What Are Some BeneficialHealth Effects of Rocks and

Minerals?

Potential Health Benefits of Geologic Materials

•Essential Nutrients•Pharmaceuticals •Talismans and Amulets•Hot Springs •Geophagia (?)

Pharmaceuticals

This pharmaceutical, Trisenox,is composed mainly ofArsenic Trioxide. Acontroversial compound, usedto treat Acute-PromyelocyticLeukemia (APL) in relapsepatients. In several reportsfrom China, this compoundhas been shown to inducecomplete remission in all APLvictims studied.

Elements, Minerals, and Rocks Used inPharmaceuticals and Health Care Products

• Arsenic - pharamacuticals• Mercury – mercurochrome, dental amalgam• Calcium – antacids• Various Elements – in vitamin supplements• Boron – Boric Acid• Selenium – Skin Treatment• Sulfur – Sulfur Drugs

Elements and Minerals Used inPharmaceuticals and Health Care Products

• Magnesite – Milk of Magnesia• Barium – Enemas and in X-radiography• Bismuth – settles upset stomachs• Calcite –Tums• Rutile – toothpaste• Gypsum – Plaster of Paris• Talc – Talcum powder

Elements, Minerals, and Rocks Used inPharmaceuticals and Health Care Products

• Kaolin – koapectate• Coal Tar – skin products• Pumice – Lava soap• Bauxite (Al) – Anti perspirtant, toothpaste• Fluorite – fluoridation• Halite - Preservative• Zinc oxide – skin ointments

Fe, Cu, Zn,Se

K, Ca, Mn

P, S, Cl

Sr, BaBrMo, IO, Na, Mg

Rb, SnLi, Al, NiB, F, CrSi, V, CoH, C, N

POSSIBLYESSEN-

TIAL

TOSOME

SPECIES

TOSOME

CLASSES

TOSEVERALCLASSES

TO ALL

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTSESSENTIAL ELEMENTSTO ANIMALS AND VEGETATIONTO ANIMALS AND VEGETATION

MAJOR ELEMENTS MAJOR ELEMENTS TRACE ELEMENTS TRACE ELEMENTSUSGS - FAQScarpelli

ESSENTIAL MICRONUTRIENTS (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn,ESSENTIAL MICRONUTRIENTS (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se, V, Zn, F, I, Si) Mo, Se, V, Zn, F, I, Si)

NON ESSENTIALS (Be, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Ti etc.)NON ESSENTIALS (Be, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Ti etc.)

PATTERNS OF INFLUENCE OF THE ELEMENTSPATTERNS OF INFLUENCE OF THE ELEMENTSassimilationassimilation increaseincrease

““Everything is poisonous, nothing is poisonous. It is just a question of dosage.”Everything is poisonous, nothing is poisonous. It is just a question of dosage.”

MACRONUTRIENTS (C, Ca, Cl, P, Mg, K, Na, S, O, H)MACRONUTRIENTS (C, Ca, Cl, P, Mg, K, Na, S, O, H) deficit good no difference

deficit good toxic lethal

Scarpelli

tolerable toxic lethal

F.R.Siegel – “EnvironmentalF.R.Siegel – “Environmental GeochemistryGeochemistry””

ACTION OF MACRONUTRIENTSACTION OF MACRONUTRIENTS

Bone constituent as apatite; participates in most body chemicalreactions. Excess turns hair and bones brittle.

P

Active in hydrosaline equilibrium; transmission of nervousimpulses and transport of metabolites.

Na

In bones, together with Ca; activation of muscular contractions;body temperature control; component of several enzymes.

Mg

Maintenance of corporeal fluids; muscular contractions andnervous impulses.

K

Maintenance of blood pressure; vital as acid constituent duringdigestion.

Cl

Strengthening of bones and teeth; muscular activity; bloodcoagulation; cellular permeability. Excess may originate liver andbladder stones and renal insufficiency.

Ca

Scarpelli

G.Cortecci – “Geologia e Salute” andG.Cortecci – “Geologia e Salute” and othersothersF.R. Siegel – “EnvironmentalF.R. Siegel – “Environmental Geochemistry”Geochemistry”

O.Selinus e A.Frank – “Medical GeologyO.Selinus e A.Frank – “Medical Geology””

ACTION OF MICRONUTRIENTSACTION OF MICRONUTRIENTS

Required by thyroidal hormones, temperature control, bodygrowth, reproduction etc. Deficiency causes abnormal growth of thethyroid.

I

Give strength to teeth and bones, avoiding dental caries andosteoporosis. Excess causes fluorosis of teeth and bones.

F

Component of oxidizing enzymes during metabolism of energysources; active in the synthesis of hemoglobin, in keratization andin skin and hair pigments. Deficiency leads to osteoporosis and lownumber of white blood cells.

Cu

Needed for metabolism of sugar. Deficiency may cause diabetes,intolerance to glycose etc. Excess may result in renal failures.Excess of Cr6 is carcinogenic.

Cr

Active in vitamin B12 and in chemical reactions. Deficiency causesanemia. Excess causes hearth failures.

Co

Scarpelli

G.Cortecci – “Geologia e Salute” andG.Cortecci – “Geologia e Salute” and othersothersF.R. Siegel – “EnvironmentalF.R. Siegel – “Environmental Geochemistry”Geochemistry”

O.Selinus e A.Frank – “Medical GeologyO.Selinus e A.Frank – “Medical Geology””

Occurs in all tissues, mostly in bones, muscles and skin; active inthe immunological system; regulates body growth; protects theliver. Deficiency reduces body growth.

Zn

Prevention of vascular and other diseases; neutralizes cellsoxidation and aging action of free radicals. Excess turns nails andhair brittle.

Se

Promotion of growth and development; cellular functions; in bonesand cartilages; takes part in metabolic reactions. Excess leads toexcess of blood. May cause neurological diseases if inhaled into thelungs.

Mn

Essential component of hemoglobin and enzymatic complexesrequired for energy generation and immunological system.

Fe

FUNCTION OF MICRONUTRIENTSFUNCTION OF MICRONUTRIENTS

G.Cortecci – “Geologia e Salute” andG.Cortecci – “Geologia e Salute” and othersothersF.R. Siegel – “EnvironmentalF.R. Siegel – “Environmental Geochemistry”Geochemistry”

O.Selinus e A.Frank – “Medical GeologyO.Selinus e A.Frank – “Medical Geology””Scarpelli

Adsorbing clay tablets (Terra sigillata) from ancient Greece

Terra sigillata withturkish seals(designing itsorigin)

From Lemmos, Melos andSamos islands

Cowen DL & Helfand WH. Pharmacy, an illustradted history. New York, H N Abrams Inc.Publ.1990

Goiter

AFIP/USGS Study: Urumqi, China

Talismans and AmuletsHematite: Astone commonlyused in thehealing ofcardiovascularand circulatorydiseases, anddetoxification.

Quartz: Alongwith Rose andSmokey Quartz,this crystal isused in moodrelated diseasessuch asdepression.

Unlike the rock-derivedPharmaceuticals, Talismans andAmulets do not have a knownphysical effects, but do have acertain psychological effects.Talismans have been used forthousands of years, morecommon then then now, andwere believed to ward off eviland heal certain medicalconditions. These Talismanswere composed of various rocksand minerals, with each crystalhaving its own unique healingpowers. http://www.imaginarius.ca/Healing_stones.htm

Arthritis/Joints Bleeding/Blood Circulatory System Depression Detoxification Eyesight Headache Heart Amethyst X X X XAquamarine XAventurine X XBlack Tourmaline X X XBloodstone XCarnelian X XChalcedonyCitrineFlourite X XHematite X X XLapis Lazuli XMoonstoneQuartzRose Quartz XSmoky Quartz XGreen Tourmaline XTurquoise

Talismans and Crystal Amulets,such as these, are composed of agreat variety of rocks andminerals. A selection of these areshown on the chart, along with alist of the conditions each treats.

AmethystAquamarineAventurineBlack TourmalineBloodstoneCarnelianChalcedonyCitrineFlouriteHematiteLapis LazuliMoonstoneQuartzRose QuartzSmoky QuartzGreen TourmalineTurquoise

High Blood Pressure Hypoglycemia Immune System Insomnia Internal/Organs Lactation Lungs Lymph Nodes Neck ObesityX

X X XX

XX XX X

XX

X

XX X

Reproductive System Scalp/Hair Skin Muscles Glands Temperature Regulation Throat Toothache Urinary Tract InfectionX X

X XX

XXX

X

XX

X

AmethystAquamarineAventurineBlack TourmalineBloodstoneCarnelianChalcedonyCitrineFlouriteHematiteLapis LazuliMoonstoneQuartzRose QuartzSmoky QuartzGreen TourmalineTurquoise

Amulets are prescribed to a variety of diseases and conditions.

Hot SpringsHot springs and other naturally occurringmineral baths, have been used for centuriesall across the globe. The were known to havebeen quite popular in Ancient Greece andRome, as well as Ancient Japan and amongthe Native Americans in North America. Hotsprings are still very popular today,especially in North America. Over 200commercial springs exist in the US alone,along with countless Native American andsmaller springs in Virginia, Pennsylvaniaand New York. The springs were believed tohave treated a myriad of medical conditions,including venereal diseases. As well, manyGovernment sponsored studies began aroundthe springs, and lasted until the 20th century.Enthusiasm and use of springs and medicinalbaths have been declining ever since in bothNorth America and Great Britain.

AnAmericantreasure atPagosaSprings,and aBritishlandmarkat theRomanBaths.

Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, Davy Crockett,Henry Clay, Edgar Alan Poe, and Robert Louis Stevenson,along with many other American presidents and notableswere all hot springs regulars. Saratoga Springs in New York,and Berkeley Springs in West Virginia were amongst theirfavorites. They swore by their healing powers as well as theentertainment and relaxation they provided.

This is a Posterfrom 1892 about aFrench mineralspring. Cauterets, inCentral Franceoffered relief intheir baths from:Asthma, Bronchitis,Rheumatism,Laryngitis, andmany otherconditions.

BerkeleySpringswas afrequentfavorite ofmanyAmericannotables.

http://www.sacredsites.com/final40/180.html

ONSEN is,

"hot water, mineral water, watervapor and other gases that issuefrom the ground with atemperature in excess of 25degrees C (77 degrees F) orcontain more than apredescribed amount ofdesignated substances "

Distribution ofONSEN in Japan

The minimum values for ONSEN under the law's definition

substances total content�i/kg�jdissolved substances >1,000mg

CO2 >250 mgLi+ >‚PmgSr2+ >10 mgBa2+ >‚Tmg

Fe2+�CFe3+ >10 mg

Mn2+ >10 mg‚g + >‚PmgBr- >‚Tmg

‚h - >‚Pmg‚e - >‚Qmg

HAsO42- >1.3 mg

HAsO2 >‚Pmg

‚r >‚PmgHBO2 >‚TmgH2SiO3 >50 mg

NaHCO3 >340 mgRn >20�ix 10-10 Ci�jRa >10pg

Circum-Pacific volcanic belt

How ONSEN is produced?

Simplehot spring

Chloridespring

Hydrogencarbonate

spring

Sulfatespring

Carbondioxidespring

Ironspring

Sulfurspring

Acidspring

Radioactivespring

Classification of ONSEN

History of balneotherapy in Japan

700? B.C Sukunabikona-no-Mikoto, legend

201 A.D. Empress Zingu, spa for wounded soldiers

696 Public hot spring

730 Empress Komyo, bathing house for the poor

1659-1733 Konzan GOTO

Maki

Medical effects of ONSEN1. Heat

2. Water pressure

3. Chemical constituents

4. Mental effect

Disease which issusceptible to

treatment

Simplehot

spring

Chloridespring

Hydrogencarbonate

spring

Sulfatespring

Carbondioxidespring

Ironspring

Sulfurspring

Acidspring

Radioactivespring

Neuralgia �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �›

Muscular pain �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �›

Joint ache �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �›

Frozen shoulder �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �›

Movementparalysis

�› �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �›

A joint stiffens. �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �›

Bruise �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �›

Chronicdigestive organ

disease�› �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �›

hemorrhoids �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �›

Cold nature �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �›

convalescence �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �›

Recovery fromfatigue

�› �› �› �› �› �› �› �› �›

Disease which issusceptible to

treatment

Simplehot

spring

Chloridespring

Hydrogencarbonate

spring

Sulfatespring

Carbondioxidespring

Ironspring

Sulfurspring

Acidspring

Radioactivespring

Healthyimprovement

�› �› �› �› �› �› �›

Limits crack �› �› �› �› �›

Burn �› �› �› �›

A chronic skindisease

�› �› �› �› �›

Physically weakchild

�›

Chronic women'sdiseases

�› �› �›

Arteriosclerosis �› �› �› �›

Hypertension �› �› �›

Menstrualdisorders

�›

Diabetes �›

Gout �›

Chronicinflammation ofthe gallbladder

�›

Cholelithiasis �›

Tamagawa Onsen in Akita Prefecture

Flow rate: 9000 L/min

pH: 1.2

Temperature: 98 Co

Hokutolite(Ba,Pb)SO4

100%50%

Bath-tub of Tamagawa onsen

Rock-bath for medicaltreatment

Geophagia

• Geophagia – A noun: eating earth,clay or chalk; occurs in someprimitive tribes or sometimes incases of nutritional deficiency. Alsoto as ‘Pica.’

“If a lump of soot falls into the soupand you cannot conveniently get it out,stir it in well and it will give the soup

a French taste.” -- Jonathan Swifthttp://dict.die.net/geophagia/

The “dirt” [shown] is kaolin, awhite clay mined in Georgia andSouth Carolina that is used foreverything from making ceramicsand textiles to diarrhea medicine.http://www.augustachronicle.com/stories/031899/fea_clay.shtml

In this particular case, manypregnant women in ruralsouthern Georgia, eat kaolin ora grayish native clay toGeorgia commonly sold inGrocery stores. They crave the“dirt” and claim that it helpsquite their pregnancy sicknessand makes them feel better.

Literature citedHaruo Shiramizu, “Onsen no hanashi (A story of Onsen) ” (2000)

Yoshio OSHIMA, Thermalism in Japan (1988)

Web cite citedhttp://www.biodic.go.jp/reports/2-2/aa098_001.html

http://freett.com/pino55/tama-gazou1.html

http://www.jrea.co.jp/onsen/

http://www.keiju.co.jp/hot-spa.htm

AcknowledgementTetsuro NODA, Katsumi KIMURA

Institute for Geo-resources and environment, National Institute for AdvancedIndustrial Science and Technology

Works cited• Pictures and information from• http://www.csicop.org/skeptiseum/Alternative.html#Crystals• http://www.innerself.com/Health/springs_spas.htm• http://www.web.ms11.net/usadeepsouth/dirt.html• http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/ANS01040.html• http://phys4.harvard.edu/%7Ewilson/arsenic_project_good_uses.ht

mlAlso information from:• Amercan Public Health Association• Food and Drug Administration