Cell saviours
Discover how Schuessler mineral tablets can alleviate numerous bodily conditions.
Feeling better in body and mind – even both – could be as simple as taking a tiny tablet containing trace minerals. Welcome to the fascinating world of cell salts…
E’RE ALL USED TO seeing common sodium chloride, or table salt, at the dinner table, but there’s a whole other category of salts that help heal you on a cellular level. Known as cell salts or Schuessler Salts, these homeopathic tablets have been used in biomedical remedies since the 19th century. To take them, you either dissolve the tablet on your tongue, or in a glass of water to drink, and the active ingredients are absorbed by the mucous membranes in your mouth and throat and quickly enter your bloodstream. Cell salts were first identifified in the 1870s by one of the Western world’s original naturopaths, Dr Wilhelm Schuessler – hence the name – after he discovered tiny traces of 12 inorganic mineral salts in the human body. ‘He posited that if these salts were always present within us, they must be vital for the body’s normal functioning,’ says homeopath June Sayer. ‘Therefore, a defificiency in any one could lead to dysfunction or illness.’ The 12 Schuessler salts are a combination of common minerals found everywhere in nature. After the minerals are extracted from their natural sources, they’re diluted and formed into tablets so they can easily penetrate your cells. Due to the odd-sounding names, which are from chemical or Latin terms, they’re often just referred to by their number, for example, Mag Phos is made from magnesium and phosphate and is often just known as No.8.
WWhat do your cells need?
If you’re low in certain minerals, it can make you feel unwell or just a bit ‘off’. ‘You may even exhibit physical signs depending upon the deficiency,’ says June. ‘For example, raised wrinkles in the corner of your eye and brownishblack circles underneath could mean you’re lacking in No.1, Calc Fluor (flfluoride of lime), or if you’ve got rosacea-like cheeks and fifine spider veins it could indicate a lack of No.5, Kali Mur (chloride of potash).’ In a nutshell, cell salts help restore the balance within your body. They are all-natural, so won’t contraindicate any other prescribed medications. While each person is different, you can use the guide below to target particular symptoms. ‘For example, if you are having problems sleeping, you might choose Mag Phos to calm your nerves,’ says June. ‘Menopausal symptoms may be helped by Ferr Phos, which targets hot flflushes and chills.’ Read on to discover the 12 Schuessler salts and how they could help you...
The 12 cell salts
Calc Fluor (fluoride of lime) – energises connective tissue. The mineral combination of calcium and flfluoride keeps skin and connective tissue supple and elastic, and also strengthens joints and bones. Known as the beauty salt, it sends energy into cells and acts like scaffolding to reconnect it. It’s good for anyone whose skin tends to become dry and cracked, and also helps supports varicose veins by strengthening vein walls.
Calc Phos (phosphate of lime) – strengthens bones and teeth.
This cell salt lends itself to growth and development – ideal if you’ve been feeling run down. Known as the ‘nutritional one’ of the 12, it helps to form new cells and also regulates calcium metabolism. For these reasons, it helps with osteoporosis, speeding up healing if you break a bone, or for dental problems. If you’re doing regular exercise, Calc Phos is a handy one to ensure your bones stay strong.
Calc Sulph (sulphate of lime) – reduces discharge.
This is a useful salt to reduce catarrh if you have a respiratory infection, or for those who get hayfever this time of year. It dries up excess fluid or mucus so can also treat or help clear up conjunctivitis, abscesses or wounds.
Ferr Phos (phosphate of iron) – boosts immune system.
Otherwise known as homeopathic iron, this remedy supports healthy levels of haemoglobin in your blood. It’s also
Cell salts are natural, healthgiving substances. They boost energy, soothe nerves and improve skin.
good for recovering from infection as it boosts circulation, therefore flflushing out nasty invaders. A good one to dose up on if you’re prone to spring snifflfles.
Kali Mur (chloride of potash) – cleans respiratory system.
Especially good for your mucous membranes, Kali Mur can help you clear out a cold, ear infection, throat problem such as bronchitis, or even a stomach upset by keeping any congestion moving. It’s a good one to take if swimming or flying affects your ears.
Kali Phos (phosphate of potash) – soothes nerves.
This remedy is most commonly used for psychological complaints such as anxiety, stress or insomnia. It helps to regulate the interplay of muscles and nerves, and optimises the supply of oxygen to your cells, helping you feel stronger and more alert. If you’ve got a big event coming up, or you’ve been feeling stressed, this cell salt could help you stay calm.
Kali Sulph (sulphate of potash) – calms inflammation.
Often those with a sulphate of potash defificiency will feel cold or achy as there’s not enough oxygen- rich blood in their cells. This salt is said to help improve the distribution of oxygen around the body, which remedies inflammation and joint pain.
Mag Phos (phosphate of magnesia) – reduces cramps.
Magnesium phosphate helps to regulate your autonomic nervous system – all the processes that go on without being consciously directed by your mind, such as your heartbeat and breathing. It also has an antispasmodic effect, meaning it can help alleviate IBS or menstrual cramps.
Nat Mur (chloride of soda) – addresses fluid balance.
This one regulates the water balance of your skin, mucous membranes, muscles and digestive system, making it effective for treating oily skin, a runny nose or constipation. It’s also said to be a good tonic for those feeling over-emotional.
Nat Phos (phosphate of soda) – regulates acidity.
If you’ve recently eaten too much sugar, alcohol, coffee or processed grains, such as white flflour, it can increase the pH level of your blood, causing indigestion, liver problems or an increase in bile. Salt No. 10 helps to rebalance your body’s pH by neutralising acidity.
Nat Sulph (sulphate of soda) – aids detoxification.
This particular salt has a regulating effect on your liver, gallbladder and intestines, helping to flflush out excess flfluid in your body, and can also be used to alleviate nausea. It’s a good one to support weight loss, or if you want to give your body a spring-clean from the inside. In terms of emotions, it’s used to treat irritability and anxiety.
Silica – improves nails and hair.
In biochemistry, silica is considered an effective rejuvenator as it helps to strengthen and add elasticity to connective tissue. This is why it’s taken for stronger nails and hair. If you’re deficient, you might notice blotchy or slackening skin, split nails and dry hair.