Selenium – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Composition, And More

What is Selenium?

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that plays a vital role in various bodily functions. It is found in soil, water, and certain foods, such as seafood, meat, and nuts. Selenium is a micronutrient and a critical trace element vital for many bodily functions. This essential mineral is necessary for the antioxidant defense system, as it aids in the formation of antioxidants that protect cells against damage from free radicals. Its role is pivotal in thyroid function, DNA synthesis, and the body’s immune response to infection.

Homoeopathy values Selenium for its ability to treat a variety of conditions, with a focus on diseases related to oxidative stress and thyroid imbalances. The principles of homeopathy, which employ highly diluted substances to trigger the body’s natural healing response, broaden Selenium’s therapeutic uses without the concerns of acute toxicity that high doses may cause.

Selenium Chemical Constituents

• Selenium Trifluoride: Selenium trifluoride is another form of Selenium commonly used in homeopathy. It is derived from fluorine, which is found naturally.
• Selenium diiodide: Selenium diiodide is also used in homeopathy. It is a form of Selenium that is obtained by adding iodine to a solution of selenium trifluoride.
• Though not directly used as dietary sources of Selenium, these compounds are important in chemical industries. They may also be used in specific homeopathic formulations.
• Selenium Sulphide: Commonly found in anti-dandruff shampoos, Selenium sulfide, in its topical form, also plays a role in anti-infective skin care.
• Selenocysteine: This amino acid is unique to selenoproteins and is responsible for their antioxidant and other beneficial properties. Integral to the structure of certain enzymes, it provides essential antioxidant activity necessary for cell protection.
• Selenomethionine: This is another form of Selenium found in some foods and supplements. Incorporated into body proteins in place of methionine, this organic form of Selenium mimics the role of amino acids and helps with the storage of Selenium in the body.
• Sodium selenite: This is a water-soluble form of Selenium used in some supplements and medications. It is often included in supplements in a readily absorbable form, aiding in optimizing the body’s antioxidant capabilities.

Selenium Homoeopathic Preparation

In homeopathy, Selenium is primarily used in the form of a mother tincture, which is prepared by macerating the dried seeds of the selenium plant in a mixture of alcohol and water. This concentrated extract captures the therapeutic properties of the whole plant.

• Select the form of Selenium needed: Selenium can be taken in various forms, such as selenium tincture, selenium powder, and selenium mother tincture. Each form has its potential benefits, and the choice of form will depend on the individual’s health needs.
• Check for selenium supplements in the medicine cabinet: If the individual is already taking selenium supplements, it is important to check the label to ensure that the form of Selenium used is compatible with the homeopathy preparation.
• Gather the necessary equipment: To prepare selenium homeopathy, the individual will need a clean, dry place, a glass mortar and pestle, a dropper, and the desired form of Selenium.
• Crush the Selenium: Depending on its form, it may need to be crushed into a fine powder. For selenium tincture, simply add a few drops of tincture to a glass mortar and pestle and crush the mineral until it forms a fine powder. For selenium powder, grind it in a spice grinder or an electric coffee grinder until it is finely ground.
• Prepare the water: Once the Selenium is crushed, the individual should prepare the water for the dilution. The water should be distilled and cooled to room temperature before use.
• Dilute the Selenium: Using the dropper, the individual should mix the selenium powder with a small amount of water. The dilution should be based on the individual’s health needs and the form of Selenium being used.
• Store the preparation: Once the preparation is complete, it should be stored in a clean, dry container and refrigerated until it is ready for use.

Selenium Mother Tincture

The mother tincture of Selenium is diluted in water or alcohol and taken orally to treat various ailments. It is important to note that Selenium should never be taken in its raw form, as it can be toxic. Mother tincture refers to the initial extract and is the base from which all homeopathic potencies are derived. In the case of Selenium:

• Mother tinctures can offer support for chronic fatigue due to thyroid issues.
• They are used in homeopathic regimens aiming at male reproductive health and hair loss.
• Mother tinctures are orally ingested in drops, often in conjunction with a treatment strategy developed by a homeopathic practitioner.

Benefits of Selenium

Selenium is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and well-being of the human body. Here are some of the potential benefits of Selenium:

• Antioxidant protection: Selenium is a potent antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause damage to cells and contribute to aging. Selenium helps to neutralize these free radicals and protect cells from damage.
• Anti-inflammatory effects: Selenium has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Inflammation is a natural response to injury or illness. Still, chronic inflammation has been linked to a variety of health conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
• Immune support: Selenium supports the immune system by enhancing the function of immune cells. It can help to boost the body’s ability to fight off infections and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
• Thyroid health: Selenium is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy use, and other bodily functions. A deficiency in Selenium can lead to a variety of thyroid-related conditions, including hypothyroidism and Graves’ disease.
• Cancer prevention: Some studies suggest that Selenium may have anti-cancer properties, potentially reducing the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
• Heart health: Selenium is important for maintaining healthy blood vessels, which can improve cardiovascular health.
• Bone health: Selenium is important for maintaining healthy bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
• Skin health: Selenium may help to improve skin health by reducing the risk of acne and improving skin elasticity and firmness.
• Mental health: Selenium is important for maintaining healthy brain function and reducing the risk of depression and other mental health disorders.

What does Selenium Treat?

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that has gained attention for its potential health benefits. While more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness, some studies suggest that Selenium may be beneficial for treating various conditions. Here are some of the conditions that Selenium may help treat:

• Skin disorders: Selenium is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. These conditions can cause itching, redness, flakiness, and inflammation of the skin.
• Hair loss: Selenium is believed to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.
• Thyroid problems: Selenium is essential for thyroid hormone production and can help treat thyroid disorders. Thyroid problems can cause a variety of symptoms, including weight gain, weight loss, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.
• Immune system disorders: Selenium supports the immune system and can help prevent infections. A weakened immune system can increase the risk of developing infections, autoimmune disorders, and chronic diseases.
• Cancer prevention: Some studies suggest that Selenium may have anti-cancer properties, potentially reducing the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
• Selenium is said to treat:
  • Conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can be treated through its anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Thyroid dysfunction and contribute to the treatment of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
  • Male reproductive issues include infertility, nightfall, Azoospermia and low sperm motility.

Selenium Homeopathic Uses

• Homeopathic remedies: Selenium is used in homeopathic combination remedies to treat a range of health issues.
• Selenium tincture: Selenium tincture is a popular form of selenium homeopathy preparation. It is made by dissolving Selenium in alcohol and water, and it is available in various potencies and concentrations.
• Selenium mother tincture: Selenium mother tincture is a concentrated form of selenium homeopathy preparation that is made by steeping the selenium powder in a solvent, such as alcohol or a mixture of alcohol and water. The mother tincture is then filtered to remove the insoluble matter, and the solvent is evaporated, leaving behind the diluted Selenium.
• Selenium powder: Selenium powder is another form of selenium homeopathy preparation that is commonly used in tablet form. It is made by crushing the selenium mineral and mixing it with other ingredients, such as excipients, to form a powder.
• Supplements: Selenium supplements are available in various forms, such as tablets, capsules, and liquids.

Selenium Dosage

The dosage of Selenium homeopathic preparations is highly individualized and will depend on a variety of factors, including the health status of the person, the condition being treated, and the potency of the preparation. Dosing for Selenium in homeopathy can be quite personalized, but general guidelines include:

• Acute conditions might call for more frequent dosing, such as every few hours, and then tapering as symptoms improve.
• Chronic cases often require less frequent doses, possibly one to three times a day.

However, some advice for dosage or type of medicine can be provided:

• Selenium tincture: For acute conditions, 2-5 drops of selenium tincture 3-4 times a day may be recommended. For chronic conditions, 5-10 drops 2-3 times a day may be suggested.
• Selenium mother tincture: For acute conditions, 5-7 drops 3-4 times a day may be recommended. For chronic conditions, 10-15 drops 2-3 times a day may be suggested.
• Selenium powder: Dosage recommendations for selenium powder will vary depending on the form of the preparation, but 1-2 grains may be suggested as a starting dose 3-4 times a day.

Selenium Dosage for Adults

For adults, dosing varies on the health condition but typically ranges from:

• A low frequency for chronic preventive usage.
• Potencies and frequencies can be higher for acute symptomatic relief.
• For adults, the typical dosage of Selenium mother tincture is 5-10 drops, taken 2-3 times daily. The dosage may be adjusted based on the severity of the condition and the patient’s response to the medication.

Selenium Dosage for Children

For children, it is recommended to:

• Proceed with caution and under the guidance of a professional.
• Adjust dosing according to age and size, potentially at a fraction of the adult dose.
• A qualified healthcare practitioner should determine children’s dosage. It is generally recommended that children use a lower dosage than adults and dilute the mother tincture in water before administering it.

Who should avoid Selenium?

The following individuals should not use Selenium:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Selenium can cross the placenta and enter breast milk, potentially harming the baby.
• Individuals with kidney disease: Selenium can be toxic to the kidneys.
• People with thyroid disorders: Selenium can interfere with thyroid hormone production.

Side Effects and Risks of Using of Selenium

While generally considered safe for most people, high doses of Selenium can be toxic and lead to adverse effects. Some potential side effects of taking too much Selenium include:

• Nausea and vomiting: In some cases, high doses of Selenium can cause nausea and vomiting.
• Headache and dizziness: High doses of Selenium can also cause headaches and dizziness.
• Hair loss: High doses of Selenium can lead to hair loss.
• Thyroid problems: Long-term high doses of Selenium can cause thyroid problems, including hypothyroidism.

If you want to avoid potential risks or side effects, It is essential to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a healthcare professional before using any selenium homeopathic remedies.

References

• The Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States
• Materia Medica of Homoeopathic Medicines
• The Encyclopedia of Homeopathy
• https://www.researchgate.net/publication/317639277_Investigation_the_influence_of_selenium_homeopathic_preparation_on_bovine_sperm_mitochondrial_activity_A_preliminary_study
• https://www.drhomeo.com/medicine/selenium-homeopathic-medicine-its-use-indications-and-dosage/
• https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1016/S0007-0785%2861%2980003-3
• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dhafer-Aziz/publication/317639277_Investigation_the_influence_of_selenium_homeopathic_preparation_on_bovine_sperm_mitochondrial_activity_A_preliminary_study/links/59454204aca2722db4a25f8c/Investigation-the-influence-of-selenium-homeopathic-preparation-on-bovine-sperm-mitochondrial-activity-A-preliminary-study.pdf
• https://homeobel.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Hom-et-THAD-4d52324ecb8f73db24d35fac0de6a5174e75ef908e6611da99bf01efa49f08b0.pdf
• https://openscholar.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/1059
• https://pubs.aip.org/aip/acp/article-abstract/3011/1/020045/2907898/The-effect-of-nano-selenium-on-the-intact-prostate?redirectedFrom=fulltext
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14270645/
• https://www.materiamedica.info/en/materia-medica/john-henry-clarke/selenium

FAQs