Salts of Life Biochemic Cell Salts

by Karen Bartlett

This article is a guide for the use of biochemical cell salts and the role of spagyrics in producing salt tinctures. The cell salts have been gaining popularity and are taking their place amongst the various homeopathic remedies now being rediscovered, as people increasingly lose faith in the big pharmaceutical companies and their dangerous drug pedaling. More people are turning to Nature for the cures that She provides, once (and hopefully once again) accessible to everyone on the Earth.

These Cell Salts are homeopathic preparations of certain mineral compounds found within all living things. Cell salts represent a self-contained homeopathic system that lends itself to easy home use. Twelve in number, cell salts are an extremely versatile, a natural healing method. The cell salt system of medicine is based upon the 1858 cell theory of Virchow. He said that the body is a collection of cells and that all medical treatment should center on the health of the individual cell. Together with German biochemist Willhelm Heinrich Schüßler, they developed a system of medicine based on cellular health. Schüßler found in 1873 that there are certain essential minerals that the body requires. He discovered this by studying the remains of numerous cadavers and examining them after calcinations or burning to see what essential elements remained. He found that an imbalance or a lack of any of these minerals may lead to disease in the tissues so lacking. Providing the missing minerals to the tissues corrects that imbalance and so eliminates the illness. Thus, the cell salts facilitate a rebalancing of the body, enabling its natural disease controlling mechanisms to function.

To this end, the cell salts are not a cure or a medicine per se , but a powerful body function balancing supplement. As the importance of the inorganic components of cells was recognized, the 12 salts were found to be the basic building blocks of the cell. It was also found that water and other organic substances were used by the salts in building the cells of the body. If a deficiency exists in any of these salts, the cell and consequently the body would suffer. The analytical chemist Charles W. Littlefield wrote that “The twelve mineral salts are, in a very real sense, the material basis of the organs and tissues of the body and are absolutely essential to their integrity of structure and functional activity. Experiments prove that the various tissue salts will rapidly disintegrate in the absence of the proper proportion of these salts in the circulation fluid, whereas the maintenance of this proportion insures healthy growth and perpetual renewal. These mineral salts are, therefore, the physical basis of all healing. Regardless of the school employed, if these are absent from the blood and tissues, no permanent cure is possible.”

These 12 cell salts (see Table below) are essential for the health and growth of the body. They are grouped into phosphates, chlorides, sulfates, and fluorides (also silica). These 12 cell salts were found to constitute the human body. Due to the minute scale of cells, the ideal way to replenish any deficiency is through very small micro-nutrients that go directly to the depleted cells. Tinctures of the salts are easily absorbed, enabling the salts to go directly to the bloodstream without the body expending unnecessary energy in digesting and processing the micro-nutrient cell salts.

Homeopathy

Many people are confused about homeopathy. Homeopathy has been around for a very long time. Many remedies are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States including the cell salts, and they are grandfathered in to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To quote an article on the FDA website by Isadora B. Stehlin: “Homeopathy is a medical theory and practice that developed in reaction to the bloodletting, blistering, purging, and other harsh procedures of conventional medicine as it was practiced more than 200 years ago. Remedies made from many sources – including plants, minerals, or animals – are prescribed based on both a person’s symptoms and personality. Patients receiving homeopathic care frequently feel worse before they get better because homeopathic medicines often simulate, rather than suppress symptoms. This seeming reversal of logic is a relevant part of homeopathy because symptoms are viewed as the body’s effort to restore health.”

So homeopathy (from the Greek hómoios, meaning similar, and páthos suffering or disease), grew out of need to replace earlier, barbaric medical practices. Some homeopathic products contain what appear to be very poisonous substances such as poison ivy, mercury, arsenic, antimony, etc. In the late 1700s, a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann looked for a way to make gentler medicines with less side effects than many offered at the time.

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Three homeopathic principles

(namely the law of similars, the minimum dose, and the single remedy)

Hahnemann deduced that if a large amount of something causes symptoms in a healthy person, then a small amount of the same can treat the symptoms in someone else – much like the way a modern vaccine works. He tested his theory on himself and others, finally narrowing it down to the most infinitesimal, minute quantities of the substance to treat the symptom. He found that the smallest amount increased the medicine’s effectiveness. And so the cell salts follow Hahnemann’s theory and are homeopathic in nature. They are produced in various strengths, the most common being 6X and 7X dilutions. A level of dilution as much as 12X can be prescribed for acute conditions. Many health food stores now carry biochemic cell salts, as more naturopaths are prescribing them. Increasing numbers of people are discovering the benefits of the salts and the 12 remedies. The cell salts now sold commercially are in lactose pill form, and increasing numbers of people are discovering their benefits.

Particularly (although not exclusively) for the lactose intolerant, there is another alternative: the tincture or liquid form of the cell salts dissolved into an alcohol base, much in the way of other herbal tinctures. These cell salts are dissolved into grain alcohol in the same titrations as the pill form. The advantage of taking a cell salt in tincture, as opposed to tablet, form is that it allows for an even more rapid absorption of the remedy into the bloodstream. The alcohol is relatively safe for anyone, amounting to only a few drops of alcohol – even less than the amount ingested when taking a cough syrup.

Spagyric tinctures

To explain the spagyric tincture one has to explore alchemy. Indeed, both tinctures and biochemic cell salts themselves occupy the realm of homeopathy, which arose from alchemy. Spagyric – a term that Paracelsus coined back in the 1400s – means to separate and recombine. According to Robert Allen Bartlett in Real Alchemy , “Paracelsus (born Theophrastus Bombast von Hohenheim in Switzerland 1493) revolutionised the Alchemical Art and is considered to be one of the fathers of modern chemistry and pharmaceutical medicine. A respected physician and university lecturer, Paracelsus demonstrated the power and effectiveness of alchemically prepared medicines. He stressed to his colleagues the importance of looking carefully into alchemy as a source for medicines far beyond Left to right: Willhelm Heinrich Schüßler, Samuel Hahnemann, and Paracelsus.

But what is alchemy? Most people associate alchemy with clichéd scenarios of a supposedly ignorant mediæval scholar trying to turn lead into gold, and a lot of wealthy people being subsequently duped by this supposed miracle art. A fine and accurate description of alchemy and its goals is offered, oddly enough, by a skeptic of alchemy, Lucia K. B. Hall, in her lecture ‘Alchemy and Science’: “But alchemy is not about transforming nature in order to understand nature, it is about transforming nature in order to understand how to transform man. An understanding of the precise chemical steps that transforms base, ‘unripe’ metals into gold is supposed to lead to an equal understanding of the precise philosophical steps required to transform man’s body into the gold of perfect health and immortality and his soul into the spiritual gold of complete understanding of and perfect union with the mystical reality or, in some cases, with god …”

And so the main task of alchemy is to transform on all levels, from the physical to the mental and spiritual state to the highest level. Hence, alchemy is an evolution on all levels. Gold was considered the highest attainment of matter and so, logically, if the alchemist could produce gold from impure matter, he would also mirror the process in and of himself. In order to have a superior homeopathic or medicinal tincture, one must evolve that mineral or plant subject to its highest state: its gold, as it were. And that is where the spagyric process comes in. A spagyric tincture is made by a careful process in which all the parts of the mineral or plant are separated through a process of heat and distillation, before being brought to the highest and purest potential state. The mineral or plant subject is separated into its mind, body, and spirit, as alchemy assumes that trinity is present in all living things. Having quickened the subject to its highest evolutionary state, the components are then recombined, providing a superior living tincture. As all the bodies of each part of the mineral or plant have been separated and perfected, when they are recombined and brought into the body, the effect is transferred to the person ingesting the remedy, thus affecting a cure not only on the physical level, but also on more subtle levels, of the body.

Spagyric tinctures resonate with the chi flow in the human body. The flow of chi is an important part of healing as evidenced by acupuncture, acupressure, therapeutic touch, and many other systems that work on the subtle energy bodies of both humans (and other animals). It is this that makes a spagyric tincture – with its mother salts mined from the Earth, carefully prepared in a year long process and aged like fine wine – superior.

The function of the cell Cells are composed of three basic parts: the nucleus, or brain of the cell; the cytoplasm, which provides nourishment to the nucleus; and the cell membrane, which contains both and provides form and protection. The cell is a chemical factory in which hundreds of chemical reactions take place.

The nucleus of the cell controls everything that goes on in this factory. It is a necessary function of the cell membrane to let in proper nutrients in order to fuel this factory and keep out harmful entities, such as bacteria and viruses. Energy is produced via the burning of oxygen and sugar in the cell. The catalyst for this process is in the form of an enzyme, which gathers necessary raw material for the reactions to take place. Should that enzyme be lacking, the exact sequence of reactions is not possible and the cell cannot survive. The enzymes in a cell wear out after awhile. The nucleus acts as a template to produce more enzymes. The enzymes must be constructed out of basic materials, namely proteins, vitamins, and minerals. If one’s diet is deficient in these ingredients then the cell cannot properly replenish the enzymes. The chemical factory comes to a halt and the cell dies. The raw materials needed must be sourced on a daily basis. The cytoplasm contains all of the basic 12 biochemic salts. Different types of cells require more or less of certain of the salts (i.e. nerve cells require larger amounts of potassium phosphate to function; blood cells higher amounts of ferric pyrophosphate).

Although proper nutrition is important to the health of the body and cells, diet and common vitamin supplements often overlook these essential micronutrient salts that cells require in order to remain healthy.

Many of the body’s processes are electrically charged in nature. Cell enzymes work to attract the necessary raw materials by means of electrical attraction. It is well documented that the electromagnetic energy of the Moon has an effect upon the Earth and ocean tides. As inhabitants of the Earth we cannot help but be influenced by the electromagnetism of our external environment. So too the cellular factory of our bodies. It could be said that all living things are affected by prevailing cosmic influences. At the moment of birth human beings are affected by the electromagnetic rays bombarding the Earth, influencing the individual’s personality tendencies and physical functioning. In his studies, Schüßler found that human beings are born with a deficiency of at least three of the biochemic cell salts, as a result of being in the womb for nine months. Dr. George W. Carey noted that the sign on the Eastern horizon at the time of birth (i.e. rising sign or ascendant) greatly influenced the balance of these essential salts in the cells. Before dismissing this, consider the following article, ‘The Birth Month for the Best Health’, from the Associated Press (opposite).

The cell salts and astrology

Some people may consider that the astrology connection is hogwash. But before dismissing such a link, consider again the subtle forces that are known to work on the body. It is established that we are constantly bombarded by electromagnetic rays from the Moon, the Sun and the stars. These rays are affecting every living thing on the planet, including ocean tides, weather and the growth cycles of the Earth. Astrology is based on the premise that you are the centre of your personal Universe – that you are the Sun , so to speak – and that the horizon at the time and place of your birth revolves around you. This places a unique stamp upon you at birth, determining your personality and tendencies upon arrival into physical existence, i.e. the electromagnetic energies stamp a pattern into the energy configurations of your brain. Studies have been undertaken in Japan which examine the effects of the time of year upon chemical processes and reactions. It was found that the conditions of the Earth’s electromagnetic fields influenced the rate of reaction. This also confirms the ancient alchemists’ insistence that the time of year would influence the outcome of an operation. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, wrote that “A physician cannot safely administer medicine if he is unacquainted with astrology.” That is, a physician should not do anything with a patient prior to synchronizing with the Earth cycles, or the treatment could fail or have complications. “Used properly, astrology is the operator’s manual for ourselves, guiding us to our purpose in this life and showing us our predispositions to ailments and imbalances in all our bodies. To this end, astrology also maps the remedies.” (Vol.10 No.1 Northern Spring / Southern Autumn 47)

The Birth Month for the Best Health

People who are born in December are quite possibly healthier than the rest of us-and a lot healthier than those born in March. Those with December birthdays are predisposed to respiratory syncytial virus, an infection that causes pneumonia, but that’s nothing compared to people who are born in March, who are predisposed to a veritable medical textbook of illnesses and disorders: Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, autism, narcolepsy, Hodgkin’s disease, multiple sclerosis, bipolar disorder, and epilepsy. Medical experts from a variety of prestigious research institutions, including Stanford University, Southwest Missouri State University, and Stanley Medical Research Institute in Bethesda, MD., have independently found a link between the month in which you were born and predisposition to certain illnesses, reports ABC News. If there is any explanation between birth month and disease it is most likely environmental, although no study has been able to prove a definitive cause-and-effect relationship. For example, fetal exposure to a virus in the second trimester of pregnancy when neurodevelopment begins may be linked to schizophrenia.

The medical experts agree that while there appears to be a pattern between birth month and disease, none of this is a prediction for what will happen to specific individuals. In addition, more research is needed to figure out how a person’s birth month actually influences his or her health.

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(source: Alchemy Journal vol. 28)

Used properly, astrology is the operator’s manual for ourselves, guiding us to our purpose in this life and showing us our predispositions to ailments and imbalances in all our bodies. To this end, astrology also maps the remedies. Each of the twelve signs of the zodiac – that is, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces – corresponds to a time of the year, beginning with Aries at the spring equinox and ending with Pisces. The individual astrological chart alters the original pattern according to the horizon surrounding the individual at the time of birth, so that not every sign is in its proper house, i.e. Aries first, Pisces twelfth. This interplay of energies is what makes each person unique.

The house is the playing field, or the where in which the energies are operating. The planet in the house is what is operating, and the sign on the cusp of the house is the how of it. These can be benefic, or easy and compatible, or malefic, which is a struggle. Bad aspects are challenges we present to ourselves to work out here. Anyway, this is not the place to go into an in-depth lesson in astrology. Suffice to say it all involves subtle and physical energies that affect each person uniquely. The Sun’s position in a chart influences body chemistry. Saturn also affects health. The south node of the Moon, calculated by the time of day of birth, is also important with regards to which cell salt regimen one should follow. Although there are basic salts assigned to each Sun sign, the ideal way to individually tailor a supplement regimen is to have your chart cast. If you are unable to visit an astrologer, there are websites where you can get a chart made for your specific time, place and date of birth. You need to know your Sun sign, Saturn, Moon’s nodes, and rising sign or ascendant. Without all of this information, a regimen can still be created, although a few elements may be missing. The cell salts that you will need to take will be the ones that correspond to each of the above components of your chart. There are three for each Sun sign – these are your bridge salts. Using the cell salts for remedies In addition to the cell salts being an excellent way to supplement and balance the physical body, they are also an excellent and safe way to treat minor ailments. Biochemic cell salts are an excellent way to begin using effective homeopathic remedies, and are completely safe. The cell salts may be used by themselves for the afflictions listed below, or to benefit certain organ systems and functions of the body. They may also be used in combination with each other to treat specific symptoms. Some combinations for symptomatic relief of various afflictions follow (see Table 2, below).

Remedies for animals

One of the best tests regarding the efficacy of natural cures lies with administering doses of the remedy to our four footed brothers and sisters (Vol.10 No.1 Northern Spring / Southern Autumn 49), primarily because the placebo effect does not come into play with animal healing. I have used many remedies on my dogs, cats and horses in particular, with much success. For example, a biochemic cell salt remedy for skin allergies and sores was given to my horse who suffers every year from sweet itch, a severe allergic reaction to the bite of the midge or gnat. I have given her cell salts when she was acute and her sores healed up within the week. During the spring and summer months when she is vulnerable I routinely administer a combination of cell salts and herbal tinctures, such as cleavers ( galium aparine) and flax (linum usitatissimum ) seed, with good results. Every year her condition improves.

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(Source: Biochemic cell salt remedies for various afflictions 50 Alchemy Journal)

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(Source: Pharmacopoeia for various afflictions using the cell salts Vol.10 No.1 Northern Spring / Southern Autumn 51)

A friend used the cell salts on her large malamute suffering from heat sores that were not successfully treated by the veterinarian. She had considered euthanising the dog. I suggested that she try the cell salt remedies and she did so with great success, and was amazed at the results.

Some of the biochemic salts good for skin conditions and healing include kali sulph, natrum mur and silicea. Animals generally respond well to natural therapies. The best part about it is that one needn’t buy a larger quantity of medicine for effective dosing of a horse, compared to the amount required for a cat or even a human. The way homeopathic solutions work is that less is actually better than more, so the dose really is about the same for a horse as it is for a human.

Pharmacopoeia for minor ailments using the cell salts

Cell salts can be combined to effect a more complete healing of a condition, and are safe to dose to children. Administered sublingually (i.e. placed under the tongue), they are quickly absorbed into the body. Alternatively, cell salts can be taken in a small amount of water. In general, in order to heal a condition, it is suggested that two dropper-full’s of cell salt tincture be taken three or four times per day. This level of dosing would be maintained for at least one week, before being reduced to two dropper-full’s of cell salt tincture twice per day for another week. If the symptoms subside, you can stop or continue taking an even smaller dose for one more week. This dosing level is higher than that for when the cell salt tincture is being consumed as a health supplement, when one dropper-full is consumed once per day. Some remedies are detailed in the above Tables.

With regards to storage, cell salts should be kept away from strong smelling substances in a tightly sealed bottle or container (Jansky, R.C. How to Use the Cell Salts. Astro-Analytics Publications: Van Nuys, California, 1977).

Karen Bartlett has practiced karmic astrology for the last 25 years, and uses astrology as a guide for furthering self and spiritual understanding. Over the past 14 years she has been learning alchemy and creating healing herbal tinctures for herself and her animals. She also promotes and manages her husband Robert’s alchemical teaching and lecturing. She holds an Associate of Science degree from Kingsborough College in Brooklyn, New York. Became a member of the International Alchemy Guild (IAG), a group of alchemists from around the world who come together to exchange views, news, and research in all forms of practical and spiritual alchemy. The present Guild was formed by a confederation of practicing alchemists who trace their lineage back to Wilhelm von Rosenberg, who founded the original ‘Alchymie Cech’ (or ‘Alchimie Gilde’) in 1576 in a small town between Prague and Vienna. Visit www.alchemyguild.org for all the details.