By Nigey Lennon and Lionel Rolfe

Wilhelm Heinrich Schuessler, a homeopathic physician from Oldenburg, Germany, nearly single-handedly revolutionized homeopathic medicine in the mid-nineteenth century. Schuessler felt that the 2,000 or so homeopathic remedies used in his day could be simplified. Determining that the active ingredients in this vast array of remedies were their mineral constituents, he endeavored to isolate the mineral components, which ultimately resulted in twelve individual remedies. They became known as the Schuessler cell salts. 

Today, much of the homeopathic cell salt-based medicine practiced throughout the world is founded on Schuessler’s work. Although you take a particular remedy based on your symptoms, these medicines produce results not by simply eliminating the symptoms, but by correcting the imbalances—the root cause of the symptoms. 

The twelve Schuessler cell salts have the advantage of being simple enough for almost anyone to use while at the same time being powerful enough to fight a wide variety of ailments. By learning about the different cell salts and how to use them to treat specific conditions, you can take charge of your own health and begin to experience increased vitality.

Introduction to Cell Salts

Schuessler’s system of twelve cell salts condenses the thousands of medicines found in the homeopathic materia medica into twelve basic remedies. Because of the simplicity and accessibility of cell salts, laymen can easily learn how to use them effectively for many health issues. In fact, the most positive aspect of the cell salts is that they can be self-administered. 

Schuessler believed that the active ingredients in homeopathic remedies are the inorganic minerals that affect cell metabolism. For example, one of the most famous homeopathic botanical remedies is pulsatilla, which is obtained from the coneflower (pulsatilla). Even before Schuessler, homeopathic doctors understood that the active ingredient in pulsatilla was the mineral silica. 

In homeopathic practice, the cell salt remedy silica is often viewed as a refinement of the botanical remedy pulsatilla, to be routinely given in cases where pulsatilla may not provide complete relief. 

Cell salts are necessary when the cells are lacking in certain nutrients—creating a cellular imbalance. In a very real sense, when you take a cell salt remedy, you are supplying a micro-nutrient that enables your body to rebuild itself on a cellular level. 

The twelve Schuessler cell salts, like all homeopathic remedies, are prepared in minute doses. The smaller the active ingredient, the easier it is for it to enter cells and the more powerful the effect it has on cellular function. Manufacturing of the salts begins with a careful determination of the quality of the minerals. Only the best grade of minerals is used from natural sources.

Cell Salts Manufacturing

In the first step of the manufacturing process, the minerals are ground by hand—a process that takes at least 200 hours. The finer the particles of the minerals and the higher the potency being manufactured, the longer the grinding takes. 

After the mineral has been ground to a fine powder in a hermetically sealed laboratory, it is transferred to a motorized mortar and pestle where it is further processed. Eventually, the active ingredient is vaporized and collected. The final tablets are made up of the mineral, along with milk sugar. In the Schuessler dosages, less than one part per million of mineral is present in the cell salt tablet. The active mineral ingredient is said to be triturated, or ground extremely finely.

Examples of Cell Salts

Calcium Fluoride (Calc fluor)

Summary: A natural producer of suppleness and elasticity

Calcium fluoride (calc fluor) is a constituent of the surface of bones and the enamel of teeth. It is also a prime ingredient in elastic fibers in the body. It is a chemical union of lime and fluoric acid. This bond produces a remedy with healing powers greater than either of the constituents alone. 

Calcium fluoride is useful in treating many ailments of the bones and teeth. There is, of course, calcium in milk and dairy products, but some studies show the pasteurization process adversely affects calcium. People with sensitive teeth and gums may benefit from calc fluor. 

 As a prime ingredient in connective tissues in the body, calcium fluoride is often necessary in treating diseases of the skin and blood vessels. Hemorrhoids and varicose veins also respond well to treatment with this cell salt. 

People with heart conditions can find a great deal of relief with calcium fluoride, and while these conditions can be very serious and self-treatment is not advisable, calcium fluoride can be a powerful ally in the overall treatment plan. 

Ferrum Phosphate (Ferrum phos)

Summary: Powerful oxygenator

Ferrum phosphate (ferrum phos) is a powerful oxygenator, carrying oxygen throughout the bloodstream and strengthening the walls of the blood vessels, especially in the arteries. Because oxygen-rich blood is essential to vital health, ferrum phosphate is critical in ailments characterized by congestion, inflammation, fever, or rapid pulse. 

Additionally, ferrum phosphate makes iron available to the cells in minute doses, thus bypassing side effects, such as mineral buildup or constipation, which may happen with high iron intake. Naturally, it is the first cell salt remedy to consider in cases of anemia. 

Since it is a blood tonic—purifying the blood and helping to regulate immune function—in many instances taking ferrum phosphate regularly will result in improved overall health and energy. 

Potassium Phosphate (Kali phos)

Summary: Soother of nerves

Potassium phosphate (kali phos) is the most important of the potassium cell salt remedies. Homeopathic practitioners world-wide rely on it as a safe and effective tranquilizer. For the biochemical preparation of potassium phosphate, potassium is mixed with phosphoric acid until the solution is slightly alkaline. Phosphoric acid is vital to brain chemistry because it combines with other substances and becomes part of the “gray matter” of the brain. 

As such, potassium phosphate has been found to help people suffering from psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability. Also, it helps cure headaches and restores healthful sleep patterns. This remedy is often recommended for age-related memory loss and dementia. 

Silica (Silica)

Summary: Remarkable cellular cleanser

Silica is one of the most abundant of the earth’s solid components. It comes from rocks worn down into pebbles and then further reduced to dust by the action of wind and rain. The resulting dust becomes “grit” and is a major supportive element in the connective tissues of both plant and animal cells. 

Silica literally provides “grit” in the cellular membrane and the body’s connective tissues. It is a powerful cleanser and eliminator of toxins; in fact, in the pre-antibiotic days, it was sometimes referred to as the “homeopathic surgeon” because of its dramatic ability to assist the body in throwing off toxins and curing infections. 

This cell salt is effective in causing boils and abscesses to throw off pus. Moreover, it is a tonic for hair and skin, which are continuously sloughing off cells and benefit greatly from silica’s strengthening properties. 

Silica also relieves swelling and heat in joints and has been used successfully to dissolve the urate deposits of arthritis and gout. In cases of asthma complicated by heavy mucus on the chest, silica can significantly reduce inflammation and restore normal breathing. 

Using Cell Salts 

It is important to remember that cell salts do not work in a superficial manner. When using the exact remedy for a particular ailment, you will often experience permanent relief because you have pinpointed the root cause of the ailment. That said, cell salts take longer to produce noticeable results. By nature, some remedies work slowly but profoundly, especially in cases of longstanding or systemic ailments. 

Constitutional Remedy

Ultimately, human beings are individuals, and you need to begin your own investigation of cell salts to discover which of the twelve remedies is your own specific constitutional remedy. Study the descriptions of the symptoms of specific ailments and the corresponding cell salt remedy (or remedies). 

Most likely, as you study ailments and corresponding cell salts, you will recognize in yourself a specific, recurrent pattern of physical and mental factors that point to a particular remedy. This cell salt is described by homeopathic practitioners as your constitutional remedy. Once identified, it should be taken regularly, either alone or in combination with other cell salts you may need to treat a specific ailment and accompanying symptoms. 

Cell Salt Forms

Cell salts are available in several different forms—the most common being tiny tablets placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely. The dosage is typically one tablet, although dosages vary depending on the manufacturer. 

Some cell salts are available in liquid form, with the active ingredient contained in an alcohol and water solution. In this case, the dosage is one or more drops placed under the tongue using a dropper. 

After taking cell salts, it is recommended to wait at least thirty minutes before eating or drinking. The idea is to let the triturated dose bypass the stomach and travel directly to the affected cells. When you need quick relief, such as from hiccups, dissolve the tablets in a glass of warm water and drink the water in quick sips. 

At times, it is appropriate to apply cell salts externally, although the remedy should also be taken internally. You can apply the cell salt topically by dissolving two or three tablets (or more if used in combination with different cell salts) in a tablespoon of hot water. After the tablets have thoroughly dissolved, dab the affected area. 

Generally, cell salt tablets consist of the active ingredient plus a milk sugar solution. Stored in a cool, dry place, they will keep indefinitely. Cell salts in a bottled, alcohol-based solution may be stored in the refrigerator or kept in a medicine cabinet. 

Dosages

Cell salts come in varying strengths called potencies. These potencies are designated by a number followed by the letter x—for example, 3x, 6x, 10x, 30x, and so forth. It is important to remember that the larger number represents a cell salt remedy that is more potent than a smaller number—a 30x tablet of calcium fluoride is ten times stronger than a 3x tablet. 

Because cell salts work in very minute dosages, the active mineral in the larger numbered “x” dose is in fact smaller and therefore more potent. The common dosages for many chronic and acute ailments are 3x and 6x. Generally speaking, most ailments will respond well to dosages no greater than 10x. Usually, higher numbered “x” dosages may be considered when consulting with a trained homeopathic practitioner. 

Finally, in terms of safety, it is important to know that you cannot harm yourself with cell salts. Even if your body has no need of a particular remedy being administered, no damage will be done. Each cell salt performs a specific function in the body’s vital processes, and all the functions and processes are interrelated. 

Remember, the more you are involved in maintaining your health, including learning about and using cell salts, the more you will benefit from lasting health and well-being.

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The work of Nigey Lennon has appeared in many prominent publications, including the Los Angeles Times, the Village Voice, and Playboy magazine. Lennon is the author of seven books and has served as a curriculum advisor and guest lecturer at several universities.

Journalist and author Lionel Rolfe is known for his lifelong interest in medicine and science. As a staff writer, he was responsible for the medical segments of NBC’s Today Show. As a journalist, his articles have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers, and he has authored six books.

Well Being Journal adapted the above excerpt with permission from Homeopathic Cell Salt Remedies: Healing with Nature’s 12 Mineral Compounds by Nigey Lennon and Lionel Rolfe. Reprinted by permission of Square One Publishers. The bestseller is available in both paperback and audio, learn more at https://www.squareonepublishers.com/