The small lactose tablets sold as "biochemic" — where they come from, how they relate to homoeopathy, what combination products are, and what to keep in mind before using them.
Biochemic tablets are sold in almost every homoeopathic pharmacy in India, often as numbered or named "combination" products for common complaints. Patients frequently ask what they are and whether they are the same as homoeopathic medicines.
The biochemic system was developed in the 1870s by Dr. Wilhelm Heinrich Schüssler, a German physician who had practised homoeopathy. He proposed that a small set of mineral salts — twelve "tissue salts" — are essential to the body's cells, and that illness could be addressed by giving these salts in small, prepared doses.
Tissue salts are sold either singly or as fixed combinations marketed for a named complaint. Combination products are convenient, but they are not individualised, and the label name of a complaint is not a diagnosis.
A proper label shows the full name, potency, manufacturer, licence number, batch number and date. Avoid unlabelled packets and loose tablets. A product that promises to fix a long list of complaints is a reason for caution, not confidence.
Read also buying genuine homoeopathic medicines and potency explained.
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Tablets of twelve mineral 'tissue salts' prepared with lactose in low potencies, based on the biochemic system developed by Dr. Wilhelm Heinrich Schüssler in the 1870s.
They are prepared in a similar way and sold alongside homoeopathic medicines, but the original biochemic theory differs from homoeopathy's principle of similars.
They are generally low-dose, but they are not individualised and can delay diagnosis of problems like anaemia or thyroid disease. Ask your doctor, and include them on your medicine list.
They are made with lactose. Mention it if you are lactose intolerant or diabetic.
This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Homoeopathic treatment is individualised; responses vary from person to person and no specific outcome is promised or guaranteed. Continue any medication prescribed by your treating doctor, and seek urgent local medical care for any warning sign described above.
Related reading: Potency explained · Buying genuine medicines · Two medicines together · Homeopathy guide