Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)
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Item An investigation into the association between Fabry disease, its clinical manifestations and chronic renal failure in patients attending public hospitals in KwaZulu-Natal(2023-08) Singh, Jillian; Benjamin, S. C.; Assounga, A. G.Fabry disease is characterized as a genetic, progressive, lysosomal storage disorder. It is inherited in an X-linked manner in which the mutated gene inhibits the functioning of the alpha-Galactosidase-A enzyme causing a deficiency or absence of the enzyme. This results in the accumulation of glycolipids, particularly globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) in the lysosomes causing progressive damage to tissues and major organs. Fabry nephropathy is progressive and is one of the major organ complications after cardiovascular manifestations caused by Fabry disease. Left untreated, Fabry nephropathy can result in end-stage kidney disease. To our knowledge, no research has been conducted to determine the association between Fabry disease, its clinical manifestations, and chronic kidney disease in KwaZulu-Natal. Methods: This study was a prospective, quantitative study. A total of 200 male patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD stage 2-5D) were enrolled in three dialysis clinics at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Addington Hospital and St Aidan’s Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. A control group of 14 healthy males was also enrolled for this study. The ELISA technique was employed to determine the alpha Gal-A enzyme concentration levels in the plasma. A questionnaire using the MSSI scoring system was presented to the participants to identify clinical manifestations. Results: A cut-off value for the alpha Gal-A enzyme concentration levels of <500pg/ml was calculated using the standard deviation and mean. A total of 17 participants from the patient group (n=11) and the control group (n=6) displayed alpha-Gal-A enzyme levels <500pg/ml. A p-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. A statistically significance result was exhibited between alpha-Gal levels of <500pg/ml and demographic parameters such as age (p=0.007), where the mean age was 30.5 years. Clinical parameters such as heat or cold intolerance, MSSI scores and hypertension also displayed significance. Heat and cold intolerance displayed a p-value of 0.049, where 2 patients reported the manifestation. MSSI scores displayed a negative association where p=0.001. Low MSSI scores should correlate with high alpha-Gal levels, however, in this study, all the patients displayed low MSSI scores between 9 and 12.5 with low alpha-Gal levels. Hypertension also presented with a significance of p<0.001. A total of 4 patients were diagnosed with hypertension. Conclusion: Fabry disease is suspected in a total of 17 participants with alpha-Gal levels of <500pg/ml. The cause of CKD nephropathy raises interest as conditions such as FSGS have been associated with FD. The low levels of the alpha-Gal enzyme and presentation of the clinical manifestations can be used as preliminary findings. It is recommended that confirmatory tests such as DNA analysis or Gb3 and GL3 analysis should be performed to confirm the diagnosis.Item A comparative analysis of the proving symptomatology of Malus domestica with existing remedies from the Rosacea family(2021-05-27) Zuma, Minenhle Goodenough; Maharaj, MandushaIntroduction Over the years there has been an increase in the number of homoeopathic drug provings. This has in turn, led to an increase in the number of available homoeopathic remedies and, consequently, an expansion of the materia medica. The increase in the number of available homoeopathic remedies is a massive milestone in the field of homoeopathy. However, some practitioners acknowledge that finding a homoeopathic similimum is rather daunting due to the excessive volume of data. A system of prescribing that would make the process of finding a similimum logical is necessary. Numerous homoeopaths have developed methods to analyse and classify remedies. The Doctrine of Signatures, miasmatic theory developed by Samuel Hahnemann, the homoeopathic repertories and group analysis are but some of the developments that have been implemented to assist homoeopathic practitioners and students grasp the excessive content that exists in the materia medicae and the field of homoeopathy as a whole. These methods have also made prescribing for both students and homoeopaths logical and much easier. Innovative homoeopathic authors like Sankaran (2005a), Scholten (1993) and Mangialavori (2010) have developed systems of studying remedies in groups or kingdoms, now famously known as group analysis. Group analysis offers a valuable tool for studying and prescribing homoeopathic remedies with accuracy. Aim This is a non-empirical correlational, theoretical study with the aim of studying and comparing the proving symptomatology of Malus domestica with the following selected plant remedies within the Rosaceae plant family: Crataegus oxyacantha, Hydrocyanicum acidum, Laurocerasus, Prunus spinosa and Rosa damascene. This study also aimed to expand the knowledge of the Rosaceae family and by so doing improve the application of the remedies in a clinical context. A MacRepertory® search was conducted to choose remedies belonging to the Rosaceae family with the greatest number of rubrics hence the above-mentioned remedies were selected as the sample for this study. A good representation of the remedy in the materia medica and the number of successful clinical cases available were other factors that were considered on selecting sample remedies. Objectives 1. Describe and organise symptomatology of selected remedies of the Rosaceae plant family and tabulate their respective symptomatology in order to derive homoeopathic themes. 2. Determine homoeopathic symptomatology, rubrics and themes of Malus domestica in order to enable family contextualisation. 3. Compare the themes and sensations that emerge with existing themes and sensations of Malus domestica and the selected Rosaceae plant family remedies. Methodology To fulfil the purposes of this study the proving symptomatology of Malus domestica was thoroughly studied and interrogated. A computer repertory search was conducted using MacRepertory® to extract all the rubrics of the study remedies. The sources that were used included the documented proving of Malus domestica 30CH, materia medicae and MacRepertory®, which is an electronic database consisting of repertories, materia medica, books and journal articles. The symptomatology, themes, sensations, and rubrics were visually analysed and compared with each other in the form of tables for easy reference and to identify existing commonalities and differences. The collected themes and sensations were subsequently analysed. The emerging sensations were then compared with those proposed by Sankaran. Results The Rosaceae remedies yielded numerous themes and sensations, especially those relating to the mental sphere, chest, respiratory, heart and circulation, extremities and the head. The following sensations were noted: tightness, spasms, oppression, suffocation, paralysis, constriction, disconnection and pressure (inwards and outwards). A few polarities were noted in the mental themes. The polarity that exists between some of the themes are: • Calmness and quietness vs Nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and fear; • Increased memory and concentration levels vs Mental weakness, mental dullness, loss of memory and mental exhaustion. The comparative analysis of the proving symptomatology of Malus domestica and existing Rosaceae plant remedies namely, Crataegus oxyacantha, Hydrocyanicum acidum, Laurocerasus, Prunus spinosa and Rosa damascene exhibited numerous commonalities. Conclusion The study established clearly discernable commonalities between Malus domestica 30CH and existing Rosaceae plant remedies, with the majority of these commonalities relating to the mind, head, chest, respiratory, extremities, heart and circulation and the abdomen. This study demonstrated that group analysis can validate and expand provings, hence expanding knowledge and clinical application of these remedies.Item The relationship between the natural history of the Papaveraceae family of plants and the homoeopathic symptomatology of existing remedies of the Papaveraceae family(2018-12-10) Mngadi, Samkelisiwe Nonduduzo; Wulfsohn, Terence 'Benzev'; Couchman, IngridDuring Samuel Hahnemann’s time, it was possibly simpler for homoeopaths to prescribe, as there were fewer remedies. Nowadays, there are thousands of remedies available to homoeopaths and the materia medica is continually increasing due to the increase in provings and homoeopathic research globally. As new remedies are being discovered annually, the abundance of homoeopathic data increases. While this is advantageous in many ways, some homoeopaths are concerned that the essence of some homoeopathic remedies is being lost. They also stress that the excess of data makes finding a similimum challenging. The extent of homoeopathic data has led to the establishment of various methods of simplifying the prescribing process. Miasmatic theory, the doctrine of signatures, kingdom analysis and homoeopathic repertory are some of the methods developed to try to comprehend the materia medica. Group analysis or kingdom analysis method is a relatively new method of classifying homoeopathic remedies. The group analysis method links similar remedies in terms of their botanical and natural history. It then analyses common characteristics from these remedies, thus forming a generalised picture of the whole group or kingdom. The aim is to form a broad understanding of all the remedies within the group by carefully studying the common characteristics found throughout the whole group. The group analysis method therefore highlights the polycrest remedies and subsequently illuminates the lesser-known remedies thus forming a complete picture of the group. This study is a non-empirical correlation study of the Papaveraceae plant family’s natural history and homoeopathic symptomatology of selected remedies belonging to the Papaveraceae family. This study is aimed at establishing the commonalities of natural history between selected individual remedies belonging to Papaveraceae and their mental, physical and general symptoms. It is also aimed at establishing the collective commonalities that exist between the natural history of the Papaveraceae family and the mental, physical and general symptoms of the whole Papaveraceae family. Homoeopathic software in the form of RadarOpus version 1.38 was used to select five sample remedies from the Papaveraceae family. The five plant remedies from the Papaveraceae family that had the most rubrics were chosen as the sample group. The Papaveraceae family has alkaloid remedies such as codeinum and morphinum but such remedies were excluded from the study because the researcher wanted to include whole plant remedies for a fair comparison of their natural history. The study used qualitative thematic analysis to establish common themes that exist between the natural histories of each of the sample remedies and their homoeopathic symptomatology (the mental, physical and general symptoms) found in the materia medica. Plant habitat and distribution, description, active principles (primary alkaloids), uses, physiological action, historical significance, mythology and toxicology were used to describe the natural history of individual sample remedies. The keywords taken from the natural history were subjected to thesaurus consultation in order to find synonyms relating to the homoeopathic symptomatology. RadarOpus was used to find rubrics and sub-rubrics which contain keywords and synonyms of individual sample remedies. The common themes relating to individual remedies were further tabulated and subsequently collective themes were established and further analysed. Common themes found between the natural history and homoeopathic symptomatology included “violent” found in Chelidonium majus, “excitement” found in Opium, “vomiting” found in Sanguinaria canadensis, “pain” found in Fumaria officinalis and “condylomata” found in Corydalis furmosa. Common themes found in all Papaveraceae family include “aggressive”, “pain” and “nausea”. The results of the study established that there is a relationship between the natural history of the Papaveraceae family and the homoeopathic symptomatology of existing remedies of the Papaveraceae family.Item A double-blind placebo controlled homoeopathic proving of Malus domestica 30CH, with a subsequent comparison of proving symptomatology to homoeopathic remedies of repertorial similarity(2015) Moonsamy, Brenton Ricardo; Maharaj, Madhueshwaree; Somaru, NevornduttIntroduction The purpose of this investigation was to determine the effects of Malus domestica 30CH on a group of healthy provers and to compare these signs and symptoms to remedies of repertorial similarity. Malus domestica (common domestic apple) is an indigenous South African fruit which grows on the Drakensberg Mountains in Northern KwaZulu-Natal and is a regular part of the diet for those living there. This study hypothesized that Malus domestica 30CH would prove observable signs and symptoms in healthy individuals. Further it was hypothesized that the comparison of Malus domestica to remedies of reportorial similarity would highlight similarities and differences between existing homoeopathic remedies and Malus domestica 30CH thereby clarifying the therapeutic action of this new remedy and its relative location in the materia medica. The study was conducted by two researchers who each managed 15 provers and shared all primary data. The second researcher hypothesized that there would be a similarity between the proving symptoms of the remedy and the Doctrine of Signatures of the original substance (Ramnarayan 2014). Methodology A double blind placebo controlled proving of Malus domestica 30CH was conducted on 30 healthy volunteers who met specific inclusion criteria, with 6 receiving placebo and 24 receiving verum. A case history and thorough physical examination was performed on every prover before commencement of the proving. Recording of the data collected was in the form of a journal. Once the proving was completed information from each prover was collated and assessed by the two researchers. The symptoms elicited were then translated into materia medica and repertory language and a complete homoeopathic picture of the remedy appeared. Information from case histories and physical examinations were also considered. A repertorisation of 10 rubrics chosen to represent the essence of Malus domestica was conducted using Radar Opus software. Exclusion repertorization then followed in order to identify those remedies producing the highest numerical value and total number of rubrics within the animal, mineral and plant kingdoms in particular. Results Vast arrays of symptoms were experienced by the provers. Polarities in the symptoms were often displayed. On the emotional plane, there were symptoms of depression, sadness and cheerfulness. Some provers experienced tranquility and others felt anger, frustration and irritation. On the mental plane there were symptoms of clarity, focused concentration and confusion. The presence of delusions was marked. The most prominent delusion which infiltrated the mental and physical plane was of disconnection and separation. The main symptoms were sensations as if the extremities were separated from other areas. There was cramping and itching of the extremities as well. Pulsating headaches with perspiration of the scalp and eye pain were experienced. Various gastrointestinal symptoms were experienced ranging from distention, eructations, cramping, and diarrhea to hemorrhage after stool. Constriction of the chest and a loose, dry cough was also experienced. Cervical and lumbar back pain was reported. Sleep was described as unrefreshing with sleeplessness. The themes that emerged from the dreams were of danger (including danger to family), banquets, parties and helping others. The provers had a craving for tea. The similar remedies that emerged from the repertorial analysis were; Natrum muriaticum, Rhus toxicodendron, Lyssin, Cinchona officinalis and Pulsatilla pratensis. Conclusion The proving of Malus domestica 30CH did produce well defined symptoms that were clearly observed in healthy provers as proposed by the hypothesis. As hypothesized the comparison of Malus domestica to remedies of repertorial similarity did highlight similarities and differences between existing homoeopathic remedies and Malus domestica 30CH thereby clarifying the therapeutic range of this new remedy and its relative location in the materia medica.Item A comparison of the symptoms derived using a radionically prepared remedy with the existing materia medica : a triple-blind proving of a well proven homoeopathic remedy(2017) Lin, Joanna; Ross, Ashley Hilton Adrian; Botha, IzelAIM The aim of this study was to determine whether a radionically prepared remedy would elicit symptomatology similar to the existing materia medica of the same remedy during a triple-blind proving. METHODOLOGY This homoeopathic proving of a radionically prepared remedy in 30C-equivalent (CR) potency was of a true experimental design, conducted in the form of a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Thirty proving participants (20 verum and 10 placebo) were selected according to defined inclusion criteria, and were closely monitored by the researcher throughout the proving to ensure prover compliance and wellbeing. Data was collected in the form of prover journals, in which provers recorded their symptoms experienced over the pre-proving observation period, the duration of the proving and the post-proving observation period. The proving symptomatology was collated into standard materia medica and repertory formats, following the CHROMA-Prove© method. Twenty keynote rubrics were selected according to criteria, which included symptoms ‘Grade 2’ or higher, PQRS (peculiar, queer, rare, strange) symptoms and general symptoms, and were subjected to repertorial analysis using RadarOpus software program (version 1.38). The nature of the proving substance was unblinded only after an estimation of the substance by repertorial overlap was made by the principal researcher, following which qualitative and quantitative comparisons of the proving materia medica and repertory were made against the existing materia medica of the same remedy accordingly. Results The proving of the radionically prepared remedy produced observable symptoms that resulted in a total of 332 materia medica entries, which translated into 563 rubrics distributed across 32 chapters. Five repertorial techniques were applied to the twenty rubrics selected and the researcher was able to correctly identify the radionically prepared proving substance, which was revealed to be Cantharis vesicatoria. Conclusion From the results of this study, it was evident that the proving of Cantharis vesicatoria 30CR produced symptomatology that was sufficiently characteristic to enable the researcher to correctly identify the remedy. The repertorial and materia medica comparisons to the existing materia medica of Cantharis vesicatoria, however, highlighted several similarities and differences that need to be explored further in order to bridge the observations and questions posed in this study.Item A homoeopathic drug proving of Hoodia gordonii 30CH, with a subsequent comparison of proving symptomatology to its toxicology as a raw substance and to homoeopathic remedies of repertorial similarity(2016) Swana-Sikwata, Tembeka Stella; Hall, Cornelia MariaIntroduction The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Hoodia gordonii 30CH on healthy provers, and to record the clearly observable signs and symptoms produced and the subsequent comparison to its toxicology as a raw substance and to homoeopathic remedies of reportorial similarity. Methodology The investigation was a randomised, double-blind placebo controlled trial, using the substance in the 30th potency. This was prepared according to the German Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia. A sample of 20 provers, in good health, was recruited. Sixteen received verum as the experimental group and four in the control group received a placebo. Each of the 20 provers received a journal in which they recorded symptoms on a daily basis for a period of six weeks, including a one week observation prior to taking the powders, and a period of five weeks after administration of the powders. The information from the journals and case histories was edited, collated and translated into materia medica and repertory language and used to compile a proving profile of the remedy by qualitative methods. The remedy was only revealed to the participants after completion of the proving study period. The researcher compared the similarities and new symptoms of the remedy with the existing knowledge of its toxicology to prove the first hypothesis. A detailed and extensive literature review of Hoodia gordonii’s unique characteristics was conducted. A further comparison with other similar remedies according to the highest numerical number of rubrics on repertorisation was conducted. Results The proving remedy produced a wide variety of symptoms on the mental, emotional and physical levels of which many had polarities. In broad terms the following were identified from the proving symptoms of Hoodia gordonii: • Increased confidence and feeling refreshed, renewed energy, cheerfulness, concentration, alertness, calm, forgetfulness, unhappy, sadness and depression with desire to be left alone. • Anxiety for unknown reason and for the future, about finances; restlessness and busyness. • Tiredness, fatigue and exhaustion. • Positive feeling regarding home and family. • Mental exhaustion and aversion to study. • Common sensations were throbbing, pulsating, sharp, aching, heat, pressing, heavy, pulling, splitting, cramps. • Perceived attack or danger in dreams. • Painless diarrhea and constipation, nausea, headaches, vertigo, sore red eyes, nasal congestion and sinuses, toothache, tonsillitis and dryness of throat; bronchitis, heart palpitations. • Menses with breast tenderness and increased sexual stimulation, joint pain. • Unquenchable thirst, polyuria, appetite increase and decrease, sleeplessness and sleepiness with deep sleep, cold, increase perspiration, influenza and depressed immune function. Conclusion The data obtained from this proving study of Hoodia gordonii when comparing the new symptoms of the remedy with similarities to the existing knowledge of its toxicology proved the first hypothesis to be true. Three hundred and twenty four rubrics were produced and 17 were new rubrics; of these a total of 20 rubrics that represented the essence of the remedy were selected and used in the repertorisation process. A comparison of the highest numerical value of rubrics with other similar remedies on repertorisation found Hoodia gordonii 30CH to be most similar to: Atropa belladonna, Phosphorus, Lachesis mutus, Sulphur and Veratrum album.Item A double-blind homoeopathic drug proving of Curcuma longa 30CH, analysing sympotomatology [i.e. symptomatology] in relation to the doctrine of signatures(2011) Pillay, Karasee; Naude, David F.The aim of this study was to determine the effect that Curcuma longa 30CH would have on healthy individuals, and record the particular signs and symptoms produced. These signs and symptoms determine the therapeutic indications of this remedy, so that it may be prescribed according to the homoeopathic Law of Similars. The second aim of this study was to analyse the symptomatology of Curcuma longa 30CH in relation to a Doctrine of Signatures analysis of the Curcuma longa plant, in order to facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the materia medica of this substance. Design The homoeopathic proving of Curcuma longa in 30CH potency took the form of a double blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial. Thirty healthy provers were selected on the basis of them meeting with the necessary inclusion criteria (Appendix A). The provers were randomly divided into 2 groups, of which 20% (6 of the 30 provers) formed the placebo group and received non-medicated powders, and the remaining 80% (24 of the 30 provers) received medicated powders (verum). The 2 groups were not aware of the nature of the substance that they were proving or the potency used. The provers recorded their mental, physical and emotional states over a period of a week prior to taking the remedy in order to establish a baseline for comparison after the administration of the remedy. Both verum and placebo were dispensed in the form of 6 powders. Each powder was taken sublingually 3 times daily for 2 days or until the prover experienced the onset of any symptoms. Each prover kept a journal and recorded their proving signs and symptoms daily after administration of the remedy or the placebo. The data was collected and extracted from these journals and then assessed by the researcher for suitability to be included in the materia medica of Curcuma longa. All data gathered from the case histories (Appendix C), physical examinations and group discussions were also considered for inclusion. Results A variety of mental, emotional and physical symptoms were produced and included in the materia medica of Curcuma longa. There were a total number of 202 symptoms that were produced as a result of the remedy, which resulted in the formulation of 141 rubrics. The main mental and emotional symptoms that surfaced during the proving were depression, a deep sadness, changeability of moods, courage/confidence, relaxed/ calm and less anger, agility, increased concentration, and vivid dreams. The physical symptoms noted were diarrhea, change in energy levels (too much or too little energy), burning sensations, headaches, heart palpitations and increased breathing rates. The symptoms that came about during the proving clearly showed correlation and association with the nature and description of the Turmeric plant, this is in keeping with findings of previous provings (Pistorius, 2006; Webster, 2002; Speckmeier, 2008 & Pather, 2009), furthermore as suggested by Richardson-Boedler (1999:173) the Doctrine of Signatures analysis of the Turmeric plant facilitated in the interpretation of the proving symptoms and thus the materia medica of the remedy.Item A study of the relationship between the natural history of the Solanaceae species and the general and mental symptomatology of the Solanaceae remedies utilised in homoeopathy(2011) Long, Bryan Henry; Botha, IzelUntil recently, various attempts have been made to simplify the prescription process in homoeopathic prescribing. The doctrine of signatures, miasmatic theory, the homoeopathic repertory and more recently, kingdom analysis by authors such as Sankaran (1994) and Scholten (1993) are some of the attempts that have been made to understand the materia medica. With the materia medica constantly expanding and considering that plants make up a significant percentage of the materia medica (Kayne, 2006), it is evident that new systems of homoeopathic prescribing are continually needed to help practitioners both study the remedies and prescribe more accurately. Aim The Solanaceae plant family are an important and well utilised plant family in homoeopathy (Vermeulen, 2004). Considering this, it was felt that a study investigating the relationship of the natural history of the family to its general and mental symptoms be conducted in order to apply a previously unexplored research paradigm in order to create a greater understanding of Solanaceae remedies utilised in homoeopathy. The study conducted was a non empirical correlation study of the Solanaceae plant family‟s natural history and general and mental symptoms manifested in Solanaceae remedies utilised in homoeopathy. The aims of the study were to establish if commonalties existed between general and mental symptoms of individual remedies belonging the Solanaceae family and their natural histories, as well as to establish if collective commonalities and correlations existed between the general and mental symptoms and the natural history of the Solanaceae family as a whole. Methodology The homoeopathic remedies obtained from the Solanaceae family of plants for the study were analysed in terms of rubric representation (size) using homoeopathic software packages, Radar 10.4 (Archibel, 2009b) and v Encyclopedia Homoeopathica (Archibel, 2009a) a sample selection was chosen. This selection was analysed in terms of general and mental rubrics. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to establish commonalities in keyword concepts between the respective natural histories of the studied family and their respective general and mental symptoms. Keywords obtained from data tables which included criteria such as habitat and distribution, plant description, active principles (primary alkaloids), uses, physiological action if ingested, historical significance, mythology and toxicology were subjected to thesaurus consultation and tabulated in an attempt to identify synonyms relating to the general and mental symptoms of individual remedies of the sample group in the study. This facilitated in the grouping of similar themes. Once commonalities pertaining to each individual species and remedy was further tabulated and discussed in terms of keywords relating to their natural histories, a collective analysis of common correlations between the plant family as a whole was performed. Results Common themes related to general and mental symptoms and to the natural histories of species in the study included “aggression” found in Atropa belladonna, “depression” found in Solanum dulcamara, “anxiety” found in Datura stramonium, “confusion” found in Hyoscyamus niger, “burns” found in Capsicum annuum, “ convulsions” found in Nicotiana tabacum , “ hallucinations” found in Mandragora officinarum and “delirium” found in Solanum nigrum. Common themes relating to general and mental symptoms and the natural history of the Solanaceae plant family as a whole included convulsions, hallucinations, confusion and anxiety. These themes were further compared to themes exhibited in Solanaceae studies conducted by Mangialavori (2007) and Sankaran (2002).Item A homoeopathic drug proving of Yam ha-Melach of the 30th centesimal potency and a subsequent comparison of the symptomatology with existing indications of clinical therapeutic use(2009) Rabinowitz, Tamara; Couchman, IngridIntroduction Provings form a fundamental part of the philosophy and practice of homoeopathy and the foundation on which homoeopathic prescribing rests. The substance chosen for this study is Yam ha-Melach (Dead Sea water). This substance has been known for its healing properties since ancient times and thus seemed an apt addition to the homoeopathic Materia Medica. Purpose The primary purpose of this investigation was to investigate and determine the complete symptom picture of Yam ha-Melach , homeopathically prepared to the thirtieth centesimal potency, on the healthy individuals and record the mental, emotional and physical signs and symptoms produced, so that it may be prescribed to those suffering from similar signs and symptoms, according to the Laws of Similars, as required by homoeopathy. A further purpose of this investigation was to compare the symptom picture gained to the existing indications of clinical therapeutic use of this substance. This study was done in conjunction with Natasha Wallace, who compared the symptom picture gained from the proving of Yam ha-Melach 30CH to the symptom picture of its constituent minerals. Methodology To prepare the remedy, Yam ha-Melach was triturated at a ratio of 1:99 with Saccharum lactis powder to the 3rd centesimal potency. Liquid potencies were then manufactured from Yam ha-Melach 3CH to a potency of 30CH. The remedy was dispensed in the form of Saccharum lactis granules that have been triple impregnated at 1% volume/volume (according to Method 10 of the GHP) with Yam ha-Melach 30CH in 90% ethanol. The remedy was dispensed in the form of 6 single enveloped powders. 10 lactose granules impregnated with potentised Yam ha-Melach 30CH was added to each envelope. This was administered to the provers in the experimental group. The placebo was dispensed in the form of 6 single enveloped powders. 10 neutral lactose granules were added to each envelope. This was dispensed to the placebo group. The placebo and the active remedy were identical in appearance thus ensuring the double blind nature of the experiment with neither the provers nor the researchers able to differentiate the active remedy from the placebo. The research methodology of Jeremy Sherr is thorough and well researched as well as very user friendly thus for the purpose of this study the methodologies suggested by Sherr in his Dynamics and methodology of Homoeopathic Provings were used (1994). Twenty healthy individuals took part in this study. Participants were fully informed about the research (Appendix D) and had to meet all the inclusion criteria (Appendix B) before commencing the proving. 10% (2 provers) of the prover group received placebo and the remainder (18 provers) of the group received the verum. The homoeopathic proving of Yam ha-Melach 30CH took the form of a double blind placebo controlled study where neither the provers nor the researcher knew to whom the placebo or active remedy was given. The provers had no knowledge of the substance being proved or the potency in which it was administered. The potency utilized for this proving was the 30th centesimal potency or 30CH. Data collection was in the form of a journal kept by each prover. Provers observed themselves before, during and after administration of the remedy and recorded all their mental, emotional and physical signs and symptoms in the journal. On completion of the proving the information elucidated by the provers was correlated and assessed by the two researchers for suitability to be included in the Materia Medica of Yam ha-Melach 30CH. These symptoms were then translated into Materia Medica and repertory language. Information obtained from the case histories, physical examinations (Appendix F) and group discussions were also utilized. The information obtained from the proving of Yam ha-Melach 30CH was compared to the existing indications of clinical therapeutic use. This highlighted important themes in the remedy and explained symptoms. Symptoms and themes that emerged from the proving were related to the ailments, symptoms and signs being treated with Dead Sea water in an attempt to clarify and expand on the understanding of the remedy. Results Provers experienced a wide range of symptoms on the mental, emotional and physical planes. In the mental and emotional spheres, provers experienced intense irritability, anxiety and depression which was characterized by loneliness and hopelessness as well as much crying and thoughts of suicide. Mania was prevalent with spontaneity and rebellion against societal norms and religion, paranoia and discrimination. Physically, provers experienced much joint pain and stiffness as well as a variety of skin symptoms resembling psoriasis and vitiligo. Dehydration was a central theme as was detachment and symptoms involving the female system. Conclusions It was hypothesized that the proving of Yam ha-Melach 30CH would produce clearly observable signs and symptoms in healthy individuals. The results of the proving show no contradiction to this and thus the hypothesis verified. The musculoskeletal symptoms of Yam ha-Melach 30CH were comparable to those of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and skin symptoms were comparable to those of psoriasis and vitiligo. These are the primary clinical therapeutic indications for Dead Sea products. This verifies the homoeopathic principle of the Law of Similars.