Ingestion of Earth materials for health by humans and animals

Abstract

Modern medicine utilizes a variety of Earth materials for ingestion, ranging from alum to zeolites, for palliative and curative purposes. Human consumption of Earth materials such as loess, salt, and pulverized limestone are quite common. Many antacid pills such as Tums and Rolaids have calcium carbonate or calcite as their main ingredient. The purpose for taking in these natural materials includes ameliorating nutrient deficiency, illness, and detoxification.

More than 50 species of animal have been reported to ingest various types of clays, salt, and other Earth materials, typically at sites referred to as ‘licks’. It has been suggested that these behaviours not only provide needed nutrients but also deal with intestinal parasites and other maladies. Minerals such as zeolites represent a popular feed additive for livestock to help with gastrointestinal problems.

Keywords:

• alum
• animal licks
• antacids
• borax
• clay eating
• detoxification
• diatomite
• dolomite
• Earth material ingestion
• epsomite
• feed additive
• gastrointestinal upset
• geophagy
• gypsum
• hunger
• infection
• magnesite
• nahcolite
• nutrient deficiency
• osteoporosis
• salt
• trona
• zeolites

Acknowledgements

A heartfelt thank you to Cathy Skinner, who patiently supported this topic to completion; Pete Modreski, who reviewed this paper more than once and added valuable information along the way; John Smoliga and Bill Nesse, who reviewed and gave feedback; Lynda Williams, who supplemented the clay information; Rudy Reinbacher, who added his wisdom; and Richard Hanneman from the Salt Institute for supplying needed references.