Sschussler’s 12 tissue salts are a great way to support your family.
I would heartily recommend trying one to start with for a particular issue you might have. I seem to remember starting with Ferrum Phos when I was much younger to boost my energy levels, and I found it worked very well; I used it instead of iron tablets.
There are only twelve of them, making the set relatively inexpensive, and they are readily available online and at health food stores.
To make full use of them, be sure to get a good reference book. There are many.
A popular one that is simple to use is “Homeopathic Cell Salt Remedies: Healing with Nature’s Twelve Mineral Compounds” by Nigey Lennon and Lionel Rolfe.
What are cell/tissue salts?

Dr. Schuessler was a medical doctor, a physiological chemist, and a physicist. He managed to create this unique system of cellular therapeutics in the nineteenth century by identifying the primary organic salts that the body requires.
The twelve biochemic remedies of Schuessler are often referred to as mineral salts, tissue salts, or cell salts. They are not drugs. They provide the system with any deficient inorganic elements, prepared homeopathically, in an extremely finely subdivided form. This form ensures their ready assimilation and a speedy response from the body.
We often think of “salt” as the seasoning we add to our food. This salt, which we know as sodium chloride, is one of the twelve tissue salts and is known by its Latin name — Nat. Mur.
Tissue salts are beneficial for our general health, including that of very young babies. They are compounded in a simple maltose or lactose base that dissolves rapidly in the mouth, and are safe even if accidentally taken in a larger dose. (As with all therapeutic substances, keep them out of reach of young children and do not treat them as ‘sweets’ though.)
Below is a high-level summary of some of the twelve cell salts, along with examples of their applications (this is only a brief overview of the topic, though).
Nat Mur (Sodium Chloride)
Use this tissue salt when there are watery symptoms such as tearing, a running nose or urinating too much. It’s also great for bringing up a sweat in hot weather. Symptoms are worse in hot weather and the evening. Symptoms may be too dry in some places and too wet in others.
Nat Phos (Sodium Phosphate)
Look for yellow excretions, particularly in the eyes or dripping from the nose. This is also the remedy for acidic conditions, such as a sour stomach.
Nat Sulph (Sodium Sulphate)
This is the remedy for symptoms that worsen in the morning, regardless of their nature.
Kali Mur (Potassium Chloride)
This remedy is for white secretions. Think pimples with white stuff inside. It’s also for clear, egg white, slimy secretions. The primary difference between Nat Mur and Kali Mur lies in whether the substance feels watery (Nat Mur) or slippery (Kali Mur). Symptoms worsen with motion or consumption of rich and fatty foods.
Kali Phos (Potassium Phosphate)
This is the ultimate cell salt remedy for ‘nerves’. You can bang your thumb and experience nerve pain, or perhaps have a headache and feel pain (these are nerve-related symptoms), or you can feel nervous or stressed. Those with nerve or pain issues should try Kali Phos. Symptoms are relieved by gentle motion, eating, rest, excitement, or anything that diverts the mind.
Kali Sulph (Potassium Sulphate)
This remedy is used for all symptoms that are worse in the evening. It’s also an excellent skin remedy for yellow secretions. Symptoms worsen in a warm room and improve in cool, fresh air.
Calc Phos (Calcium Phosphate)
We have 57% of this salt in our bones, making it great for alleviating bone aches and growing pains. A combination of two can be beneficial for pain and nerve issues, such as Kali Phos for pain and nerves, and Calc Phos for bones. It’s also good for teeth. Symptoms are relieved by rest, warmth and lying down.
Calc Fluor (Calcium Fluoride)
This remedy is excellent for the tissue that holds us all together, called connective tissue. It’s great for strained backs, varicose veins and haemorrhoids. It’s part of the enamel of the teeth. The symptoms worsen in damp weather and are relieved by rubbing.
Calc Sulph (Calcium Sulphate)
Along with Kali Sulph, this is an excellent skin remedy. This one is used when the skin’s healing process is slow. This also means the skin constantly has problems. Symptoms worsen when exposed to water, such as during washing or working in water.
Ferrum Phos (Iron Phosphate)
This is the remedy to take when there is any inflammation or anything that causes redness, such as sore throats or fevers accompanied by a red face. It builds blood, so it’s great when you’re tired. Some use it as an alternative to iron tablets with success. Symptoms worsen with motion and are relieved by cold.
Mag Phos (Magnesium Phosphate)
This is an excellent remedy for cramps, spasms or convulsions. It can be taken with Kali Phos (for nerves and pain). Symptoms worsen in cold air, when exposed to water, and upon touch. They improve with heat, firm pressure, friction, and bending. Sometimes putting it in warm water increases its effectiveness.
Silicea (Silica)
This remedy is found in hair, nails, skin and the covering of bones and nerves. It’s an excellent skin remedy. For example, if you have boils or pimples that haven’t come to a head, then Silicea is the remedy. If the skin problem isn’t healing, then use Calc Sulph.
Combinations
These days, it is also possible to purchase combinations of these salts that are commonly useful for specific purposes. I have listed them below.
It is convenient to have the combination rather than juggle several containers of pills, but you can, of course, combine pills from the original 12 to achieve the same results.
A – Sciatica Neuralgia Neuritis – contains: Ferr. Phos, Kali Phos, Mag Phos.
B – Nervous Exhaustion & General Debility – contains: Calc. Phos, Ferr. Phos, Kali. Phos.
C – Acidity, Heartburn & Dyspepsia – contains: Mag. Phos, Nat. Phos, Nat. Sulp., Silica
D – Minor Skin Ailments – contains: Calc. Sulph., Kali. Mur., Kali. Sulph., Silica
E – Indigestion, Colicky Pain & Flatulence – contains: Calc Phos, Mag Phos, Nat. Phos, Nat. Sulp.
F – Migraine Nervous Headache – contains: Kali. Phos, Mag. Phos, Nat. Mur.
G – Backache and Lumbago – contains: Calc. Fluor., Calc. Phos., Kali. Phos, Nat. Mur.
H – Hayfever; Allergic Rhinitis – contains: Mag. Phos, Nat. Mur., Silica
J – Coughs, Colds & Chestiness – contains: Ferr. Phos, Kali Mur., Nat. Mur.
K – Brittle Nails & Falling Hair – contains: Kali. Sulph., Nat. Mur. , Silica
L – Varicose Veins Circulatory Disorders – contains: Calc. Fluor., Ferr. Phos, Nat. Mur.
M – Rheumatism – contains: Calc Phos, Kali. Mur., Nat. Phos, Nat. Sulph.
P – Aching Feet and Legs – contains: Calc. Fluor., Calc. Phos., Kali. Phos, Mag. Phos.
Q – Catarrh; Sinus Disorders – contains: Ferr. Phos, Kali Mur, Kali Sulph., Nat. Mur.
R – Teething Pains – contains: Calc. Fluor. , Calc. Phos., Ferr. Phos, Mag. Phos, Silica. Postmenopausal women sometimes take this one as a calcium supplement.
S – Sick Headache, Stomach Upsets, Biliousness – contains: Kali. Mur. , Nat. Phos, Nat. Sulp.