Biochemic Cell Salts
Encyclopedia
Biochemic cell salts aka Tissue Salts or Cell Salts are alternative remedies
based on inorganic
salts elaborated by Wilhelm Heinrich Schüßler
(1821–1898). Although moderately diluted (3X-6X), they are not classed as homeopathic
, because they are not purported to act according to the "like cures like" principle of homeopathy. Nonetheless, they are commonly advocated by people who also advocate similar alternative medicine
remedies, including homeopathy.
Inorganic salts were first used in homeopathic preparations by Samuel Hahnemann
, and further utilised by Dr. Schüßler who identified 12 different salt
s in human tissue
based on the analysis and research of inorganic constituents of cremated organs and remains by Jacob Moleschott and Justus von Liebig
.
Schüßler concluded that the cell salts are important mineral constituents that are present in human cells, and that (in accordance with the theories of Rudolf Virchow
) disease took place at the cellular level.
Even though water and organic matter make up a greater portion of living cells, the inorganic matter is the only substance that the organism/cells cannot produce by itself. Since the life of living cells is relatively short, the creation of new cells depends on the presence of minerals. Mineral deficiencies will inhibit the proper functioning of living cells.
Schüßler also stated that if an imbalance or deficiency of these salts at the cellular level were to occur, sickness may follow. Schüßler believed that the balance of these twelve mineral salts could be restored by ingesting "cell salts" in a bio-available form. He claimed that these minerals needed not so much to be "replaced" as the cells needed to be prompted by the presence of the homeopathically potentised cell salts to restore balance of the essential components.
He ascribed a specific purpose to each one of the 12 salts, based on his understanding of their biochemical purpose and relative distribution in the body. He also performed clinical experiments to verify his conclusions in the form of homeopathic "provings".
These days, tissue salts are usually prepared as tablets, made up with lactose powder in a manner similar to homeopathic products: Each inorganic salt is ground (triturated
) with lactose powder in a ratio of 1:9, and this mixture is then ground with fresh lactose, again in a 1:9 ratio. This process is repeated either three or six times, yielding a 1 000 000 to 1 dilution or 1000:1 dilution.
Because of this dilution, tissue salts are generally prescribed at dosages that are too low to have any detectable effect on the levels of the minerals and electrolytes involved. No peer review
ed scientific clinical trials have been conducted on tissue salts, and they are less well known to the public than some other complementary therapies.
The twelve salts described by Schüßler, together with the abbreviated names under which they are sold, are:
The combination of all 12 salts in one formula commonly called by its non-trade name Bioplasma. Often the five phosphates are combined into a compound remedy at a 3X potency called "Biochemic Phosphates".
The popular homeopathic combination remedy Hylands Calms Forte, is prepared in a base of biochemic phosphates, in contrast to the regular strength Calms which is prepared in USP Lactose
.
Alternative medicine
Alternative medicine is any healing practice, "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine." It is based on historical or cultural traditions, rather than on scientific evidence....
based on inorganic
Inorganic compound
Inorganic compounds have traditionally been considered to be of inanimate, non-biological origin. In contrast, organic compounds have an explicit biological origin. However, over the past century, the classification of inorganic vs organic compounds has become less important to scientists,...
salts elaborated by Wilhelm Heinrich Schüßler
Wilhelm Heinrich Schüßler
Dr. Wilhelm Heinrich Schüßler — also spelled Schuessler, particularly in English-language publications — was a German medical doctor in Oldenburg who endeavored to find natural remedies, and published the results of his experiments in a German homeopathic journal in March 1873, leading to an...
(1821–1898). Although moderately diluted (3X-6X), they are not classed as homeopathic
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine in which practitioners claim to treat patients using highly diluted preparations that are believed to cause healthy people to exhibit symptoms that are similar to those exhibited by the patient...
, because they are not purported to act according to the "like cures like" principle of homeopathy. Nonetheless, they are commonly advocated by people who also advocate similar alternative medicine
Alternative medicine
Alternative medicine is any healing practice, "that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine." It is based on historical or cultural traditions, rather than on scientific evidence....
remedies, including homeopathy.
Samuel Hahnemann
Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann was a German physician, known for creating an alternative form of medicine called homeopathy.- Early life :Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann was born in Meissen, Saxony near Dresden...
, and further utilised by Dr. Schüßler who identified 12 different salt
Salt
In chemistry, salts are ionic compounds that result from the neutralization reaction of an acid and a base. They are composed of cations and anions so that the product is electrically neutral...
s in human tissue
Biological tissue
Tissue is a cellular organizational level intermediate between cells and a complete organism. A tissue is an ensemble of cells, not necessarily identical, but from the same origin, that together carry out a specific function. These are called tissues because of their identical functioning...
based on the analysis and research of inorganic constituents of cremated organs and remains by Jacob Moleschott and Justus von Liebig
Justus von Liebig
Justus von Liebig was a German chemist who made major contributions to agricultural and biological chemistry, and worked on the organization of organic chemistry. As a professor, he devised the modern laboratory-oriented teaching method, and for such innovations, he is regarded as one of the...
.
Schüßler concluded that the cell salts are important mineral constituents that are present in human cells, and that (in accordance with the theories of Rudolf Virchow
Rudolf Virchow
Rudolph Carl Virchow was a German doctor, anthropologist, pathologist, prehistorian, biologist and politician, known for his advancement of public health...
) disease took place at the cellular level.
Even though water and organic matter make up a greater portion of living cells, the inorganic matter is the only substance that the organism/cells cannot produce by itself. Since the life of living cells is relatively short, the creation of new cells depends on the presence of minerals. Mineral deficiencies will inhibit the proper functioning of living cells.
Schüßler also stated that if an imbalance or deficiency of these salts at the cellular level were to occur, sickness may follow. Schüßler believed that the balance of these twelve mineral salts could be restored by ingesting "cell salts" in a bio-available form. He claimed that these minerals needed not so much to be "replaced" as the cells needed to be prompted by the presence of the homeopathically potentised cell salts to restore balance of the essential components.
He ascribed a specific purpose to each one of the 12 salts, based on his understanding of their biochemical purpose and relative distribution in the body. He also performed clinical experiments to verify his conclusions in the form of homeopathic "provings".
These days, tissue salts are usually prepared as tablets, made up with lactose powder in a manner similar to homeopathic products: Each inorganic salt is ground (triturated
Trituration
Trituration is the name of several different methods of processing materials. Trituration is also the name of the process for reducing the particle size of a substance by grinding, as by grinding of powders in a mortar with a pestle. Trituration additionally refers to the production of a...
) with lactose powder in a ratio of 1:9, and this mixture is then ground with fresh lactose, again in a 1:9 ratio. This process is repeated either three or six times, yielding a 1 000 000 to 1 dilution or 1000:1 dilution.
Because of this dilution, tissue salts are generally prescribed at dosages that are too low to have any detectable effect on the levels of the minerals and electrolytes involved. No peer review
Peer review
Peer review is a process of self-regulation by a profession or a process of evaluation involving qualified individuals within the relevant field. Peer review methods are employed to maintain standards, improve performance and provide credibility...
ed scientific clinical trials have been conducted on tissue salts, and they are less well known to the public than some other complementary therapies.
The twelve salts described by Schüßler, together with the abbreviated names under which they are sold, are:
- Calcium fluorideCalcium fluorideCalcium fluoride is the inorganic compound with the formula CaF2. This ionic compound of calcium and fluorine occurs naturally as the mineral fluorite . It is the source of most of the world's fluorine. This insoluble solid adopts a cubic structure wherein calcium is coordinated to eight fluoride...
(calc fluor) - Calcium phosphateCalcium phosphateCalcium phosphate is the name given to a family of minerals containing calcium ions together with orthophosphates , metaphosphates or pyrophosphates and occasionally hydrogen or hydroxide ions ....
(calc phos) - Calcium sulfateCalcium sulfateCalcium sulfate is a common laboratory and industrial chemical. In the form of γ-anhydrite , it is used as a desiccant. It is also used as a coagulant in products like tofu. In the natural state, unrefined calcium sulfate is a translucent, crystalline white rock...
(calc sulph) - Potassium chloridePotassium chlorideThe chemical compound potassium chloride is a metal halide salt composed of potassium and chlorine. In its pure state, it is odorless and has a white or colorless vitreous crystal appearance, with a crystal structure that cleaves easily in three directions. Potassium chloride crystals are...
(kali mur) - Potassium phosphatePotassium phosphatePotassium phosphate is a generic term for the salts of potassium and phosphate ions including:* Monopotassium phosphate * Dipotassium phosphate * Tripotassium phosphate...
(kali phos) - Potassium sulfatePotassium sulfatePotassium sulfate is a non-flammable white crystalline salt which is soluble in water...
(kali sulph) - Sodium phosphate (nat phos)
- Sodium sulfateSodium sulfateSodium sulfate is the sodium salt of sulfuric acid. When anhydrous, it is a white crystalline solid of formula Na2SO4 known as the mineral thenardite; the decahydrate Na2SO4·10H2O has been known as Glauber's salt or, historically, sal mirabilis since the 17th century. Another solid is the...
(nat sulph) - Sodium chlorideSodium chlorideSodium chloride, also known as salt, common salt, table salt or halite, is an inorganic compound with the formula NaCl. Sodium chloride is the salt most responsible for the salinity of the ocean and of the extracellular fluid of many multicellular organisms...
(nat mur) - FerricFerricFerric refers to iron-containing materials or compounds. In chemistry the term is reserved for iron with an oxidation number of +3, also denoted iron or Fe3+. On the other hand, ferrous refers to iron with oxidation number of +2, denoted iron or Fe2+...
pyrophosphatePyrophosphateIn chemistry, the anion, the salts, and the esters of pyrophosphoric acid are called pyrophosphates. Any salt or ester containing two phosphate groups is called a diphosphate. As a food additive, diphosphates are known as E450.- Chemistry :...
(ferrum phos) - Magnesium phosphateMagnesium phosphateMagnesium phosphate is a general term for salts of magnesium and phosphate appearing in three forms:* Magnesium phosphate monobasic * Magnesium phosphate dibasic * Magnesium phosphate tribasic...
(mag phos) - Silicon dioxideSilicon dioxideThe chemical compound silicon dioxide, also known as silica , is an oxide of silicon with the chemical formula '. It has been known for its hardness since antiquity...
(silicea)
The combination of all 12 salts in one formula commonly called by its non-trade name Bioplasma. Often the five phosphates are combined into a compound remedy at a 3X potency called "Biochemic Phosphates".
The popular homeopathic combination remedy Hylands Calms Forte, is prepared in a base of biochemic phosphates, in contrast to the regular strength Calms which is prepared in USP Lactose
Lactose
Lactose is a disaccharide sugar that is found most notably in milk and is formed from galactose and glucose. Lactose makes up around 2~8% of milk , although the amount varies among species and individuals. It is extracted from sweet or sour whey. The name comes from or , the Latin word for milk,...
.