Silica Extract – Essential for the Development and Maintenance of Our Bones

Horsetail is a common name for a plant with the scientific name of Equisetum, which belongs to the Equisetaceae family. It got its name because of its resemblance to a horsetail, as it looks as if it has hairs falling from it.

The horsetail is one of the richest sources of silica, which is known to have a number of health benefits. Silica can be obtained from horsetail extract, which can be made by placing some dried horsetail on a pan over medium- high heat. Stirring this continuously with a wooden ladle will turn the horsetail into a pulverized powder, which is the extract.

Silica, which is a compound of silicon and oxygen, is also called silicon dioxide or Si02. It is the second most abundant element on Earth, with oxygen being the first.

Silicon is known for a number of benefits, with help in osteoporosis and Alzheimer’s disease included. Silicon is also known as being essential for the functioning of tissues and nerve cells, as well as the synthesis of Vitamin B1 in the human’s body. It is also essential for the nerves, skin, muscles, connective tissue, hair, nails, thymus, tooth enamel and pancreas. Experts are also looking at silica for reducing the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis, although nothing conclusive has been established yet.

Deficiency in silica, while highly unlikely, might lead to osteoporosis, as this is essential for the development and maintenance of our bones. It could also lead to brittle nails, tendonitis, rapid aging, cardiovascular disease, bone decalcification and abnormal skeletal formation.

Aside from horsetail extract, silica can also be found in a number of sources. These includes kelp, alfalfa, nettle, dark leafy vegetables, flaxseed, fruits such as apples and grapes, onions, seeds, nuts, berries such as strawberries, dandelion, lettuce, figs, tomatoes, sunflower seeds and dried beans and pasta.

The recommended daily intake for silica for children, infants and pregnant or lactating women has not yet been established, as the data about the effects in this group is still lacking. For these people, silica from food sources and not supplements is highly recommended.

Silica is not recommended to be taken at high levels for long period of time, as this may cause toxicity symptoms. People with existing heart or kidney disease are also known to develop irreversible kidney damage due to taking silica for a long period of time. Silica sometimes come in a powdered form, such as those that were made from horsetail extract, and inhaling these directly may cause silicosis which is a lung condition causing cancer of the lungs. A study have been made with people who were exposed to crystalline silica often, and they seem to have a higher rate of death due to cancer due to silica inhalation and exposure.

While silica has a lot of benefits, exercise caution is advice before taking it as a supplement. If you think that you need to take silica extract, it is important that you seek your doctor’s advice first. This is important for safe silica intake.