Traditional Uses

• Strengthens hair, bones,nails and teeth
• Irritable bladder
• Prostatitis (prostate inflammation)

Mode of Action

• High in silica which is good for the skin and nails
• Contains flavone glycosides which are diuretic (increases urine production)

Drug Interactions

• The diuretic effect may lead to loss or potassium or sodium leading to digitalis toxicity
• Breaks down vitamin B1(unless the enzyme thaiminase is deactivated which it normally is in commercial preparations)

Cautions

• Avoid if pregnant
• Do not use for a period longer than 6 weeks
• May irritate the digestive tract
• Avoid in cases of thiamin deficiency

Recommended Dose

• 500-1000 mg once a day containing 2% silicon. (Dose may vary from brand to brand)

References

• Brinker, 1997; Blumenthal, 1998; Harris, 1985; Hoffman, 1990; Tyler, 1993; Tyler, 1994; Weiner, 1994