What is natural silica and what are its uses?
What are they saying about this trendy new discovery, and what are its key uses?
Since ancient times, people have understood the mysterious power of natural minerals and utilized them in medical treatment. Among these natural minerals is the subject of our article: 'natural silica'.
Definition Natural Silica:
It is a natural substance formed by the accumulation of diatoms from the seabed over hundreds of millions of years. It contains a high concentration of natural minerals that generate far-infrared rays, radiating and producing semi-permanent negative ions. Silica is silicon oxide, which is soluble in water.
There are many forms of water-soluble silica, collectively referred to as silicic acid, which are found in surface water and well water in the range of 1–100 mg/L.
Silica-containing minerals or silica itself make up more than 95% of the Earth's crust, and silicon dioxide is also found in many plants that humans regularly consume.
Locations of natural silica ore and how it is extracted:
Natural silica is known as the "miracle ore" in Japan, and is extracted only from the river soils of Hokkaido—Japan's main northern island.
Hokkaido is renowned for producing high-quality stones due to high-temperature and high-pressure conditions.
Types of natural silica:
Silica is divided into two main groups,
Crystalline silica
Amorphous silica.
The most common type of crystalline silica is quartz; other types also exist, but they are less common.
Silica compounds are found throughout the environment in rocks, sand, clay, soil, air, and water.
Properties of Natural Silica:
Natural silica contains a high concentration of natural minerals that generate far-infrared rays, radiating and producing semi-permanent negative ions. These ions are known to promote good health, benefit the skin, enhance muscle relaxation, and stimulate blood circulation in the body. Additionally, negative ions are believed to boost the immune system and increase alertness and focus.
The effect of silica on humans:
Silica is not only found in the environment, but is also used as a food additive and in medicines and vitamins, meaning your body will only absorb a small amount of silica and excrete the rest in urine.
Most silica in the body is in a form called orthosilicic acid.
It is found in your bones, tendons, aorta, liver, and kidneys.
There is no evidence that the presence of small amounts of silica compounds in the environment causes any health effects in humans, as no health effects have been observed from consuming food or drinking water exposed to silica, or from skin exposure to these compounds.
Uses of Silica:
Natural silica is used as a natural remedy to treat injuries and relieve pain. It is also used by Japanese farmers as a nutrient to nourish the soil after the land has been used for growing crops.
Silica is commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products.
Uses of natural silica in personal care:
Silica has a variety of functions in cosmetics and skincare products due to its multifunctional properties. It is a vital mineral required by the human body for strong hair, flexible joints, glowing skin, and strong bones. Additionally, it enhances the overall benefits of Vitamin D, glucosamine, and calcium.
Silica is one of the most widely used ingredients in products like sunscreens and makeup. Below are several applications of its use:
Skincare:
It acts as an exfoliating agent in skincare products such as body washes and face washes due to its abrasive properties. Additionally, spherical silica particles help products spread easily and evenly.
Cosmetics:
Silica has absorbent properties that help products absorb excess oil and sweat from the skin. It spreads easily and does not make makeup cakey.
Hair Care:
Silica is a key element when it comes to hair health.
The efficacy of silica is well-documented and supported by numerous studies, as it strengthens hair and treats hair problems by making it stronger.
It increases its density, eliminates damaged skin cells on the scalp, promotes collagen production, and also enhances hair shine.
Leather Care:
Silica stimulates the rapid regeneration of damaged skin tissue, activates hydroxyl enzymes, and improves skin strength and elasticity. Meticulous analyses of scientific research on silica have reached a clear conclusion that silica is essential for the body to produce and maintain collagen.
Acne treatment:
Silica helps combat acne by detoxifying, boosting collagen production, and rebuilding connective tissue.
Arthritis treatment:
Silica supplements can be beneficial in improving joint flexibility as they strengthen connective tissues by building collagen.
Cardiovascular Health :
Silica may help maintain the health of arteries and veins. This fact has been known since 1958, when it was found that atherosclerotic arteries showed excessively high levels of calcium and lower-than-normal levels of silica.
Dietary Supplements:
In most developed countries, the average person consumes only 20 to 60 milligrams of silica daily, depending on their diet. Studies have shown that people who took silica supplements at a rate of 375 mg daily achieved good results in maintaining their health.
Dental Care and Oral Hygiene:
Since natural silica is a common ingredient found in many personal care products, including toothpaste.
It is used as an abrasive, absorbent, and bulking agent in personal care product formulations, and it is completely safe for use in toothpaste.
It is one of the most widely used ingredients in toothpaste to naturally whiten teeth, as the crystalline structure of silica breaks down and binds with water molecules to create a white, gel-like substance that cleans the teeth.
Practical applications of natural silica:
Tooth Decay: One of the main reasons teeth turn black is tooth decay, which can result from tartar buildup and poor oral hygiene. Therefore, the mouth and teeth must be thoroughly cleaned to prevent decay, which can be achieved through the following:
Using a regular toothbrush and toothpaste
Using floss to remove buildup between teeth
Natural and modern cleaning methods, such as using the smart Miswak brush
Smart Miswak Toothbrush:
This toothbrush delivers highly effective cleaning even without the use of toothpaste, as natural silica powder is integrated into the bristles. The fine, tapered bristles work to clean plaque between teeth and in hard-to-reach areas that are difficult to access with a regular toothbrush. Furthermore, through the negative charges contained in the natural silica, the brush thoroughly removes plaque and tartar deposits.
In the Islamic world, the miswak has been used as a toothbrush for thousands of years, as it also features antibacterial, whitening, and bad breath-fighting properties. Prophet Muhammad encouraged the use of the miswak by practicing it himself and as a religious ritual for essential oral hygiene in Islam. Even today, the miswak is sold for oral cleansing before prayer, and many Muslims carry it in their pockets for ready use, preserving this tradition for over a thousand years.
The Miswak toothbrush consists of bristles made from miswak powder and natural silica. Therefore, the Miswak toothbrush is considered a new and advanced toothbrush that delivers satisfying results due to its effective cleaning power, without the need for toothpaste.
Brush Features:
Reaches places a regular brush can't reach
Easy to carry and store
Compact and lightweight
Its design and appearance are modern and stylish.