Abstract
Homeopathy, a system of medicine based on the principle of “like cures like,” is known for its holistic approach to health, treating the individual as a whole rather than just addressing isolated symptoms. Within this field, biochemic remedies—also referred to as tissue salts—hold a unique and vital place. Developed by Dr. Wilhelm Heinrich Schussler in the late 19th century, biochemic remedies are based on the concept that certain minerals, essential for cellular function, play a critical role in maintaining health and vitality. These remedies are formulated from the twelve essential tissue salts, which are believed to restore balance and promote healing at the cellular level. Understanding the role of biochemic remedies in homeopathy requires a closer look at their therapeutic potential and how they complement the body’s natural healing process.
Keywords: Biochemic remedies, Tissue salt, Homoeopathy,
Introduction
Biochemic system of medicine is the branch of therapeutics based on the LAW OF DEFICIENCY i.e., the deficiency of inorganic salts which cause disequilibrium in the harmonious functioning of the organic constituents of the cell so it must be corrected by supplying the requisite proportion of the inorganic salt. DR. Wilhelm Heinrich Schuessler in 1873 introduced this system of medicine. Biochemical therapeutics are based on the physiological truth that the body’s organs’ structure and vitality depend on specific essential quantities and appropriate allocation of its inorganic materials. These persist after the tissues have burned and turn into ashes. According to Schuessler in our body every cell contains inorganic salts that are necessary for performing their regular biochemical activities. In deficiency of these salts cells fail to perform their normal biochemical processes. Supplying and maintaining the requirement of these salts can restore the normal functioning of cells. As Hippocrates states “If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.” According to Virchow, disease is an altered state of the cell, and therefore the normal state of the cell constitutes health.
Evolution of tissue salts in homoeopathy
Dr Samuel Hahnemann was the first to start a comprehensive inquiry into the pathogenetics effects and therapeutics applications of inorganic cell salts. His discoveries of lime, salt, and potassium paved the path for the remaining tissue remedies by demonstrating the enormous reservoirs of therapeutic potential that these inorganic chemicals possess, despite being completely inert in their unprocessed form. In 1832, a paper published in Stapf’s Archive called attention to the importance of treating all of the “essential component parts of the human body,” and in 1846, the same journal stated that “all constituents of the human body principally act on those organs wherein they have a function.” By Constantine Hering. DR. Schuessler’s essay “UA Shortened Homoeopathic Therapeutics,” was published in a German homoeopathic journal in March 1873. The original Schussler communication to the German journal was translated into English and first published in the Medical Investigator in May 1873. After few years A brief work by Constantine Hering published titled “Twelve Tissue Remedies”
Common Indications of Tissue Salts
1.Calcarea Sulphuricum (Blood Purifier)
It is curative in suppurations at that stage in which matter is discharging or continuing to ooze after the infiltrated places have discharged their contents of pus. All ailments in which the process of discharge continues too long and the suppuration is affecting the epithelial tissues. It acts upon the connective tissue. If there is a deficiency of it in any small part of its domains, suppuration is the result.
Dose: second and third trituration. The twelfth potency has been found effective in lupus.
- Calcarea Flourica (Elasticity Fibre)
It is Schussler’s “bone salt.” Calcarea fluorica has been principally used for dispersing bony growths, ulcerations of bone, and fistula. Diseases having their seat in the substance forming the surface of bone, enamel of the teeth, and part of all elastic fibers, whether of the skin, the connective tissues, or the walls of the blood vessels, etc. Calcarea fluorica is used after operations; the tendency to adhesions is reduced.
Dose: Third to twelfth trituration. A ‘chronic’ remedy. Needs some time before manifesting its effect. Should not be repeated too frequently.
- Calcarea Phosphorica (Cell Restorer)
This salt is found in the blood plasma and corpuscles, saliva, gastric
juice, bones, connective tissue, teeth, milk, etc. Gives solidity to the bones. Calcarea phos. affects the nutrition of bones and glands. The bones become soft, thin, and brittle. Promotes ossification of bones in the non-union of fractures. Calc. phos. is absolutely essential to the proper growth and nutrition of the body. It also supplies new blood cells, becoming the first remedy in anemia and chlorosis.
Dose: First to third trituration. Higher potencies are often more effective.
4.Kalium Muriaticum (Detoxifier)
This salt is found in the blood corpuscles, muscles, nerves, and brain cells, as well as in the intercellular fluids. Effective in the second stage of inflammation of serous membranes when the exudation is of a plastic character. According to Hering Kali-chl. has “tendency to rush of blood to both eyes and light before both eyes on coughing and sneezing. It causes catarrhal conditions, producing milky white, vicid, sticky, thick, slimy or lumpy discharges.
Dose: Third to twelfth potency.
- Kalium Phosphoricum (Nerves Stabilizer)
A disturbance of the Kali. phos. molecules has for its results in the mental sphere such conditions as bashfulness, anxiety, fear, tearfulness, suspicion, homesickness, weakness of memory, depression, etc. In the vaso-motor nerves Pulse at first small and frequent, later retardation. In sensory nerves Pains with paralytic sensation. In motor nerves Muscular and nerve prostration to paralysis. Trophic fibres of sympathetic nerve
Dose: Third to twelfth trituration. The highest potencies seem to be indicated in certain cases.
- Kali Sulph (Skin Conditioner)
This remedy, according to Schüssler, is the functional remedy of the epidermis and of the epithelium. A deficiency of this cell salt causes a yellow, slimy deposit on the tongue, slimy, thin, or decidedly yellow or greenish discharge and secretions of watery matter from any of the mucous surfaces, and epithelial or epidermal desquamation. Kali’s effects on the access of oxygen and so facilitates the formation of new epithelium. Schüssler points out that Kali-s. and iron carry on the same transference of oxygen in the organic world.
Dose-Schüssler recommends the 12x and 6x, these giving the best results. In febrile conditions, it must be given frequently.
- Natrum Mur (Water Metaboliser)
One of the treatments Schussler used from homeopathy was nat-m. Common salt has a significant impact on diet. The system undergoes significant nutritional changes when excessive salt is consumed over an extended period of time. Salt retention symptoms, such as edemas and dropsies, as well as a change in blood that results in anemia and Leukocytosis. Watery diarrhea, mucous diarrhea, lack of mucus, stomach catarrh with mucus vomiting, water-brash, vesicles as clear as water on the skin or conjunctiva, constipation, lachrymation, and toothache with salivation are all symptoms of disruptions in the distribution of salt in the cells.
Dose – Schüssler recommends the 6th potency.
- Natrum Phos (Acid Neutralizer)
Nat-phos is the remedy for those diseases that are caused by an excess of lactic acid. It therefore answers to the diseases of infants, who, having been fed to excess with milk and sugar from redundant acids. In oxaluria, Nat-phos 1x four times daily prevents the formation of stones and keeps the oxalate of lime in solution. Natrum phosphoricum affects the duodenum, bile ducts, mesenteric glands, and genitals. Ailments with excess acidity. Sour belchings and taste. Sour vomiting.
Dose: Schüssler recommends the 6x, either in trituration or in dilution. It may also be used as an injection for worm troubles.
- Natrum Sulp (Liver Cleanser)
Natrum sulph., by stimulating the epithelial cells of the bile ducts, pancreas, and intestinal canal, furthers the normal secretion of these organs. It also has the function to stimulate the nerves of these parts. The action of the sodium sulfate is contrary to that of the sodium chloride. Nat-m. attracts the water destined to be put to use in the organism, but Nat-sulph. attracts the water formed during the retrogressive metamorphosis of the cells and secures its elimination from the organism (Hydrogenoid constitution). Clinically, it has been found to be a valuable remedy for spinal meningitis, epilepsy after head injuries, and skin disorders. Tendency to warts, liver enlargement, spleen disorder, and suppressed gonorrhea.
Dose: In lead colic low, 1x to 2x, and often. Schüssler recommends the 6x trituration. Grauvogl used mainly the 2x to 6x potency.
- Ferrum Phosphoricum (Oxygen Carrier)
According to Dalton, ferr phos is not found in such considerable quantities in any of the other tissues of the body except in hair. A disturbance of the equilibrium of the iron molecules in the muscular fibers causes a relaxation in the muscular coats of the vessels, causes a dilatation and accumulation of blood in the blood vessels, congestion, increased blood pressure, ruptured walls, and hemorrhage. Ferr Phos is indicated in the first stage of fever. It is suitable for nervous, sensitive, and anemic individuals.
Dose: Third to twelfth potency
- Silicea (Skin Cleanser)
Flint provides the “grit” of the earth’s crust for both plant and, to a greater degree, animal life. In homeopathic practice, “want of grit, moral or physical,” is a prominent sign for Sil. Sil.’s effects on the connective tissues can result in ulceration, suppuration, and new growth. Homeopathic silica aids in poor nutrition, particularly in youngsters who suffer from scrofulous children who have worm infections during dentition and poor absorption. According to Dr. Kent, silica is better suited for the type of brain fatigue that affects professional men, students, lawyers, and priests than it is for the irritation and nervous tiredness that come with business brain fatigue. As one lawyer puts it, “I have never been myself since that John Doe case.” He struggled for a long time, and the nights were restless. The brain is restored by silica.
Dose -Schüssler recommends the 6x and the 12x potencies, but most brilliant result found in higher potencies.
- Magnesium Phos (Pain Killer)
According to Schüssler, Mag-phos is found in the brain, spinal marrow, muscles, teeth, blood corpuscles, and nerves. Its molecules become disturbed, causing discomfort, cramping, and paralysis. Schuessler’s biochemical treatment for spasmodic effects, convulsions, cramps, and neuralgic symptoms demonstrates how it affects muscles and nerves. Allen says that cramping is the most distinctive kind of Mag-p. pains and that the sensations shift locations quickly. Symptoms of a persistent congestive headache subside when the face is red and throbbing, almost like Bell; when pressure and heat are applied, the migraines turn into Magnesia phos.
Dose: Schüssler recommends the 6x trituration and adds that it acts best when given in hot water; in case of failure with this preparation, the lower potencies, such as the first and second, would cure.
Conclusion
In conclusion, biochemic remedies offer a unique approach to health and wellness by focussing on the balance of cellular function through mineral salts. These remedies, based on the concept of cell salts, aim to restore harmony within the body by addressing deficiencies and imbalances at a cellular level.
References
1.Murphy R. Lotus Materia Medica. New Delhi, India: B Jain; 2021.
2.Kent JT. Lectures on homoeopathic materia medica: Together with Kent’s “new remedies” incorporated & arranged in one alphabetical order. New Delhi, India: B Jain; 2023.
- Puri, D. S., Puri, V., & Sharma, S. (2022a). a. International Journal of Homoeopathic Sciences, 6(2), 21–23. https://doi.org/10.33545/26164485.2022.v6.i2a.532
- Philadelphia. (n.d.). The twelve tissue remedies of Schüssler; Publication date: 1899; Topics: Medicine, Biochemic.
5.Boericke’s New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory – Third Revised & Augmented Edition Based on Ninth Edition Including Indian Remedies, Nodes, Uncommon Rare Remedies. (n.d.). In Mother Tincture, Relationships, Side of the Body remedy Affinity & List of Abbreviation.
Author
Dr. SHIVANI (PGT), Dr. BINISH SADIQUE (PGT) – Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
