Schuessler’s Biochemic Remedies (1898): Original Concepts in Updated Language

This is a modernized version of the “Characteristics of the Biochemical Remedies” chapter from An Abridged Therapy Manual for the Biochemical Treatment of Diseases (1898) by Dr. Wilhelm Schuessler, translated by L. Tafel (25th Edition). While the original concepts, terminology, and structure have been preserved exactly as written, the language has been carefully updated for clarity and accessibility to modern readers. This edition aims to honor the historical integrity of Schuessler’s work while making it easier to engage with in contemporary contexts.

Calcium fluoride (Calcarea fluorata).

Calcium fluoride is naturally found in the outer surfaces of bones, tooth enamel, elastic fibers, and the cells of the epidermis. When its molecular activity is disrupted and levels decrease, a variety of physical effects may result.

One such consequence is the formation of hard, nodular deposits on bone surfaces. Additionally, loss of elasticity in connective tissues can lead to vascular dilation, hemorrhoids, uterine prolapse or displacement, lax abdominal walls, and a downward sagging of the abdomen. These conditions may be accompanied by weak or absent after-pains following childbirth, or by uterine bleeding.

In the skin, keratin—a structural protein—may be excreted from epidermal cells. This material quickly dries, forming a tightly adherent crust on the skin, particularly on the palms. When the affected skin is used or stretched, these crusts may crack or tear, leading to painful chapping. (Keratin is a natural component of the skin, hair, and nails.)

Calcium fluoride may also be beneficial in treating other conditions. For instance, it can support the absorption of bone tissue in cases such as cephalohematoma. It also aids in softening and reabsorbing hardened swellings, such as those that develop in the mammary glands or testes.

Two explanations have been proposed for how calcium fluoride contributes to the reabsorption of hardened deposits. The first involves the surrounding elastic fibers: under pressure from the deposit, these fibers lose function. Reintroducing calcium fluoride restores their structural integrity, allowing them to eliminate the deposit, which is then absorbed by the lymphatic system. The second explanation centers on a chemical process: carbonic acid in the blood may break down calcium fluoride, releasing fluorine. This fluorine binds with nascent hydrogen to form hydrofluoric acid, which gradually dissolves the deposit, molecule by molecule, for uptake by the lymphatics.

In some cases, sulfuric acid—produced through oxidation of protein-based cells in the blood—may play a similar role to carbonic acid in liberating fluorine.

For medicinal use, the recommended preparation is the 12X trituration.

Calcium phosphate (Calcarea phosphorica).

Calcium phosphate is present in all cells, with its highest concentration found in bone cells (osseous corpuscles). It plays a crucial role in the formation of new cells, making it especially important for tissue regeneration and recovery following acute illnesses. As such, it is a valuable remedy for conditions associated with anemia and impaired cell growth.

This compound is particularly useful in cases of delayed bone development, such as rickets (rachitis) and craniotabes. It also supports proper skull formation in infants, helping to address issues like delayed closure of the fontanels or insufficient ossification of the parietal bones. Additionally, calcium phosphate promotes the formation of callus during the healing of bone fractures and accelerates the process of dentition, where it acts alongside—sometimes in competition with—calcium fluoride.

When the molecular activity of calcium phosphate is disturbed within the epithelial cells lining the serous cavities, a sero-albuminous fluid may accumulate in these spaces. This can lead to conditions such as hygroma of the patella or hydrops of the knee joint. Administering small, targeted doses of calcium phosphate can help restore cellular balance and facilitate the reabsorption of these fluid accumulations.

In the epidermis, a deficiency of calcium phosphate can result in albumin surfacing and drying into a crust. This crust can be resolved and removed with appropriate doses of calcium phosphate, which helps restore the skin’s normal structure.

Similarly, when the epithelial cells of mucous membranes are depleted of calcium phosphate, they may produce an albuminous discharge. Supplementing calcium phosphate in such cases typically resolves the secretion and restores mucosal integrity.

In addition to its role in tissue repair and fluid regulation, calcium phosphate is effective in relieving spasms and pain associated with anemia. These symptoms often present alongside sensations such as formication (a crawling or tingling feeling), numbness, or coldness.

Calcium sulphate (Calcarea sulphurica).

In Moleschott’s Physiologie der Nahrungsmittel (Physiology of Nutriments), published in 1859, calcium sulphate was listed as a nutrient. However, scientific understanding has evolved significantly since that time, and many earlier views have since been revised.

By 1887, in Bunge’s Manual of Physiological and Pathological Chemistry, calcium sulphate appears only in isolated instances. Specifically, it is mentioned in the analysis of bile in just two samples, and notably absent in two others (pages 189–190). On page 23 of the same manual, Bunge discusses sulphur, noting: “It enters the bodies of animals primarily in the form of albumen, and, after the decomposition and oxidation of this albumen, it is mostly excreted in its highest oxidation state—as sulphuric acid. In this form, combined with alkalies, it exits the body to begin its natural cycle once again.”

This clearly indicates that sulphuric acid in the human body combines with alkalies—such as potassium (potassa) and sodium (soda)—rather than with alkaline earth metals like calcium and magnesium. As a result, calcium sulphate does not play a central or consistent role in the body’s biochemistry.

Despite this, calcium sulphate has been used successfully in clinical settings—especially in cases involving suppuration, as well as certain skin and mucous membrane conditions. However, given that it is not a consistent component of the body’s internal chemistry, its use in treatment should be reconsidered. Biochemically, it appears more appropriate to turn to remedies such as sodium phosphate and silica (silicea), which are naturally present and functionally integrated into the body's systems.

The essential inorganic substances found in the blood and tissues are generally sufficient for treating all conditions that are responsive to therapeutic intervention. Ultimately, it is the symptoms presented by the patient that guide the selection of appropriate remedies.

Iron (Ferrum phosphoricum).

Iron and its various salts have the intrinsic property of attracting and binding oxygen. In the body, the iron present in red blood cells (erythrocytes) captures inhaled oxygen and distributes it throughout the tissues. Sulphur, found in the form of potassium sulphate within blood cells and other tissues, plays a complementary role by helping transfer oxygen to cells that contain both iron and potassium sulphate.

When the iron molecules within muscle cells are disrupted—often due to some external or internal irritant—those muscle cells become weakened and flaccid. If this process affects the circular (annular) muscle fibers of the blood vessels, the vessels dilate, leading to increased blood volume within them. This state of increased blood flow is known as irritation-induced hyperemia and represents the earliest phase of inflammation.

Therapeutically, when iron—specifically in the form of iron phosphate—is administered and restores the molecular function of these cells, the tissues regain their normal tone. This allows the affected cells to eliminate the agents causing hyperemia. These are then absorbed by the lymphatic system for removal from the body.

In the digestive system, a deficiency of iron in the muscle cells of the intestinal villi impairs their ability to function properly, often resulting in diarrhea. Similarly, when the muscle cells of the intestinal wall lack sufficient iron, the natural wave-like motion (peristalsis) of the intestines is reduced, leading to sluggish bowel movements and constipation.

From these observations, the therapeutic indications for iron can be clearly established:

When muscle cells become flaccid due to iron deficiency and are replenished with the appropriate form of iron, normal muscle tone is restored. The annular fibers of the blood vessels regain their proper tension, vascular capacity returns to normal, hyperemia resolves, and associated inflammatory fevers subside.

Iron, particularly in the form of Ferrum phosphoricum (iron phosphate), is therefore effective in treating:

• The early stages of inflammation
• Pain resulting from hyperemia
• Hemorrhages related to vascular congestion
• Acute injuries such as fresh wounds, contusions, and sprains—by addressing the underlying hyperemia

Pain conditions responsive to iron typically worsen with motion but improve with cold applications.

Because iron exists in muscle cells as a phosphate compound, Ferrum phosphoricum is the most appropriate form for therapeutic use.

Potassium chloride (Kali muriaticum).

Potassium chloride is found in nearly all body cells and is closely associated, chemically, with fibrin. It plays a vital role in the breakdown of white or grayish-white secretions from mucous membranes, as well as in the resolution of plastic exudations. For this reason, it is particularly effective in treating catarrhal conditions characterized by such secretions. It is also indicated in cases of croup and diphtheria, where similar exudates form. Additionally, potassium chloride is useful during the second stage of inflammation in serous membranes, particularly when the exudate is fibrinous or plastic in nature.

When the epidermal cells lose potassium chloride due to pathological irritation, fibrin may emerge at the skin's surface as a white or grayish-white deposit. As it dries, this material forms a fine, mealy coating. If the irritation extends to the tissue beneath the epidermis, both fibrin and serum may be exuded, leading to the formation of blisters on the skin. These same exudative processes can also occur within or beneath epithelial cells elsewhere in the body.

Potassium phosphate (Kali phosphoricum).

Potassium phosphate is present in the cells of the brain, nerves, muscles, and blood—including both red blood cells and blood plasma—as well as in other intercellular fluids. It plays a central role in maintaining the vitality and function of these systems.

When the molecular activity of potassium phosphate is disturbed, it can give rise to a wide range of symptoms across different physiological domains:

1. In the cognitive and emotional sphere: Individuals may experience despondency, anxiety, fearfulness, a tendency to weep, homesickness, suspicious thoughts, agoraphobia, memory weakness, and other forms of mental distress or melancholic mood.
2. In the vasomotor nervous system: Initially, the pulse may become rapid and weak, but may later slow down.
3. In the sensory nerves: Pain may occur, often accompanied by a sensation resembling paralysis.
4. In the motor nerves: There may be progressive weakness of both muscles and nerves, potentially leading to paralysis.
5. In the trophic fibers of the sympathetic nervous system: Impaired nutrition of localized cellular regions may develop, which, if prolonged, can result in softening and degeneration of the affected cells.

Overall, these disturbances are marked by a fundamental state of depression—both mental and physical.

Potassium phosphate is therefore indicated in a wide range of conditions characterized by mental, nervous, or systemic depression. These include:

• Mental and physical exhaustion
• Hypochondriacal and hysterical states
• Neurasthenia
• Nervous insomnia
• Spasms caused by irritable weakness
• Paralysis
• Septic conditions and septic hemorrhages
• Noma
• Scurvy, including oral scurvy
• Phagedenic chancres
• Carbuncles
• Typhoid and typhus fevers
• Adynamic (low-energy, weakened) states
• Progressive muscular atrophy
• Gastric ulcers, particularly the round ulcer of the stomach, due to dysfunction of the trophic fibers of the sympathetic nerve
• Alopecia areata (distinct from tinea capitis), which also results from a disturbance in the function of the sympathetic trophic fibers

In all such cases, potassium phosphate serves as a restorative agent by reestablishing the molecular balance needed for cellular function and nervous system stability.

Potassium sulphate (Kali sulphuricum)

Potassium sulphate, which in reciprocal action with iron effects the transfer of the inhaled oxygen to all the cells, is contained in all the cells containing iron.

Where there is a deficiency as to Potassium sulphate, according to the locality and extent of the deficiency, the following symptoms may arise:

A sensation of heaviness and weariness, vertigo, chilliness, palpitation of the heart, anxiety, sadness, toothache, headache and pains in the limbs. These ailments increase while the person is confined to a room, also in the warmth and toward evening, and they are relieved in the open, cool air.

There ensues a desquamation of cells of the epidermis and the epithelium, which have been loosened from their connection because they were not sufficiently provided with oxygen. The scaling off of these epithelial cells is followed by catarrhs with a secretion of yellow mucus.

Therapeutically, Potassium sulphate answers to the process of desquamation which takes places after scarlatina, measles, erysipelas of the face, etc.

It also cures laryngeal catarrh, and catarrhs of the bronchia, of the conjunctiva, of the mucous membranes of the nostrils, etc., where the secretion has the above mentioned characteristics; also a catarrh of the stomach, when the tongue has a yellowish mucous coating; also a catarrh of the middle ear and renal catarrh.

Potassium sulphate effects the access of oxygen, and this hastens the formation of new cells of the epidermis and of the epithelium, whereby the cells that have been loosened from their connection are thrown off.

Also in inorganic nature, sulphates and iron serve for the transfer of oxygen. When in the surface layer of the earth a sulphate and any oxide of iron come into contact with organic substances undergoing decomposition, they surrender their oxygen and form sulphuret of iron. This may be again decomposed through the access of new oxygen, so that sulphuric acid and some oxide of iron will be formed, with under suitable conditions will again transfer their oxygen.

Magnesium phosphate (Magnesia phosphorica).

Magnesium phosphate is present in the red blood cells, muscles, brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, and teeth. It plays a fundamental role in maintaining neuromuscular stability and regulating nerve function.

When the molecular activity of magnesium phosphate is disrupted within the nerves, it can lead to pain, cramps, and even paralysis. The resulting pain is often characterized by a sharp, shooting sensation—resembling electric shocks—or by deep, boring pain. These may alternate with or be accompanied by a sensation of constriction. The pain may also shift in location, but tends to follow a recognizable pattern: it is typically relieved by warmth and firm pressure, while light touch aggravates it.

Magnesium phosphate is especially effective in treating:

• Headaches, facial neuralgia, toothaches, and limb pain—when these follow the described pattern
• Stomach cramps and abdominal pain, particularly those radiating from the umbilical region. These are often relieved by hot beverages, bending forward, or applying pressure to the abdomen, and may be associated with watery diarrhea
• A variety of spasmodic conditions, including:
  • Spasms of the glottis
  • Whooping cough
  • Trismus (lockjaw)
  • Muscle cramps, particularly in the calves
  • Hiccups
  • Tetanus
  • Chorea (St. Vitus’ dance)
  • Spasmodic retention of urine

In all such cases, magnesium phosphate acts as a regulator of nerve function, calming excessive nerve excitability and restoring normal muscular response.

Sodium chloride (Natrum muriaticum).

Water introduced into the digestive tract—whether through drinking or from food—is absorbed into the bloodstream via the epithelial cells of the mucous membranes. This process is facilitated by the presence of sodium chloride (common salt) in these cells and in the blood, as salt is well known for its ability to attract and retain water.

Water is essential for hydrating all bodily tissues, especially the cells. Every cell contains sodium (soda), and the nascent chlorine released from sodium chloride (Natrum muriaticum) in the intercellular fluid binds with this sodium. The resulting sodium chloride attracts water into the cell, causing the cell to expand and divide. This mechanism is essential for cell growth and proliferation. Without the formation of sodium chloride within cells, water remains trapped in the intercellular space, leading to a condition known as hydraemia (an excess of water in the blood and tissues).

Patients suffering from hydraemia often exhibit a pale, bloated face and general fatigue. They may feel constantly sleepy, emotionally low, and prone to tears. These individuals tend to feel cold, particularly in their extremities, and often experience a chill along the spine. They frequently crave salt—reflecting the cells' deficiency and "demand" for it—but even when large amounts of salt are consumed, their condition does not improve. This is because cells can only absorb sodium chloride in highly diluted (attenuated) forms.

In such cases, excess sodium chloride in the intercellular fluid can produce additional symptoms. Patients may notice a salty taste in their mouth due to irritation of the glossopharyngeal and lingual nerves, and may develop corrosive mucous membrane discharges or skin lesions—a condition sometimes referred to as "salt-rheum."

In healthy epithelial cells lining the serous cavities, sodium chloride regulates the transfer of water from arterial blood into these sacs. When the molecular activity of sodium chloride is impaired, water may abnormally accumulate in these cavities. This pathological transudation can often be reversed by administering minimal (attenuated) doses of sodium chloride, which restore the cells' ability to reabsorb the fluid.

Functional disturbances of sodium chloride in the epithelial cells of the lacrimal or salivary glands can result in excessive tear or saliva production (lachrymation or salivation). If an irritation of a dental branch of the trigeminal nerve affects the secretory fibers of the sympathetic nervous system, it may disrupt sodium chloride function in the salivary glands, causing toothache accompanied by excessive salivation.

In the mucous membrane of the intestinal canal, sodium chloride facilitates the absorption of ingested water into the blood via the portal vein. If the epithelial cells' function is impaired—often by irritation—a reverse flow may occur: water moves from the blood into the intestinal canal, resulting in watery diarrhea. If the irritation also affects the mucous-producing cells, the diarrhea may include both water and mucus.

Under normal conditions, mucin (a component of mucus) appears on mucosal surfaces as a clear, glassy substance. If mucous cells lack adequate sodium chloride and mucin, the secretion of mucus falls below normal levels, compromising mucosal protection.

Carbonic acid in the blood also plays a regulatory role. Through its expansive effect, it liberates chlorine from the sodium chloride stored in the epithelial cells of the peptic glands. The freed soda binds with carbonic acid and is reabsorbed into the bloodstream, while the liberated chlorine combines with hydrogen to form hydrochloric acid, which enters the stomach. If sodium chloride is deficient in these peptic gland cells, hydrochloric acid is not produced. As a result, the stomach compensates by increasing the secretion of alkaline mucus from its surface epithelium, leading to gastric catarrh and, eventually, vomiting of mucus.

A more severe dysfunction of sodium chloride in the stomach may cause serum to leak from the blood vessels into the stomach cavity, resulting in the vomiting of clear fluid—commonly known as water-brash.

When cells located beneath the epidermis lack sodium chloride, they cannot absorb the water meant to nourish them. This results in the formation of vesicles (blisters) as water accumulates and lifts the outer skin layer. These vesicles contain a clear, watery fluid. A similar process can also occur on the conjunctiva of the eye.

Interestingly, dysfunction in sodium chloride metabolism can cause both hypo- and hypersecretory states, even in different parts of the body at the same time. For example, one may observe gastric catarrh with vomiting of water or mucus alongside constipation caused by insufficient mucus secretion in the colon.

Sodium phosphate (Natrum phosphoricum).

Sodium phosphate is found within red blood cells, muscle cells, nerve cells, brain cells, and the intercellular fluids. It plays a crucial role in the decomposition of lactic acid into carbonic acid and water. Sodium phosphate has the capacity to bind carbonic acid, combining with two parts of carbonic acid for every part of phosphoric acid it contains. Once bound, sodium phosphate transports carbonic acid to the lungs. In the lungs, oxygen helps release the loosely attached carbonic acid, which is then exhaled. This exchange allows oxygen to be absorbed by the iron in the red blood cells.

Sodium phosphate is an effective treatment for conditions caused by an excess of lactic acid. It is especially relevant in infants who have been overfed with milk and sugar, resulting in an overproduction of acids. Typical symptoms in such cases include sour belching, vomiting of sour, curd-like masses, yellowish-green diarrhea often described as "hacked," colic, and spasms associated with acidity.

Uric acid is dissolved in the blood through the combined effects of body warmth and sodium phosphate. When sodium phosphate is deficient, uric acid may crystallize and deposit in or around the joints. This leads to podagra (gout) or acute arthritic rheumatism. During an acute gout attack, the amount of uric acid secreted in the urine decreases correspondingly with the amount retained in the affected joints.

Additionally, sodium phosphate aids in the saponification of fatty acids, making it beneficial in treating digestive issues caused or worsened by the consumption of fatty foods.

Sodium sulphate (Natrum sulphuricum).

Sodium sulphate acts in a way that is opposite to sodium chloride. While both attract water, sodium chloride draws water that the body needs for its functions, sodium sulphate attracts the water produced during the breakdown and decay of old cells, helping to remove it from the body.

Sodium chloride promotes the splitting of cells necessary for their multiplication, whereas sodium sulphate helps withdraw water from aging white blood cells (leucocytes), leading to their destruction. Because of this, sodium sulphate can be used as a treatment for leukemia. It also stimulates the epithelial cells and nerves, as will be further explained.

By activating epithelial cells in the urinary tract, sodium sulphate encourages the kidneys to flush out excess water along with waste products of tissue breakdown, which is then expelled as urine through the ureters and bladder.

Sodium sulphate also stimulates the epithelial cells in the biliary ducts, pancreatic ducts, and intestines, promoting the secretion of bile, pancreatic juices, and intestinal fluids. Additionally, it supports the nerves controlling these organs.

If the sensory nerves of the bladder are not adequately stimulated by sodium sulphate, the signal to urinate may not reach consciousness, leading to involuntary urination, or bedwetting. If the motor nerves of the bladder muscle (detrusor) are under-stimulated, urine retention may occur.

Irregular effects of sodium sulphate on the epithelial cells and nerves of the biliary system can cause either a decrease or increase in bile secretion and excretion.

If the motor nerves of the colon are insufficiently influenced by sodium sulphate, constipation and painful gas buildup (flatulent colic) can result.

When the removal of excess water from the spaces between cells is too slow due to impaired sodium sulphate function, a condition called hydraemia occurs. Dysfunction in bile secretion associated with this can lead to illnesses such as chills and fever, bilious fever, influenza, diabetes, edema, and edematous erysipelas. Skin conditions like vesicles containing yellowish fluid, moist herpes, herpes circinnatus, sycotic growths, and catarrh with yellowish-green or green discharge may also develop.

People suffering from hydraemia typically feel worse in humid weather, near bodies of water, or in damp, underground environments, while their condition improves in drier surroundings.

Silicic Acid (Silicea)

Silicic acid is a constituent of the cells in connective tissue, epidermis, hair, and nails.

• Suppurative Centers: When a suppurative (pus-forming) center forms in the connective tissue or skin, Silicea can be used. It helps restore the function of connective tissue cells impaired by the pressure of pus. Once restored, these cells can expel harmful substances (pus), which is then either absorbed by the lymphatics or discharged by spontaneous rupture of the suppurative center.
• Absorption of Effusions: Silicea may promote absorption of blood effusions in any tissue via the lymphatic system. If Calcarea phosphorica fails to reabsorb sero-albuminous exudations in serous sacs, Silicea may be effective, as such delays can result from Silicea deficiency in the subserous connective tissue.
• Chronic Arthritic-Rheumatic Affections: Silicea forms a soluble compound (sodium silicate) with the sodium in urate of soda, facilitating its absorption and elimination through the lymphatics. This makes it useful in treating chronic arthritis and rheumatism as well as renal gravel.
• Perspiration of the Feet: Silicea can restore suppressed foot perspiration, indirectly helping prevent diseases linked to such suppression (e.g., amblyopia, cataract, paralysis).
• Atrophy of Connective Tissue Cells: Gradual loss of Silicea in connective tissue cells can cause atrophy. This condition is common in the external auditory canal of elderly patients, leading to dryness and enlargement of the meatus.

Potency commonly used: 12x trituration.