Complementary therapies - Biochemic cell salts

In continuation with the current series of posts on pregnancy and childbirth, this week on Monday's health tip, I will introduce you to another therapy used complementarily with homeopathy - Schussler's 12 cell salts.

Rudolf Virchow (Cell theory - 1855) said that disease is an altered state of the cell, therefore the normal state of the cell defines health. The basis of biochemic salts is that all tissues in the human body are made of 12 essential mineral components, the deficiency of which results in disease. This deficiency can be rectified by supplementation with homeopathically prepared microdoses of these 12 minerals. This theory was developed by Dr. Wilhelm Schussler in 1880, and he prepared the 12 cell salts by homeopathic dilution to a 6x potency. Every biochemic remedy is diluted in this manner because a minimum dose at a molecular level is sufficient to initiate healing, and raw doses cause further damage. Similar to homeopathic principles, each salt is prescribed by taking all the symptoms of the diseased person into consideration.

The twelve cell salts: 

1. Calcarea flourica - Responsible for tissue elasticity and health of blood vessels, bones, and teeth. Useful in strained ligaments, varicose veins, dental caries etc.

2. Calcarea phosphorica - Remedy in convalescence, for bones and nerves. Useful in osteoporosis, poor nutrition, anemia, depression, fractures.

3. Calcarea sulphurica - A cleansing remedy. Useful in acne, boils, ulcers, rheumatism, gout.

4. Ferrum phosphoricum - A wonderful remedy for any inflammation or infection, it helps to build hemoglobin. Useful in anemia, colds, nose bleed.

5. Kali muriaticum - Useful in the 2nd stage of inflammation, ear infections, croup, pneumonia. There is a tendency to chronic infections.

6. Kali phosphoricum - Remedy for nervous exhaustion, overworked students, night terrors in children, post-partum depression, stress-related ailments.

7. Kali sulphuricum - Useful in 3rd stage of inflammation, with yellowish discharges. Caries of teeth, gingivitis, conjunctivitis, ear infections, eczema.

8. Magnesium phosphoricum - Acts on the muscles and nerves. Useful in spasmodic cramps, paralysis, migraine, colic.

9. Natrum muriaticum - It regulates the water content in the body. It is a remedy for 'runny' colds, rheumatism, water retention, dehydration.

10. Natrum phosphoricum - Its main action is on fat and acid metabolism. Useful in obesity, gout, heartburn, GERD.

11. Natrum sulphuricum - Regulates water elimination and carbohydrate metabolism. Useful in diabetes, jaundice, asthma, gout.

12. Silicea - It builds connective tissue. Useful when hair has split ends, in brittle nails, pimples, rheumatism, cataract.

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Apart from the single cell salts, there are many versions of combination salts, one of which is Hyland's Biochemic Phosphates remedy which combines the five phosphate salts. It can be used as a general supplement remedy for stress, fatigue, anemia, nervous weakness, in overworked students and women.

How to use cell salts for acute ailments:

Since there are only 12 cell salts (as opposed to thousands of homeopathic remedies), it is easier to use them at home for minor ailments. Additionally, since these are salts that are required by the body at any stage, and their dose is very minute, there are less chances of side-effects. They are completely safe to take for infants, little children, as well as elderly people. For home use, it is recommended that you use a simple chart like this one by Homeopathic Laboratories. 

Dosage: For adults, 4 tablets can be taken at a time. For children over 2 years, 2 tablets can be taken at a time. Infant dose is 1 tablet, it can be given by slightly crushing the tablet between two clean spoons. Repetition of dose depends on the severity of the condition. Doses can be repeated up to 4 times a day for up to 4 days. If there is no improvement in symptoms after this time, it is better to consult a homeopath for further advice. 

Now that you know about the cell salts, in our next post, we will see how to use cell salts in pregnancy.