I discovered tissue salts when I was in homeopathic college.  I suffered from the lethargy and dizziness that can come from low iron (or anemia).  My homeopathic doctor recommended I take Ferr Phos and Calc Phos along with my iron supplement.  She told me that it would help with the absorption of the iron.  I had been taking iron supplements for months on end with no results, so when I was presented with the option of these cryptic-sounding lactose pills I was skeptical.  However, within a month of taking them I had an overflow of energy and the dizziness disappeared. I got my levels re-tested and even my medical doctor was surprised.

So what are tissue salts and how can they help us?  Let us begin by looking at the human body.  The human body is composed of a number of tiny, living cells, each one made up of a minute amount of perfectly balanced quantity of three materials: water, organic substances and inorganic substances.  Water and organic matter such as sugar albuminous and fatty substances make up the greater portion of the body, while the inorganic (mineral) elements are present in much smaller quantities.  Nineteenth-century scientist Rudolph Virchow discovered these inorganic elements to be the really vital elements; moreover, the active workers which utilize the inactive substances in building the millions of cells of which the body is composed.  If our blood is lacking these life-giving inorganic elements then the rebuilding process cannot function in a normal, orderly manner and the resulting imbalance gives rise to disease. Dr. Willheim Heinrich Schuessler determined that these inorganic substances are present in the body as mineral salts and he named 12 principle compounds which he called “Tissue Salts.”  Schuessler was able to link each of the 12 tissue salts to a physiological disorder or imbalance in the body.

Even with a perfect diet, rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements, the body isn’t always able to assimilate all of these elements.  Supplementing with a tissue salt(s) can help restore molecular balance, which will ensure that nutrients are being utilized properly.  Compromised digestion can prevent certain minerals from being absorbed in adequate amounts. The tissue salts bypass the digestive organs and are absorbed immediately.  Let’s look at the symptoms that come with a deficiency in one of these 12 salts:

1. Calcarea Fluorica (Elasticity): This mineral salt is found in the bones, the enamel of the teeth, and in the elastic fibres of the skin, muscular tissue and blood vessels.  A deficiency in this salt can result in a relaxed condition of the tissues.  Prolapse of any organ, varicose veins, piles, sluggish circulation or loose ligaments would indicate the use of Calc Fluor. It is also excellent for increasing the elasticity of the skin.
2. Calcium Phosphate (Bone Health):  This mineral salt is found in the bone, teeth, connective tissue, blood corpuscles and gastric juices.  It unites with albumin and gives solidity to the bones, building the teeth.  Calc phos promotes healthy cellular activity and restores tone to weakened organs and tissues.  It is often used in conjunction with Ferr phos to help address anemia and is indicated for enlarged tonsils and nasal polyps. It can also help improve digestion and assimilation and is a valuable tonic.  A deficiency in this salt can manifest as spasms and pain alternating with coldness and numbness, sluggish circulation or senile itching of the skin (pruritis).
3. Calcarea Sulphurica (Blood Cleanser): This mineral salt is found in the liver where it helps with the removal of waste products from the bloodstream.  Calc Sulph is indicated for any conditions arising from impurities in the bloodstream.  Deficiency symptoms can include skin eruptions, abscesses or ulcers. It has also been indicated for frontal headaches and neuralgia in the elderly.
4. Ferrum Phosphoricum (First Aid): This mineral salt is regarded as the oxygen-carrier and is considered essential for any kind of congestion, inflammatory pain, high temperature or quickened pulse.  Ferr phos is the medium through which oxygen is taken up by the blood stream and carried to the affected area.  Bleeding can be controlled by aiding a little bit of Ferr phos to the affected area, so it is particularly good for nosebleeds or any kind of cut, wound or abrasion.
5. Kalium Muriaticum (Glandular Tonic):  Kali Mur is the first remedy to think of when addressing sluggish conditions. This salt is beneficial for lymphatic glands and in any problem associated with thick, white or greyish skin discharges or whenever there is glandular swelling.  This salt is also indicated for sore throat, tonsilitis, or catarrhal infection of the middle ear. Used in conjunction with Ferr phos, it can be very effective for children’s ailments.
6. Kalium Phosphoricum (Nerve Nutrient): This mineral salt is found in the tissues and fluids of the body, in particular the brain and the nerve cells.  Kali phos is fantastic for nervous headaches, nervous dyspepsia, sleeplessness, depression, weariness, lowered vitality, “grumpiness,” and many other conditions.  Kali phos is indicated in the treatment of shingles, to correct the underlying nervous condition.  In conjunction with Mag phos it can be helpful for any kind of nervous condition or insomnia.
7. Kalium Sulphuricum (Skin Balance): This salt is found in the cells forming the lining of the skin and those forming the internal mucous lining of all internal organs.  A deficiency in this mineral salt can cause a lack of oxygen leading to chilliness, flashes of heat and pains in limbs which move from place to place.  Most notably, a deficiency in this salt can cause a yellowish, slimy deposit on the tongue or yellowish or greenish discharge.  It is particularly helpful in the treatment of Psoriasis and Athlete’s Foot.
8. Magnesium Phosphoricum (Nerve & Muscle Relaxant): Mag phos is connected with the nervous system where it supplements the action of Kali phos.  A common deficiency symptom is muscle cramps or spasms.  Mag phos is indicated for nerve pains, such as neuralgia, neuritis, sciatica and headaches accompanied by shooting, darting stabs of pain.  It relieves muscular twitching, cramps, hiccups, convulsive fits of coughing and sudden, sharp twinges of pain.  It is also very helpful for menstrual pain or stomach cramps.  I’ve had a lot of success with this remedy for treating migraine headaches, in combination with magnesium supplementation.
9. Natrum Muriaticum (Fluid Balance): I discovered the efficacy of this mineral salt when I had chronically chapped lips.  Nat mur is the water-distributing salt.  Its powerful affinity for water means that it controls the ebb and flow of the bodily fluids, its prime function to maintain moisture throughout the system.  Excessive moisture or excessive dryness anywhere in the body is a clear indication of a Nat mur deficiency.  An important function of Nat mur is the production of hydrochloric acid.  Too little acid means slow digestion, especially of calcium-rich foods. Two thirds of the body is made up of water, so Nat mur, the water distributor, plays a vital role.
10. Natrum Phosphoricum (Acid Neutralizer): This mineral salt is present in the blood, muscles, nerve and brain cells, as well as in the intercellular fluids. One of the functions of Nat phos is that of promoting the absorption of water.  This function is quite distinct from Nat mur which distributes water, and Nat sulph which eliminates surplus water from the body (see #11).  These three tissue salts control the behaviour of body fluids.  Nat phos is indicated in the treatment of dyspeptic conditions due to eating fatty or greasy foods. A deficiency in Nat phos can allow uric acid to form salts which become deposited around the joints and tissues, causing stiffness, pain and swelling.
11. Natrum Sulphuricum (Water Eliminator): Nat Sulph regulates the density of the intercellular fluids (fluids which bathe the tissue cells) by eliminating excess water.  It is the principle remedy in the treatment of influenza, eliminating excess toxins from the system. It is also important for promoting healthy functioning of the liver, as it ensures an adequate supply of free-flowing, healthy bile, so it is necessary in the later stages of digestion. As such, Nat sulph is indicated in the treatment of ailments affecting the liver.  Sandy deposits in the urine, a brownish-green coating of the tongue or a bitter taste in the mouth are just a few of the deficiency symptoms for this salt.
12. Silica (Cleanser & Conditioner): This mineral salt is present in the blood, skin, hair and nails.  It is also a constituent of connective tissue, bones, nerve sheaths and mucous membranes.  Silica is indicated whenever there is pus formation or threatened suppuration, e.g. abscesses, boils, gum boils, styes, etc.  It is especially useful in the treatment of tonsilitis when pus has begun to form.  A deficiency in this salt can lead to poor memory, slow and difficult thought and absent-mindedness. Brittle nails and lackluster hair can also be an indication for the use of this mineral salt.

When taking tissue salts, it’s important to allow at least three weeks of consistent use to see results.  Also, taking tissue salts frequently throughout the day is more beneficial than taking a large dose all at once.  If you’re unsure of what tissue salts to use, there is also the option of taking all 12 tissue salts in one formula. The homeopathic company Hylands carries a formula called Bio-XII, which I often recommend to people to help boost vitality and support the entire body.  The company Martin & Pleasance has come out with formulas to address specific conditions (e.g. skin, debility, sinus, calcium absorption, etc.).  Tissue salts are available at most reputable health food stores, and are even safe to use with children or pets.  I hope you will discover all of the benefits that come with the use of tissue salts.  Vibrant health awaits you!

Schuessler Tissue Salts: The building blocks to your family’s health. Martin & Pleasance.

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