What Is Magnesium Hydroxide?
Magnesium hydroxide is a widely used compound with a variety of different applications. It is naturally occurring and in some cases can come in a form that is consumable. But what exactly is it? Where does it come from? And what is the full range of uses that it can see?
Chemical Composition
The chemical itself is Mg(OH)2. As the name suggests, the core component is magnesium. The addition of the hydroxide is what gives the substance its power. In particular, it is capable of neutralizing acids. It has alkali properties when suspended in water, which allow it to dissociate freely and bind to acids.
Health Uses
Most people encounter Mh(OH)2 as Milk of Magnesia. There are two main uses for Milk of Magnesia. The first is to use its anti-acidity properties to diminish acid in the stomach. The second is as a laxative. When taken orally, the Mg(OH)2 suspended in water is able to bind to the acids and thereby stop them from disrupting the natural balance within the body. As it travels further down the digestive tract, the substance interacts with the intestines, which is when it becomes most effective as a laxative. As it travels through the intestines it will draw water out from the surrounding tissue, improving mobility and ultimately helping stimulate movement within the intestines.
Folk Remedies
Beyond the officially prescribed uses, there are a number of folk remedies that make use of the substance. For example, it is suggested for use to treat canker sores and as a deodorant. It is also commonly suggested for some skin conditions, including seborrhea, dandruff, and acne or breakout prone skin more generally. When used on the scalp the recommended methodology is to use it as a pre rinse; on the face it is applied, left to dry, and washed off. It's important to note that these treatments are not proven in any way and should not be considered medical advice.
Sludge Treatment
One of the least well-known uses of magnesium hydroxide is for biosolids treatment. Much of this substance is acidic, which means that it can be neutralized in the same way that one might neutralize an excess of acid in the stomach. It can be further formulated in a variety of ways to provide additional benefits such as helping to neutralize toxic gases and other potential dangers. One of the biggest benefits of applying Mg(OH)2 to wastewater is that it is a natural substance, and therefore has less potential to pollute than other chemical treatments.
Chemical Composition
The chemical itself is Mg(OH)2. As the name suggests, the core component is magnesium. The addition of the hydroxide is what gives the substance its power. In particular, it is capable of neutralizing acids. It has alkali properties when suspended in water, which allow it to dissociate freely and bind to acids.
Health Uses
Most people encounter Mh(OH)2 as Milk of Magnesia. There are two main uses for Milk of Magnesia. The first is to use its anti-acidity properties to diminish acid in the stomach. The second is as a laxative. When taken orally, the Mg(OH)2 suspended in water is able to bind to the acids and thereby stop them from disrupting the natural balance within the body. As it travels further down the digestive tract, the substance interacts with the intestines, which is when it becomes most effective as a laxative. As it travels through the intestines it will draw water out from the surrounding tissue, improving mobility and ultimately helping stimulate movement within the intestines.
Folk Remedies
Beyond the officially prescribed uses, there are a number of folk remedies that make use of the substance. For example, it is suggested for use to treat canker sores and as a deodorant. It is also commonly suggested for some skin conditions, including seborrhea, dandruff, and acne or breakout prone skin more generally. When used on the scalp the recommended methodology is to use it as a pre rinse; on the face it is applied, left to dry, and washed off. It's important to note that these treatments are not proven in any way and should not be considered medical advice.
Sludge Treatment
One of the least well-known uses of magnesium hydroxide is for biosolids treatment. Much of this substance is acidic, which means that it can be neutralized in the same way that one might neutralize an excess of acid in the stomach. It can be further formulated in a variety of ways to provide additional benefits such as helping to neutralize toxic gases and other potential dangers. One of the biggest benefits of applying Mg(OH)2 to wastewater is that it is a natural substance, and therefore has less potential to pollute than other chemical treatments.
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