Diatomaceous Earth: Home, Garden, & Health Benefits

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from less than 3 micrometre to more than 1 millimeter, but typically 10 to 200 micrometres. Depending on the granularity, this powder can have an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and is very light as a result of its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of oven-dried diatomaceous earth is 80 to 90% silica, with 2 to 4% alumina (attributed mostly to clay minerals) and 0.5 to 2% iron oxide.

*Reported Health Claims*

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, mild abrasive in products includingtoothpaste, mechanical insecticide, absorbent for liquids, matting agent for coatings, reinforcing filler in plastics and rubber, anti-block in plastic films, porous support for chemical catalysts, cat litter, activator in blood clotting studies, a stabilizing component of dynamite, and a thermal insulator.

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Health Benefits of Diatomaceous Earth:

Diatomaceous earth also has many health benefits due to its mineral content, which consists of about 85% amorphous silica and approximately 20 trace minerals.

Reported Benefits Of Diatomaceous Earth:

Silica lowers bad cholesterol and raises good
Silica fades age spots
Silica stimulates metabolism for higher energy levels
Diatomaceous Earth has a negative charge and bacteria has a positive charge. It is believed that Diatomaceous Earth sweeps bacteria out of the body by trapping it in its honeycomb shaped skeletal form.
Silica supplementation helps repair and maintain vital lung tissue and protects them from pollution. By maintaining or restoring the elasticity of lung tissue, silica reduces inflammation in bronchitis.
It acts as a cough decreasing agent. Silica tones the upper respiratory tract (nose, pharynx, larynx) and reduces swelling because of its positive action on the lymphatic system.
Silica supplementation keeps menopause free of stress and helps to prevent many unwanted side effects of menopause
Silica works with other antioxidants to prevent premature aging and to preserve youthfulness.
Silica can help prevent kidney stones and heal infections of the urinary tract. It is a natural diuretic which can increase excretion of urine by 30 percent, thus flushing the water-excreting system and restoring normal function to these vital organs.
The presence of sufficient silica in the intestines will reduce inflammation of the intestinal tract. It can cause disinfection in the case of stomach and intestinal mucus and ulcers. Silica can prevent or clear up diarrhea and its opposite, constipation.
Silica will help normalize hemorrhoidal tissues.
In regulating and normalizing the bowels, silica has a pleasant side effect; it can alleviate lower back pain, which often troubles the elderly.
Silica proves effective with female discharge, abscesses and ulcers in the genital area and cervix, as well as mastitis (especially for breast feeding mothers).
The intake of silica acts as a supportive treatment for inflammation of the middle ear. Because of the beneficial effectiveness on the lymphatic system, silica can be used for swelling of the lymph nodes in the throat.
Has anti-inflammatory disinfecting, absorbing and odor binding effects.
Silica can normalize circulation and regulate high blood pressure (hypertension).
Silica can decrease vertigo, headache, tinnitus (buzzing of the ears) and insomnia.
Silica can help diabetes by promoting synthesis of elastase inhibitor by the pancreas.
Silica can help arterial disease by strengthening the blood vessels. Studies confirm that with age, silica disappears from the aorta, the heart’s key blood vessel, thus weakening its critical connective tissue and resulting in a greater cardiac risk.
Silica can help prevent Tuberculosis.
By improving the elasticity of the joints, silica helps rheumatism.
Silica has inhibitory effects on coronary diseases.
Silica can help avoiding or alleviating Alzheimer’s disease by preventing the body from absorbing aluminum and may flush out aluminum from the tissues. Silica can stimulate the immune system.

DIRECTIONS: Diatomaceous earth does not have an unpleasant taste. Simply mix 1 to 2 tablespoons daily in liquid or food. Since diatomaceous earth does not dissolve, it may be necessary to stir a few times while drinking to prevent settling. As some people experience high energy levels, it is best to take it in the morning hours.

IMPORTANT NOTES: Industrial grade diatomaceous earth, which has larger quantities of a highly crystallized form of silica, should never be inhaled due to possible health risks for the lungs. When using food grade diatomaceous earth externally, such as in the garden or on pets, it is probably a good idea to wear a dust mask and gloves. Breathing in too much food grade diatomaceous earth may irritate the mucus membranes in the nose and mouth and it may dry out your skin. Once the dust settles, it does not pose a threat. Diatomaceous earth can also dry out your skin.

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Gardening with Diatomaceous Earth:

Gardeners can find that diatomaceous earth is a dream come true. The sharp points scratch the exoskeleton of insects causing them to dry out and die and the powder also absorbs fats (lipids) from the hard exoskeletons of the insects, drying them even further. It makes an excellent pesticide, effectively controlling aphids, thrips, mites, snails, and slugs without harming worms or beneficial soil microorganisms.

Diatomite Food Grade fossil shell flour for Growing Amendments This can be mixed into a Resivior, or for hand watering mix 1 1/2 tablespoons per Gallon H2O, Top Dressing any growing medium, or Row Crops. Food grade DE only requires a light dusting to help with insects in your home or garden. More is not alway better, as insect tend to avoid large quantities. If you are simply trying to keep insects from entering your home you can put as much as you like as a barrier around your home and it should make a big difference. Remember that food grade diatomaceous earth works physically so it is not as quick as chemical insecticides, but it is much safer and will last as long as it is still present in the area.

Diatomaceous Earth can be found in powder and rock form. It can be added to a reservoir, mixed as an amendment, or added as a top dressing to the soil.

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Diatomaceous Earth at Home & for Pets:

Diatomaceous earth benefits pets and other animals similarly to the way it does humans, and it can have other benefits as well. For example, rubbing diatomaceous earth on their coats will ward off fleas and ticks and given internally, it is an excellent de-wormer.

When giving pets diatomaceous earth orally, just mix it in their food. Kittens should receive 1/4 of a teaspoon while large cats should be given 1 teaspoon.

The recommended dosage for dogs is as follows:

*Very small dogs should receive 1/2 teaspoon.
*Dogs under 50 pounds – 1 teaspoon.
*Dogs 50 to 100 pounds – 1 tablespoon.
*Dogs more than 100 pounds – 1 to 2 tablespoons.

Diatomaceous earth can also be added to kitty litter and pet carriers to reduce odors.

Diatomaceous Earth: Home, Garden, & Health Benefits