Minerals

Ancient Herbs and Modern Herbs: A Comprehensive Reference Guide
to Medicinal Herbs, Human Ailments and Possible Herbal Remedies
by James Kedzie Sayre.

Minerals

Minerals [Etymology: mineral Middle English mineral, Old French mineral, Medieval Latin minerale, from mineralis, mineral from minera, ore]. A mineral is a naturally occurring homogeneous inorganic substance having a definite chemical composition and a characteristic crystalline structure. Small quantities of many different minerals are required for human health. Most normal health requirements for minerals can be met by eating a well-balanced diet.

Boron (B) - This is a non-metallic element that is used in the industrial production of abrasives, ceramics and glass. Found naturally in beans, fruits and leafy green vegetables. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Thought to be of help in protecting against osteoporosis [Kronhausen]. Note: very toxic in overdose.

Calcium (Ca) - Calcium is a common non-metallic element that is widely distributed in the earth's crust. It is widely used in industry to make plaster, cement and many other products. It is one of the basic components of bones and teeth. Moderate amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Found naturally in dairy products, fish, leafy green vegetables and soybeans. Chronic deficiency may cause brittle bones, rickets, tooth decay and excessive bleeding. Note: large doses (more than 2,000 milligrams (mg)/day) can lead to kidney stones and other problems [Sifton].

Chromium (Cr) - a metal used to harden steel and to produce the shiny "chrome-plated" automobile bumpers. In recent years, chrome-plated bumpers have largely been replaced by use of plastic bumpers. Found naturally in brewer's yeast, dairy products, fish, fruit, meat, poultry and whole grains. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Thought to help normalize blood sugar levels. Note: very toxic in overdose.

Cobalt (Co) - a metal - a radioactive isotope has been used as a source in radiation treatment. Found naturally in green leafy vegetables, meats and milk. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Note: large doses (above 20 milligrams (mg)/day) can cause heart problems and thyroid problems [Sifton]. Note: very toxic in overdose.

Copper (Cu) - a metal used by the ancients to make tools and weapons. Modern uses include in telephone wires and as cladding on the bottoms of pots and pans for cooking. Found naturally in beans, cereals, fruits, liver, meats, nuts, seeds, shellfish and vegetables. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Copper supplements are needed to balance zinc supplements [Kronhausen]. Chronic deficiency causes anemia, weakness, impaired respiration and impaired growth. Note: excess may cause nausea and vomiting [Sifton]. Note: toxic in overdose.

Fluorine (F) (fluoride) - this poisonous corrosive non-metallic gaseous element is very highly reactive and so is not found in an uncombined state in nature. In its combined state it is typically called a "fluoride." Used in many industrial processes. Found naturally in apples, eggs, fish and liver, Public drinking water has had trace amounts of fluoride added to help prevent tooth decay. Hardens tooth enamel. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Side effects of chronic excess include stomach ulcers, stress bone fractures and swollen joints. Note: overdoses may be highly toxic.

Iodine (I) (iodide) - this non-metallic element is poisonous. It is used in the production of traditional topical antiseptics. It is found naturally in fish, kelp and shellfish. Iodine is now added to table salt. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Chronic deficiency causes sluggishness, weight gain and goiter. Note: sea salt does not contain iodine. Note: overdoses may be highly toxic.

Iron (Fe) - one of the most abundant metals in the earth's crust. Used in construction of buildings, automobiles and machinery. Rust is the oxidized state of iron. Iron is found naturally in eggs, meat, poultry and shellfish. Mild chronic iron deficiency causes a susceptibility to infections, fatigue, headache and muscle weakness. A severe iron blood deficiency is termed anemia. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Chronic excess iron may cause constipation, diarrhea, indigestion or vomiting. Note: overdoses are toxic.

Magnesium (Mg) - a light, easily oxidized metal that is rarely found in its native (unoxidized) state. Used in the construction of aircraft. Found naturally in dairy products, fish, fruits, meat, nuts and shellfish. Small amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Thought to be of help in protecting against osteoporosis [Kronhausen]. Chronic deficiency may cause mental depression and weakness. Note: do not use supplements if pregnant or nursing. Note: toxic in overdose.

Manganese (Mn) - a metal used as an alloy with iron to produce steel. Found naturally in beans, fruits, leafy green vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Note: side effects from chronic excess may include depression, insomnia and hallucinations [Sifton]. Note: toxic in overdose.

Molybdenum (Mo) - a metal that is used to toughen steel by alloying. Found naturally in beans, leafy green vegetables, liver and whole grains. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Deficiency may lead to anemia. Chronic excess may cause gout-like symptoms [Sifton]. Note: toxic in overdose.

Nickel (Ni) - a metal that is used to alloy steel. Found naturally in beans, fish, vegetables and whole grains. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Chronic excess will produce side effects such as headache, nausea and vomiting [Sifton].

Phosphorus (P) (phosphate) - a non-metallic poisonous reactive element. Ignites spontaneously at room temperature. Used in matches, explosives and fertilizers. Found naturally in beans, dairy products, fish, meats and nuts. Moderate amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Chronic deficiency causes weak appetite, rickets, weakness and retarded growth. Note: toxic in overdose.

Potassium (K) - a reactive metallic element. Used in manufacturing of fertilizer, glass and soaps. Found naturally in beans, fish, fruits and milk, nuts, vegetables. Moderate amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Chronic deficiency causes dizziness, muscle weakness, thirst and mental confusion. Note: toxic in overdose.

Selenium (Se) - a non-metallic rare earth element that is used in the manufacturing of semiconductors. Found naturally in brewer's yeast, fish, meat and shellfish. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Typical supplements are on the order of a few hundred micrograms per day. A microgram (mcg) is a millionth of a gram. Thought to be protective against cancer, coronary artery disease, strokes, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis [Kronhausen]. Note: do not take if pregnant or nursing. Note: toxic above 1,000 micrograms (1 milligram) per day. Note: a microgram is a very small quantity. It is one-millionth of a gram. 1,000 micrograms = 1 milligram. Note: waterfowl in the lower San Joaquin Valley in central California have been poisoned by high selenium levels in agricultural runoff water.

Silicon (Si) - one of the common elements in the earth's crust. Beach sand is silicon combined with oxygen to form silicon dioxide (SiO2). Found naturally in meat and whole grains. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body.

Sulfur (S) (sulphur) - one of the elemental building-blocks of life. Found naturally in beans, cheese, eggs, fish, meats, nuts and poultry. Small amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Chronic deficiency causes dermatitis and other disorders. Note: toxic in overdose.

Vanadium (V) - a metal that is used to harden steel. Found naturally in dairy products, fish, meats and whole grains. Black pepper and dill seeds are especially good sources [Ronzio]. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Chronic excess may cause side effects such as anemia. Note: toxic in overdose.

Zinc (Zn) - a metal used as coating on steel to reduce corrosion. Found naturally in brewer's yeast, fish, meat and poultry. Trace amounts are needed for the proper functioning of the human body. Thought to have protective functions against infection, for the prostate and for vision [Kronhausen]. Chronic excess (more than 600 milligrams/day) may cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting [Sifton]. Note: toxic in overdose.

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Web page last updated on 23 June 2003.