What is natural silica and what are its uses?
What was said about this new modern discovery and what are its most important uses?
Since ancient times, people have understood the mysterious power of natural raw materials and utilized them in medical treatment. Among these natural raw materials is the subject of our article, which is "natural silica" .
Definition of 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 create far-infrared rays, which radiate and generate semi-permanent negative ions. Silica is silicon dioxide, which is soluble in water.
There are many forms of water-soluble silica, collectively referred to as silicic acid, which are found in surface 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 regularly consumed by humans.
Where natural silica raw material is found and how it is extracted:
Natural silica is known as the "miracle ore" in Japan and is extracted exclusively from the soil of the rivers of Hokkaido – the main northern island of Japan
where Hokkaido is famous 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
Non-crystalline 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 create far-infrared rays, which radiate and generate semi-permanent negative ions known to promote good health, benefit the skin, enhance muscle relaxation, and stimulate blood circulation in the body. Negative ions are also believed to improve the immune system and increase alertness and focus.
Effect of silica on humans:
Silica is not only found in the environment, but is also used as a food additive and in pharmaceuticals and vitamins, meaning that your body will absorb only 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 appear 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 as a pain reliever. Japanese farmers also use it as a nutrient to nourish the soil after growing produce.
Silica is commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products.
Uses of natural silica in personal care:
Silica has a range 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. It also increases the overall benefits of Vitamin D, glucosamine, and calcium.
Silica is one of the most widely used ingredients in products such as sunscreens and makeup. The following are several applications of its uses:
Skincare:
It acts as an exfoliating agent in skincare products like body washes and face washes due to its abrasive properties. Furthermore, 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.
Haircare:
Silica is a key element when it comes to hair health.
The efficiency of silica is documented and supported by many studies as it strengthens hair and treats hair problems by making it stronger.
It increases hair density, eliminates damaged skin cells on the scalp, promotes collagen production, and enhances hair shine.
Skin Care:
Silica stimulates the rapid regrowth of damaged skin tissue, activates hydroxyl enzymes, and improves skin strength and elasticity. Rigorous scientific analyses on silica have led to a clear conclusion that silica is essential for the body to produce and maintain collagen.
Acne Treatment:
Silica helps combat acne by removing toxins, increasing collagen production, and rebuilding connective tissues.
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 healthy arteries and veins. This fact has been known since 1958 when it was found that arteriosclerosis showed excessively high levels when using calcium and lower-than-normal levels when using silica.
Nutritional Supplements:
In most developed countries, the average person ingests only between 20 to 60 milligrams of silica daily, depending on their diet. Studies have shown that people who took silica supplements at an average 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 formulations and is completely safe to use in toothpaste.
It is one of the most widely used materials in toothpastes to whiten teeth naturally, as the crystalline structure of silica breaks down and binds with water molecules, creating a white gelatinous 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 cleaned well to prevent decay, which is done through the following:
Using a regular toothbrush and paste
Using floss to remove deposits between teeth
Natural and modern cleaning methods such as using a smart Miswak brush
Smart Miswak Brush:
This brush has high cleaning effects without using toothpaste, as it makes it possible to blend natural silica powder into the bristles of the brush. The thin, tapered bristles clean tartar between teeth and in hard-to-reach areas using a regular toothbrush, and through the negative charges contained in natural silica material, the brush cleans deposits and tartar effectively.
In the Islamic world, the Miswak has been used as a toothbrush for thousands of years, as the Miswak also has antibacterial, whitening, and breath-freshening effects. Prophet Muhammad encouraged the use of Miswak as a religious practice for basic oral hygiene. Even today, Miswak is sold for oral cleaning before prayer, and many Muslims carry it in their pockets for ready use, keeping this tradition alive for over a thousand years.
The Miswak brush consists of bristles made of Miswak powder and natural silica. Therefore, the Miswak toothbrush is considered a new and advanced toothbrush that gives satisfying results due to its cleaning effect without using toothpaste.
Features of the Brush:
Reaches places a regular brush cannot reach
Easy to carry and store
Small size and lightweight
Modern and trendy design