Tissue Salts: Super Nutrition
Biochemical tissue salts, or cell salts, are mineral salts that exist in the cells and play a critical role in cellular metabolism. They are a vital and integral part of the body's cell structure.
They were discovered in 1873 by a German homeopath, Dr. Schuessler. He analyzed human blood and isolated 12 major mineral substances. Each of these mineral substances plays an important role in regulating physical processes.
In a healthy organism, the tissue salts are balanced. If there is a deficiency of any one or more of these tissue salt minerals, an imbalance is created, leading to a change in the state of immunity and resistance to microbes. This imbalance can be reflected as physical symptoms of illness. By giving the correct tissue salt or combination of tissue salts, the imbalance found at the cellular level will be corrected. As a result, all symptoms related to the imbalance will disappear.
They were discovered in 1873 by a German homeopath, Dr. Schuessler. He analyzed human blood and isolated 12 major mineral substances. Each of these mineral substances plays an important role in regulating physical processes.
In a healthy organism, the tissue salts are balanced. If there is a deficiency of any one or more of these tissue salt minerals, an imbalance is created, leading to a change in the state of immunity and resistance to microbes. This imbalance can be reflected as physical symptoms of illness. By giving the correct tissue salt or combination of tissue salts, the imbalance found at the cellular level will be corrected. As a result, all symptoms related to the imbalance will disappear.
Tissue Salts vs. Homeopathy
Tissue salts are not homeopathic remedies; they are a form of replacement therapy. The salts are given in very small doses and are prepared in a way similar to homeopathic remedies. They are absorbed through the mouth rather than the stomach and, as a result, they can be directly transported to and used by the cells needing them. Taking tissue salts gives the body the minerals it needs, leading to a greater state of health.
Homeopathic remedies are prescribed on the basis of the “Law of Similars” (like cures like). For example, if a given remedy is administered to a healthy person and produces certain symptoms, it will cure those same symptoms in a sick person. Tissue salts do not operate by the homeopathic “Law of Similars”, but instead by its counterpart, the “Law of Opposites”. This is the principle involved when, as a response to a feeling of hunger, we eat and the hunger disappears. If there is a deficiency of a given cell salt, then you must supply a small quantity of that salt to remove any symptoms arising from that deficiency.
Tissue salts are similar to a food supplement. They are a form of super-nutrition that enhances health and can prevent disease. They are not a cure for disease, but can be used to supply the cells with the nutrients they need to restore their proper functioning. They are very safe to use and any excess will be excreted from the body, making it impossible to overdose. Tissue salts can be used with all medical treatments, natural or conventional. They will assist in the overall treatment by boosting the body’s own self-healing capacity.
Tissue salts are not homeopathic remedies; they are a form of replacement therapy. The salts are given in very small doses and are prepared in a way similar to homeopathic remedies. They are absorbed through the mouth rather than the stomach and, as a result, they can be directly transported to and used by the cells needing them. Taking tissue salts gives the body the minerals it needs, leading to a greater state of health.
Homeopathic remedies are prescribed on the basis of the “Law of Similars” (like cures like). For example, if a given remedy is administered to a healthy person and produces certain symptoms, it will cure those same symptoms in a sick person. Tissue salts do not operate by the homeopathic “Law of Similars”, but instead by its counterpart, the “Law of Opposites”. This is the principle involved when, as a response to a feeling of hunger, we eat and the hunger disappears. If there is a deficiency of a given cell salt, then you must supply a small quantity of that salt to remove any symptoms arising from that deficiency.
Tissue salts are similar to a food supplement. They are a form of super-nutrition that enhances health and can prevent disease. They are not a cure for disease, but can be used to supply the cells with the nutrients they need to restore their proper functioning. They are very safe to use and any excess will be excreted from the body, making it impossible to overdose. Tissue salts can be used with all medical treatments, natural or conventional. They will assist in the overall treatment by boosting the body’s own self-healing capacity.
The Twelve Tissue Salts
Calcarea fluoride (Calcium fluoride):
It is an important tissue salt found in the elastic fibers of the body (skin, muscles and blood vessels) and the surface of bones and teeth. It can strengthen weak, brittle bones and poor teeth enamel, heal bony outgrowths such as heel spurs, and be used to restore tissue elasticity when it is lax or overly stiff. An imbalance of this tissue salt will lead to a tendency towards hardening and swelling of tissue.
It can be helpful for enlarged veins (varicose veins), swollen and hardened glands, tumours, lumps and bleeding hemorrhoids, inflammation of joints, hernia pains, and strained or hardened tendons. It can also be helpful for skin cracks and fissures as well as thick, hard skin.
Calcarea phosphorica (Calcium phosphate)
This is the “bone remedy”. It is important for the skeletal system, teeth and connective tissue since it is a major constituent of bones and teeth. It is needed for the proper growth and development of all tissues in the body. An imbalance can lead to rickets, brittle bones, poor teeth, stiffness and much more.
It is helpful in childhood conditions such as “growing pains”, poor growth and development. It is also beneficial in healing fractures, anemia, and conditions relating to the digestive tract as well as coldness and numbness from poor circulation. It can promote the development of teeth and help reverse their decay. It can also speed recovery when convalescence from illness is delayed.
Calcarea sulphurica (Calcium sulphate)
This is a skin remedy. It is important in the formation of new skin and the elimination of waste material. It has a purifying and cleansing effect throughout the system, making it important in the fight against new infections. A deficiency will lead to suppuration, or a discharge of pus.
It is a blood purifier that can be useful for acne, abscesses, boils, ulcers and wounds that have become infected and that are slow to heal. It can also help with superficial skin burns, catarrh, bronchitis and lung disease. It closes and clears up infections.
Ferrum phosphoricum (Iron phosphate)
Iron is found in large concentrations in the red blood cells, but it is also present in all cells of the body. It supplies oxygen to the cells.
An imbalance can lead to anemia, colds, fevers, diarrhea, constipation, sore throats, earaches, laryngitis and relaxed conditions of the muscles (lack of will). It can also be helpful to stop the flow of blood in abnormal hemorrhage (internal and external). It is especially helpful in the early stages of a cold, viral infection or any inflammation, especially where the skin or mucous membrane may be painful, red and swollen. It is excellent in ailments of the elderly and children.
Kali muriaticum (Potassium chloride)
This tissue salt is found mainly in the muscles, nerve, blood and brain cells. It is the mineral worker of the blood that forms protein fiber and fibrin. A deficiency causes fibrin to be thrown off as a thick, egg-white discharge from the mucosal linings (mainly the lungs) and can also lead to blood thickening and clots.
It is important in the early stages of digestion. It may help with digestion after eating rich, fatty foods. It is good for weak and sluggish conditions and acts as a blood purifier. It can be useful for infections such as tonsillitis, head colds and earaches, when the swelling is marked. With infectious bronchitis, the phlegm is thick and may cause rattling and wheezing.
Applied topically it can be very effective in treating burns. Its action on the nervous tissue makes it an important remedy for epilepsy. In chronic ailments, it is helpful in treating severe inflammation. It is a building agent that helps the process of convalescing and rebuilding health. It helps develop new vitality and energy.
Kali phosphoricum (Potassium phosphate)
It is an important nutrient for the nerves and brain. It is known as the “nerve nutrient” since it is very useful for sluggish conditions of the mind and “brain fog” following over-exertion of the mental powers or strong emotions.
It can be used as a natural tranquilizer, making it beneficial for anxiety, nervousness, irritability, shock and poor memory. It can also help people suffering from grief, despair and sadness, especially if it has lasted for long periods of time. It can relieve insomnia, asthma, headaches and indigestion if they are triggered by a temporary attack of nervous tension. It can also be beneficial for any physical condition relating to the nerves, including shingles and skin conditions where there is itching and/or crawling sensations.
Kali sulphuricum (Potassium sulphate)
This tissue salt’s main affinity is with the skin and the mucous membranes. It is a builder and distributor of oil made by the body. Also known as the anti-friction cell salt, Kali sulph acts like a lubricant. A deficiency causes the oil in the system to become non-functional. It becomes thick and clogs the pores, or presents itself as a sticky, slimy, yellowish or greenish discharge from the skin, mucous membranes or any orifice of the body.
It is helpful in skin conditions that typically develop discharges which can be yellow and sticky or watery. These are more common in the later stages of an infection. Digestive complaints, catarrh of the bowels, diarrhea and colic with gas or shifting pains may be helped by this tissue salt. Since it helps carry oxygen to the cells of the skin (that is from the center outwards), it is useful in circulatory problems and inflammations. It can also be helpful for conditions of the lungs, the sinuses and the bronchi.
Magnesium phosphorica (Magnesium phosphate)
Mag phos is found in the blood, bones, teeth, spine, nerves and brain. It is excellent as an anti-spasmodic remedy. It will mainly affect the muscles and the heart. This important mineral ensures the rhythmic and coherent movement of the muscular tissues and is a great remedy for many heart problems.
It is the main tissue salt to consider for cramps, spasms and paralysis in the muscles or nerves. It is a nerve stabilizer; it reduces spasmodic darting pains such as those found in sciatica, or neuralgia. Mag phos works well with Calc phos for most kinds of cramps.
The symptoms tend to be relieved by warmth and local pressure. Nerve pains are usually sharp and may shoot along the nerve.
Any ailment involving cramping, spasms and contraction of the muscles will be aided by this salt. It can be used for hiccoughs, menstrual cramps, spasmodic coughing, epileptic convulsions, tension headaches, flatulence and retained placenta. In acute stages, it acts more quickly when taken dissolved in hot water.
Natrum muriaticum (Sodium chloride)
Its main function is to properly distribute/regulate intercellular body fluids. It will help control the excessive amount of fluid being either retained or lost. Exceptional dryness or excessive moisture in any part of the body will usually be relieved by Nat mur.
The organs in the body most influenced by Nat mur are the kidneys and the sinuses. This remedy is an anti-histamine making it useful for the relief of hay fever conditions. It also relieves imbalances of the lymphatic system, the blood, the spleen and the mucous membrane lining of the alimentary canal.
It can help with conditions such as heatstrokes/sunstrokes, diarrhea, cracking joints, weepy eyes, water-filled blisters, insect bites, itchy hives, dry eczema, colds, hay fevers with watery mucous and sneezing, usually accompanied by a loss of smell and taste. It is a good liver tonic, making it useful for jaundice, which is caused by an inability to flush out enough toxins from the body. It will help any ailment involving either too little or too much water/fluid; for instance, either diarrhea or dryness of stools. There may be a craving for salt, but table salt is not helpful. Sometimes, there is an associated feeling of hopelessness.
Natrum phosphoricum (Sodium phosphate)
Nat phos is found in the blood, muscles, nerve and brain cells, as well as in the intercellular fluids. It promotes the absorption of water. It is indicated whenever conditions result from an excess of acid in the system since it neutralizes the acid. As a biochemical antacid, it regulates the acid-base balance in the stomach, making it very important for the correct functioning of the digestive system.
It deals with an excess of acid, regulates the consistency of the bile, making it useful for jaundice, colic, gastric problems, heartburn and indigestion from rich, fatty foods. It can be useful for morning sickness or motion sickness, especially when the vomiting is sour.
It is an important remedy for many arthritic complaints arising from acid conditions in the blood, such as rheumatism and gout. It acts upon the bowels, glands, lungs, and abdominal organs to bring the system back into balance. Since many intense emotional symptoms, such as hate, envy, critism, jealousy and selfishness, manifest because of acid conditions of the blood, it may be worth giving a try.
Natrum sulphuricum (Sodium sulphate)
This salt is the “water distributor”. It is found in the intercellular fluids, liver and pancreas. It regulates the excretion of superfluous water (cellulites) and wastes/toxins from the cells by way of the kidney and the skin. It is able to eliminate fluid that, if left in place, might become a breeding ground for disease agents.
This remedy acts mainly on the urinary organs, the bile function and the digestion (especially the later stages). It controls the healthy function of the liver, making it helpful for any liver problems, such as biliousness. It can also be beneficial for the flu, colds and morning sickness when there is a bitter taste in the mouth. In the respiratory system, it can be considered for asthma brought on by humidity. It can also be helpful for head injuries. It helps where there is a greenish discharge.
Silica (Silicea)
Silica is found in the connective tissues, the bones, the blood, the bile, the hair, the skin, the nails, the teeth and the nerve cells. It acts as an insulator for the nerves, influences the bones, the joints, the glands, the skin and the mucous membranes. It is a basic nutrient of the skin, hair and nails. This remedy cleanses and eliminates waste. It is a slow worker, but its action is deep and long lasting.
It is indicated in all cases of pus formation. It is helpful for impure blood conditions and chronic sepsis. It acts as a blood cleanser and is useful in abscesses, tonsillitis, sties and other infections to promote the formation of pus when an outlet is available. It helps to ripen infections and eliminate them through the surface. It can also be useful for absent-mindedness, weak memory, epilepsy, cataracts and nourishment problems (failure to thrive) or deficient assimilation.
Calcarea fluoride (Calcium fluoride):
It is an important tissue salt found in the elastic fibers of the body (skin, muscles and blood vessels) and the surface of bones and teeth. It can strengthen weak, brittle bones and poor teeth enamel, heal bony outgrowths such as heel spurs, and be used to restore tissue elasticity when it is lax or overly stiff. An imbalance of this tissue salt will lead to a tendency towards hardening and swelling of tissue.
It can be helpful for enlarged veins (varicose veins), swollen and hardened glands, tumours, lumps and bleeding hemorrhoids, inflammation of joints, hernia pains, and strained or hardened tendons. It can also be helpful for skin cracks and fissures as well as thick, hard skin.
Calcarea phosphorica (Calcium phosphate)
This is the “bone remedy”. It is important for the skeletal system, teeth and connective tissue since it is a major constituent of bones and teeth. It is needed for the proper growth and development of all tissues in the body. An imbalance can lead to rickets, brittle bones, poor teeth, stiffness and much more.
It is helpful in childhood conditions such as “growing pains”, poor growth and development. It is also beneficial in healing fractures, anemia, and conditions relating to the digestive tract as well as coldness and numbness from poor circulation. It can promote the development of teeth and help reverse their decay. It can also speed recovery when convalescence from illness is delayed.
Calcarea sulphurica (Calcium sulphate)
This is a skin remedy. It is important in the formation of new skin and the elimination of waste material. It has a purifying and cleansing effect throughout the system, making it important in the fight against new infections. A deficiency will lead to suppuration, or a discharge of pus.
It is a blood purifier that can be useful for acne, abscesses, boils, ulcers and wounds that have become infected and that are slow to heal. It can also help with superficial skin burns, catarrh, bronchitis and lung disease. It closes and clears up infections.
Ferrum phosphoricum (Iron phosphate)
Iron is found in large concentrations in the red blood cells, but it is also present in all cells of the body. It supplies oxygen to the cells.
An imbalance can lead to anemia, colds, fevers, diarrhea, constipation, sore throats, earaches, laryngitis and relaxed conditions of the muscles (lack of will). It can also be helpful to stop the flow of blood in abnormal hemorrhage (internal and external). It is especially helpful in the early stages of a cold, viral infection or any inflammation, especially where the skin or mucous membrane may be painful, red and swollen. It is excellent in ailments of the elderly and children.
Kali muriaticum (Potassium chloride)
This tissue salt is found mainly in the muscles, nerve, blood and brain cells. It is the mineral worker of the blood that forms protein fiber and fibrin. A deficiency causes fibrin to be thrown off as a thick, egg-white discharge from the mucosal linings (mainly the lungs) and can also lead to blood thickening and clots.
It is important in the early stages of digestion. It may help with digestion after eating rich, fatty foods. It is good for weak and sluggish conditions and acts as a blood purifier. It can be useful for infections such as tonsillitis, head colds and earaches, when the swelling is marked. With infectious bronchitis, the phlegm is thick and may cause rattling and wheezing.
Applied topically it can be very effective in treating burns. Its action on the nervous tissue makes it an important remedy for epilepsy. In chronic ailments, it is helpful in treating severe inflammation. It is a building agent that helps the process of convalescing and rebuilding health. It helps develop new vitality and energy.
Kali phosphoricum (Potassium phosphate)
It is an important nutrient for the nerves and brain. It is known as the “nerve nutrient” since it is very useful for sluggish conditions of the mind and “brain fog” following over-exertion of the mental powers or strong emotions.
It can be used as a natural tranquilizer, making it beneficial for anxiety, nervousness, irritability, shock and poor memory. It can also help people suffering from grief, despair and sadness, especially if it has lasted for long periods of time. It can relieve insomnia, asthma, headaches and indigestion if they are triggered by a temporary attack of nervous tension. It can also be beneficial for any physical condition relating to the nerves, including shingles and skin conditions where there is itching and/or crawling sensations.
Kali sulphuricum (Potassium sulphate)
This tissue salt’s main affinity is with the skin and the mucous membranes. It is a builder and distributor of oil made by the body. Also known as the anti-friction cell salt, Kali sulph acts like a lubricant. A deficiency causes the oil in the system to become non-functional. It becomes thick and clogs the pores, or presents itself as a sticky, slimy, yellowish or greenish discharge from the skin, mucous membranes or any orifice of the body.
It is helpful in skin conditions that typically develop discharges which can be yellow and sticky or watery. These are more common in the later stages of an infection. Digestive complaints, catarrh of the bowels, diarrhea and colic with gas or shifting pains may be helped by this tissue salt. Since it helps carry oxygen to the cells of the skin (that is from the center outwards), it is useful in circulatory problems and inflammations. It can also be helpful for conditions of the lungs, the sinuses and the bronchi.
Magnesium phosphorica (Magnesium phosphate)
Mag phos is found in the blood, bones, teeth, spine, nerves and brain. It is excellent as an anti-spasmodic remedy. It will mainly affect the muscles and the heart. This important mineral ensures the rhythmic and coherent movement of the muscular tissues and is a great remedy for many heart problems.
It is the main tissue salt to consider for cramps, spasms and paralysis in the muscles or nerves. It is a nerve stabilizer; it reduces spasmodic darting pains such as those found in sciatica, or neuralgia. Mag phos works well with Calc phos for most kinds of cramps.
The symptoms tend to be relieved by warmth and local pressure. Nerve pains are usually sharp and may shoot along the nerve.
Any ailment involving cramping, spasms and contraction of the muscles will be aided by this salt. It can be used for hiccoughs, menstrual cramps, spasmodic coughing, epileptic convulsions, tension headaches, flatulence and retained placenta. In acute stages, it acts more quickly when taken dissolved in hot water.
Natrum muriaticum (Sodium chloride)
Its main function is to properly distribute/regulate intercellular body fluids. It will help control the excessive amount of fluid being either retained or lost. Exceptional dryness or excessive moisture in any part of the body will usually be relieved by Nat mur.
The organs in the body most influenced by Nat mur are the kidneys and the sinuses. This remedy is an anti-histamine making it useful for the relief of hay fever conditions. It also relieves imbalances of the lymphatic system, the blood, the spleen and the mucous membrane lining of the alimentary canal.
It can help with conditions such as heatstrokes/sunstrokes, diarrhea, cracking joints, weepy eyes, water-filled blisters, insect bites, itchy hives, dry eczema, colds, hay fevers with watery mucous and sneezing, usually accompanied by a loss of smell and taste. It is a good liver tonic, making it useful for jaundice, which is caused by an inability to flush out enough toxins from the body. It will help any ailment involving either too little or too much water/fluid; for instance, either diarrhea or dryness of stools. There may be a craving for salt, but table salt is not helpful. Sometimes, there is an associated feeling of hopelessness.
Natrum phosphoricum (Sodium phosphate)
Nat phos is found in the blood, muscles, nerve and brain cells, as well as in the intercellular fluids. It promotes the absorption of water. It is indicated whenever conditions result from an excess of acid in the system since it neutralizes the acid. As a biochemical antacid, it regulates the acid-base balance in the stomach, making it very important for the correct functioning of the digestive system.
It deals with an excess of acid, regulates the consistency of the bile, making it useful for jaundice, colic, gastric problems, heartburn and indigestion from rich, fatty foods. It can be useful for morning sickness or motion sickness, especially when the vomiting is sour.
It is an important remedy for many arthritic complaints arising from acid conditions in the blood, such as rheumatism and gout. It acts upon the bowels, glands, lungs, and abdominal organs to bring the system back into balance. Since many intense emotional symptoms, such as hate, envy, critism, jealousy and selfishness, manifest because of acid conditions of the blood, it may be worth giving a try.
Natrum sulphuricum (Sodium sulphate)
This salt is the “water distributor”. It is found in the intercellular fluids, liver and pancreas. It regulates the excretion of superfluous water (cellulites) and wastes/toxins from the cells by way of the kidney and the skin. It is able to eliminate fluid that, if left in place, might become a breeding ground for disease agents.
This remedy acts mainly on the urinary organs, the bile function and the digestion (especially the later stages). It controls the healthy function of the liver, making it helpful for any liver problems, such as biliousness. It can also be beneficial for the flu, colds and morning sickness when there is a bitter taste in the mouth. In the respiratory system, it can be considered for asthma brought on by humidity. It can also be helpful for head injuries. It helps where there is a greenish discharge.
Silica (Silicea)
Silica is found in the connective tissues, the bones, the blood, the bile, the hair, the skin, the nails, the teeth and the nerve cells. It acts as an insulator for the nerves, influences the bones, the joints, the glands, the skin and the mucous membranes. It is a basic nutrient of the skin, hair and nails. This remedy cleanses and eliminates waste. It is a slow worker, but its action is deep and long lasting.
It is indicated in all cases of pus formation. It is helpful for impure blood conditions and chronic sepsis. It acts as a blood cleanser and is useful in abscesses, tonsillitis, sties and other infections to promote the formation of pus when an outlet is available. It helps to ripen infections and eliminate them through the surface. It can also be useful for absent-mindedness, weak memory, epilepsy, cataracts and nourishment problems (failure to thrive) or deficient assimilation.