Those who are familiar with homeopathy understand the premise of the minimum dose, also known as "less is more". But there is another part of homeopathy that makes use of this principle, and that is tissue salts or cell salts.
In this post, we’ll explore the discovery of tissue salts, what they are, why they are important, how they relate to homeopathic medicine, and how they can best be used to help replenish mineral deficiencies and improve well-being.
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The Discovery of Tissue Salts
In the 19th century, German scientists developed what is known as modern cell theory. Cell theory proposes that the human body is composed of billions of cells and one cell is the basic unit of life.
At the same time, scientists – including prominent pathologist Rudolf Virchow – observed that disease does not affect the entire body at once but starts and happens at a cellular level. And physiologists, specifically Jacob Moleschott, began to draw increased attention to the importance of minerals for a healthy body and mind.
This knowledge led German physician and homeopath Dr. Wilhelm Schuessler to identify the 12 most essential minerals for cellular health which he called cell salts or tissue salts. Cell salts exist in every cell of our body, and together they support a large amount, if not all, of life-supporting functions and processes.
For example, cell salt Magnesia Phosphorica (Magnesium Phosphate in English) and cell salt Kali Phosphoricum (Potassium Phosphate in English) are present in nerve, brain, and muscle cells; cell salt Silica in connective tissues, skin, hair, and nails; and cell salt Calcium Fluoride (Calcium Fluoride) in bones, teeth, and skin, among others and so on.
This discovery further led Dr. Schuessler to conclude that a balance of the most vital cell salts, or essential minerals, within the body, can aid in avoiding and healing weaknesses and ailments.
In 1874, he published his book “An Abridged Therapy on the Basis of Physiology and Cellular Pathology” in which he explains, “An individual is in a state of health when the formation of new cells, and the destruction of the old ones, as well as the removal of useless substances, proceed normally.”
According to Schuessler, any disturbance that results in an imbalance of inorganic mineral salts may result in disease or ailments. But the body can receive deficient cell salts or tissue salts in what are known as homeopathic micro doses and as a result, “Restoration of the cell, and thereby of the body, will result from restoration of the deficit of the inorganic salts.”
Dr. Schuessler's cell salt therapy, which he called biochemistry, quickly took off in natural healing circles and was practiced in and around Germany, in the United States, and soon worldwide. The picture at the top of our blog features a bust created in 1932 by sculptor Liddy Hoffmann-Juan to honor Dr. Wilhelm Schuessler for his accomplishments.
The bust was originally installed in the town of Radebeul near Dresden. During the GDR era it was no longer welcome and partially destroyed. In 2007 representatives of the Biochemic Association of Germany located and restored Dr. Schuessler's bust.
It was re-installed in front of Schuessler’s birth house in Oldenburg (shown above) in 2010 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the Biochemic Health Association of Oldenburg.
The Principles of Tissue Salts
During the second half of the 19th century, cell theory moved past an idea and became a fully established scientific fact that the body is made up of billions of cells for which a healthy balance of minerals is essential.
Minerals are divided into two categories, major and trace. For example, a major mineral is calcium and a trace mineral is iron. Most of the cell salts fall into the major category. And we can agree calcium is essential to build and maintain strong bones while iron is essential to make hemoglobin.
A proper diet is essential to make sure you’re getting enough minerals. And whatever you’re lacking, vitamins and mineral supplements should be the answer, right?
Not exactly. For two very important reasons.
- Nutrients, specifically minerals, are not that easily absorbed by the body.
- There is a big difference between larger doses and minute dosing.
The Difference Between Tissue Salts and Regular Mineral Supplements
Poor nutrient absorption is like the holes in a cheesecloth. Many mineral supplements pass through the body via the digestive system without making much of an impact.
Now, imagine that a tiny amount of tissue salt, invisible to the naked eye, can enter the body via the capillaries in the mouth and throat and reach the blood and intercellular fluids.
While it is best for larger amounts of minerals to be taken in via the food we eat, minute doses can be used to target specific weaknesses that arise and can regulate cellular imbalances without interfering with the functions of healthy cells. As proper cell function is restored, the tissue reverts to its former healthy state.
The easiest way to look at this is as follows. You may be deficient in iron, but taking iron supplements isn’t enough if your body is incapable of properly absorbing the iron. Cell Salts offer a solution to this inefficiency.
How Tissue Salts Are an Efficient Solution
Tissue salts are highly absorbable and are easy to add to any wellness regime. In cases of acute illness, they can be taken every 15 minutes, three times in a row, and repeated after an hour, such as cell salt Ferr Phos at the first sign of a fever or immediately after an injury.
Or they can be taken several times daily for regular overall wellness maintenance, in the case of Ferr Phos during the fall and winter months to support your immune system or after an illness or workout to regain strength.
Tissue Salts
- are suitable for all ages and species – yes, even pets can take them,
- don’t cause over-supplementation,
- are absorbed quickly into the bloodstream,
- don’t have the same restrictions other supplements can have – you can take multiple cell salts at a time and they are not known to interfere with regular medications,
- don’t have nasty side effects many regular mineral supplements can have, such as nausea or diarrhea.
AnnaKare cell or tissue salts come as liquid sprays, making them even more easily absorbable and reducing any need to open the bottle, exposing the contents to the air – which touching the small pellets or contacting your tongue with the dropper will inevitably do.
They are lactose, gluten, and sugar free, vegan, safe from GMOs, and contain only microdosed minerals, purified water, and organic ethanol. They also come in recyclable, chemical-free, and impenetrable glass bottles.
If you are curious to learn more about cell salts, we have two guidebooks and a self-paced online course to help you on your cell salt wellness journey.
The Cell Salts 101 Digital Guide is a 9-page cell salts introductory guide with an easy-to-refer-to detailed chart guiding you through each of the cell salt’s primary functions, benefits, and uses. It’s a perfect companion to record symptoms and triggers and match them to your and your family’s health needs.
Cell Salts 101 Digital Guidebook
to download and print
In the Introduction to Cell Salts online course, classical homeopaths Jennie Hoglund and Kathy Yeo coach you from beginner to expert user. Inside you’ll learn the principles of cell salts, proper dosing, and traditional benefits of each cell salt. You also have a chance to hear many best use cases and real-life examples from Jennie and Kathy's practice.
Introduction to Cell Salts
Online Course
Plus, our Cell Salts for Women Digital Guidebook, also created with homeopaths Jennie and Kathy, is an exclusive health and wellness companion no woman should be without. It includes a brief history of the 12 cell salts and details on how to use each cell salt based on 12 unique-to-women health topics.
to download and print
Schuessler cell salts offer a unique approach to wellness and the necessary mineral balance we all need to improve cell vitality and enjoy a longer and better life. Their history is widely unknown to many and possibly the best-kept secret in the natural health community.
Yet, as we have shown, its history is rooted in science and enjoys a lot of research and traditional successes to back up its claims. There are many ways you can discover more about how cell salts can be an effective addition to your wellness routine here at AnnaKare.com. Let us know how we can help you on your journey.
Note: Product descriptions are grounded in traditional homeopathic practice. The information in this article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
References
An Abridged Therapeutics Founded Upon Histology and Cellular Pathology by W. H. Schüssler, 1884.
