Silica
DESCRIPTION:
Silica is short for silicon dioxide.
Abundant in the earth’s crust, it is a major component in
beach sand, or quartz. A homeopathic form of silica is called Silicea.
Today, it is most well known for its use in the "silicon
chip". It is also found in silicone implants, dust breathed
in by miners, and silica gel packets, which are used to absorb
moisture in products.
Silicon is necessary for the
development of healthy hair, skin,
nails, and bones.
Estimated recommendations range from
20 to 45 mg daily for adults.
Alzheimer’s disease:
Silicon may be useful in treatment related to Alzheimer’s
disease as an antidote to aluminum.
Heart health:
Silica is currently recommended for the prevention of
cardiovascular disease due to its role in maintaining flexible
arteries.
Nail health:
Silica supplements can benefit cracking or splitting nails.
Aside from silicosis, which refers
to the condition in which silica is taken into the lungs, silica
supplements, herbal and food sources are non-toxic.
INTERACTIONS
AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
There are no known drug interactions
or contra-indications for silica.
Food sources include grain husks,
such as barley, millet, oats, and rice, and green vegetables,
such as artichokes,
asparagus, beets, and bell peppers. Sunflower seeds are another
source of silica.
Supplements are derived from
horsetail. Algae are another rich source of silica.
REFERENCES:
1. Murray M and Pizzorno J.
Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing,
1991.
Related News
Stories
A recent study shows that
homoeopathic treatments may help against hay fever
