick after seeing this smarmy, substanceless and superior seeming attempt to lure unsuspecting students into ah-mah-zing nomeopathy from a guruistic, wannabe homeopath.

Firstly, talk about disrespecting all the Nana’s out there - mine, Maud, is soon to be 95 by the way, and living her happily independent, best life at home with people, pets and plants. Secondly, where is their respect for the individual which is paramount to homeopathy in alignment with the law of similars by excluding most of the well-known materia medica? And thirdly, WTF!

Clearly this ‘teacher’ is unaware of the fact that reliability of homeopathy increases when prescribed in accordance with the objective signs and guiding symptoms of a homeopathic medicine firmly tested via HPT…¹⁴

Or that the first investigations into Lachesis were initially made by Hering in 1828, the first cases of its clinical uses were published from 1835 and only in 1837 (nine years later) was it was officially introduced into materia medica…¹⁵

Or the fact that the examples set by Hahnemann in obtaining original HPT data were so rigorous that the American Institute of Homeopathy’s Bureau of Materia Medica 1874 vote to re-investigate Sepia resulted in twenty-five HPTs where the collection of its attributed symptoms, first observed by Hahnemann, were confirmed, testament to the fact that the data left us by the old master could not be improved upon…¹⁶

Or that Timothy Allen stated it imperative that following HPTs the real character of all the collected symptoms are fully investigated to be incorporated, dropped, exposed or stigmatized as dubious (which absolutely calls into question the validity of an online repository that since 2014 has doubled in size)…¹⁷

Or that homeopathy is a standardized system of medicine which continues to flourish worldwide despite the challenges of the organized anti-homeopathy polemic and the attempted destruction of its philosophies and theories by pundits and influencers…¹⁸

I wonder what this ah-mah-zing nomeopathic guru actually prescribes for someone requiring Tarentula (considering it is from even before Nana’s day and their inference that it should be excluded because of this?! Again, WTF…)

I know!

I’ve got it!

The remedy I, the ah-mah-zing nomeopath intuits with my all-knowing-powers, and prescribes in lieu of the old fashioned similimum is… emanations of the latest violent video game in a 666C potency written down on a piece of paper and set under a glass of water, to be drunk, stat!

This is no exaggeration. After drilling down into the organized take down of homeopathy (no shit, see here¹⁹ ) within a recent Masters essay (which I happily report received an A) I really, truly feel like this is where some people ‘are at.’

I am always keen for your take too, especially if you disagree! Love to see your comments below.

For those that feel and see as I do, this (2008) paper will hopefully remind you (as it did for me) that this is not a ‘new’ problem in homeopathy,²⁰ however, it is a growing one.

If homeopathy (the real kind) has any chance of surviving into the future we must demand, demonstrate and adhere to its systematic constructs just like the diligent example set by Sarah Baxter within her excellent case study (linked above).²¹

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In a beautiful conclusion, here is the Tarantula nebula - a glowing gas cloud within the Large Clouds of Magellan. The gas glows, in the ultra-violet light, of a cluster of incandescent stars at its centre. The cloud is thought to be 800 light years across and is easily seen through binoculars, and with the naked eye in New Zealand on moonless nights (I can see it from my country cottage at this time of year in absence of skyorrhea (word credit to Rob Deutsch).

Tarantula nebula (aka 30 Doradus) In this mosaic image stretching 340 light-years across, Webb’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) displays the Tarantula Nebula star-forming region in a new light, including tens of thousands of never-before-seen young stars that were previously shrouded in cosmic dust. The most active region appears to sparkle with massive young stars, appearing pale blue. Credits: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Webb ERO Production Team https://www.nasa.gov/universe/a-cosmic-tarantula-caught-by-nasas-webb/

This Tarantula nebula is one of the brightest known, and if it were as close to us as the Orion nebula, would be as bright as a full moon. The Large (and Small) Clouds of Magellan appear as two luminous clouds, easily seen with the naked eye in a dark New Zealand sky. They are galaxies, like the Milky Way, but much smaller, even so, each is comprised of billions of stars and many clusters of young bright stars which can be seen as spots of light in binoculars. At 160, 000 and 200, 000 light years away both are considered nearby galaxies.²²

As always, much love from New Zealand.

‘In contrast to frequent claims, the available Meta Analyses of homoeopathy in placebo-controlled randomised trials for any indication show significant positive effects beyond placebo. Compared to other medical interventions, the quality of evidence for efficacy of homoeopathy was similar or higher than for 90% of interventions across medicine. Accordingly, the efficacy evidence from placebo-controlled randomised trials provides no justification for regulatory or political actions against homoeopathy in health-care systems.’²³

1. Italian traditions. Dance the Tarentella. https://www.italiancs.org/blog/blog-post-title-three-wm3l3

2. Clarke, H. (2006). A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica; Volume III, Tarentula (Reprinted.) B. Jain Publishers. (Original work published 1902). https://www.materiamedica.info/en/materia-medica/john-henry-clarke/tarentula

3. https://araneae.nmbe.ch/data/3977/Lycosa_tarantula

4. Allen, T. 2011. The Encyclopaedia of Pure Materia Medica. A record of the positive effects of drugs upon the healthy human organism. Tarentula Vol. IX. S-T. 6^th Ed. B. Jain Publishers. (Originally published 1874).

5. Richardson-Boedler, C. 2001. The widow spider Latrodectus tredecimguttatus: source of the remedy Tarentula hispanica? Br Homeopath J. Jan;90(1):44-9. PMID: 11212089.

6. Bonnet, MS. 2004. The toxicology of Latrodectus tredecimguttatus: the Mediterranean Black Widow spider. Homeopathy. Jan;93(1):27-33. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2003.10.001

7. Mahmud, S., Mahesh, S., Vithoulkas, G. 2024. Retroperitoneal Spindle Cell Sarcoma Unresponsive to Conventional Approach, Managed with Individualized Homeopathy: A Case Report. Oncol Cancer Case Rep. 10(3), 001-006. https://www.iomcworld.org/open-access/retroperitoneal-spindle-cell-sarcoma-unresponsive-to-conventional-approach-managed-with-individualized-homeopathy-a-case-report-1099446.html

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Hahnemann, S. 2005. Organon of Medicine. Sixth edition. (W. Boericke, Trans.). Indian Books and Periodicals Publishers. (Original work published 1842.)

9. Maftei, NM., Nechifor, A., Tan, B., et al. 2025. Therapeutic Applications for Homeopathy in Clinical Practice. Adv Ther. Jan;42(1):36-51. doi: 10.1007/s12325-024-03022-5

10. World Health Organization, [WHO]. 2019. WHO global report on traditional and complementary medicine 2019. World Health Organization. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/312342

11. Burnay, J., Kepes, S., Bushman, BJ. 2022. Effects of violent and nonviolent sexualized media on aggression-related thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and behaviors: A meta-analytic review. Aggress Behav. Jan;48(1):111-136. doi: 10.1002/ab.21998

12. Anderson, CA., Bushman, BJ., Bartholow, BD., et al. 2017. Screen Violence and Youth Behavior. Pediatrics. Nov;140(Suppl 2):S142-S147. doi: 10.1542/peds.2016-1758T

13. Morrison, R. 1993. Desktop Guide to Keynotes and Confirmatory Symptoms. Grass Valley. Hahnemann Clinic Publishing.

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19. Ashworth, M., and Cloatre, E. (2024). Resistance, regulation, and governmentality: interrogating the defunding of homeopathy in France and England (2000 to 2022). Soc Theory Health 22, 301–319. doi.org/10.1057/s41285-024-00215-4

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Vithoulkas, G. (2008). British media attacks on homeopathy: are they justified? Homeopathy. 2008 Apr;97(2):103-106. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2008.02.004

21. Baxter, S. 2022. https://hpathy.com/clinical-cases/periodic-limb-movement-disorder-restless-legs-syndrome-and-behavioural-problems-improving-simultaneous-to-a-change-in-the-nature-of-acute-illness-a-homeopathic-case-study/

22. With thanks to the monthly newsletter by Alan Gilmour, Mt John Observatory, University of Canterbury, New Zealand.

23. Hamre, HJ., Glockmann, A., von Ammon, K et al. (2023). Efficacy of homoeopathic treatment: Systematic review of meta-analyses of randomised placebo-controlled homoeopathy trials for any indication. Systematic Rev. Oct 7;12(1):191. doi.org/10.1186/s13643-023-02313-2