Cell Salts: The Basic Building Blocks
It’s only human nature that when we possess so many of something, we start to organize them into groups or categories. Right?
Homeopathy is no different. Indeed, homeopathic medicines are categorized into groups such as animal remedies, plant remedies, poisonous plant remedies, nosodes, cell salts, and more.
And thankfully so, since some countings consider there are over 6,000 different homeopathic remedies available worldwide.
Let’s take a closer look at the cell salts, shall we?
Cell salts are made from minerals that represent the basic building blocks of human tissues, bone, skin, etc. There are only twelve of them:
- Calcium fluoride (Calc fluor)
- Calcium phosphate (Calc phos)
- Calcium sulphate (Calc sulph)
- Ferrum phosphate (Ferrum phos)
- Potassium chloride (Kali mur)
- Potassium phosphate (Kali phos)
- Potassium sulphate (Kali sulph)
- Magnesium phosphate (Mag phos)
- Sodium chloride (Nat mur)
- Sodium phosphate (Nat phos)
- Sodium sulphate (Nat sulph)
- Silicea (Sil)
Cell salts are known for their low potencies: 3, 6 or 12, but they can be (and are often) used in high potencies as well.
Some people look at them as supplements. And, in a way, they can certainly act as such.
In fact, back when I first started using cell salts with my children for growth conditions, I used them that way. I wanted to ensure that my children grew as robustly as possible, so I didn’t use them only as a medicine.
You might say I used them as a “just in case” supplement. And, as such, I used them in a 6x potency.
But, because my knowledge has deepened and my experience has developed throughout the years, I now consider them more as a medicine rather than a supplement.
These days, I am more inclined to use them for a specific pathology. And, when used for a specific condition, I prefer to use them in a 3X potency. Since 6X is more commonly found in the U.S. when 3X can’t be found, 6X will likely do.
What would I consider a specific pathology?
Let’s stick with the subject of growing children that I mentioned earlier. For instance, any of these growth issues in a child would be a specific pathology:
- Growing pains
- Teeth not emerging
- Teeth not hardening
- Hair growth too thin
- Loss of appetite
- Anxious
- Catching colds easily
- Getting headaches easily
- Not robust
- Insomnia
If I observed any of those conditions, my choice would be Calc phos 3X daily, until improved. This can take from days, depending on the severity, age, condition, etc., up to many months.
(Before I forget, Calc phos 3X can also be used for insomnia in adults, too — not just for children. It’s a decidedly good cell salt to keep on hand.)
Of course, keep in mind that this is how I use Calc phos in my practice. This does not preclude a mom from using it as her child is growing as long as there is a specific pathology to treat.
But, I would encourage moms to use it judiciously and have a rationale … only if it's observed that there is some growth issue to stay ahead of.
Hence, to clarify, I would urge that it not be used as a preventative if the child is well and robust.
Why?
Because homeopathy is medicine and as such, ought not be used “just because”. This rationale is used for taking Vit C, Vit D, vitamins, etc., and I don’t believe that it is sound justification for daily use.
Going back to our discussion of potency, I should also mention that sometimes I use Calc fluor, for instance, in a 12X potency because as per the great masters of homeopathy, it’s the potency that seems to be more readily absorbed.
If you want more information, I have created a CD/digital download entitled, Cell Salts; The Easy Homeopathy™ that will help you get a firm grasp on these specific remedies.
Because there are only twelve of them, they are much easier to get started with than an entire materia medica. Plus, I utilize the same system to teach you that I used myself when memorizing over 300 remedies for my certification exams. It works!
Now, I believe I promised you a very exciting announcement, didn’t I? Well (drum roll, please), I am thrilled to offer you a brand-new study guide — a continuation of our original guided study group curriculum.
Yes, Gateway to Homeopathy II will be launching very soon. This will be an exclusive offering for those who have completed the prerequisite Gateway to Homeopathy I.
In this new study group curriculum, you’ll go deeper into homeopathy.
You’ll learn much more about cell salts, strategies for colds and flu, how to build your emergency kit, aggravations and provings, how to use a materia medica, and other practical subjects for your family.
I encourage you to round up your study group again and continue your education together.
But remember, to access this course, you must have taken Gateway to Homeopathy I first. So, if you’ve not started nor joined a study group yet, this might be just the time to do so.
I don’t think you’ll be sorry you devoted the time to this way of life.
Warmly,
P.S. If you’re looking for all of the posts in my series on the cell salts, here are the links for your convenience:
Calc phos
Ferrum phos
Mag phos
Nat phos
Kali phos
Calc fluor
Nat mur
Nat sulph
Silicea
Calc sulph
Kali sulph
Kali mur
Excited. All the new topics are precisely what I am currently more interested in. Do you have an approximate date when this will become available ? Can’t wait.
I have a newbie question on proving. Sometimes it feels like someone has chosen a pretty good fit of a remedy ( for a chronic condition). The remedy starts working , the symptoms start diminishing and the condition moves from a 9 to a scale of 3. Then when mathematically one would expect that a couple more weeks would be needed to uproot the whole condition suddenly this person is proving the remedy. How and why does this happen? Sometimes the line between the last few weeks that this person should’ve continued the remedy or stopped is pretty blurry. Also why would the remedy say – I am done – before the condition has been uprooted completely ? ( Sorry if I didn’t word that well )
Thank you Joette for this good articles about cell salts. If you advice now to give them judiciously and not so much as a preventive measure, do you still recommend Calc phos et Calf fluor to be taken regularly for children to prevent cavities and make sure they have strong teeth? It’s in the article “Cavities? Try Homeopathy”. I want to know what you think now because I give those to my 3 children who are 5, 7 and 9, they’ve had no cavities so far and I wish to keep it like this. Just want to know if you still stand by this method.
I was going to ask the same question. Lol!
Thank you very much for this. Last year I had started using cell salts for my children as you previously recommended (as “supplements”) and noticed one of my children starting to exhibit symptoms listed above for Calc phos. I stopped it and the symptoms have slowly gone away. I’m learning the importance of not using remedies unless there is a need for it!
My local homeopath recommended I give my three boys (also 9, 7 and 5!) Bioplasma – seven tabs morning and seven tabs at night. I see this is at a 3X potency for Calc Phos. We do have issues with growing pains, hardening of teeth (not cavities) and thin hair in one boy. Should taking Bioplasma cover that? Or does the salt work better in isolation rather than giving all of them?
Which cell salt would you recommend to strengthen a weak amniotic sac?
Hi Joette, hope this isn’t a silly question…..regarding the Calc Phos cell salt, would it help my daughter who is 14, she is really quite short and doesn’t seem like she will ever have a growth spurt? I would love it if there was even a chance it might help her height, even by an inch! She has just recently started her periods, which is a good sign! She doesn’t specifically have the symptoms mentioned above, but is constitutionally more likely to have headaches, catch colds etc than my much more robust Son. (Last year her hair growth was thin….I think she suffered hair loss due to experimenting with dieting :(…she has stopped that now….thankfully, and is eating healthy foods including meat veg and bone broth!)
Thanks v much
Philippa
Yay! Looking forward to Gateway to Homeopathy II
Thank you, Joette, for the wonderful information you provide in your blog. I have saved each remedy card and use them almost daily. I have your Cell Salts digital download and would really like to see more blogs about the uses of cell salts.
Thanks for this article. I hear differing opinions on whether or not it’s good to put cell salts in water to sip throughout the day. For instance, if I wanted to take Calc Phos 3 times a day, would you recommend putting a dose in water to sip three times a day, or just taking them dry 3 times a day? Thanks!
Both methods can work.
Can you get proving with cell salts too? I’m also trying to find lactose free cell salt pills. Do you know if they exist? Thank you!
Can you get proving with cell salts too? I’m also trying to find lactose free cell salt pills. Do you know if they exist? Thank you!
joette so you take cell salt in water ive been taking it under my tongue oh my can you do that or not
You may certainly do that…both ways.
Thanks Joette! wondering if you are still remember recommending the protocol for cell salts for pregnancy and nursing? Or to only take them if there’s an issue…
We don’t use cell salts “just because” but during pregnancy, we’re growing a baby and protecting the mom, so its a good time to use cell salts.
My friend just started taking Bioplasma and the same day had terrible headaches and upset stomach. She doesn’t have a problem with lactose. Any idea what this is? I can’t find any side effects anywhere.
There are no side effects but if you take a medicine that is not needed, it can certainly cause symptoms. We use homeopathy only if there is a reason to do so.
If I recall correctly, you’ve said elsewhere that remedies in c and x are interchangeable, depending on what is available in your area. But I see that you specifically use x here. So are cell salts interchangeable with c and x, too? And above you mention 12x potency as favorable for Calc fluor, would this be a good potency then for the pregnancy protocol as well? I happen to currently be using Calc Fluor 12x for teeth, and also think I just may be blessed with pregnancy, so wondering if I can stick with this potency or need to go to 6x (or 6c if you say that its ok). And thanks! All the knowledge I get here from you (practically, intellectually, and the inspiration you give mothers) is a lovely addition to the care of my family of 11.
Cell salts are pretty much universally found in x potency, But c works too.
CF 12 is often used during pregnancy.
Hi, my daughter does have headaches, gets colds easily, and has frequent recurrences of Hand, foot and mouth virus….she also is very short, and although 14yrs doesn’t seem to have ever had a growth spurt. Might the Calc Phos be a good idea?
Tks!
‘Sounds like you’ve put it together well.
Thanks for answering my question! I wanted to know also if it is acceptable to use a Cell Salt for daily use in the lowest potency a pharmacy has available e.g., Silicea 8c. Thanks, again!
Many homeopathics may be used daily, as long as they’re called for. I have no experience using 8c on a daily basis. If you live in the U.S. Hyland’s has 6x readily available online and in many brick and mortar stores.
I would also like to know about giving the Calc Fluor and Calc Phos remedies to children to build strong bones and teeth and prevent cavities. This is what I have previously done. Is that not a good idea unless we see a specific reason for it?
I like to use these for children who are in need. Growth itself is often a need and that’s what children are doing, but if you can find a clearer, even tighter rationale, its a better way of using them.
Two questions:
1) Is it ok to take different cell salts at the same time, or must they be staggered?
2) Is it ok to take cell salts at the same time as a non-cell salt remedy, or must they be staggered?
Thanks!
Cell salts may be taken simultaneously and so may other homeopathics but if they are done so, its best to follow a protocol. Especially when it comes to higher potencies, don’t just mix willy-nilly.
I’m sorry, what I said was a little unclear. I meant can they be taken at the same time of day. So can I take Silicea 6x and Calc fluor 6x together in the same dose? What about Silicea 6x and Hepar 200? That kind of thing. Thanks 🙂
I’m really looking forward to Gateway to Homeopathy II. Thank you Joette!
If an adult catches colds easily and gets headaches easily (as listed above), is this an appropriate method to try or must those symptoms be related to growth for this remedy to be effective?
Not all symptoms that are listed for a specific remedy need to be present to choose it.
Just one does daily if our children need calc phos? My kids struggle with lack of appetite (teenage boys who are often not hungry), trouble falling asleep, frequent colds and headaches, and growing pains. The bottle we have says 4 tablets is a dose. So I’m wondering if I should just give them 1 dose every day or more?
Is there a cell salt or salts to encourage growth for a child that is lagging behind in growth and also tires easily?
Pls note that that is what I covered in the article.
I did not see anything about lagging in growth specifically, just growth pains, and “not robust”, but I’ll assume that it is included under that same umbrella. Thanks!
if you need to rebuild teeth bone loss fro peridontal disease, would Calc Fluor and Calc Phos be good ones to include?
A good place to start.
Are cell salts formulated differently than the remedies? Do the enter the cells or bloodstream differently? I’m trying to understand whether a remedy (pellets) of 6c is going to be interchangeable with a cell salt (tabs) of 6x….
For ex: in making the electrolyte recipe to replace Gatorade, I had the pellets for Nat sulph 6c yet the recipe called for Nat sulph cell salt 6x. So I went to store to buy that specifically, but wondered if I could have just used the remedy I’d already bought in pellets. Trying to avoid unessary costs if possible.
They’re not formulated in a different fashion but I’d urge you to use 6x for this recipe.
Thanks… I did just that. God bless, Joette. You are so helpful!!
Is it one dose of the 3x cell salt per day, or is it to be taken 3 times per day?
Thanks
It’s usually used twice daily.
Thanks!
Would constipation from newborn stage be considered a need for cal phos? I had been using nux vomica and cal carb I think it was but was considering cal phos since it has been on and off since birth. Baby was born at home and was exclusively breastfed until food was added in. Still breast fed at 18 months currently.
Calc phos is one of the most appropriate of all rems for a newborn and young child as I can think of. It covers a myriad of conditions with constipation being included.
Does fluid retention (swollen feet) get relief using Nat Mur 6x … Can 30c be used?
NM may indeed help but if not, there are many others to choose from depending on the presentation.
Thank you, Joette. My husband experienced this after a very long road trip….. lacking enough movement coupled with increased coffee and neglecting water intake….”perfect storm”? … I administered several 6x doses with no improvement. Moved to a 30c last night as well as using German Chamomile eo rub before bed. He woke with reduced swelling … that might be from resting. Will keep observing today. Interestingly, my EO reference book cited Ledum as a possible remedy. Wonder how that might be used as a homeopathic remedy…. A friend suggested Hammamelis as one possibility.
Should I wait at least 15 minutes between different cell salt doses or can they be taken simultaneously (eg. Ferrum phos and Kali Mur for a cold)? Does the combining of cell salts create a “new” substance (as with the other homeopathic remedies)?
Thanks so much!! I’ve really enjoyed Gateway II!
I often use cell salts simultaneously.
Mrs. Calabrese,
If I cannot find the 3x potency, but can purchase 3c, would that be a better choice than 6x?
Many thanks!
6x is closer to 3x than 3c.
My son is 9. He has weak enamel. Would you recommend both calc flour 12X with calc phos 3X or just one?
When it comes to cell salts, do you recommend sticking with the most common 6x potency for use with more common cell salt needs (using them like supplements as the article eludes to above) & reserving 30x potency for more symptom driven issues? Or does it matter? Would I use a calc phos 30 just as I’d use a 6 for the beginning of a cold say? Thanks
We like to stay with 6x or 3x for the more commonly used cell salt applications.
I’m trying to locate a 6x cell salt kit through all of the normal homeopathic sites without much success. There simply don’t seem to be any cell salts kits available for purchase except for Best Made brand on Amazon. I do not have any knowledge of this brand & wondered if you could offer any insights &/or recommendations on purchasing a whole kit vs single remedies? Sadly, I am aware that you no longer sell cell salt kits, either. Please advise & thanks – Beth
Yes, the reason we no longer carry cell salt kits is that Hyland’s is no longer manufacturing them. If you’re a student or client of mine you may purchase them from OHM. If you’re not then I must say I don’t know anything about Best Made. You may have to purchase each medicine individually.
Pls made sure you and each member of your family writes to the FDA, President Trump and VP Pence as well as your representatives. This is not a coincidence that these medicines are no longer readily available.
Would there be a discount if I purchased all online classes at once?
Yes, 10% off. Should you need help putting it together, feel free to contact my office and speak with Eileen, Audrey or Shannon.
‘Happy studying!
So how would homeopathic bioplasma fit into this?
my kid is short, any cell salts can help him to growth?
I can’t seem to find a retailer that has calc sulph 30x in stock. Do you know of anywhere that I could purchase some?
Thank you.
Debbie
Boiron
Amazon
Would the cell salts ( or even the Bioplasma from Hylands) be a suitable option for someone to take if they have been told by their chiropractor that they are mineral deficient ? Possibly along with a good mineral supplement…or is that overkill, so to speak?
It’s always better to use specifically what is needed via cell salts instead of a pot-shot with Bioplasma.
when I click on the Calc Phos 3X above, it brings me to the Hyland’s website, but, the potency shown is 30X. so, just to verify, is it 3X? on the Hyland’s website only 6X or 30X are marked
Hi someone has sent this to me it seems very interesting I read about stuff like this by 20 something years ago and been knowing about this for many years and I took some here and there but I want to know do you have a phone number where a person can communicate with you cuz some people are not all that computer savvy. And I wanted to know do you have anything for people like you talked about insomnia oh my God that’s been for 49 years and then some but the do you have anything for the hormonal system where people suffer from hypothyroid I’ve been having it since they’ve been in there early 20 she said. And she also suffers from I don’t know they call it a spondylitis oculitis rheumatoidous arthritis and her neck does not move from right to left it’s been fused like that for almost 30 years and they told her that come on now what are you. And she just day in and day out just moment by moment and day by day she just she doesn’t eat bad but it’s so many things she cannot eat because she suffers from from the spondylitis rheumatoides arthritis and she’s tired most of the time because she does not also to get any of what she said sleep like she should and she’s been suffering from that like I said earlier she said for most of her time so what would be the best thing for her to get her hormone and her adrenal glands and her energy level up she doesn’t eat a lot of bad food she doesn’t eat like she really should when she does eat something it’s not really bad it’s she has a odd appetite or she just it’s like a snake snack here snack there but not eating junk food and just mostly plain yogurt not every day and she tries to do Kiefer for herself not everyday I’m sure she suffers from a lot of stressful things she’s by herself and most of the time so I was just asking for her and cuz she does need help
The calc fluor link keeps bringing me back to this page
Mam my son having short height. In India doctors are doing business. They are giving homeopathy medicine from himself. Not telling name of medicine to anyone. Please I need ur advice can I hv my son for height increase.
I have read through the cell salts series. I am (as my *former* naturopath called me) complicated. I looked at the symptoms for each cell salt and I have pathology in every one of those areas. (I’m lying on my bathroom floor at this moment nursing a glass of salt water and taking nat mur). Can I take all 12 salts daily and does taking them in conjunction alert their affect? (I’m also already doing the thyroid protocol- like I said- complicated.)
Thanks
*I let my naturopath go because I don’t want hormone therapy, I’d rather be healed than medicated.
Don’t believe it when a practitioner states that you’re complicated. In my estimation, it’s actually more likely admission of inadequacy.
All conditions, all people are treatable, particularly those who have a number of conditions.
I can’t advise you specifically on this site but to answer your question, more than one cell salt may be taken simultaneously.
I suggest that you delve deeper by either joining one of my online study groups, Gateway to Homeopathy, or getting one of my online courses such as “Feminopathy” that specifically covers at least the two areas that you mention. Go to Joetteslearningcenter.com to learn more.
Hi Joette,
So you don’t recommend Bioplasma any more? Also, I though calc phosphorylated and calc fluor was given in 6x for children to help their teeth and growth, is the correct potency 3x? After reading this now I’m not sure if it’s a good idea at all, because the only “pathology” is that some teeth came out small/partial. And one never grew, not even as infant tooth. Would this remedy be appropriate to encourage the teeth to form, or is it too late in puberty.
CP and CF are wonderful for teeth in general as long as there is a pathology.
Bioplasma is good in a pinch when one doesn’t know what else to use until it becomes clear which remedy is correct.
Thank you for taking the time to reply! It’s very helpful.
Dear Joette, I have a question about what you wrote here: Because homeopathy is medicine and as such, ought not be used “just because”. This rationale is used for taking Vit C, Vit D, vitamins, etc., and I don’t believe that it is sound justification for daily use.
Could you please clarify whether you were referring to homeopathic remedies or vitamins when you said you don’t believe that it is sound justification for daily use. Would that be the daily use of remedies or vitamins? I’m assuming you are referring to the daily use of homeopathic remedies because you made it clear why using them “just because” or without having reason or need is not a good idea. However, I didn’t want to assume and figured you could also be of the belief that using vitamins and supplements in the same manner (daily use) is not the best idea. Thank you!
The cell salts are very interesting, I see where they will be very useful for me and my husband for many things.