Cell salt therapy was developed by a German physician, W. H. Schussler, in the 1870s.

Schuessler developed the Biochemic system using 12 different 'cell salts'.

Schussler studied cremated human bodies, and found that these 12 substances made up the bulk of the remains. From this finding he theorized that these 12 so-called tissue salts are responsible for the harmonious functioning of the human organism. Disease follows when a person becomes deficient in any of the 12 salts.

On a cellular level, chelated trace minerals are absorbed up to 80 percent better than unchelated or inorganic minerals. Typical cell salts include magnesium phosphate, calcium sulfate, silica oxide, etc. They are usually taken in tablet form and placed under the tongue to dissolve.

Cell Salts are created following the principles of homeopathy, which works somewhat to the reverse of modern medicine, in that the smaller the dose, the more effective it is believed to be.  Schuessler believed that the salts provided adequate nutrition to the cells. If cell nutrition was adequate, then cell metabolism would be normal, and the body would be healthy.