If you love a natural approach to health and haven’t explored cell salts, you have something to be excited about. Cell salts are homeopathic mineral combinations studied and created by Dr. William H Schuessler of Oldenburg, Germany and are crucial for restoring health first on a cellular level and then on a systematic level. These minerals have been the focus of homeopathy since the 1800s and are comprised of twelve cell salts, which Dr. Schuessler believed were the building blocks essential to maintaining health; give a person the right one for them and their body has the right support and ability to correct imbalances. Each with a very significant benefit to the system and each with a tell-tale sign of deficiency found in the skin, cell salts perform specific functions in the body’s vital processes, and each of the processes are interrelated. Curious how something from the 1800s remains so relevant today? Take a look at the twelve cell salts!
In this breakdown of cell salts we will share the commonly-used abbreviated versions of the cell salts as well as their chemical names. Each of these cell salts have a specific function and benefit in the body and common deficiency symptoms can be seen clearly on the skin. Should these deficiencies be present on your skin, consider introducing cell salts into your wellness routine. While individual cell salts are available, the twelve discussed below are included in one formula from Hyland’s called Bioplasma, a product we love and appreciate! If you feel you are deficient in many areas, it can be important to supplement with specific salts in addition to the Bioplasma for overall support.
Calcium Flouride (Calc. flour.): Providing suppleness and elasticity
Calcium flouride is a constituent of the surfaces of bones and the enamel of the teeth and is the chemical union of lime and fluoric acid. The bond produced from this union creates a cell salt that treats a variety of ailments of the bones and teeth, in diseases of the skin and blood vessels, for hemorrhoids and varicose veins, and for a stronger heart. Deficiency results in a relaxed condition of connective tissue within the whole body. Your body’s cry for this cell salt can be seen in the ailments it assists with! Hemorrhoids, poor tooth enamel, as well as cracks in skin and lips are a few signs of deficiency but your facial skin will also appear to be reflective. Calcium flouride deficiencies can be noted by brittle, splitting nails and in raised wrinkles, furrows, white scales, cracked lips or translucent teeth.
Calcium Phosphate (Calc. phos.): Promoting healthy cellular activity
Calcium phosphate is phosphate of lime and is one of the major cell salt remedies as it is the bone builder, promotes healthy cellular activity and is the main constituent of all the cells and fluids in the body. Calcium phosphate plays a major role in the health of the lymphatic, muscular, skeletal and excretory systems. Feeling rundown? This cell salt is the first you should reach for since it is known for its restorative powers after acute disease and infections. Want more good news? Calcium phosphate is helpful for people who catch colds easily and for many disorders of the reproductive system, especially in women. A deficiency in this cell salt can be noted on the skin if it is white and waxy in appearance and if the tips of the teeth are transparent. The facial location indicating deficiencies of this cell salt can be noted on the ears, nose, cheekbone, skin under the eyebrows, if lips are small, if the skin or nails flake, if the tips of the teeth are translucent, if the lips are small and if the skin or nails flake.
Calcium Sulphate (Calc. sulph.): Purifier of skin and external tissues
This cell salt is the healer of wounds and skin ailments by providing the body with one of teh key components for building skin tissue. Because calcium sulphate holds water but resists acid, some homeopathic practitioners believe it protects against acidic fluids. The external wounds and damage of the body can benefit from this cell salt which is useful in protecting the stomach walls as well as the mouth, throat, bladder, nasal passages, eyes and any other organ that needs protection against moisture. It can also be useful in treating some types of rheumatism because of its importance to the body’s connective tissue. Deficiencies of this cell salt can be noted in alabaster-white or pale skin, age or liver spots, boils, skin that appears dirty, infections of the head or scalp, and enlarged pores.
Ferrum Phosphate (Ferrum phos.): Oxygenator
Oxygen plays an important role in so many of our body’s functions and when oxygen is not carried through the bloodstream our health can suffer. Ferrum phosphate is a powerful oxygenator, helping to strengthen the walls of the blood vessels, especially arteries, with the oxygen it provides. Ailments characterized by congestion, inflammation, fever or rapid pulse can be greatly benefited with Ferrum phosphate. Anemia and overall health can be improved with the regular use of this cell salt as is purifies the blood and acts as a blood tonic. Deficiency can be noted with fatigue, weak immune system, bluish-black shades under the eyes and red ears, cheeks and forehead or in the presence of furrow or ‘sleepless’ appearances.
Magnesium Phosphate (Mag. phos.): Anti-spasmodic
When this cell salt is combined with calcium phosphate and potassium phosphate it acts as a tonic for the nerves and is especially helpful for people experiencing pain. Magnesium phosphate is also powerful on its own and is one of the most remarkable cell salt remedies. Magnesium is a trace element in the body and is only surpassed in quantity in the body by potassium, sodium and calcium. Magnesium supports hard dental enamel, relaxes the brain, heart, and other muscles while also alleviating cramps, muscle spasms and muscle tightness. Redness on the skin is an indication of a deficiency in this cell salt seen in general facial redness or acute blushing.
Potassium Chloride (Kali mur.): Blood builder
While other cell salts produce a more dramatic effect, Potassium chloride is an important constituent of the muscles, nerve cells and brain cells and should not be overlooked. Brain cells are not able to form without this cell salt and in cases where severe inflammation, discharge or excess clotting are concerned it is an effective remedy. While it resembles the function of potassium sulphate in many ways, it is useful in assisting the body to fight off fever and infection and should be taken routinely. When applied externally this cell salt is useful in controlling blistering when used on burns and scalds. Deficiencies of potassium chloride can be noted in milky red, blue or purple shading on the skin, acne rosacea or red spider veins when studying the cheeks and eyelids. The skin may appear bumpy if a deficiency is present in the body.
Potassium Phosphate (Kali phos.): Nerve soother
This cell salt is the most important of the three potassium cell salt remedies because of its safe and effective tranquilizing properties. The ‘gray matter’ of the brain benefits greatly from phosphoric acid because it combines with other substances to create it and for this reason is useful for people suffering from depression, anxiety and irritability. What’s more is that this cell salt provides relief from headaches, restores healthful sleep patterns and can be useful in memory loss and dementia associated with aging. Cancer research is currently exploring the benefit of potassium in the body and its link to cellular health. Deficiencies in this cell salt can be noted in ash-gray skin, sunken temples and cheeks, dull eyes and bad breath.
Potassium Sulphate (Kali sulph.): Building block of cells
In conjunction with ferrum phosphate, potassium sulphate helps to carry oxygen through the bloodstream and into the cells though potassium sulphate is believed to be able to carry oxygen to parts of the body that ferrum phosphate cannot. The priority of this cell salt is to build new cells when others have been damaged or killed due to disease and it is also useful for skin complaints, asthma, and for those recovering from infections of the nose and throat as it assists in recovering sense of taste and smell. Deficiencies in this cell salt can be noted in a brownish-yellow complexion all over the face but particularly around the mouth, liver spots, age spots, vitilgo, and freckles.
Silica: Cellular Cleanser
Silica is a major supportive element of connective tissues in both plants and animal cells and is a powerful cleanser of toxins. This cell salt is a tonic for skin and hair, relieves swelling and heat in joints, dissolves urate deposits of arthritis and gout, and was known as the ‘homeopathic surgeon’ in the days before antibiotics for its ability to cure infection. There will be no special coloring on the skin if there is a deficiency of this cell salt though other indications are baldness, shiny nose, wrinkles that begin at the ears, sunken eyes and crow’s feet. Sensitivity to light, problems with fingernails, dull hair and red eyes are other indicators of a deficiency in silica. Learn more about silica.
Sodium Chloride (Natrum mur.): Goodbye, headaches
This cell salt is perhaps best known as a headache remedy though it is also one of the most powerful and quick acting where serious illness is concerned. Sodium chloride regulates the passage of fluids in the body and is crucial since, without it, cells would not be able to receive the nutrients they require and many of the biochemical processes of the body would be critically impacted. Because of its importance in regulating the flow of fluids and because headaches are believed to primarily be caused from changes in blood flow, sodium chloride is a natural choice to stabilize this blood flow to the brain and provide relief and sometimes eliminating headaches altogether. Similarly, because it regulates the passage of fluids, sodium chloride is also useful in reducing high blood pressure. Deficiencies in this cell salt can be noted in redness around the hairline, lower lashes, nose, cheek, chin or forehead. Physical signs on the face like inflamed eyelids, large pores, dandruff, dry skin, puffy eyes, spongy or bloated appearance or sweaty/greasy skin can also indicate a deficiency.
Sodium Phosphate (Naturm phos.): Nature’s antacid
Sodium phosphate is found in the blood, muscles, nerves and brain cells with a function of decomposing lactic acid and emulsifying fatty acids. Because acidity in the blood is a common cause of many ailments, sodium phosphate plays an important role in wellness as it reduces acidity in the blood. Gout, back pain, muscle aches and indigestion are ailments most commonly soothed with this cell salt though it can also be useful in some cases of rheumatism. The four phosphate remedies are used together as a standard cell salt nerve tonic as phosphate occurs in a free state and is always found in combination with other phosphates. Deficiencies of this cell salt can be noted on the skin where the chin is red or where there is general yellow to red coloring on the nose, mouth, forehead, chin and cheeks. Other indications of a deficiency include combination skin (oily and dry), cholesterol deposits (raised yellow pimple like growths around the eyes), blackheads, pimples, acne, upper lip wrinkles, fatty deposits, acid spots, dry skin or greasy sweat.
Sodium Sulphate (Natrum sulph.): Asthmatic remedy
This cell salt regulates water being carried away from the cells (opposite of sodium chloride) and is a remedy where conditions aggravated by moisture are concerned, including asthma. Other benefits of this cell salt include its ability to remove waste from the bloodstream, speed healing in mucous membranes, ease digestive issues and it has even been successful in treating diabetes. Deficiencies in this cell salt can be noted in a greenish-yellow, bluish-red, or yellowish color of the skin and is indicated on the nose or by the appearance of bags under the eyes. Further deficiency can be noted when there is a chronic issue with foul gas.
The bottom line of cell salts is that your body needs them and wants them as they provide the basic components for structure and can speed healing, reduce inflammation, and help you maintain good health. Even this bit of information provided above is a good starting point to help you identify and ease a host of everyday ailments. Because Hyland’s 12 cell salts and combination Bioplasma are homeopathic they are safe and effective for both adults and children.
