When it comes to natural remedies, many people are familiar with homeopathy, but fewer have heard of cell salts. What are cell salts, and how do they relate to homeopathy? In this article, we’ll explore the history and principles behind cell salts, as well as their potential benefits and uses.
What Is Homeopathy?
18th century German physician Samuel Hahnemann (1755-1843) developed the concept of “treating like with like” after conducting extensive research with thousands of botanical medicines.
Hahnemann found that the same substance which caused symptoms in a healthy person could cure those same symptoms in someone who was ill. He also found that very small doses, less than one part per million, were much more effective than large doses. His theory was that minute quantities of a substance could directly penetrate the tissues and enable healing on the cellular level – thus restoring an individual to health. The premises “like cures like” and very small doses are the cornerstone of homeopathy.
What are Cell Salts?
Dr. Wilhelm Heinrich Schuessler (1821-1898) from Oldenburg, Germany was a homeopathic physician who felt that the 2,000 homeopathic remedies that had been discovered could be simplified and narrowed down. He was inspired by a theory of Dr. Rudolph Virchow, the father of modern pathology, who proposed that the disturbances thought of as disease were actually signs of change in cell metabolism.
Based on this idea, Dr. Schuessler became convinced that the active ingredients in the most successful homeopathic remedies were inorganic (minerals), and he decided to isolate and identify the mineral components. From his research he concluded that when the human body is cremated, only 12 minerals are left in the ashes, and in order to function properly, our bodies’ cells require those specific cell salts or minerals.
Cell salts are used when the cells are lacking certain nutrients, which creates a cellular imbalance. When you take a cell salt remedy, you are supplying a micronutrient that enables your body to rebuild itself on a cellular level. The cell salts are prepared in minute doses because the smaller the ingredient, the easier it is for it to enter the cells and have a powerful effect on cellular function. Cell salts can have a wonderful effect on your health, not only by eliminating symptoms but by correcting underlying imbalances that caused the symptoms in the first place.
We know that disease starts at a cellular level, so it makes sense to treat it on a cellular level as well. When disease or irritation is present in the body, the cells lose their ability to regulate their processes. The cell salts are dissolved under the tongue, thus allowing them to bypass the digestive system, and this helps overcome the weakened cell’s inability to absorb nutrients. By providing a homeopathic dose, the body can restore itself first on a cellular level and then on a systemic level. They are simple but can be powerful in promoting health, balance and wellness.
The 12 Cell Salts
- Calc Fluor (Calcium Fluoride) – a natural producer of suppleness and elasticity. Useful in treating many ailments of the gums and teeth, and for cataracts.
- Calc Phos (Calcium Phosphate) – a regulator of healthy cellular activity. Useful in the health of muscular, skeletal, excretory and lymphatic systems. Works well in conjunction with other salts to restore tone to weakened organs and tissues.
- Calc Sulph (Calcium Sulfate) – healer and purifier of the skin and external tissues, helps keep tissues moisturized and helps heal wounds and skin ailments.
- Ferrum Phos (Ferrum Phosphate) – a powerful oxygenator. Useful in ailments characterized by congestion, inflammation, fever or rapid pulse. Makes iron available to the cells in minute doses – useful in anemia. Acts as a blood tonic and regulator of immune function.
- Mag Phos (Magnesium Phosphate) – an antispasmodic remedy. Helpful for relaxation, cramping, muscle spasms and muscle tightness. Magnesium helps the blood remain alkaline and in conjunction with phosphate it helps rebuild the nerves.
- Kali Mur (Potassium Chloride) – an important constituent of the muscles, nerve cells and brain cells. Helpful in chronic ailments, especially with severe inflammation. Acts as a blood thinner and can help restore normal blood flow. Supports a sluggish liver.
- Kali Phos (Potassium Phosphate) – soother of nerves. Calming and helpful for psychological problems such as depression, anxiety and irritability. Useful for curing headaches and restoring healthy sleep patterns. Often used for memory loss or dementia.
- Kali Sulph (Potassium Sulfate) – a cellular building block. Helps build new cells when old ones have been damaged or killed due to disease. Useful for skin problems, often in conjunction with other remedies. Helpful for recovering taste and smell after an infection.
- Silicea (Silica) – a powerful cellular cleanser and eliminator. Helpful in throwing off toxins and curing infections. Tonic for hair, skin and nails and swollen joints.
- Nat mur (Sodium Chloride) – Regulates the passage of fluid through the cells, allowing cells to receive the nutrients they require. Known as the headache remedy and helpful for skin diseases such as eczema and shingles, also for balding and hair loss.
- Nat Phos (Sodium Phosphate) – the biochemical antacid. Found in the blood, muscles, nerves and brain cells. Helps reduce acidity in the body and is useful in ailments such as gout, back pain, muscle aches and indigestion.
- Nat Sulph (Sodium Sulfate) – Regulates the carrying away of fluids from the cells. Helpful for ailments aggravated by dampness, including asthma, and for removing waste from the bloodstream. Can also speed the healing of the mucus membranes.
If you’re looking for a way to benefit from all these salts, Bioplasma 12-in-1 Cell Salt by Hylands is an excellent formulation to try.
Cell salts are easy to self administer. They are non-toxic and can be taken by anyone for any number of conditions, and more than one can be used at a time.
The most common way to take them is in a tiny tablet, dissolved under the tongue. Common dosages range from 3x, 6x, 12x, 30x. Most general ailments respond well to low doses, 3x-6x is often effective, and can be safely taken long term if needed.
For high potencies or in cases of serious and chronic ailments, it is recommended to seek the help of a homeopathic practitioner for further guidance.
Summary
What are cell salts, and how do they benefit the body? Cell salts, also known as tissue salts or biochemic salts, are a fascinating and unique branch of homeopathic medicine. By providing the body with essential minerals in minute, bioavailable doses, cell salts aim to support cellular health and function, thereby promoting overall wellness.
This article has shed light on their history, principles, and potential uses. While cell salts are generally considered safe and easy to self-administer, it’s advisable to consult with a qualified homeopathic practitioner for guidance on dosage and treatment of chronic or serious conditions. Whether you’re looking to maintain optimal health or address specific ailments, cell salts offer a simple yet powerful approach to natural healing.
Sources:
- Facial Diagnosis of Cell Salt Deficiencies: A User’s Guide by David R Card. 2004 Kalindi Press.
- Homeopathic Cell Salt Remedies: Healing with Nature’s 12 Mineral Compounds by Nigey Lennon & Lionel Rolfe. 2004 Square One Publishers.
