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Tissue salts, also called cell salts or Schussler salts, are some of the more misunderstood supplements. Often confused with homeopathic products, they’re actually part of the Biochemic System of Medicine. Originally proposed by Rudolf Virchow in 1858, the Biochemic System states that the body is merely a collection of cells, and that medicinal treatment should be directed towards the individual cell. In this respect, tissue salts are mineral complexes formulated to rectify cellular mineral imbalances. Dr. W. H. Schussler, a physician and homeopath in the nineteenth century, combined an intuitive belief in the body’s innate ability to heal itself with the observation that diseases were associated with biochemical (i.e. mineral) imbalances. Based on analyses of tissue and blood samples, he defined ten minerals in proper balance that were vital to optimum health: calcium, chlorine, fluorine, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, silica, sodium, and sulphur. He also formulated twelve mineral complexes: calcium fluoride (Calc fluor), calcium phosphate (Calc phos), calcium sulphate (Calc sulph), ferrum phosphate (Ferr phos), kalium muriaticum (Kali mur), kalium phosphate (Kali phos), kalium sulphate (Kali sulph), magnesium phosphate (Mag phos), natrum muriaticum (Nat mur), natrum phosphate (Nat phos), natrum sulphate (Nat sulph) and Silicea.

If you are sick, or if you frequently experience conditions such as cold sores, bladder infections, or menstrual cramps, you may need to rebalance the minerals in your cells and tissue salts could be the answer.

Potency and Storage

Preparation of tissue salts is similar to that of homeopathic remedies. Normally available in 6X and occasionally as 12X strength tablets, storage considerations are also similar ¾avoid heat, moisture, strong aromas and electromagnetic fields. In Canada, tissue salts require a drug registration number (DIN) and an expiry date. Cell salts will keep indefinitely under the right conditions.

Use and Safety

The accompanying table provides information on the use of tissue salts for some common complaints. Health food stores are the best source for references and tissue salts.

One of the advantages of using tissue salts is that they are very safe and compatible with other medications-good choices for both infants and the elderly. Tissue salts are designed to correct acute cellular mineral imbalances; they should be discontinued after discomfort has passed. If symptoms persist, seek the advice of a qualified practitioner.

See table Tissue Salt Table

Graham Butler, BSc, CNPA, writes on numerous natural health topics based on his experiences as a consultant, retailer, educator, and lobbyist. He can be reached at graham_butler_41@hotmail.com.

Source: alive #254, December 2003