I think appox. 1/3rd of Earth Curst is Silica. It is the main constituent of sand, stone, gemstones etc. & exists universally everywhere on the Earth. It is one of the major constituent of plants which we are ingesting regularily. It is also called as an inert substance to human's body with just a foreign effect. Now, my question is that, If Silica is really an inert substance to human body or have some major/minor effects ( structural and functional) on it ? :m:

When I was in masonry class, the cubes of brick had tags advising wet cutting, because the silica has been shown in high concentrations to cause lung cancer. They also use it those little bags you sometimes find in the box with something sensitive to miosture. Apparently that form of silica causes bad things if you eat it.

With this much exposure, silica should have some special uses. In organic form it is used for so many purposes. This is one of the most important remedy in homeopathy. Some recent studies shows it is useful in CVS diseases like athrosclerosis. Wheat grass also contain silica. Some important gemstone & other auspicious stone items contain silica.

The elements oxygen, silicon, and alumninum comprise about 85% of the earth's crust (Alumina, or Al2O3 accounts for the Aluminum abundance.). The Earth's crust is roughly 60% silica, or Silicon dioxide, SiO2. It can be found in the form of sand, quartz, flint agate, mica, and other minerals.

Silicosis is a condition developed by those who breath in crystalline Silica too often. It is a scarring of the lung tissue and can lead to disability or death. Silica is also suspected as a carcinogen and is acknowledged as an such by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, but this in not certain, though animal experimentation has proven affirmative.
Silica is a considerable occupational hazard in places like quarries.

This is true that foeign effect due to its overexposure destructing natural form of silica is a occupational hazard. But its natural(minute particles) & organic effects can act like a healer. Animals ingest lot of clay in leaves & straws never suffered with those diseases. Read its benefits at;

http://www.arthritissupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/739

http://www.prolithic.com/hpages/ref_docs/orthosil.html

http://wij.free.fr/lancet.htm

Overexposure & unnatural use of anything can cause problems but we have to judge the benefits or losses of anything in the considerations of its natural exposures on us. If antibiotics are related to it?

Kumar, the big difference is in whether you breathe it in, or whether you eat it. If you breathe silica into your lungs, it causes silicosis or cancer. But if you eat it, it's harmless.

So you can't state categorically "it's harmless" or "it's toxic" or "it's beneficial". Like with anything else, it depends on what you do with it.

Hand lotion is harmless, even beneficial, as long as you're rubbing it on your skin. But if you drink it, it'll make you sick.

Hi Iris,

You have rightly seen the thing. Silicon have 4 valency & seems to have some peculier properties like insulating property & inertness. I have noted that in one healing system, Silica is prescribed against about 60-70% of all disorders which are also somewhat universally type disorders everwhere on earth(other planets I don't know) :D Sometimes, I feel that if Disorders & exposures are directly in proportion to each other i.e.Exposure's % = Disorder's % . Some properties of cancer cells just resemble to it i.e. non-reactiveness, inertness, hardy, undiciplined etc. All disorder of cold/hypo & persistant nature may be related to this silica.

I have always been told it was dangerous.
Plus there is the warning on the little silica absorption packets (in sneakers and stereos) to not eat it and keep it away from pets.

What confuses me, is if it is so dangerous to us and pets, why are they now making cat litter out of it?
Why does the litter pose no danger to cats?

AS Iris said>> the big difference is in whether you breathe it in, or whether you eat it. If you breathe silica into your lungs, it causes silicosis or cancer. But if you eat it, it's harmless.<<

But still, Eating should also be in accordance with the prescribed norms as applicable for most of the substances. I think it is also related to some energy/ energy's healings. Our skin particles which are sheded in millions regularily also contains silica. May be its particles remains present in our almosphere all the times specially in natural environment.

Just go on google search for silica uses and benefits, you may get some special knowledge & eye opener.

Those silica gel crystals that you find in packaging that are labeled "Do Not Eat" are used as a desiccant, which means to dry out stuff. The crystals are hygroscopic, which means they attract and hold water molecules. This makes them helpful in kitty litter, as they absorb moisture.

The reason you don't eat them is not because the silica is toxic, it's just because the crystals simply aren't digestible. You'd get the same effect from eating a teaspoon of beach pebbles or sand.

MSDS sheet for color-changing silica gel crystals with cobalt dichloride (http://www.champ-tech.com/MSDS/MSDS/United%20Kingdom%20MSDS/silica%20gel,%20Indicating%20.pdf). Under "Ingestion", it says, "Will cause gastrointestinal irritation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea."

MSDS for plain silica gel crystals. (http://ptcl.chem.ox.ac.uk/MSDS/SI/silica_gel.html) Says, "May be harmful if swallowed. Irritant."

Things can make you sick, but not be "toxic".
What confuses me, is if it is so dangerous to us and pets, why are they now making cat litter out of it?
Why does the litter pose no danger to cats?
Because silica is only dangerous if it's powdered and you breathe it in. The silica crystals in kitty litter are in huge crystals, impossible to inhale them. They'd only be dangerous to the cat if the cat decided to eat them, which I doubt would happen.

They're not "toxic" the way, say, an insecticide-impregnated flea collar is "toxic", and you have to be careful how you handle it. They're just inert crystals that happen to be really good at absorbing water molecules, that's all.


The only "benefits" I can find for silica through Google are some websites selling bottled artesian water. The silica in artesian water is not in pure form--it's in the form of magnesium silicate and calcium silicate. These are some of the dissolved minerals that make water "hard".

There is no real scientific proof that drinking mineral water is better for you than drinking any other kind of water.

It is ok. Its proper use can be very beneficial but the improper use can be harmful.

It is said that we have 'AURA' around our body. Can we imagine that silica in our shedded skin particles is only shown as aura of the body?

Why do we make cat litter out of it?

I think we do it because cats don't typically stick their faces in it and suck. Well . . . :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Kumar
This is true that foeign effect due to its overexposure destructing natural form of silica is a occupational hazard. But its natural(minute particles) & organic effects can act like a healer. Animals ingest lot of clay in leaves & straws never suffered with those diseases. Read its benefits at;

http://www.arthritissupport.com/library/showarticle.cfm/ID/739

http://www.prolithic.com/hpages/ref_docs/orthosil.html

http://wij.free.fr/lancet.htm

Overexposure & unnatural use of anything can cause problems but we have to judge the benefits or losses of anything in the considerations of its natural exposures on us. If antibiotics are related to it?

Animals have very different digestive systems, so cows eat grass, but we cannot, as we can't digest plant cellulose. Second, the links do not prove anything. The first one is a snake oil vendor, the second is some weird guy without any proof, and the third is a hypothesis paper. Silica is, like other trace elements necessary, but we take in far more than we need, like other vitamins. You simply do not need more with a complete diet. Last, "natural" is ambiguous and meaningless, unless you can prove humans did not originate on earth. What humans do is natural, hence everything is natural. Despite this circular argument, does it work? Is what they are saying is true? I think not. This reminds me of the "coral calcium" products of that Robert Barefoot guy.

Its inertness & nonreactiveness qualities should be liked to pathogen's hardyness i.e capabilty to survive in difficult/adverse conditions. Its non reactiveness qualities may be having some links with non reactiveness of some of our diseased cell which also become inert & non reactive to our body's control, means independent.

Originally posted by Kumar
Its inertness & nonreactiveness qualities should be liked to pathogen's hardyness i.e capabilty to survive in difficult/adverse conditions. Its non reactiveness qualities may be having some links with non reactiveness of some of our diseased cell which also become inert & non reactive to our body's control, means independent.

haha...funny...

now say something serious

haha...funny...
now say something serious

alas! this is the reason for everything that people are not serios & take it as .haha...funny...

Read its some curing indications at;

http://www.homeoint.org/books/boericmm/s/sil.htm

it is on the internet and therefore it must be true...

read all about silica on http://biology.*******************/

Why hardyness, inertness & non reactiveness in bacteria & cancer cells.

Originally posted by Kumar
Why hardyness, inertness & non reactiveness in bacteria & cancer cells.

Come on. Just admit that you don't know what you're talking about. Hardness? Inertness? There is nothing hard about cancer cells. They are aggresive and are just mutated cells that had their DNA damaged beyond repair. Bacteria are living organisms just trying to reproduce and thrive. They don't know they are killing us, it's just they're life cycle. They are reactive and can mutate as well to stimuli. That's why certain bacteria build a resistance to antibotics if they are not taken correctly. I guess I shouldn't even ask you if you know the major methods of killing cancer cells. You seem to think silica cures all. But MAYBE, JUST MAYBE you should do your research and check out what really works out there and the mechanism that is used to subdue the cancer. Medical science has taken us far. Far, far beyond what you think homoepathy does. And yes for the record, I believe that people who say it works for them are damn liars.

You are bit mistaken. I said hardyness not hardness. You know some seeds are called of hardy seeds because their plants can survive with least care & in adverse conditions.

1.Cancer cell become independent(like sand particles), hardy, do not obey body signals (non-reactiveness) so go on multiplying without limit deprivig other healthy cells from protien. Whatever , happens to their DNA is just a suffocative effect due to change in cell membrane probably due to silica coating. Silica as mica can serve as a insulator(non reactiveness). So cancer people can have somewhat shiny skin. Study the structure of Diatomic earth.

Read some molecular effects of silica & compare with cancer cells properties at;

http://www.homeoint.org/books/boericmm/s/sil.htm

2. Bacteria/virus like of anthrax can live in soil,skin etc which all contain silica. Possibily they get some power to survive in their adverse conditions like cancer cells from silica.

Originally posted by Kumar
You are bit mistaken. I said hardyness not hardness. You know some seeds are called of hardy seeds because their plants can survive with least care & in adverse conditions.

1.Cancer cell become independent(like sand particles), hardy, do not obey body signals (non-reactiveness) so go on multiplying without limit deprivig other healthy cells from protien. Whatever , happens to their DNA is just a suffocative effect due to change in cell membrane probably due to silica coating. Silica as mica can serve as a insulator(non reactiveness). So cancer people can have somewhat shiny skin. Study the structure of Diatomic earth.

Read some molecular effects of silica & compare with cancer cells properties at;

http://www.homeoint.org/books/boericmm/s/sil.htm

2. Bacteria/virus like of anthrax can live in soil,skin etc which all contain silica. Possibily they get some power to survive in their adverse conditions like cancer cells from silica.


Um....you're kidding right? I guess not. Cancer cells have nothing to do with silica coating. They are normal cells whose DNA is damaged and irreversible due to chemicals, radiation or otherwise. RNA cannot repair the damage and every time the cell divides, the damage is carried with it. To treat the cancer, you have to kill the cancer cells while minimizing the damage to the normal cells surrounding the tumor mass.

Silica doesn't make up cell membranes. Proteins do.

http://cellbio.utmb.edu/cellbio/membrane_intro.htm#Architecture

So what that silica is in the ground? So what if bacteria live in dirt containing silica? The reason certain strains are so robust is their structure. Bacteria and viruses have been known to even survive the vacuum and radiation of space....no silica required.

Our skin also contain silica, the skin condition do effect internal atmosphere.Cancer cells have nothing to do with silica coating. They are normal cells whose DNA is damaged and irreversible due to chemicals, radiation or otherwise. RNA cannot repair the damage and every time the cell divides, the damage is carried with it. To treat the cancer, you have to kill the cancer cells while minimizing the damage to the normal cells surrounding the tumor mass. Damages may due to silica coating effect & may be if this effect is corrected, behaviour of those cells may also change. It may be so minute we may not able to see through available technologies. The healthy membrane may not contain silica but cancer cell may contain. We can possibily find many secrets by ash analysis of diseased cells & compare them to healthy cell's ash analysis. To treat the cancer, you have to kill the cancer cells while minimizing the damage to the normal cells surrounding the tumor mass.

Allthough this is in our current medical system. But those cells are our own body cells like our first children who have been made mad by us by our mistakes due to our excesses on them. Due to same they become hardy,inert,nonreactive etc. I don't know killing our own children even though they become mad due to our mistakes, is how far justified. I don't know how we will treat if suppose our any of child(actually he is bit outsider then our own cells) becomes mad & start mad like behaviour. Possibily due to this reason we may not be getting 'HIS' help for these disorders. We should try our best to find any possible way(serching or speculating because not yet fully known) to cure not kill them, which sometimes may exaggerate the problem as they may come to know which we came to know i.e anticipated killing.

Now pls forget this silica, it is not for you types. Tell me something about main question if you can

Originally posted by Kumar
Our skin also contain silica, the skin condition do effect internal atmosphere. Damages may due to silica coating effect & may be if this effect is corrected, behaviour of those cells may also change. It may be so minute we may not able to see through available technologies.


you would be able to see it under the electron microscope..You don't...it is not there.

To be checked by ash analysis. I edited something in above posting. Three biochemicals are not yet properly checked & they may be a root cause of many unsolved problems. They are Calcium Fluoride, Potassium Sulphate & Silica(SiO2). OR Fluorides,Sulphur & Silica. They are to be studied in molecular doses(other name you don't like so not mentioning).

"Now pls forget this silica, it is not for you types."

And perhaps modern medicine is not for you. Good luck in living without it.

This something ' could be new ' is also lost in technicalities, time seems to be not yet matured.:o

Just to distinguish between silica and silica gel:

Silica. Dioxide of silica SiO2.
Used in the manufacture of glass and refractory materials.

Silica Gel. Hard amorphous granular form of hydrated silica, chemically inert but very hygroscopic. Used for absorbing water and vapours of solvents in e.g., dessicators, electrical equipment. (Also cat litter). When saturated it may be regenerated by heat.

also

Silicosis. Pneumoconiosis due to inhalation of particles of silica by masons and miners who work in the presence of silica.

Catastrophe,

Yes it is correct. In raw form/mineral form it can creates diseases but in molecular(homeopathic) & organic forms it can cure several diseases. If you go into some fort/church made from stones (not marble), you may feel some heat or energy which looks like some spritual energy, but is is due to silica in those stones(shedded molecular particles of silica).

Originally posted by Kumar
Catastrophe,

Yes it is correct. In raw form/mineral form it can creates diseases but in molecular(homeopathic) & organic forms it can cure several diseases. If you go into some fort/church made from stones (not marble), you may feel some heat or energy which looks like some spritual energy, but is is due to silica in those stones(shedded molecular particles of silica).

There is no distingushing of the mineral. It's molecular structure forms its crystal properties making it the mineral you see. There is no "organic" form of silica. If that were true than it wouldn't be classifed as silica anymore, but a different substance altogether. I'm not even going to comment on your church/silica theory. It's just plain stupid. I should feel "spiritual energy" every time I walk on a beach if that's the case.

I dont understand what is happening to you. You visit the below link for 'organic silica' & one such supplement mentions as under:-

>>Each capsule contains 320mg of Bamboo Extract providing on average 250mg of Organic Silica. Free from artificial colours and preservatives, yeast, gluten, starch and lactose. No added salt or sugar.<<

Total 1,49,000 sites are available on 'organic silica' which you can read at following link;

http://www.google.co.in/search?q=organic+silica&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

I have mentioned an aspect known as spritual energy in to your scientific energy then also you don't agree. Just visit any thing made of some old stones(degrading) & feel the energy/warmness.

Originally posted by Kumar
I dont understand what is happening to you. You visit the below link for 'organic silica' & one such supplement mentions as under:-

>>Each capsule contains 320mg of Bamboo Extract providing on average 250mg of Organic Silica. Free from artificial colours and preservatives, yeast, gluten, starch and lactose. No added salt or sugar.<<

Total 1,49,000 sites are available on 'organic silica' which you can read at following link;

http://www.google.co.in/search?q=organic+silica&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

I have mentioned an aspect known as spritual energy in to your scientific energy then also you don't agree. Just visit any thing made of some old stones(degrading) & feel the energy/warmness.

Those links are bunk. They swindle money from stupid people who believe it will help them. I say it again. Silica = Dioxide of silica. That's all. To dope it or change it in any way makes it something else. It is no long silica. It will pass through our digestive system as if it was sand. Don't even get me started on your last paragraph. It's just not even worth debunking.

Organic chemistry

The study of the compounds of carbon. Owing to the ability of carbon atoms to combine together in long chains (catenate), these compounds are far more numerous than those of other elements. They are the basis of living matter.

Larousse Dictionary of Science and Technology.

Similar 'Valency 4' of Silicon.

Silica is found in skin,hair,nails,bone & connective tissues. I suspect it may also be present in minute quantity in other body substances/cells to perform important function of insulation(non reactiveness,inertness) as mica, (to damage,destroy or repair) as glass & strength of errectness as in grass,bamboo etc.

Kumar

Google "organic silica"

For example:

http://www.itpharmacy.com/itpharmacy/active-botanicals/organic-silica/

Hello Catastrophe ,

Yes so many uses are mentioned at so many sites. Being inert in mineral form, its moleculr form & organic forms are very usefull. All therapies uses this type of silica. When its more real uses will be known, it may change the history.

Hi Kumar

When they say "organic silica" they must mean silica in combination (mixture) with an organic substance such as herb.

As I psted above, organic must be carbon based.

It is ' silica extracted/derived from organic base/substance'.

Originally posted by Kumar
It is ' silica extracted/derived from organic base/substance'.

Than it's called "silica" not "orgainic silica". Get it? No carbon!

OK, if we are so pin pointed I will call it as 'Organic based Silica'.

Is it ok now? Can you tell some peculier properties of silicon element?

That's fine.

http://www.stanford.edu/~choihc/science.htm

The unusual property of PS is light emission when it is activated by external energy sources, such as ultra-violet illumination, electricity, chemicals (nitric acid) or both of electricity and chemicals. The reason for this unusual property from PS is believed to be a quantum confinement effect.

Silicon has semiconducting properties, being used for a large range of electronic components.

Thanks Catastrophe for informations. Due this effect it is somewhered was called as 'Twinkle Stars of Earth' . It will have lot more properties. Its semiconduction property can be very much related to inertness or non-reactiveness of cancer & other cells as well as bacteria. Pencillin or other antibiotics may be also have some connection with it. Flurone (Calcium Fluoride) is also very much related(anti) to silica. Frankly, it appears to me that three evements are not yet properly studied which can be related to most of our unsolved problems. Those are, Sulphur, Fluorine & Silicon, in tissue salts i.e. Potassium Sulphate, Calcium Fluoride & Silica. These three salts cover almost all the chronic & unsolved disorders in bio-chemic tisse salts therapy in the name of , Kali.Sulph., Calc.Fluor., & Silicea.

Some properties of Silicon are;

Silicon is present in the sun and stars and is a principal component of a class of meteorites known as aerolites. Silicon makes up 25.7% of the earth's crust by weight, and is the second most abundant element, exceeded only by oxygen. It is found largely as silicon oxides such as sand (silica), quartz, rock crystal, amethyst, agate, flint, jasper and opal. Silicon is found also in minerals such as asbestos, feldspar, clay and mica.

Silicon is important in plant and animal life. Diatoms in both fresh and salt water extract silica from the water to use as a component of their cell walls. Silicon is an important ingredient in steel. Silicon carbide is one of the most important abrasives. Workers in environments where silicaceous dust is breathed may develop a serious lung disease known as silicosis.

Hydrolysis and condensation of substituted chlorosilanes can be used to produce a very great number of polymeric products, or silicones. These range from liquids to hard, glasslike solids with many useful properties.

Elemental silicon transmits more than 95% of all wavelengths of infrared and and has been used in lasers to produce coherent light at 456 nm.

Silicon is probably essential in higher plants and perhaps to mammals. Diatoms, some protozoa, some sponges, and some plants use silicon dioxide (SiO2) as a structural material. Silicon is known to be required by chicks and rats for growth and skeletal development. Silicon is not particularly toxic but finely divided silicates or silica cause major damage to lungs. In a 70 kg person silicon contents are estimated just 18.2 gms.

Full details can be read at;

http://www.webelements.com/webelements/elements/text/Si/index.html

I bit try to explain its properties;

Semiconductor: any of a class of solids (as germanium or silicon) whose electrical conductivity is between that of a conductor and that of an insulator in being nearly as great as that of a metal at high temperatures and nearly absent at low temperatures. Its conductivity increases with temperature and in the presence of impurities. We may probaby link 'hyper' & 'hypo' functions of our body's systems with its semiconductive property, Eg; Fever,BP,Acid-base balance etc.

Biological Actions: Silica occurs in living organisms. It is possible that silicon may have played an important, perhaps even necessary role, in the origin of life on the earth. The pattern of deposition of silica in plants is biologically specific and it is possible to identify plants by microscopic examination of silica particles. In some cases, silica appears to be a factor in the resistance that plants offer to diseases and insects.

Human tissues often contain from 6 to 90 mg of silica per 100 grams of dry tissues. Lung tissue may vary from 10 mg in infancy to as much as 2000 mg per 100 grams in old age.

Silicon is a trace mineral that is believed to be needed in the making and maintaining of connective tissue. It is also found in bone areas that are undergoing mineralization.

Silicon may be helpful in the treatment of osteoporosis. The herb Horsetail is rich in silicon. Horsetail absorbs calcium which can then be used in the growth of bones, hair, and nails. Beer, Root Vegetables, and Whole Grains are some of its natural resources.

Kumar

Thanks for that information. I see there is silicon in "Multibionta" supplement. I have the "Readers Digest Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements" and there is only one mention of silicon (p.337) (about osteoporosis) "Adding other key vitamins and minerals, such as silicon, vitamin B6 and folic acid, provides further protection."

It looks Silica is not yet much looked into inspite of its several hidden qualities. Its minuteness in body, inertness etc. made us not to think much about it. But this can be just a misunderstanding.

Most of the items considered as auspicious in religion & old healing therapies like gems,crystals, various things made from stones(except marble) etc. contains the silica as a mojor constituent. Aura, Reiki & other spritual healing systems may have some link with silica. Cactus,Aloe-vera, wheat grass, palms plants etc. contain silica.

Originally posted by Redoubtable
Why do we make cat litter out of it?

I think we do it because cats don't typically stick their faces in it and suck. Well . . . :rolleyes:

Originally posted by one_raven
I have always been told it was dangerous.
Plus there is the warning on the little silica absorption packets (in sneakers and stereos) to not eat it and keep it away from pets.

Kiss my ass.

I don't know but pets are attracted towards silica. I have seen dogs eating some diatomic earth. Allthough It did't make them sick but it made them inconvinient. May be due to its sharp edges?

Kumar

We have a cat with a food allergy and we are giving him "Graphites" which contain silica.

http://www.meditrina.net/noflash/animalailments/animalremedies/graphites.html

Thanks for sharing the experiance.What is your experiance with it.
It may take some time but will effect. Actually the real effect will beof silica as it one of the best remedy for any allergy(foreign objects).

http://www.meditrina.net/noflash/animalailments/animalremedies/silicea.html .

Kumar

It is difficult to say yet since he is on other medication as well. The vet says it can do no harm. Our cat is one of three of our cats who have gained entrance to the Supreme Cat Show later this month. (To do this they have to win the Open class in a recognised show.) After that we are having diagnostics and will see if we can drop the other medication. Our vet has no problem with 'alternative' remedies as long as they are not used to REPLACE their advice. They have seen some very bad cases.

Ok. After words if you like you can post this case at at;

http://www.homeopathyhome.com/cgi-bin/bb/ultimatebb.cgi

In 'Pets and Animals forum'.

AS Iris said>> the big difference is in whether you breathe it in, or whether you eat it. If you breathe silica into your lungs, it causes silicosis or cancer. But if you eat it, it's harmless.<<

But still, Eating should also be in accordance with the prescribed norms as applicable for most of the substances. I think it is also related to some energy/ energy's healings. Our skin particles which are sheded in millions regularily also contains silica. May be its particles remains present in our almosphere all the times specially in natural environment.

Just go on google search for silica uses and benefits, you may get some special knowledge & eye opener.

I have noticed when I take any suppliments with silica in them I start a dry cough that will not stop until I quit taking the supplement.
Please advise

It looks like you are a true and proper Necromancer (http://redwing.hutman.net/~mreed/warriorshtm/necromancer.htm), Leo! Perhaps you should hang around a while and sift our archives for other long-deceased topics to dredge up?

As to you question: it sounds as if you're simply allergic to whatever supplements you've been taking. Many, perhaps most, medicines can have some kind of side-effect, and new effects are regularly discovered for well-established substances since all humans are different to some degree. All I can suggest is to keep trying new silica supplements until you find one which is benign to you, or give up on them if the symptoms are really bad.

Hi,

My cat has been sick since 5 months and I've visited several vets who couldn't understand the problem for very long time and one of them even diagnosed her wrongly with FIP and caused us lots of trouble with excessive medication. Finally I took her to the veterinary faculty, where she was correctly diagnosed with chronic gastritis. They found hairballs in her stomach and decided these were he main cause for gastritis. Then we started medication. During the meantime, I had removed the crystalline silica litter, since she was eating it due to iron deficiency or anemia. She was slowly improving for one week. They I put back the silica litter. She got bad again! I found pieces in her vomit. The nausea started again. Then I remembered: the time her sickness started in some time after I started using the silica litter. She sometimes also had dry cough which was never persistent for 2-3 days. Now I removed the litter again. I hope it will go ok. But yes I am suspicious of the litter. Try to wet it. There's the sound indicating the chemical reaction and you have release of heat!. Don't you think this can be irritating?

Now, my question is that, If Silica is really an inert substance to human body or have some major/minor effects ( structural and functional) on it ? :m:Paleolithic, mesolithic and neolithic peoples made extensive use of silica for bashing out the brains of animals and each other.

Well, reading through this old thread, resurrected once again by Polishko [welcome to sciforums, Polishko!], brings to mind a few points not mentioned, that might prove of interest to some people.

Silicon metabolism does not appear well-understood, yet occurs in several classes of plants. Scouring Rushes [horsetails, or Equisetum genus] have long been used because of the silica crystals in the stems, which are quite abrasive and good for scouring pots and pans. I am not familiar with silicon metabolism in animals, though perhaps some of our other biologists who post here know more about it.

In the ocean, diatoms are single-celled plants that are exceptionally abundant. They metabolize dissolved silicon dioxide [extremely minute in concentration, because glass is virtually insoluble], which is accreted as an outer 'shell' for the cell. There are a myriad number of designs, quite beautiful when seen under a microscope [http://www.indiana.edu/~diatom/diatom.html].

In ancient times, as diatoms died, their 'shell' would fall to the floor, making thick deposits. Over time, this has been uplifted, and now much of Nevada [and many other locations] has extensive deposits of this "diatomaceous earth". It is an excellent filtering agent, because the 'shells' are intact, and trap fine particulate matter that is washed through.

Powdered diatomaceous earth is used as an insecticide, by simply sprinkling it directly on the insect. Apparently it gets inside through the air-pores, and cuts up the insects insides, to where it dies. After all, silicon dioxide is glass, and diatomaceous earth is much like fibre-glass insulation, if you know what that's like if you get it on your skin [or worse yet, in your lungs from breathing the dust].

Anyway, silicon likely has many more uses for us waiting to be explored.

Just to add to the confusion: There is nothing inherently toxic about silica. The trouble is the shape of the silica dust that can trap it in the lungs. Your body cannot dissolve it, due to it's inertness, and it stays there doing damage.

I knew a coke dealer who would, on occasion, cut his coke with ground up silica powder. That was definitely a dude you didn't want to fuck with.

I think MSG does a similar thing. The shape cuts your taste buds, making them more sensitive. It also causes cancer.

I thought that was the fibre glass they put in chewing tobacco to make the buzz more extreme.

MSG is delicious, but it makes me feel sort of hungover.

:eek: I just got a waring for a post I made on this thread THREE YEARS AGO!
Check the date, spidergoat. :deal:

There's no statute of limitations on ass, my friend.

Wasn't it Common Law that cursing was cool, before our Glorious Revolution (fucking commies)? Or are you saying that new laws apply retroactively to infractionable offenses?

Wasn't it Common Law that cursing was cool, before our Glorious Revolution (fucking commies)? Or are you saying that new laws apply retroactively to infractionable offenses?

Exactly.

It wasn't against the rules when I posted it.
In fact, it was pretty much encouraged.
This was during Xev's Reign.

Um, I gotta go...

Hell, if you are going to go back and infract old posts, I might as well leave now, because I am getting perma IP banned and run out of town - if you guys don't have me drawn and quartered.

From PMs with James R:

From me to him:
As long as you're retroactively giving me infractions, you may as well search "Roman" and "faggot", "jew", "cock" and "raghead".

From him to me:
Why? Because I'll find more instances where you've broken forum rules?

Look, I really don't think it will be necessary. Just don't keep doing it, ok?


I don't think they're going to make it an issue

I'm seriously hanging from my last thread here.

I've always liked you, spidergoat, but this is fucking ridiculous.
I think you know it is.

I have summoned the demons of moderation and used their combined powers to un-warn the great and powerful One Raven. I beseech you to forgive your humble servant.

I have summoned the demons of moderation and used their combined powers to un-warn the great and powerful One Raven. I beseech you to forgive your humble servant.

You have earned yourself a place in the Pantheon.

haha...funny...

now say something serious

That was uncommon thought. There can be energetic interactions--by emision or by reflection. We interact energetically to 1/3 rd of earth crust, may not be much, materistically. In one calculation, probably proportion of our directs exposures may match with our healings, energetically in somewhat same proportion.:)

Btw, can microbes carry smallest informations of all things and beings? Are they somewhat omnipresent?