Abstract
Homeopathic Biochemic remedies (also known as Schuessler’s Tissue Salts or biochemic salts) are a set of 12 mineral-based remedies developed by Dr. Wilhelm Heinrich Schuessler in the 19th century. These remedies are based on the idea that deficiencies in certain minerals lead to diseases, and replenishing them in homeopathic doses can restore health. This article briefly describes the various properties of these remedies and their homoeopathic effects on humans.
Keywords
Biochemic remedies, homoeopathy, vital cell foods, pathogenetic effect.
Abbreviations
WOMAC : Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, NRS : numeric rating scale , CRIH : Central research institute homoeopathy, CSOM : Chronic Suppurative otitis media, GERD : Gastro Oesophageal reflux disease
Introduction
Biochemic tissue salts are vital inorganic compounds required to sustain homoeostasis within living tissues. Master Samuel Hahnemann was the first to conduct a detailed study on the pathogenetic effect and therapeutic applications of biochemic remedies. His research on lime , salt, potash and silica paved the way for the development of tissue remedies. Dr. Wilhelm Schuessler of Germany built upon these ideas and introduced a new system. This system gained recognition in 1873 with the publication of his article, abridged homoeopathic therapeutics. Shortly afterward, C Hering published 12 tissue remedies. However, Dr. Schuessler later distanced himself from homoeopathy, emphasizing that his method was based on physiological and chemical processes within the body rather than homoeopathic principles.
The fundamental principle of biochemic therapeutics is that the structure and functions of the body’s organs rely on the proper balance and adequate supply of essential organic constituents.
Here are the 12 tissue remedies as per Dr. Schussler:
- Calc Phos
Synonyms— Calcii Phosphas precipitata. Calcis phosphas. Precipitated phosphate of calcium. Calcium phosphate.
Common Name —Phosphate of lime. (1)
Common therapeutic indications:
Consumption, Dentition, anemic children, fractures, cataract, swelling of tonsils, bright disease ,hydrocele, nymphomania, dropsy from heart disease, fistula in ano, involuntary sighing, rheumatism in extremities (2)
A study titled “Homoeopathic Treatment of Viral Warts with Calcarea phosphorica” done at CRIH, Jaipur in 2020, showed the effectiveness of Calcarea phosphorica 200 in the disappearance of warts on the forehead and the right cheek of a 4 year old girl child within a month. (3)
- Calc Fluor
Synonyms. — Calcii Fluoridum. Calcium Fluoride. Calcarea Fluorata.
Common Name. — Fluorspar. Fluoride of Lime. (1)
Common therapeutic indications:
Exostosis, hodgkin’s disease, adenoids, aneurysm, syphilis, bleeding piles, fistula, hydrocele, goiter, indurated glands of stony hardness, arteriosclerosis, threatened apoplexy, tuberculosis , strumous phlyctenular keratitus, varicose vein, chronic lumbago. (2)
A study titled “Effectiveness of individualized homoeopathic medicine versus Calcarea Fluorica 6x in the treatment of osteoarthritis : An open label, randomized, pragmatic, clinical trial”conducted at Govt homoeopathic medical college, Bhopal in 60 patients of osteoarthritis which showed reduction in WOMAC score and NRS Scale in both individualized homoeopathic treatment group as well as Calc fluor group. (4)
- Calcarea Sulphurica
Synonyms : Calcii Sulphas, Calcium Sulphate
Common Name: Gypsum, Plaster of Paris. (1)
Common therapeutic indications
Abscess, Boils, Buboes,Eczema, Carbuncles, Glandular swellings, Fistula, Syphillis, Tonsillitis,Ulcers, Cystic tumours, Lupus vulgaris,Fibroids, thick yellow mucous discharges, deafness, pustules on face. (2)
A study titled “Remedial effects of Homoeopathic Medicine in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media – Related Complications” published in Bioresearch Communications in 2021 showed the effectiveness of Calcarea Sulphurica 30 in Chronic suppurative otitis media wherein 60 patients were suffering from CSOM and 30 were healthy controls. (5)
- Ferrum Phosphoricum
Synonyms : Ferroso-ferric Phosphate, Ferri Phosphas.
Common Name: Phosphate of Iron (1)
Common therapeutic indications
Erysipelas, Frost bite, Brights disease, varicose veins, cystitis, prolapse of anus, first stage of all febrile disturbances and inflammations, anaemia, first stage of peritonitis and dysentery, hemorrhoids, diurnal enuresis, haemoptysis, first stage of cardiac disease. (2)
According to a study titled “ Iron deficiency anaemia and ferrous phosphoricum: A systematic review” published in International Journal of research and review in 2019 showed the effectiveness of Ferrum Phosphoricum in Iron deficiency Anaemia. (6)
- Kali Muriaticum
Synonyms : Potassium Chloride, Kali Chloratum, Kali Chloridum, Potassii Chloridum
Common Name: Chloride of Potash or Chloride of Potassium. (1)
Common therapeutic indications
Acne, Aphthae, Bubo, Bunion, Hodgkins disease, ingrowing toenails, warts, Eczema, Bursitis prepatellaris, catarrhal affections, corneal opacities, Follicular tonsillitis, Asthma, Rheumatic fever. (2)
A study titled “Evaluation of Eucalyptus growth with application of homoeopathic preparation” published in International Journal Of High Dilution Research in 2018 showed the effectiveness of Kali mur in increasing the root length. (7)
- Kali Phosphoricum
Synonyms : Potassium Phosphate, Potassii Phosphas.
Common Name: Phosphate of Potash. (1)
Common therapeutic indications
Alopecia areata, Amenorrhoea, Asthma, Brain softening, Neurasthenia, Night terrors, Nymphomania, Urticaria, ptosis, Cerebral anaemia, Fetid discharge from nose, Gangrenous sore throat, paralysis of vocal cords, Prolapsus recti. (2)
According to study titled “ To study the role of indicated homoeopathic medicine and indicated homoeopathic medicine along with Kali phos 6x biochemic medicine in students with poor performance in academics- randomized controlled trial” published in The Journal of Homoeopathy in 2023, Kali phos 6x is effective in increasing poor performance of medical students. Out of 20 cases 11 cases were improved. (8)
- Kali Sulphuricum
Synonyms : Potassium Sulphate, Kali Sulphas, Potassae Sulphas.
Common Name: Sulphate of Potash. (1)
Common therapeutic indications
Bronchial asthma, cataract, Nettle rash, Psoriasis, Eustachian catarrh, Ozaena, Later stages of inflammations, Dandruff and scaldhead, Gonorrhoea, intermittent fever, Metrorrhagia. (2)
A study titled “A prospective study to assess the efficacy of homoeopathic trituration of potassium sulphate on Pityriasis capitis using seborrhea area and severity index” published in Indian Journal of Integrative Medicine in 2022 showed that Kali sulphuricum has proved to be effective in the treatment of Pityriasis Capitis. (9)
- Magnesia Phosphoricum
Synonyms : Magnesium Phosphoricum.
Common Name: Phosphate of Magnesia. (1)
Common therapeutic indications
Intercostal neuralgia, Locomotor ataxy, Membranous dysmenorrhoea, Neuralgia, Writers cramp, Tic-douloureux, Nystagmus, Strabismus, Ptosis, Enteralgia, Angina Pectoris, Sciatica, Chorea. (2)
According to study titled “Effectiveness of Magnesium Phosphoricum 6x in comparison with Individualised Homoeopathic Treatment of primary Dysmenorrhoea : An open-label, Randomized, Pragmatic, Equivalence Trial” published in Journal of The West Bengal University of Health Sciences in 2023, Mag Phos 6x was found to be very effective in primary dysmenorrhea. (10)
- Natrum Muriaticum
Synonyms : Sodium Chloride, Sodii Chloridum, Chloride of sodium, Natrium Chloratum Purum.
Common Names : Common Salt, Table salt (1)
Common therapeutic indications
Addison’s disease, Anaemia, Asthenopia,Fever blisters, Goitre, Gout, Intermittent fever, Hodgkins disease, Hangnails, Impotence, Dry vagina, Suppressed menses, Sterility, Depression, Tachycardia, Urticaria, Warts. (2)
According to a study titled “Individualised Homoeopathic medicines in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial” published in 2024, Natrum mur was the most frequently indicated medicine. (11)
- Natrum Phosphoricum
Synonyms : Sodium Phosphate, Natri Phosphas, Phosphas Natricus, Sodii Phosphas.
Common Names : Phosphate of Soda (1)
Common therapeutic indications
Conjunctivitis, Diabetes, Gastralgia, Leucorrhoea, Threadworms, Urticaria, Phthisis, Jaundice, Canker sores of lip and cheeks, Dysphagia, Sour eructations, Gonorrhoea, Hives. (2)
A study titled “A Comparative study of Indicated Homoeopathic Medicine and Indicated Homoeopathic Medicine along with Biochemic Natrum Phosphoricum 6X in reducing severity of symptoms in cases of Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease” was conducted in The Journal of Homoeopathy in 2024. There was no difference between indicated homoeopathic medicine & indicated homoeopathic medicine with natrum phos 6X in management of GERD. (12)
- Natrum Sulphuricum
Synonyms : Sodium Sulphate, Sodae Sulphas, Sodii Sulphas
Common Names : Glaubers Salt, Sulphate of Soda. (1)
Common therapeutic indications
Asthma, Diabetes, Dyspepsia, Gonorrhoea, Pneumonia, Sciatica, Migraine, Epistaxis, Photophobia, Leucorrhoea, Condylomata, Spinal meningitis, Jaundice. (2)
A study titled “ Amelioration of carcinogen- Induced Toxicityin Mice by Administration of a Potentized Homoeopathic Drug, Natrum Sulphuricum 200” published in 2007 showed Nat sulph 200 reduced genomic damage, thus Natrum sulph can be recommended as a potential supportive medicine for use in human cancer therapy. (13)
- Silicea Terra
Synonyms : Silica, Silex, Acidium Silicicum, Decarbonized white pebble.
Common Names : Pure Flint or Quartz, Silicious Earth. (1)
Common therapeutic indications
Abscess, Brain fag, Bunion, Cataract, Cellulitis, Cancer, Carbuncle, Diabetes, Elephantiasis of scrotum, Fistula, Felons, Hernia, Hydrocele, Keloids, Meningitis, Night walking, Nocturnal enuresis, Spermatorrhoea, Sciatica, Styes, Tonsillitis, Ulcers, Rickets. (2)
According to study titled “Obstinate chronic venous ulcer treated with the homoeopathic medicine Silicea: A case report” published in Indian Journal of Research in Homoeopathy in 2024, a 35 year old male having chronic venous ulcer was treated with Silicea and was cured. (14)
Conclusion
So, it is clear that these twelve biochemic tissue remedies can be referred to as “vital cell foods,” as providing the cells with the essential mineral salts they are deficient in can help cure disease and restore health.
They are most effective when used together, especially for individuals looking for holistic or non-invasive wellness options. Biochemic remedies in homeopathy cover a wide range, though they are mainly intended for mild, non-serious conditions. These findings broaden the potential uses and applications of biochemic tissue salts.
References
- The Twelve tissue remedies of Schussler. Boericke William, Willis A. 1899.
- Boericke W. Pocket manual of homoeopathic materia medica.9th ed. New Delhi: B Jain Publishers; 1981.
- Mahajan N, Mahajan A, Bhinda A, Salodiya S. Homoeopathic treatment of viral warts with Calcarea phosphorica. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2020;14:279-286.
- Dr. Tanya Rai and Dr. Arpan Bhanja. Effectiveness of individualised homoeopathic medicines versus Calcarea Flourica 6x in the treatment of osteoarthritis: An open-label, randomised, pragmatic clinical trial. Int. J. Hom. Sci. 2022;6(4):417-424.
- Hasan, N., Ahsan, N., Sumit, A. F., Bari, L., & Akhand, A. A. (2021). Remedial Effects of Homeopathic Medicine in Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media-Related Complications. Bioresearch Communications – (BRC), 7(2), 982–989.
- Shevanta S. Jadhav et.al. Iron deficiency anaemia and ferrum phosphoricum: A systematic review. International Journal of Research & Review. 6(2), 2019.
- Moraes, livia cristina cavalher atz de vilhena. (2021). Evaluation of Eucalyptus growth with application of homeopathic preparation. International Journal of High Dilution Research – ISSN 1982-6206, 17(3-4), 58–62.
- Suraj J D.,Sachin B., Swanand S., Ajay V., Sharmila R., Deepali P.,Farahnaz S. To study the role of indicated homoeopathic medicine & indicated homoeopathicmedicine along with kali phos 6x biochemic medicine in students (age group 15 to30 years) with poor performance in academics – randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Homoeopathy ISSN : 2583-4398, 7(2)2023.
- A prospective study to assess the efficacy of homoeopathic trituration of potassium sulphate on pityriasis capitis using seborrhea area and severity index. (2022). Indian Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2(3), 64-69.
- Saha S, Sarkar P, Chakraborty K, Koley M, Saha S, Chattopadhyay R. Effectiveness of Magnesium Phosphoricum 6x in Comparison with Individualized Homeopathic Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhoea: An Open-label, Randomized, Pragmatic, Equivalence Trial. J West Bengal Univ Health Sci. 2023; 3(3):3-18.
- Sahoo S, Nayak C, Rath P, Bhattacharya S, Mukherjee S, Dutta A. Individualized homeopathic medicines in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Explore (NY). 2024 Nov-Dec;20(6):103039.
- Noozat S, Tapas K, Suhail S, Mita G, Vishal N, Ravind Y, Aqsa I,Irfan K. A Comparative study of Indicated Homoeopathic Medicine and Indicated Homoeopathic Medicine along with Biochemic Natrum Phosphoricum 6X in reducing severity of symptoms in cases of Gastro esophageal Reflux Disease. Materia Novum- The Journal of Homoeopathy. 8(1), 2024.
- Bhattacharjee N, Pathak S, Khuda-Bukhsh AR. Amelioration of carcinogen-induced toxicity in mice by administration of a potentized homeopathic drug, natrum sulphuricum 200. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Mar;6(1):65-75.
- Paliwal S, Nahar L. Obstinate chronic venous ulcer treated with the homoeopathic medicine Silicea: A case report. Indian J Res Homoeopathy 2024;18(1):44-51.
Author
Dr Dimpi , M.D. Scholar, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru state Homoeopathic medical college and Hospital, Kanpur.
Dr Prerna Dwivedi, MD scholar, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru state homoeopathic medical College and hospital
Dr Tanya Dixit, MD scholar, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru state homoeopathic medical College and hospital
Dr. Garima Gupta, MD scholar Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru state homoeopathic medical College and hospital
