Silica, or silicon dioxide, is a natural compound made up of silicon and oxygen, and it is recognized as a trace mineral that is naturally present in the human body and the Earth’s crust. People often seek to increase their intake for general wellness, as it plays a role in forming and maintaining connective tissues. The goal of making silica water at home is to create a readily absorbable form of this mineral for daily consumption. This preparation involves concentrating the bioavailable form of silicon, typically orthosilicic acid, from natural sources and mixing it with purified water.
Understanding Silica Sources
Identifying a suitable, high-quality source of bioavailable silicon is the first step in preparing silica water.
One of the most common natural sources is the herb horsetail, scientifically known as Equisetum arvense. This plant is known to accumulate high concentrations of the mineral. The silica in horsetail is generally considered to be in a form that can be extracted into water through steeping and simmering.
Another straightforward source is concentrated liquid silica supplements. These are formulated to contain highly bioavailable forms of silicon, such as stabilized orthosilicic acid (OSA). These products are often suspended in de-ionized water, making them easy to incorporate into a homemade water mixture. The high absorption rate of these liquid concentrates makes them a popular alternative to herbal preparations.
Finally, certain commercially available mineral waters naturally contain elevated levels of dissolved silica. This occurs because the source water passes through mineral-rich rock formations. These waters can serve as a base for silica water, offering a direct, pre-prepared source. The concentration of silica in these mineral waters can range from 20 to over 90 milligrams per liter, depending on the specific brand and geological origin.
Practical Methods for Preparing Silica Water
The most traditional method for creating silica water involves using dried horsetail herb. Use approximately one teaspoon of dried horsetail per cup of water, or a ratio of 30 to 50 grams of herb for every liter of water. It is recommended to first soak the herb in cold water overnight to initiate the release of beneficial compounds and increase the final mineral concentration.
After soaking, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer for 10 to 30 minutes. This slow simmering maximizes the extraction of silicic acid from the tough plant material. Once simmering is complete, allow the mixture to cool completely. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate it from the spent herb.
A simpler method uses a concentrated liquid silica supplement, which bypasses the need for boiling and steeping. Manufacturers typically provide specific instructions, but a common recommendation is to mix 30 drops, or two full dropper squeezes, into a glass of water once daily. This method ensures a precise and consistent dosage of the mineral in its most easily absorbed form. The final liquid should be mixed with purified or de-ionized water, as this prevents other minerals from interfering with the solubility of the silica.
For those who prefer a ready-made option, using high-silica mineral water is the simplest preparation method. These commercially bottled waters already contain naturally dissolved silica, often in the range of 30 to 50 milligrams per liter. This water can be consumed directly, or it can be used as the base liquid when diluting a concentrated supplement.
Consumption Guidelines and Storage
While there is no official Recommended Daily Intake for silicon, general wellness guidelines suggest moderate consumption of silica water. When using a liquid concentrate, follow the manufacturer’s recommended serving size, which typically provides 10 to 40 milligrams of elemental silicon per dose. For homemade horsetail preparations, start with one cup (250 ml) per day, as the exact silica content can vary widely based on the preparation time and the quality of the herb used.
It is advised to consume silica water consistently over a period of time to observe potential effects. The liquid is often tasteless, making it easy to incorporate into a morning routine or to mix with juice. The concentration of silica in water is not known to be a source of adverse effects at typical daily consumption levels.
Horsetail tea infusions should be stored in a tightly sealed glass container in the refrigerator, where they will maintain their quality for up to four weeks. Liquid silica concentrates should be kept at room temperature and must not be frozen, as temperature extremes can compromise the stability of the mineral compound. Ensure the container is tightly closed to prevent contamination and maintain the integrity of the solution.