Mineral Balancing

Homeopathic treatment for chronic illness begins with the physician taking a complete case. Tissue salts may be used alongside homeopathic remedies to address mineral deficiencies.  Developed in the 1870s by Wilhelm Schussler, a German homeopathic doctor, Schussler believed that tissue salts could restore mineral deficiencies that made the body susceptible to illness or disease. 12 of these salts are primarily used. Below is a description of each and its uses:

Calcarea fluorica is found in the surface of bones, as well as in teeth enamel. It is also a building blocks of elastic fibers and epidermis of the body. These elastic fibers include the skin, connective and muscular tissues, as well as vascular walls. 

Calcarea fluorica is recommended in cases of rough, deficient rooth enamel, cavities, bone diseases, exotosis, lack of elasticity in the tendons and ligaments, as well as frequent dislocations of joins and sprains.

Main uses:

1) Lack of elasticity of connective tissue (varicose veins, hemmorhage, hernia, diverticulitis, fistula, hiatus hernia, ptosis, invertebral disc, prolapse, bursitis, synovitis, keratosis, cracks in the skin)

2) Connective tissue change (osteoporosis, rickets, rheumatoid arthritis, osteomalacia

3) Glandular disorders (indurated lymphatic glands, F.B.D., cystic or calcified nodules in connective tissue

4) Exudate that is hard, lumpy, indurated and greenish.

Calcarea phosphorica is a necessary component for proper growth and nutrition of one’s body. It is found in blood plasma, bones, connective tissues and teeth.

Calcarea phosphorica supplies new blood cells and is therefore considered an excellent remedy for anemia. Furthermore, it gives solidity to bones; it is a good remedy for fracture healing and delayed teething. Healthy cellular activity, restoring tone to weakened organs and tissues are further properties of this tissue salt.

Main uses:

1) Periods of growth (pregnancy and lactation)

2) Unnatural growth and disturbances in osseous growth or development (disorders of bones and teeth)

3) Glandular dysfunction (poor glandular secretion, digestion, assimilation and nutrition; digestive flatulence due to ant-acid action)

4) Nervous irritability (insomnia, hyperactivity)

5) Neuromuscular disorders (cramping, twitches, convulsions, tetany)

6) Chronic infection of mucous membranes (respiratory tract, stomach, intestines, etc.)

7) Exudate (milky, white to whitish yellow, possibly albuminous)

Calcarea sulphurica acts as a blood purifier and is present in liver bile. It aids in removing waste products from the blood and has a cleansing and purifying influence throughout the system. It aids in cleansing accumulated non-functional organic material.

Calcarea sulphurica aids in cases of bleeding abscess, irritating yellowish discharge, burning feet with intense itchiness, bronchial or nasal catarrh with thick yellow mucus, prolonger suppuration and discharges.

Main uses:

  1. Poor wound healing
  2. Tendency to suppuration and exudation (ulceration, abscesses, boils with pus and bloody discharge)
  3. Catarrhal exudation (Especially when yellow; inflammation of mucous membranes)
  4. Glandular swellings if gland is suppurating
  5. Skin scaling and desquamation (dandruff with alopecia; ache, eczema, psoriasis, superficial burns)
  6. Exudate (thick, lumpy, yellow and purulent mucus that is blood streaked)

Ferrum phosphoricum is an oxygen carrier, that works to oxygenate all tissues of the body. This tissue salt is important in acute situations like congestion, inflammatory pain, high temperature, hemorrhagia and open wounds.

Ferrum phosphoricum is also used in cases of diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, enuresis, vertigo, abcesses, watering of the eyes, conjunctivitis, cystitis, angina, gingivitis, contusions, bruises, muscular injuries and trauma.

Main uses:

  1. Inflammation (fever below 39º before other symptoms)
  2. Bruises, contusions and dislocations (nose bleeds in children, passive hemorrhaging)
  3. Growth and pregnancy (difficulties absorbing iron, female childbearing years)
  4. Iron deficiency anemia (pallor, fatigue)
  5. Low resistance to infection
  6. Loss of muscle tensions (causes relaxation of vascular musculature leading to vascular insufficiency, phlebitis)

7. Exudate (mucous membranes dry, irritated, inflamed before discharges begin)

Kali muriaticum is a remedy best used for sluggish conditions. It is used for thick, white discharges that give rise to catarrhs affecting the skin and mucous membranes.

Kali muriaticum remedies grayish adherent secretions, eruptive fever with itching and desquamation, as well as chronic affections of the respiratory track, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia.

Main uses:

  1. Blocked Eustachian tubes (laryngitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, pleurisy)
  2. Skin conditions (eczema, scaling)
  3. 2nd stages of fever
  4. Dry, hacking coughs
  5. Hypochloridria (especially after prolonged vomiting)
  6. Metabolic alkalosis from excess vomiting and diarrhea
  7. Diabetes and diuretic therapy causing increased renal potassium loss
  8. Exudate (thick, white viscid mucus, clear watery exudate from herpetic vesicles; dry powdery and white exudate on skin’s surface)

Kali phosphoricum acts rapidly at the cellular level as a nerve nutrient. It sharpens mental faculties, helps with weakness of memory and lack of concentration.

Kali phosphoricum is also used in anxiety, phobia, depression and lowered vitality. It is a strong tonic for the nervous system.

Main uses:

  1. Growth and pregnancy
  2. Neurological disorders (Weakness, lethargy, apathy, irritability, stress)
  3. Abnormalities in cardiac muscle function
  4. Muscular weakness (injury, exhaustion)
  5. Exaggerated reflexes (restlessness, twitches and spasms)
  6. Exudate (not common, but may be fetid and excoriating, thick, yellow, crusty)

Kali sulphuricum is an oxygen carrier and is used in situations where thick, yellowish, profuse secretions are present.

Kali sulphuricum can cure Conjunctivitis, otitis, croup, pneumonia, measles, scarlet fever and ulcers.

Main uses:

  1. Profuse desquamation of skin and mucous membranes (Flaking of the scalp, eczema, psoriasis)
  2. Excessive mucus (mucopurulent exudate, catarrhal deafness)
  3. Low energy levels, desire for fresh air
  4. Exudate (yellow-green, slimy, purulent and mucopurulent discharges from skin or mucous membranes)

Magnesia phosphorica is known as the anti-spasmodic tissue salt. Recommended for sharp, shooting pains.

Magnesia phosphorica is used in treating chronic arthritis, rheumatism, sciatica pain on the right side, and lung affections.

Main uses:

  1. Low energy states (fatigue, depression, apathy, stupor)
  2. Loss of nervous regulation (extreme nervous irritability, neurotic disorders)
  3. Muscular cramping (skeletal or smooth muscle spasm, where pains are sharp and shooting)
  4. PMS (menstrual cramping and pain)
  5. Cardiovascular irregularities (pain, arrhythmias)
  6. Learning difficulties & behaviour disorders in children
  7. Drug abuse (alcoholism, impaired renal function)
  8. Spasmodic abdominal pains

Natrum muriaticum is the water-distributing tissue salt. It controls the ebb and flow of the body fluids. It is used in cases of excessive moisture or dryness in any part of the system.

Main uses:

  1. Skin infections with vesicular formation (weeping eczema, chapped dry skin, raw, red and inflamed skin, acne. Urticaria especially after exercise; dry nails, hangnails, alopecia)
  2. Catarrhal afflictions of the mucous membranes (coryza with fibrous discharge, chronic rhinitis, bronchitis)
  3. Diarrhea with watery stool (persistent constipation, difficult stool)
  4. Undernourished, anemic conditions (emaciation)
  5. Heartburn, hypochlorhydria, slow digestion
  6. Fever accompanied by thirst (intermittent fever)
  7. Roaring tinnitus
  8. Headache, as if bursting from sunrise to sunset (migraine)
  9. Loss of smell and taste
  10. Increased flow of tears, saliva (hay fever)
  11. Depression, despondency (tears up easily, prefers solitude, sensitivity to cold)
  12. Exudate (dryness of mucous membranes or watery discharge)

Natrum phosphoricum is an acid neutralizer. It is used in chronic catarrh, yellowish acid diarrhea, acidic eructation, jaundice, diabetes, renal lithiasis and nephritis.

A deficiency of this salt in your body will cause an accumulation of uric acid and therefore cause gout and rheumatism.

Main uses:

  1. Excess acidity in body tissues
  2. Sour sweat or discharges
  3. Indigestion with acid reflux or an ulcerative condition
  4. May be used in gallbladder disease to prevent gallstone formation and promote bile flow
  5. Exudate (Golden yellow/honey coloured, serous exudate, sour eructation, vomiting; leucorrhea, scalding exudate)

Natrum sulphuricum regulates the density of the intercellular fluids by eliminating excess water. A deficiency in Natrum sulphuricum will cause ailments affecting the liver (e.g. abdominal discomfort, headaches and constipation attributed to excessive secretion of bile.

Natrum sulphuricum is also the principal tissue salt used to remedy symptoms related to humid conditions such as asthma and influenza.

Main uses:

  1. General edema (lymphatic stasis)
  2. Disorders of poor detoxification (sluggish liver function, inadequate bile flow)
  3. Antidote for heavy metal poisoning
  4. Pregnancy (aids fetal hormone secretion)
  5. Exudate (thick, yellow mucus; watery vesicles, yellow serous exudate that forms scales)

Silicea is a cleanser and eliminator. It can often initiate the healing process by promoting suppuration and breaking-up pathological accumulation (e.g. abscesses)

Silicea influences collagen production and is a constituent of the hair, skin, nails and surfaces of the bones. Therefore, it is an excellent remedy for rickets, brittle bones, osteoporosis, delayed growth, alopecia, chalazion, sty, boils and hives.

Main uses:

  1. Periods of growth (rachitis due to inadequate nutrition or assimilation; vertebral abnormalities, bone ulceration, exostosis, poor bone mineralization)
  2. Disturbed tooth development (impaired enamel formation)
  3. Chronic suppurations (abscesses, fistulas)
  4. Mucous membrane inflammation (poor wound healing)
  5. Weak, easy splitting nails
  6. Adrenal atrophy
  7. Antifungal
  8. Exudate (chronic purulent and mucopurulent discharges; increased perspiration especially of the extremities)