Schüssler salts: minerals for well-being

Schüssler salts: minerals for well-being

In a world that is increasingly dominated by synthetic drugs, natural healing methods are once again becoming the focus of attention. The Schüssler salts, named after the German doctor Dr. Wilhelm Heinrich Schüßler, which have been used in natural medicine for over a century. But what is really behind these mineral substances and to what extent can they influence our well-being? In this article we examine the historical development and biophysical basis of Schüssler salts as well as their mechanisms of action in the human body. In addition, we subject the effectiveness of these preparations to a critical analysis, based on current scientific studies. Immerse yourself with us in the world of minerals and discover what importance they can have for our health.

The historical development and significance of Schüssler salts in naturopathy

The creation of the Schüssler salts goes back to the German doctor Wilhelm Heinrich Schüssler, who presented a simplified form of homeopathic therapy in 1873. Schüßler's basic assumption was that diseases are caused by disturbances in the mineral balance of the body's cells and can be cured by supplying missing minerals in a very diluted form. He originally identified 12 mineral salts that he believed were essential to the health of the human body.

Over time, various alternative practitioners and doctors expanded the application and theory behind the Schüssler salts. Today the spectrum often includes 27 salts that aim to influence the body and cell metabolism in various ways. This expansion shows how the teaching has evolved and continues to undergo adaptations and interpretations.

The use of Schüssler salts in naturopathy is essentially based on two principles: the rule of similitude, which states that like can be cured with like, and potentiation, i.e. the dilution of the active ingredients, which is intended to achieve greater effectiveness. This approach is similar to homeopathy, but creates an independent form of therapy.

The Schüssler salts are said to have a variety of effects on the human organism. Among other things, they are intended to strengthen the immune system, inhibit inflammatory processes, regulate metabolism and help improve the function of nerves and muscles. Practitioners use the salts to treat a wide range of ailments, from colds to chronic illnesses.

Despite their popular use in alternative medicine, the Schüssler salts are controversial in scientific medicine. Critics point to the lack of substantial, evidence-based studies that can clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of this therapy. Proponents, on the other hand, point to the numerous positive reports from patients as well as the decades-long tradition and the gentle use with few side effects.

The recognition and use of Schüssler salts varies considerably around the world. In some countries they are a recognized part of alternative and complementary medicine, while in other regions they occupy a more niche position. In Germany they are relatively well known and are an integral part of naturopathy.

Biophysical principles and mechanisms of action of Schüssler salts in the human body

Schüssler salts are based on the assumption that diseases are caused by an imbalance of mineral salts within the body's cells. In the 19th century, the German physician Wilhelm Heinrich Schüßler introduced the theory that such an imbalance could be corrected by taking biochemical mineral salts administered in very dilute doses. The therapy is based on 12 basic mineral salts, which, according to Schüßler, are essential for the functionality of the human body.

The use of Schüssler salts follows the principle of homeopathy, whereby the salts are administered in very small quantities (often in D6 or D12 potentiations) in order to compensate for specific deficiencies in the cells. The theory is that these compounds stimulate the body's own healing processes by facilitating the absorption of the corresponding mineral salts by the cells, thereby restoring balance.

The mechanisms of actionThe Schüssler salts have not been clearly proven from a scientific perspective. Critics point out that the concentrations of the active ingredients in the preparations are so low that they cannot have any detectable physical-chemical effects in the body. Proponents, on the other hand, argue with the concept of “potentiation”, a basic concept in homeopathy, in which it is assumed that the effectiveness of a substance increases as it is diluted.

• Calcium fluoratum (Nr. 1): Soll die Elastizität des Bindegewebes, der Haut und der Gefäße unterstützen.
• Calcium phosphoricum (Nr. 2): Wird für die Knochenbildung und bei Schwächegefühlen eingesetzt.
• Ferrum phosphoricum (Nr. 3): Soll bei Entzündungen und Fieber helfen.

Despite the popularity of Schuessler salts in alternative medicine, evidence for their effectiveness is limited. Some studies suggest that the benefits experienced from therapy may be due to the placebo effect. Further research is required to scientifically substantiate the biophysical mechanisms of action and the therapeutic effectiveness of the Schüssler salts. Until then, their use remains a personal decision based on individual beliefs.

Analysis and evaluation: Effectiveness of the Schüssler salts based on current scientific studies

The effectiveness of Schüssler salts has been discussed for years. These mineral supplements, named after the German physician Wilhelm Heinrich Schüßler who popularized them in the 19th century, are used in alternative medicine to treat a variety of ailments. The preparations are based on the assumption that diseases arise from a lack of certain minerals and can be remedied by taking them in diluted form.

However, current scientific studies on the effectiveness of Schüssler salts are rare and often characterized by methodological weaknesses. An analysis of the available literature shows that there are only a few controlled studies examining the direct influence of Schüssler salts on health. Most of these studies have small sample sizes and short observation periods, making it difficult to draw significant conclusions about the effectiveness of the salts.

Furthermore, critics argue that the theoretical basis of the Schüssler salts, particularly the idea that disease is caused primarily by mineral deficiencies, is inconsistent with current understanding of pathogenesis and physiology. There is therefore hardly any clinical evidence that could prove the specificity of the effect of Schüssler salts.

Proponents, however, point to numerous positive reports from users who notice an improvement in their symptoms. However, these subjective reports cannot be viewed as objective evidence of effectiveness because they may be influenced by placebo effects and other psychological factors.

The current scientific assessment therefore leads to the conclusion that further, more comprehensive and methodologically better-designed studies are required for a well-founded assessment of the effectiveness of Schüssler salts. Until then, their effectiveness remains unclear from a scientific perspective and application is a question of personal belief or individual experience, not empirical evidence.

In summary, the Schüssler salts, as part of naturopathy, offer an interesting perspective on health promotion and human well-being. Their historical roots and the biophysical basis of their mechanism of action offer a deeper insight into the complexity and potential of mineral substances. Although the analysis of current scientific studies paints a mixed picture regarding the clear effectiveness of Schüssler salts, it highlights the need for further research in this area. The salts should therefore be used in accordance with established scientific knowledge and taking individual health conditions into account. In this way, Schüssler salts can play a complementary role in people's health awareness and contribute to a holistic approach to health care.

Sources and further literature

References

• Heepen, G. H. (2016). Schüßler-Salze. Gräfe und Unzer.
• Hickethier, K. (2018). Farb- und Antlitzdiagnose in der Biochemie nach Dr. Schüßler. Verlag Hermann Peters.
• Koeslag-Kreunen, M. G. M., Baars, E. W., van Wietmarschen, H. A., Snoek, H. J., & Huber, M. (2018). „Mineral salts for the treatment of psychosocial and physical problems: a systematic review of clinical trials with Schüssler’s salts“. Homeopathy, 107(3), 172-180.

Studies

• Koeslag-Kreunen, M., et al. (2018). „Mineral salts for the treatment of psychosocial and physical problems: A systematic review of clinical trials with Schüssler’s salts“. Homeopathy. 107(3), 172-180.
• Schnizer, W., Ernst, E., & Saradeth, T. (1990). „The effects of Schuessler salt therapy on fibromyalgia: A randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial“. Phytotherapy Research, 4(6), 256-259.

Further reading

• Klinghardt, D. (2017). Schüßler-Salze: Einfach und verständlich. VAK Verlags GmbH.
• Schüßler-Salze: Heilanwendungen. (2021). Natur und Heilen, verschiedene Ausgaben.
• Bergmann, K. (2019). Biochemie nach Dr. Schüßler: Grundlagen, Diagnose, Therapie. Elsevier, Urban & Fischer Verlag.