Tissue salts, also known as cell salts, are one of the best ways to restore and maintain your body’s biochemistry – a term that describes the balanced workings of your body at cellular level. Tissue salts are homoeopathically potentised salts of twelve different mineral combinations, each with vitally important roles in your cells and the various types of tissue they form. Minerals create your physical foundations, they are the building blocks of your body, upon which all other nutrients depend for healthy absorption and function. Mineral deficiencies are understood by naturopaths to be the lowest common denominator in human disease processes.
Tissue salts have been around for a long time. They are probably the first natural health supplement I ever knew about, beginning as a young child growing up in the 1960s. Mum always had some in the cupboard as part of her home remedy supply. At the first sign any of us was unwell she would say “come and get some cell salts, I think you’re a bit run down”. They were easy to take and usually effective.
Tissue salts were developed in the 19th century in Germany by Dr Wilhelm Schuessler, a chemist and physicist who realised deficiencies of these minerals was the underlying cause of ill health. He prepared his mineral salts according to homoeopathic principles, in minute doses and ground finely for easy absorption. With this method your body is able to absorb the salts by osmosis through the cellular wall, wherever in the body they are needed. Their therapeutic action is to stimulate the body’s natural ability to regulate its mineral intake via the food chain, gradually restoring a biochemical balance. In addition, because they combine the material properties of each mineral salt with the energetic properties of homoeopathic dilution and trituration, tissue salts stimulate balance and well-being on all levels, not just the physical.
There’s a tendency in our fast-paced, market driven culture for people to take large quantities of assorted vitamins and minerals in the mistaken belief that ‘more is better’. This ignores the essential requirement that all minerals are needed by the body in a balanced ratio. If your cell chemistry is deficient and you don’t have the capacity to absorb excessive levels of supplements, the bulk of them are excreted without giving you much benefit. The beauty of tissue salts is that they are highly bioavailable, so none is wasted. They are, in essence, the food of your cells.
Safe for Everyone
Another great advantage is that they are safe, with no adverse effects or possibility of overdosing, even if you take one that is not indicated for you. Tissue salts are usually formulated in a lactose base, however only people with extreme lactose intolerance are at risk of a reaction. Alternatively, they are also available in an alcohol base.
It’s best to work out which specific salts your body needs, because taking a random combination may mean they will cancel each other out in terms of action and symptom relief. However they will not do any harm, just possibly take longer to be effective. You can give them to your children with confidence, and take them while pregnant or breastfeeding. You can also safely take cell salts alongside any medication.
What are the 12 tissue Salts?
- The original 12 tissue salts formulated by Schuessler, with their main physical actions, are:
- Iron Phosphate (Ferr Phos or IP): reduces swelling & pain, 1st stage inflammation
- Magnesium Phosphate (Mag Phos or MP): neuromuscular coordinator
- Potassium Phosphate (Kali Phos or PP): nerve nutrient
- Potassium Chloride (Kali Mur or PC): congestion remover, 2nd stage inflammation
- Potassium Sulphate (Kali Sulph or PS): cell oxygenator, 3rd stage inflammation
- Calcium Sulphate (Calc Sulph or CS): blood cleanser
- Calcium Phosphate (Calc. Phos or CP): cell builder
- Calcium Fluoride (Calc. Fluor or CP): connective tissue elasticity, strengthens blood vessels
- Silicea (Silica or S): calcium organiser, tissue strengthener
- Sodium Phosphate (Nat Phos or SP): metabolic acid remover
- Sodium Chloride (Nat Mur or SC): fluid balancer
- Sodium Sulphate (Nat Sulph or SS): detoxifier
Deficiencies of individual tissue salts are a factor in all disease processes of the body. Singles can be useful in acute phases of illness to reduce symptoms and speed up recovery. In more chronic states combinations of specific tissue salts, alongside a regular diet of nutrient-rich foods, will be needed over time to successfully treat deficiencies that are the underlying cause of disease.
If you suspect you are not absorbing dietary nutrients very well, or suffer from an increasing number of seemingly unrelated symptoms, your cells may be under-functioning because you are lacking the right balance of tissue salts.
By Carolyn Simon ND, DipMedHerb
Naturopath
The full range of quality New Era, Schuessler and Martin & Pleasance Tissue Salts are available for secure online purchase from our shopping site, along with reviews and more info.
We’d Love Your Feedback
Have you tried biochemic tissue salts?
What condition(s) have you treated? Did you get good results?
If there’s anything more you’d like to know about tissue salts, please post your question and we’ll do our best to get it answered.
Which cell salt should I take for my nails? They have ridges and 2 fingers look a bit distorted. My nails have always been hard but the 2 distorted ones are thin and chip easy. Thanks Roelie
Hi Roelie,
Thanks for your query. Silica is often recommended as the Hair, Skin & Nail salt. Here’s the link to the Martin & Pleasance product: http://www.healthpost.co.nz/silica–cleanser-and-conditioner-mp12l
New Era also offer a combination of salts that is specifically for brittle nails. Follow the link to the Combination K product: http://www.healthpost.co.nz/combination-k-nrk
I hope this is helpful and let us know how you got on.
Kind regards,
Candy
HI I was wondering what tissue salt would help me? I am having pains from Gallstones.
Thanks Rachel
Thanks for your query Rachel.
Our staff Naturopath, Kristie, has provided a response as follows:
I would suggest trying the Combination E tissue salts for colicky pains. Mag Phos, cell salt 8 could also help, but try the Combination E first.
Hi there i know someone that had great results with tissue salts improving their varicose veins. would you suggest someone very low in iron take the fer phos? or is it better to just take an iron supplement?
Thanks for your query Melissa.
Our staff Naturopath, Kristie, has provided a response as follows:
Hi Melissa, Taking the Ferr Phos can help you uptake and utilise iron from your diet more efficiently. If you have little iron in your diet or have been identified as having iron-deficient anaemia, you would do well to take an iron supplement as well. Make sure you don’t exceed the daily recommended dose.
A good article and I wholeheartedly agree that it is simply incredible what health improvements mineral supplementation can bring. I would like to add that I believe fat supplementation (omega 3) can also have profoundly positive effects on both physical and emotional/neurological health conditions such as anxiety disorders (OCD, GAD), depression, ADHD, etc. It is worth noting that countries with very high consumption of omega fats, such as Japan, Iceland and Hong Kong, have the lowest rates of depression, biploar disorder, and homicide, for example.
Thanks for your comment Francesca. We completely agree and some more info on the health benefits of Omega 3 can be found in Carolyn’s excellent Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids article in the HealthPost Library. I wonder if you’ve perhaps seen July’s edition of North & South magazine? We found the cover story on natural health to be biased to the point of irresponsible
So disappointing when a major publication like this can’t even get to grips with the basic fact of dietary supplements often simply representing more convenient sources of vital nutrients which might otherwise be found in an ideal human diet. North & South seem to be of the view that all ‘alternative medicine’ equates to unsubstantiated quackery based on outrageous and unproven claims of efficacy! Excuse the rant – it just really gets my goat when, as you point out, the link between these nutrients and positive health outcomes has been established at the level of entire populations!
Thanks again. Best, Abel
I would love to know what Tissue Salts to use for heartburn every day around middayish. I can take Losec or Gaviscon and all is ok but I’m not ok with that and would love firstly to know what causes this (ball park) and then what to use thereafter. Salts sound great to me. Thanks
Thanks for your query Marie.
Our staff Naturopath, Kristie, has advised as follows:
Hi Marie, You can try Combination C for heartburn, and if this doesn’t work then Nat Sulph, cell salt 11. The causes of heartburn include the consumption of too many acidic drinks such as coffee or alcohol, smoking, poor upper digestion – use digestive enzymes, and/or or poor lower digestion – use fibre or laxatives. Slippery elm can also help with the symptoms of heartburn.
Thanks for the reply very much appreciated. Will try what is recommended. I don’t drink coffee or alcohol and haven’t smoked for over 30years and take fibre daily so will be happy to try anything that is natural. Cheers
Hi Marie,
I often get heartburn (or indigestion) from wheat/gluten products. Some get it from dairy. I also find that veges like onions (red) give me bad heartburn.
Probiotics are great for that sort of thing as well….. I also find having a glass of milk (that is if you are not lactose-free) helps…
Good luck,
Lulu
I use homeopathics regularly, and would like to know if I can use Tissue Salts alongside those, or should they be used one in place of the other? Also, my books on Homeopathy don’t mention Tissue Salts, would you be able to recommend a book that gives me the information I need to for using them? Thankyou
Hi Kate,
Thanks for your enquiry. Our staff naturopath, Kristie, has provided a response as follows:
“In answer to your question, yes you can use tissue salts alongside homeopathy, and no, they should not be used in place of each other in my opinion as they have different theoretical mechanisms of action. Tissue salts are meant to re-establish the correct cellular mineral balance and in time heal illnesses that stem from this imbalance. Homeopathy works more on a purely energetic level as all but the weakest homeopathic potencies do not contain any of the original material substances. For a further explanation on the ‘mysterious’ workings of homeopathy consult your books; For further information on tissue salts, we have a popular guide available for sale on our website as follows – The Biochemic Handbook.”
I hope this helps.
Cheers, Abel
Thanks very much for your reply Abel, that really helps!
Wondering about the safety of taking salts while breast feeding. I’m worried about any type of detoxing which may occur and the effect that may have on my milk. I have zinc, cal fluoride, and silica stocked at home. I’ve been told that silica has detoxing properties and the toxins will find their way into my milk. Should be concerned about any other salts?
Thanks!
Thanks for your inquiry Leslie. Our staff Naturopath, Kristie, has provided the following answer to your comment: Any detoxifying properties that silica may have in the material form are not transferred to silica in the form of a mineral salt. The function of mineral salts is to encourage your body to utilise the existing minerals more efficiently in your body. You are not actually supplementing with the minerals themselves, therefore they are all completely safe. I hope this answers your question.
hey there i have extreme pain in the left side of my rib cage at the moment im wondering if there is anything i can take for this as none of the pain relievers are doing anything
Dear Hayley, I’m so sorry to hear of your discomfort and pain. Please feel free to contact us by phone 0800 148 148 or email info@healthpost.co.nz to discuss the different reasons for what is causing the pain and our Customer Service team may then be able to make suggestions as to what may ease your pain. Please take care meanwhile. Best wishes, Toni
Hi could you tell me please the best tissue salt for continous styes…also excema
Hi Angi, thanks for your query.
We would advise you to try Schuessler Silica for treatment of styes – bacteria in the eye area are likely to be the cause of the infection. The homeopathic Thuja Occidentalis may also be of interest.
Boosting your system with Vitamin C and Zinc to help the body become more resistant to infection would be a very good idea.
For Eczema, try the New Era Tissue Salt Combination D (listed for pimples but also good for Eczema) – I believe there is still one in stock, although they have been difficult to get hold of recently from our supplier. Alternatively you can try Schuessler Kali Sulph.
Also helpful for Eczema are Silica (due to cleansing properties for the skin), omega supplements, evening primrose oil and a probiotic such as Eczema Shield.
We hope you find something here that helps these conditions. Warm regards, Anya
Hi there, can you help me choose which salts are best for me. i have some arthrytis in my hands, lower back and shoulders and also suffer from IBS at times. When i travel especixlly my tummy plays up. i was thinking that Rheumatism Comb M and Indigestion CombE are good but also was going to purchase General tonic Comb12. Am i doubling up on salts ? thanks for you help with this:)
Hi Jackie,
You are choosing well for the IBS and Arthritis/Rheumatism. We would see no problems with the doubling up of Calc Phos and Nat Sulph with these two combinations. Maybe combination E and M would be more effective and as a general tonic have a look at a liquid one – Greenridge MultiVital – Whole Body Tonic
We would also like to recommend the Schuessler Tissue Salts Handbook – small, concise and easy to read and understand – it’s a health manual and only $9.50 and a great guide in using cell salts for all ailments.
I hope this helps.
Hi there, I was wondering what you would recommend for acne? I see on healthpost.co.nz it suggest these salts are good for this. Would love your advice to.
Many thanks,
Sara.
Hi Sara,
Kristie, our naturopath, advises … ‘Tissue salts for acne include No. 3 Calc Sulph, No. 7 Kali Sulph, or No. 12 Silica. Alternatively you can take the Combination D tissue salts which contains all of these remedies and is specific for skin complaints. Other herbs for acne you could try are Yellow Dock, Burdock and Red Clover. You might also like to consult with a naturopath for a full consultation as it is a good idea to address the underlying cause of acne which could involve a range of things including hormonal imbalances, toxic overload or immune dysfunction.’
I hope this helps,
Anya
What would you recomend for joint pain, inflamation, allergies, low iron and premenopausal .
Hi J – I passed your question to Kristie (author of this article) and here is her response. Apologies for the delay as she works part-time for us. Best wishes, Anya
‘Hi J, Being a naturopath I look into all of the herbs, nutrients etc. when addressing multiple health issues. Given that you have a few things going on, I am immediately thinking well beyond tissue salts. You really need to address your diet and lifestyle for all of this, preferably with the help of a natural health professional. The Ferrum Phos would be a good tissue salt to encourage the utilisation of iron in the body but you need to make sure your iron stores are adequate as well. The Combination H tissue salt would be helpful for your allergies and Combination M could help with your joint issues. You need to take these for a decent period of time – be persistent! Best wishes, Kristie’
Dear Kristie
I have had internal bleeding haemorrhoids for the past 2.5 years and also have nails that break easily and my hair is always quite dry, thin and lifeless. I am 60 years old and take compounded progesterone and oestrogen. Also have a L5 disc bulge.
I would be so very grateful for your advice as to what Tissue Salts I should take and if they would be helpful for me.
Many thanks
Hi Carmel – I forwarded your comment to Kristie and here is her response. Our apologies for the delay in replying … Kristie has been very busy and works part-time for us. Thanks for your patience, Anya
‘Hi Carmel, Thanks for your inquiry. For your nails I would suggest the Combination K and the Calc Fluor should help with the haemorrhoids. If there is back pain the Combination G can ease this. You might like to consider Ferr Phos in the case of consistent blood loss with your haemorrhoids along with a standard iron supplement for a while. You could also try a supplement specific for veins that contains Horsechestnut. For further help, see a natural health practitioner in your area. All the best, Kristie’