Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
and geologic processes that adversely impact human health seems endless. However,
there is a kinder, gentler side of nature.
Although relatively little acknowledgment has been given to the health benefi ts
provided by geologic materials and processes (Limpitlaw, 2004), there is a long, rich
and varied record of these benefi ts. This is not new knowledge; rather it is knowledge
that has, to some degree been lost. It has been pushed aside for a more “modern” way
of healing. As tribes and languages die out, knowledge of the ways minerals, fos-
sils, and rocks were used to cure vanishes (Min, 2004). Awareness of the benefi cial
health effects of rocks and minerals may have occurred more than 2 million years
ago. Abrahams (2005) cites the discovery of powdered clays at a homo habilis site
in Africa that is about 2 million years old. The most logical explanation is that these
early humanoids used the powdered clays to aid in digestion or as an antidote for upset
stomachs--the same uses that these clays are put to today! For eons primitive tribes
throughout the world have used various types of clays for nutritional and therapeutic
purposes (Price, 2000). As long as 3,000-5,000 years ago, ancient civilizations
(Mesopotamia, China, India, Egypt, etc.) used minerals for their therapeutic value.
“Terra sigillata,” (Earth that has been stamped with a seal) was described in the fi rst
century AD (Abrahams, 2005) and may have been the fi rst patented medicine (Figure 1).
Figure 1.
Terra Sigillata; Adapted from Reinbacher (2003).
The health benefi ts of geologic materials and processes can be organized into sev-
eral broad categories:
• Source of essential nutrients
• Pharmaceuticals and health care products
• Hot springs and geysers
• Talismans and amulets
This chapter will briefl y discuss these health benefi ts providing a few examples
from each category. It is not our intention to offer a comprehensive discussion of the
health benefi ts. The purpose of this chapter is to provide the readers with an awareness
of this oft-neglected aspect of medical geology.
