What is natural silica and what are its uses?
What people are saying about this trendy new discovery and its key uses
Since ancient times, people have understood the mysterious power of natural minerals and utilized them in medical treatments. Among these natural minerals is the subject of our article: 'natural silica'.
Definition Natural Silica:
It is a natural material formed by the accumulation of diatoms from the seabed over hundreds of millions of years. It contains a high concentration of natural minerals that emit far-infrared rays and generate semi-permanent negative ions. Silica is silicon oxide and is water-soluble.
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 that humans regularly consume.
Natural silica ore deposits and extraction methods:
Known in Japan as the 'miracle ore,' natural silica is exclusively extracted from the riverbeds 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.
Natural Silica Properties:
Natural silica contains a high concentration of natural minerals that produce far-infrared rays, radiating and generating semi-permanent negative ions. These ions are known for promoting good health, benefiting the skin, enhancing muscle relaxation, and stimulating blood circulation throughout the body. Additionally, negative ions are believed to improve 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 medications and vitamins, meaning your body will only absorb a small amount of silica and excrete the rest in the 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 small amounts of silica compounds found in the environment cause any health effects in humans. No adverse health effects have been observed from consuming food or drinking water exposed to silica, or from skin contact with these compounds.
Uses of Silica:
Natural silica is used as a natural remedy for treating injuries and as a pain reliever. It is also used by Japanese farmers as a nutrient to nourish the soil after crop cultivation.
Silica is commonly used in cosmetics and skincare products.
Uses of natural silica in personal care:
Silica serves 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 commonly used ingredients in products such as sunscreens and makeup. The following are several of its applications:
Skincare:
It acts as an exfoliating agent in skincare products such as body washes and face washes due to its abrasive properties. Additionally, the 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 is easy to apply and does not make makeup look cakey.
Hair Care:
Silica is a key element when it comes to hair health.
The efficacy of silica is documented and supported by numerous studies, as it strengthens hair and addresses hair issues by making it stronger.
It increases hair density, eliminates damaged skin cells on the scalp, boosts collagen production, and enhances hair shine.
Leather Care:
Silica stimulates the rapid regeneration of damaged skin tissue and activates hydroxyl enzymes, enhancing skin strength and elasticity. Rigorous scientific research analyses have concluded 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 tissues.
Arthritis Treatment:
Silica supplements can be beneficial for 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 discovered 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 ingests only 20 to 60 milligrams of silica daily, depending on their diet. Studies have shown that individuals who took silica supplements at a rate of 375 mg per day 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.
Used as an abrasive, absorbent, and bulking agent in personal care product formulations, it is completely safe for use in toothpaste.
It is one of the most widely used ingredients in toothpaste for natural teeth whitening, as the crystalline structure of silica breaks down and binds with water molecules to create a white gelatinous substance that cleans the teeth.
Practical Applications of Natural Silica:
Tooth Decay: One of the primary 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 thoroughly to prevent decay, which can be achieved through the following:
Using a regular toothbrush and toothpaste
Using dental floss to remove plaque between teeth
Natural and modern cleaning methods, such as using the Smart Miswak Brush.
Smart Miswak Brush:
This toothbrush delivers high cleaning performance even without toothpaste, as it features natural silica powder integrated into the bristles. The fine, tapered bristles effectively remove plaque from between the teeth and hard-to-reach areas that standard toothbrushes cannot reach. Utilizing the negative charges found in natural silica, the brush thoroughly cleans away deposits and tartar.
In the Islamic world, the Miswak has been used as a toothbrush for thousands of years. It possesses antibacterial and whitening properties and effectively treats bad breath. Prophet Muhammad encouraged the use of the Miswak, establishing it as a religious practice 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, maintaining this tradition for over a thousand years.
The Miswak toothbrush features bristles made from Miswak powder and natural silica. This makes it an innovative and advanced toothbrush that delivers satisfying cleaning results without the need for toothpaste.
Brush Features:
Reaches areas ordinary brushes can't reach
Easy to carry and store
Compact and lightweight
Its design and shape are modern and contemporary.