In Germany, Schuessler salts are a common household remedy. They should make it easier for you to lose weight. They were discovered by the doctor Dr. Wilhelm Heinrich Schuessler (1821–1898) (1.2). While studying the cell structure, he found certain minerals and trace elements. These were always involved in the same processes of the organs. He defined the 12 most important ones as the 12 Schuessler salts. He wanted to make it possible for everyone to be able to relieve symptoms with these remedies.
However, there are no studies that prove their effectiveness, which is why they are only used as a supplement. Nevertheless, Schuessler salts are very popular, especially when losing weight. But does it really work? In the following we will therefore explain what Schuessler salts are, what the salts are used for, how they should be taken and which ones are suitable for losing weight.
the essentials in brief
- There are no studies that prove the influence of Schuessler salts on the body. They are therefore considered unsuitable for treating diseases.
- As an alternative healing method, however, the salts are used as a support. One area of application is losing weight with Schuessler salts, as it is supposed to stimulate the metabolism.
- A placebo effect could be demonstrated. This is often underestimated, but it also leads to the desired result and should therefore not be neglected.
Losing weight with Schuessler salts: What you should know
As already mentioned, there are no studies that prove the effectiveness of Schuessler salts(3). Therefore, they cannot cure diseases, instead they are used to support a treatment. A particularly much-discussed topic is losing weight with Schuessler salts, since they can be used by any man or woman (4).
In the following we will explain the pros and cons, how to take them and which ones to use to lose weight. In the conclusion we summarize everything again and answer whether losing weight with Schuessler salts makes sense or not.
What speaks for or against Schuessler salts?
dr In his studies of body cells, Schuessler discovered that there are various mineral salts involved in the processes (5). Ingestion is not necessarily about supplying certain minerals.
There are now even more Schuessler salts than the original 12 numbers. However, these are the most important. (Image Source: A_Different_Perspective / Pixabay)
It's much more about balancing the minerals in the body. dr Schuessler was of the opinion that the salts could stimulate cells, stimulate the metabolism and thus activate the body's self-healing mechanisms. That's supposed to help with weight loss. It is also said to normalize the insulin cycle and thus prevent the formation of fat deposits.
The placebo effect can also help with weight loss.
However, there is no study that supports his thesis. However, a placebo effect has been demonstrated (6). This should not be underestimated, because it can also lead to the desired goal.
What exactly are Schuessler salts and which ones are there?
Schuessler salts are not real salt, but rather minerals and trace elements such as magnesium. dr Schuessler defined the following 12 most important minerals and trace elements and their area of application.
| number/name | Application* |
|---|---|
| #1 Calcium fluoratum | Development of supporting and connective tissue, hard enamel, bones. Elasticity for tendons and ligaments |
| No. 2 Calcium phosphoricum | Forming hard bone mass, alleviating teething problems |
| No. 3 Ferrum phosphoricum (inflammatory agent 1) | Stimulate blood circulation, help with concentration problems, strengthen the immune system |
| #4 Potassium Chloratum (Inflammatory #2) | Wound healing, irritation, inflammation |
| No. 5 Potassium phosphoricum | Stress and exhaustion, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, patchy hair loss |
| No. 6 potassium sulfuricum (inflammatory agent 3) | Detoxification, inflammation (skin), hair growth, fatigue, upsets |
| No. 7 Magnesium phosphoricum | Muscle cramps, headache, toothache |
| No. 8 sodium chloratum | Regulation of fluid balance, edema, dry skin, watery rhinitis |
| No. 9 Sodium phosphoricum | Balancing acid-base balance, stimulating metabolism, together with No. 10 help with dyslipidemia |
| No. 10 Sodium sulfuricum | Excess water, edema, varicose veins, flatulence, rheumatic pains |
| No. 11 Silicea | Strengthening tendons, cartilage, connective tissue and bones, skin injuries, hair loss, brittle nails |
| No. 12 Calcium sulfuricum | Purulent inflammation, chronic rheumatic pain |
*The effect of Schuessler salts has not been proven in studies.
How are Schuessler salts taken?
The tablets are placed on the tongue until dissolved in the mouth. The salts, which are actually minerals, should then be absorbed by the oral mucosa and thus enter the body. Since these tablets are usually based on milk sugar/lactose, alcoholic drops or lactose-free globules are used in the case of lactose intolerance.
When you lose weight, Schuessler salts can have a supportive effect and help you. (Image Source: Elnur Amikishiyev / 123rf)
Since the dosage in the tablets themselves is very low, many tablets are usually administered per day. The example of D6 is often given, since even 1,000 tablets still contain less than 1 mg of minerals.
Side effects are excluded.
It is therefore not surprising that overdoses are almost impossible and therefore no side effects occur. In general, for acute symptoms, one tablet is taken every 5 minutes until improvement occurs. In the case of chronic complaints, on the other hand, 1 to 2 tablets are taken 3-6 times a day. It should always be taken half an hour before or after a meal.
Which Schuessler salts are taken when losing weight?
In order to achieve a certain effect, certain combinations should be consumed when losing weight with Schuessler salts. In the following section we have listed different combinations, which are given by other guides. Nevertheless, we want to emphasize again that there are no studies on its effectiveness.
| number/name | Application |
|---|---|
| #4 | Alleviate cravings, eliminate toxins, strengthen circulation, sluggishness |
| #9 | Alleviate appetite for greasy food, increase thirst, increase desire to exercise, lower blood lipid levels |
| #10 | Stimulating fat metabolism, strengthening digestion, stimulating metabolism, strengthening circulation, reducing water retention |
Salts 5, 9 and 10 are recommended for obesity : (8) The Schuessler salts 5, 9 and 10 should help here. They should be taken as follows:
- Before breakfast: No. 5 potassium phosphoricum D6
- Before lunch: No. 10 sodium sulfuricum D6
- Before dinner: No. 9 sodium phosphoricum D6
Five tablets of each of the three salts are dissolved in hot water and drunk in sips.
Salts 4, 8, 9, 10 are recommended for long-term weight loss : (9)
The salts should be taken in the morning, at noon and in the evening in the form of 2 tablets each. They should be taken over a longer period of about 4 to 8 weeks.
Conclusion
Doubts about losing weight with Schuessler salts are justified, as there is no scientific study that proves their effectiveness. One should therefore not have false hopes when using Schuessler salts, as they are said to help with almost everything. They are also not a therapy for serious illnesses.
On the other hand, the Schuessler salts are only used as a support, whereby the placebo effect certainly comes into play. This one should not be underestimated because it has already helped many. In addition, the dosage in the tablets is so low that there is no health risk. Everyone should therefore decide for themselves whether they believe in Schuessler salts and want to use them to help them lose weight.
References
- Rehberg, C. (March 7, 2021). Schuessler salts - salts of life. From Center of Health Source
- Wolf, E., & Roedermark. (2005). Schuessler's biochemical healing method. From Pharmazeitische Zeitung Source
- Wipplinger, J. (July 31, 2017). Schuessler salts: Studies are lacking. From Medicine Transparent Source
- Wagner, H. (2009). Lose weight according to type with Schuessler salts. Munich: Southwest. Source
- Marbach, E. (2009). Schuessler salts pocket pharmacy: The Schuessler salts handbook for your vest pocket. Source
- Lenz, D. (June 8, 2015). Schuessler salts and homeopathy in the focus of current studies. From Research & Science Source
- Weight loss tricks and weight loss tips. (2015). Lose weight with Schuessler salts - better, faster, more effective! From Weight Loss Tricks and Weight Loss Trips Source
- Fechter, M. (September 4, 2019). Schuessler salts: lose weight. From My Life Source
- OMP Pharmacy. (nd). Schuessler Salts Metabolism Cure No. 4, 8, 9, 10. From OMP Pharmacy Source
