Schüßler salts: the "abbreviated" homeopathy

The alternative medical Schüßler therapy is known as a tolerable healing method with a wide range of applications. The tablets made from natural mineral salts are popular for self-treatment, as they are easy to use and have few side effects. But for which complaints are Schüßler salts suitable? And how do they differ from classical homeopathy?

Schüßler therapy was founded by the Oldenburg physician Dr. Wilhelm Heinrich Schüßler (*1821). He studied homeopathy intensively and eventually developed his own method of treatment, which has much similarity with classical homeopathy. It follows the principle that the human organism itself must cope with a disease and the treatment can only support it. Dr. Schüßler assumed that diseases are caused by the loss of inorganic salts  from the cells and thus the mineral metabolism of the body is disturbed.

The potency indicates the degree of dilution of the original substance. The mother tincture is first mixed with a solution of water, alcohol and lactose in a ratio of 1:10. This produces a D1 potency. This is diluted again with 10 units of the solution to produce a D2 potency. This procedure is continued until the desired potency is obtained. Many different potencies are commonly used in classical homeopathy. Therefore, it is often difficult for a layman to select the appropriate remedy in the correct potency. This tedious task is not necessary with the Schüßler salts, because there are only the potencies D3, D6 and D12. For self-treatment, the potencies D6 and D12 are particularly suitable.

Schüßler salts are available without prescription in pharmacies. In acute diseases, one tablet is taken every 1 - 2 hours (let it dissolve on the tongue). In no case rinse down with liquid, because the active ingredient is already absorbed through the oral mucosa. As soon as the symptoms improve, the dose is reduced to 3 - 4 times a day. In chronic diseases, it is recommended to take one tablet 3 - 4 times a day. Sometimes a lower dosage would also be indicated, which is why it is always advisable to seek the advice of a doctor or homeopath before treating chronic diseases.

The salts should not be taken just before or immediately after meals. Even if several Schuessler salts are taken in combination, there should be a time interval of at least 30 minutes between the administrations.

Since the therapy aims at activating the body's own defense and self-healing forces, the preparations cannot be used in cases of chronic immune deficiency. Also, in cases of malnutrition and old age, the body's own regulatory mechanisms may only partially function. As a result, the organism responds less to the medicinal stimuli of Schüßler therapy and the administration of conventional medicines is necessary. The risk would be too great that a life-threatening course of the disease would occur.

Although Schüßler therapy knows only a few active ingredients and only three potencies, quite a few people have already achieved good treatment successes with it. The "simplified homeopathy" can also be used as a supplement to conventional medicine. Therefore, Schüßler salts are already part of the standard repertoire of the medicine cabinet in many households.