Have you ever heard of diatomaceous earth (DE)? No? Well, that’s interesting considering the fact that you’ve probably eaten it. Don’t worry, I have too and the truth is that diatomaceous earth is actually good for you. But, like all things you put in or on your body, it’s important to know just what it is and what it does. So read on, my dirt-eating friend and learn why you need diatomaceous earth and, more importantly, what to do with it.
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I know you think I’m just pulling your leg when I say you’ve eaten diatomaceous earth (DE) but I promise I’m not. Have you ever eaten gummy bears? Yup, DE is used to keep them from sticking together. What about bread, crackers, pasta or cereal? DE is used in grain storage to ward of bug infestations so if you’ve ever eaten a BLT, you’ve eaten diatomaceous earth. It’s can also be found in toothpaste, skin care products, soap, foods, beverages and so much more.
What is Diatomaceous Earth (DE)?
- It’s plankton and I don’t mean Plankton the evil genius from SpongeBob. Food grade diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from a fossilized phytoplankton called a diatom. Under a microscope each DE grain looks like a tiny cylindrical cheese grater.
- DE is very hard which gives it a gentle abrasive quality and can be used to exfoliate your skin or to help clean out your gut.
- It’s also very sharp making it a great insect eliminator both in your home and in the garden.
- It has a strong negative charge which may attract things that are positively charged like bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, pesticides and parasites. The theory is that these positively charged elements get trapped in the cylinder and are flushed out of the body.
- And finally, it is made of 84% silica and contains 20 trace minerals. You literally can’t exist without silica and it is essential for healthy bones, teeth, skin, hair and nails.
Does It Matter What Kind I Buy?
Absolutely yes! Anytime you are using diatomaceous earth you have to use food grade not industrial (filter) grade. Industrial grade DE is toxic to humans and pets and should never be used in your home or on your property. Food grade DE has been recognized by the FDA as “generally regarded as safe” or “GRAS” which means it is considered safe for human (and animal) consumption. You can sometimes find food grade DE at your local feed store or you can make it easier on yourself and just order it online. Here’s a link to get yourself a bag of diatomaceous earth when you’re ready.
What Are The Benefits to Humans?
1. Healthier Hair and Nails–DE is primarily silica which is essential for nail and hair health and growth.
2. Radiant Skin–silica is essential for collagen formation. By taking DE internally it may increase collagen production and reduce wrinkles, age spots and acne.
3. Heart Health–studies show that DE can help lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure by fairly significant amounts. Read about it here.
4. Strong Teeth and Bones–without silica your body cannot form the outer enamel that protects your teeth. This study shows that silica is also essential to bone formation, repair and overall bone health.
5. Homemade Body Products–DE is a great in addition to or as a replacement for baking soda in homemade bath and beauty products such as toothpaste, deodorant or facial scrubs. DE is especially powerful at absorbing odors.
6. Detox–since DE sweeps foreign matter out of your intestinal system it can be an effective detox. Use it to help rid your system of heavy metals, viruses, bacteria, parasites, candida and prescription drug residues.
How Should I Take It?
- Diatomaceous earth is fairly flavorless so you can just stir it into water or juice. It may be slightly gritty but it’s hardly noticeable and not unpleasant. My kids drink it in straight water without complaining. For small kids you could add it to a smoothie or yogurt and any grittiness is undetectable.
- Diatomaceous earth is safe for pregnant and nursing moms. Just be sure to take plenty of extra water.
- For an adult, start with 1 tsp. of DE in liquid. For a child start with 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. depending on size. Mix well and drink. Do this once a day.
- Follow with a glass of water and increase you water intake throughout the day. Drinking DE can make you thirsty plus the extra water will help to flush the impurities out of your body.
- Slowly increase your dosage up to 1 tbsp. per day for adults and 1 tsp. for children.
NOTE: I am not a doctor and I don’t play one on tv (or your computer screen). The FDA has given diatomaceous earth GRAS status but it is not intended to treat, prevent, cure or diagnose any disease.
Diatomaceous earth will detox your body so please be sensible and start slow. If something doesn’t feel right then back off and take less. If it still doesn’t feel right then stop. While my family has never had a problem taking DE internally, everyone is different and you need to listen to your body.
What Are Some Other Uses?
1. Garden Pest Control–lightly sprinkle DE on the soil surface around the base of the plant. But be warned that it will also kill beneficial bugs. Do not sprinkle directly on plants in order to protect bees.
2. Household Pests–DE is effective at controlling a lot of household pests including spiders, ants, cockroaches, earwigs and ticks. Sprinkle wherever these pests have been spotted.
3. Odors–DE can be used in your fridge or sprinkled in the bottom of your garbage can to help neutralize odors. Again, DE is especially powerful at absorbing odors.
4. Fleas–DE can be sprinkled and rubbed into your dog’s coat to kill fleas. Do it outdoors and make sure to rub and pat off the excess. Must be repeated every 3-4 weeks and you should also sprinkle some DE on your dog’s bed.
5. Food Storage–DE can be added to any long-term grain or legume storage to prevent bug infestation and keep the grain dry.
6. Backyard Chickens–sprinkle DE in the nesting boxes and in dirt bathing areas to prevent lice and mites.
7. Deworming Pets–sprinkle some DE on your pet’s food to act a a natural dewormer. It can also help with painful hips and joints and even a fuller, shinier coat when fed regularily.
Animal | Suggested Rate |
---|---|
Large Cats | 1 teaspoon |
Kittens | 1/4 teaspoon |
Dogs 100 lbs + | 1-2 tablespoons |
Dogs 50-100 lbs | 1 tablespoon |
Mini dogs | 1 teaspoon |
I’m always finding new ways to use Diatomaceous Earth and I’m surprised by how many people have never even heard of it. If you’re one of those people then do yourself a favor and pick up a bag today.
How are you going to use diatomaceous earth (DE)?
Leah Meiterman says
Great ideas for DE. I never knew some of them!
Leah says
So glad I could help!
–Leah
pamela priebe says
The only thing I know about this is it stops slugs ! I have learned alot today about different uses and benefits, thank you !
Leah says
You’re so welcome Pamela!
Bill Ryan says
Would like to try the detox after some more research
Leah says
That’s great Bill! Let me know how it goes. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Tiffany says
I use DE on my animals but haven’t tried it on myself yet:) Now I will with all the great information you gave! Great giveaway!!
Leah says
You definitely should Tiffany. I drink a glass everyday and so does my huband. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
–Leah
Lana says
Will use in basement for cat odor, take some for health, flea treatment for pets, garden. Thanks for the info !
Jackie McNutt says
I honestly never heard of this before. Very interesting article. I have several cats who made their home here (strays) and I would use it as a wormer and then try the other uses.
Thank you for giveaway
Leah says
Hello Jackie–thanks for stopping by. You could definitely srinkle it on cat’s food to help with de-worming. I use it for both my cat and my dog. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Karen Cooper says
Great ideas
Leah says
Thanks Karen–and thanks for stopping by.
–Leah
Nicole Dziedzic says
I heard about this giveaway through my friend! She currently has a few baby chickens as we learning from her before we get our own.
Leah says
Hi Nicole–thanks for stopping by. It’s great to have someone to learn from before you get your own chickens. I have another post that might be helpful: https://fabulousfarmgirl.com/homesteading/backyard-chickens/. Getting chickens has been a decision we’ve never regretted. I hope it works out for you. Have a great day and come back soon!
–Leah
Jaime says
Thanks so much for this info! I recently got a bag to use for my garden but I had no idea all the other ways I could use it.
Leah says
That’s awesome Jaime–glad I could help and good job on making such a smart purchase. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
–Leah
Lee S says
Great giveaway!
Leah says
Thanks!
Leslie Howton says
I would love some diatamaceous earth, been looking to use some for a long time. So many uses 🙂
Leah says
I agree Leslie–I am amazed at how many ways I’ve found to use it. Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
–Leah
Betty says
DE is used in some types of swimming pool filters, so you can get a big bag cheap at pool supply stores! I have been told that people should use “food grade” DE to take internally. I don’t know if this is true and I don’t know what the difference is. But the pool grade is perfect for sprinkling around to kill bugs.
Leah says
Hi Betty–you definitely want to get food grade DE if you are taking it internally. It has higher standards of processing/testing. If your just using it for bug control then pool grade is fine. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Amanda Jordan says
I just stopped by the blog to see what was new. I just happened to see this post.
Leah says
Hey Amanda–how are you doing. So glad you stopped by and I hope to see you on one of my webinars soon. Have a great day!
–Leah
Della says
I actually stumbled across your site due to a Google search on how to make pooPourri 🙂
I think its awesome that you’re having a giveaway for DE, I’ve used it before and loved it. Haven’t purchased it in a little while though. This post reminded me that I need to start using it again.
Leah says
That’s great Della-glad you found my blog and I hope you come back soon. I think DE is fabulous so I hope you start using it again. Have a great week!
–Leah
Kristen says
I used to use it all the time…thanks for the reminder! Happy to meet you via SITS!
Leah says
That’s awesome Kristen–glad I could help. Have a great day!
–Leah
Alexis @ Chemistry Cachet says
I use DE for many garden uses! I am a chemist, so I am a huge fan of silica based materials. Great post! Stopping over from Saturday Sharefest!
Leah says
Thanks Alexis–that’s a huge compliment coming from a real chemist! I visited your website and it’s great. I also love to bake cookies and even used to own a cookie company so I will be trying your cow pie cookies soon. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
Cole says
I had heard good things about DE before, and you have me convinced to go buy some tomorrow!
Leah says
That’s awesome, Cole! Please come back and let me know what you think and what you use it for. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
adrian says
Hey Leah. Long time no see! I saw this post on SITS Sharefest and popped over not knowing it was you. The only time I’ve ever heard of it was on Bones. Maybe I’ll have to give it a try.
Leah says
Hi Adrian–how are you doing? I don’t watch that show but now I’m curious how they were using it. LOL! I may have to find the episode. Have a great week and I hope to see you at a blogging convention soon. Have a great week!
–Leah
Cat says
Interesting! I’d heard of it but didn’t know it had quite so many uses or benefits. Is this an excuse to eat more gummy bears? I think so 😉
Leah says
Absolutely! LOL!
Hippychickee says
Do you know if there are possible allergic reactions or bad reactions with other medications? Thanks for all the info. I had heard of DE but didn’t know what all it could be used for.
dorlis grote says
I plan to put it in a ear syringe and put the dust in cracks at baseboards. i live in the woods so get many spiders, ants and other bugs coming in the house. these cracks are their home. so, my question is, can i use regular DE instead of medical grade? my cats will not be able to get to it.
Betty says
I use the DE that can be bought at swimming pool supply stores (cheap) for treating bugs. I even put it on my dogs. Only warning I have ever seen is that you shouldn’t let it fog out into the air and then breathe it, since it is silica and large amounts could damage your lungs. This would apply to food grade as well.
Leah says
You’re totally right Betty–thanks for the reminder. 🙂
–Leah
Christina says
I love thus stuff. Been using it for years. It really helps with joint pain. But, you need to take a probiotic with it or acidophilus. It helps the aiding of balancing the intestinal flora while the de flushes out the toxins.
Leah says
Great advice Christina! Thanks for stopping by.
–Leah
Christina says
Does this really help with joint pain, how? First off I’ve heard of this for the garden to KILL pest so how can it be good for humans to consume? I have been having severe joint pain in my ankles where I can’t sleep and now started hurting throughout the day, i want to try it if it could help but don’t understand how. I appreciate you taking the time to respond with any help
april says
I have faithfully been taking DE for 8 months now i drink it every morning. It is the ONLY thing i have found that immediately takes away a toothache. I had a really need toothache that was deep in my jaw to my ear i drank some DE and it was gone in minutes and has not come back. It helps with my period every month it took away my daughters yeast infection and my friends strep throat. It cleared the fluid in my other friends lungs and allowed her to not have to be hospitalized and off her oxygen the benefits are endless.
Leah says
That’s fantastic April! What an amazing testimonial and I love learning new ways to use DE. I wish I had known about the toothache remedy last year since I had a bad one and couldn’t get into my dentist for a week. Hopefully that won’t happen again but good to know! Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
–Leah
lorahubbel says
Please do not use on pets or people with kidney problems..its was the final nail that killed my puppy after he was poisoned by China’s chicken jerky treats. He was getting better than I wanted to detox him…straight down hill. Found out after wards those with kidney problems do poorly on diatomaceous earth
Barbara says
We love DE for our home, pets, and personally. Have also added it to our chickens’ feed and to their dust bath area. Keeps them happy and healthy too.
Donna says
I started DR 2 weeks ago after hearing about it at the salon, it clicked because we had just purchased 50lbs at the feed store. I am hoping to strengthen hair and stop breakage, as well as help skin and nails. Well, it has also lowered my blood pressure considerably and I’ve lost 3 lbs! 1tsp in the morning mixed in a small juice glass of juice or tea. WOW. I’m sharing my story with everyone . Unbelievable. I’m sure results vary but I’m pleased and have my husband taking it too. It also increases metabolism apparently. Win win win, right?
Donna says
AND we use it in the garden for pesty tomato eating bugs.
Diane says
Im kinda scared to try it.not sure why.
Is there anything else i can read about
What it does for people and animals
Tara says
I have been wanting to buy the brand you recommend but someone brought up the fact that it is in a paper-like sack. Since it absorbs odors so well someone mentioned it could absorb everything from the transit all the way down to exhaust fumes… what are your thoughts on this? The company’s website & Pinterest are SO incredibly helpful I want to purchase it to support them but also want to make the right choice. Thanks for the info!!
Heather says
I love all your posts and information! Thank you. I bought DE for my coop, but after reading this my hubby and I will drink it. ?
Laura says
I took DE faithfully for 3 weeks last summer, 1 tsp in the a.m. and 1 tsp in the evening. I had to stop because I had the worst, nuclear farts! I couldn’t stand myself let alone go in public and share this stench with other people. Does this problem go away with time?
Del says
Yes. The ammonia smell was Candida dying off. When the smell goes away, you know the Candida is cured. You can also do a Candida spit test to judge your levels of infestation. But the DE was working for you. Keep going.
DeAndra says
I found your site while searching how to use DE. My chiropractor suggests my son (13 yrs) take 2tsp twice a day for intestinal parasites. Does that sound like too much for a teenager? After reading your article, I’m going to take it also, for cleansing and for improvements in hair/nails. Thank you.
Diana says
Hello and thank you so much for posting this. My kids have been fighting with parasites and I would love to try DE on them and the whole family at this point.
Do you happen to know Dr how long we should follow the protocol you describe above to get rid of pinworms? Would you recommend a ‘maintenance protocol’ after?
Thank you!!!
Lori says
I am fighting off pinworms myself right now with no luck from over counter medicine! I see it’s been awhile since your comment, would you mind sharing what you ended up doing? Does DE work? I’m currently waiting for it to arrive in the mail!
Andrea says
I’ve been reading about this and have watched some YouTube videos about diatomaceous earth and I am worried about the symptoms. After taking the 1st dose someone said they felt like they were going to die (a bit dramatic, I know) but it kinda scared me so I’d like to get some advice from a well seasoned diatomaceous earth taker like yourself. I was thinking about exactly what you said to start small and work my way up to a teaspoon. One thing I wanted to know is how long do you take it for. Is it for life or a 3 month course or something?
JJ says
Hello. I’ve been taking a tsp once or twice a day for nearly a year without problems.
D says
Is it safe for 4year old kids?
Jenn says
I purchased mine at the pet store so would this be the same? I use it for fleas on cat and sprinkle on carpet.
Tre says
No, use food grade for humans. The brand above is food grade.
Jennifer says
When used as a detox…how long do you use for?
Teresa says
Where do you buy it?
Emily says
I’ve been reading and educating myself on DE. Is this something in your opinion that can be taken daily for life? Do you suggest people take breaks from it? We live surrounded by farms and my kids often pet the cats and I know they likely have parasites. I’d like to use DE for a heavy metal and parasite cleanse. But would again like to know if it’s in your opinion ok for daily lifelong use, and if anything besides extra water is needed when taking DE. We also take a raw whole food based multivitamins and do a raw super green powder with Chlorella and spirulina. Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated, thank you
Susan Morrow says
I had so many ticks in my yard, I got at least 1 on me every time I worked outside. I sprinkled a couple of bags of DE in my yard and around the borders. I haven’t had a tick problem since. I do this every spring now.
Petro Janse van Rensburg says
I love to use DE i tell everybody about it!
It is our new medicine fot the future,my husbsnd use it for sweaty feet,his feet dont smell bad also!
Cathy says
Great article!!..I am a big fan of “dirt”, as many call Diatomaceous earth. The only thing I would add is a precautionary. Diatomaceous earth has fine sharp particles, which are beneficial in the body to cleanse, EXCEPT if you accidentally iINHALE them into the lungs, so be careful when using it in making cosmetic products or stirring it in liquids NOT to breathe in the fine powder. Also, I have read many articles where pets are harmed by inhaling diatomaceous earth accidentally so I would only mix it in WET food for them..because they always sniff things first. Also do NOT sprinkle on their bedding or carpets or outdoors where they go potty..for the same reason.
Michelle says
Hi, I just took a tsp in water and it was so hard to get down. Very gritty and didn’t taste the best. I feel like it will be difficult to work up to 1 tbsp. How do you find it’s easiest to take this as it doesn’t dissolve?
Scherezaad says
PLEASE MAKE SURE U TOOK ONLY FOOD GRADE DE!!!!
Try LUMINO from Amazon. Safe nice 8/9oz container. DO NOT BREATHE in deeply whilst opening. Pour a glass of water (8oz/235ml) And then gently add a teaspoon of DE (FOOD GRADE!!!) on top of the water and watch it immediately go down and dissolve with the water. Stir well and drink and then again continue to repeat the STIRRING before each gulp. Also Try using a plastic / wooden spoon for stirring and using in the powder.
Scherezaad says
Also always take it In the morning on an empty stomach or 4 hours POST any meals.
Wait 1/1.5hrs after taking the DE to eat any food or beverage.
Paula-Kay Ramirez says
Please help! My daughter has pin worms. So I assume we all do. Will this get rid of them? How great is the effectiveness of killing pinworms? How much should we take for how long
Kelly says
I’m sure it won’t hurt to try. I’ve witnessed intestinal worms eliminated. I’ve also given it to a puppy in it’s water and worms came out almost immediately.
Karen says
We got a puppy it had hook worms. He went to the vet every month for 9 months and got medicine. That’s when I looked up a natural remedy. The worms were gone in 2 months. I had never heard of it before. We breed Labradors. We have never had puppies test positive for any worms.
Colleen says
I was so pleased to come across your article on DE. I have used it before, but your article gave me so much more information than I had in the past. Thanks for sharing.
Barbi Coffey says
I will use it for my fur babies, garden and many other uses.
Kelly says
I love DE and first heard of it from a nurse to use as a natural Bed Bug killer because of a assisted living issue. I have it just for good measure under our mattresses, behind all of our baseboards, window sills, and door entrances. 😀
We first tried it to get rid of Candida. It works! My husband stomach went flat after two weeks of eating vegetarian and DE.
My nails are stronger than ever and not to be gross, it will also eliminate worms from humans too.
Dora says
Should I worry about what it will attrack around my 🍅 and other veggies? Or will it also kill them. Does it help
Jamie says
Does DE cause conscription? I would like to treat the whole family for parasites with this product. Do we need to incorporate some sort of laxative? Any suggestions what kind? If this product kills the parasites, we need to make sure they are properly disposed of. Any advise?
Terrena Van Deslunt says
Hi! If using DE as a dewormer for my dogs, how often should I put it in their food?
Mary says
Very good article. Quick to the point!
Marlene says
Hi I just came across this on Pinterest
Never heard of this but after reading I’m definitely
Going to order some!
Thanks so much now this was from 2015
Patrick Debolt says
I am 62 years old and started having problems with my skin becoming thin. It would tear and bruise easily. I decided to try diatomaceous earth. I was amazed. after just 7 days my skin was 50% better. I began wondering. If it helped me on a cellular level for my skin. just what else has it helped me with. I’m a lifelong promoter of it now.
Thanks
Shirley DeCuir says
I wish it would replace the cushion loss between our joints.
Like our vertibres, knees, hips etc
Jessie says
Thank you for sharing in such detail. I’ve used DE from the feed store in my garden and chicken coop. I’ll be trying it on my animals and buying some for myself to try.
Leysan says
Hi Thank you for the info! How long would you use it with kids for detox?
KC says
Same question! I’ve seen some say they’ve (adults) been able to take it for years, others say 30 days on/30 days off for kids, and also some have said 7 days on/10 day break.
I feel safe taking it, but just not having an idea for duration is throwing me!
Cynthia Salchak says
I purchased DE at a feed store primarily to get rid of fire ants. I was told since it was food grade it could be ingested and may help with my thinning hair. I use a heaping teaspoon or two in my oatmeal at breakfast and it seems to be helping.
Thank you for the information on other advantages!
Amberlee Snider says
If you sprinkle it in horse stalls, it also works great to control flies and fly reproduction.
Brittnee says
What age is too young to use this? Thank you!
Tricia says
Hello!
There are a lot of different suggestions out there about how long to take DE for. Do you take it every day with no breaks? I’ve heard 10 days on, 7 days off, then 10 more days and stop. I’ve also heard 10 days on 10 days off for 90 days, then stop. I’ve also heard of people taking this as an every day supplement.
May I ask what you might recommend?
Thank yoU!
Mic says
Years ago I bought DE to combat fleas in my carpet, brought in by one of the new puppies we had just adopted. He was too young for flea meds so the vet suggested the DE. It worked fantastic.
I learned I could use ot for deporting as well. I have used it on our cats and dogs. I only do it twice a year for a week or two. You can see the results within 14 hours and I don’t have to use chemicals on my pets.
I would never give my pets anything I wouldn’t necessarily rake myself. When I have taken it for two weeks and then a break, you can feel better as it cleNs out any chemical residue from prescription.meds and potentially ND parasites you have. All of a sudden your mess become more effective again and your digestive track is no bloat, no farty.
I highly recommend Food Grade DE!
Great article