Healing with Nature
The Salts of the Earth
Stephen Byrnes, N. D., P h. D.

Cell salts appear to work by enabling the cells to better assimilate and utilize the mineral com pounds they represent in homeopathic potency.

Cell salts are homeopathic preparations of certain mineral compounds which are found within all living things. Developed over a century ago by Dr. William Schuessler, a German doctor and homeopath, cell salts represent a self-contained homeopathic system that lends itself to easy home use. Twelve in number, cell salts are an extremely versatile natural healing modality, especially since the salts are available over the counter at any health food store. Also, due to their low potency dilution (6X to 12X), they are inherently safe for home prescribing, both for adult and child (and pets!).

The Biochemic theory

Dr. Schuessler was heavily influenced by the ideas of the scientist Virchow who theorized that the body was made up of cells. Virchow further asserted that all medical treatment should be directed toward healing these cells. Upon investigating human blood and ashes after death, and isolating minerals from these various tissues, Schuessler knew that minerals were a vital part of the body. He discovered 12 mineral compounds which he called cell salts, or tissue salts.

Dr. Schuessler ultimately concluded that diseases and abnormal states in the body arise because of deficiencies of these 12 mineral salts. By supplying the body with the correct combination of minerals, health is restored and the body heals itself. Time has borne out the work and theories of the great German.

Eventually, Dr. Schuessler concluded that the 12 cell salts contained within them all of the active components of classical homeopathy. Accordingly, he rejected the homeopathic teaching of the similimum, or one correct remedy for a

person’s condition. In cell salt theory, a number of salts can and should be employed to correct imbalances.

How they work

Well-nourished cells are impervious to attack for they optimally assimilate all nutrients, and optimally excrete all wastes. Since there is, therefore, a perfect balance of assimilation and excretion, homeostasis, or perfect balance, occurs.

Cell salts appear to work by enabling the cells to better assimilate and utilize the mineral compounds they represent in homeopathic potency. It is physically impossible that a few doses of homeopathically prepared iron phosphate could supply an ailing body with enough organic iron to correct a deficiency. Nevertheless, there is an effect. The only logical explanation is that the cell salts, by homeopathic action, arc stimulating the body to use the minerals more effectively.


The Salts of life

The biochemic system of Dr. Schuessler has stood the test of time because it works. One does not need to be a professionally trained individual to reap the benefits of this great man’s research, just a keen observer of symptoms. Availing oneself of the cell salt remedies, in all their diversity, is a sure step to take towards self-healing.

Resources:

Judy Jacka, N.D. The Complete A to Z of Common Ailments and their Natural Remedies (Foulsham; Australia)

Linda Rector-Page, N.D, Ph.D. Healthy Healing (Healthy Healing, Inc; California)

Skye Weintraub, N.D. Natural Healing with Cell Salts (Woodland Publishing; Utah)

Stephen Byrnes, N.D., Ph.D., runs a busy clinic in Hawaii and is a soughtafter lecturer at naturopathic colleges. Visit his website at www.powerhealth.net