Diatomaceous Earth 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Diatomaceous Earth – 300 g ($10.99), 200 g ($8.99), 100 g ($6.99), 50 g ($4.99)

Benefits:
Insecticide  Food-grade diatomaceous earth is often used as an insecticide. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, there are more than 150 products with diatomaceous earth that are approved and registered as insecticides. Some of these are for use against:

• bed bugs
• cockroaches
• crickets
• fleas
• ticks
• spiders

Diatomaceous earth works as an insecticide by removing the insect’s waxy outer coating from its exoskeleton. This causes the insect to die from dehydration. Research suggests that products containing diatomaceous earth may also be effective in killing mites, parasites, and internal worms when used in combination with other insecticide methods. More research is needed to understand the effects of diatomaceous earth in agricultural settings.

In the U.S., diatomaceous earth is classified under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act as a safe substance for household use. It’s a natural insecticide, since it absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects’ exoskeletons, which causes them to dehydrate and die of water deficiency. This is why it’s also useful in food preservation, as a natural home deodorizer and cleanser, and for helping treat livestock suffering from parasites.

Research has suggested that using diatomaceous earth can help eliminate bed bugs, house dust mites, cockroaches, ants (such as ant hills), fleas and other pests within your home without the use for harsh chemicals. The website for Pest Control Technology indicates that silica gels have been used by the pest control industry for more than a half century since they safely produce an electrostatic charge that helps them adhere to critters crawling over treated surfaces. Silica gel and diatomaceous earth have been found in studies to kill pests by removing a portion of the razor-thin, waxy outer coating that helps an insect conserve moisture. This allows them to work better than other products that rely on abrasion or poisoning.

Parasites  Diatomaceous earth can assist in the fight against dangerous parasites. The composition and low density of this product are ideal for killing and flushing parasites from your body, with smaller intestinal parasites removed directly and larger parasites in the digestive tract chopped up before being flushed out. Due to the small size of the silica in diatomaceous earth, this material will not harm your beneficial gut bacteria. Diatomaceous earth has already been used for a long time to treat parasites in livestock and pets, with high-grade materials proving just as beneficial for controlling parasites in humans. According to a study published in the Oxford Journal of Poultry Science, diatomaceous earth has the potential to be an effective long-term treatment for parasite control and elimination (5).

Food-grade diatomaceous earth has recently become popular as a dietary supplement. Some people claim that it could help:

• cleanse the digestive tract
• support healthy digestion
• manage cholesterol levels
• improve heart health
• provide the body with trace minerals
• improve bone health
• promote hair growth
• promote skin health and strong nails

However, very limited studies have examined any of the possible health effects of diatomaceous earth on humans, so most of these claims are theoretical and anecdotal.

A 2011 study published in the Oxford Journal of Poultry Science suggested that diatomaceous earth has the potential to be an effective treatment to help control internal worms (parasites). Interestingly enough, this was observed in hens that produce organically raised, free-range eggs. Giving two breeds of commercial egg-laying hens diatomaceous earth improved production of their eggs and egg quality compared to control groups, effectively working as a parasite cleanse in the process. The two groups of hens used in the study were found to differ in their resistance to internal parasitic infections, which was observed by examining their gastrointestinal tracts. The hens fed diatomaceous earth had significantly lower incidences of infections. Those fed diatomaceous earth were also significantly heavier in weight, laid more eggs and consumed more feed than hens fed the control diet — plus their eggs had larger yolks and therefore were more concentrated with nutrients.

Purify Water  Along with being used internally and topically to improve health and well-being, diatomaceous earth can also be used to improve the quality of the water we drink on a daily basis. This product has been used in water filters for years now, with its chemical composition and high silica content making it a great filtration aid. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology, diatomaceous earth helps to kill dangerous viruses and purify drinking water (29).

Diatomaceous earth is used in many filtration products, including the trademarked brand name Celite, because its chemical composition makes it a great filtration aid. It’s able to filter very fine particles that otherwise pass through or clog filter papers. This makes it a common product used in filters to help prevent tap water toxicity and also purification practices for fish tanks. Additionally, it’s also important for manufacturing beer, wine, syrups, sugar and honey without removing or altering their color, taste or nutritional properties.

A study published in the Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that diatomaceous earth helps kill viruses and purify liquids. Viruses have been found to be dangerous and abundant in certain sources of drinking water, raising the risk for viral infections and having a significant impact on bacteria and algae populations in the ecosystem. Researchers tested the effects of a filter containing diatomaceous earth on tap water that was contaminated with heavy metals and various viral strains. The results of the study showed that diatomaceous earth helped absorb up to 80 percent of the viruses present, which were all present in the liquid, even after filtration.

Detoxify, Digestion  The benefits of diatomaceous earth can be seen throughout the digestive system, with the composition of this material proving useful in cleansing the intestines and digestive tract. Silica can be beneficial in soaking up and sweeping away a range of heavy metals and other toxins, as well as helping to eliminate intestinal worms, intestinal parasites, and other dangerous micro-organisms. The silica in diatomaceous earth can be taken to reduce the accumulation of waste and improve gut health, with silicon dioxide found to improve gastrointestinal disorders (6).

Diatomaceous earth — also known as diatomite — works like a natural detoxifying agent within the body, killing parasites and viruses that can contribute to illnesses while also helping to clean the blood. It’s also inexpensive, simple to use and much safer than many store-bought detox products or plans.

Some of the benefits of using diatomaceous earth internally include:

• reducing odors
• helping curb gas
• cleansing the digestive tract
• boosting liver function
• absorbing harmful toxins within the blood

How does diatomaceous earth work to help with detoxification?

Silica works similarly to antioxidants found in high-antioxidant foods because it retains its traits as a stable particle even while continuously suspended in a liquid medium, allowing it to fight free radical damage. It’s broken down into a colloidal, which acts like a detoxifier for the blood since it carries an electrical charge that attaches to free radicals and other harmful toxins. Silica particles can then neutralize the charge of free radicals and remove them from the body through sweat, urine and feces, which slows oxidative damage and has anti-aging effects.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that silica also helps eliminate heavy metals from the body, such as aluminum, making it perfect for a heavy metal detox. In studies, it has been shown to have a high-aluminum affinity and reduces aluminum availability from the human gastrointestinal tract.

One major health claim for diatomaceous earth is that it can help you detox by cleansing your digestive tract. This may be based on its ability to filter heavy metals, bacteria, and sediments from water, the main property that makes diatomaceous earth a popular industrial-grade filter.

Although a 2023 review suggests that silica may help filter out toxins like aluminum, no human research verifies this mechanism can be applied to human digestion — or that it has any meaningful effect on your digestive system. More importantly, no evidence supports the idea that people’s bodies are loaded with toxins that must be removed. Your body is perfectly capable of neutralizing and removing toxins itself.

Digestion – Bloating, Gas  The digestive benefits of diatomaceous earth help to cleanse and detoxify the human body of bad bacteria, helping you to eliminate uncomfortable bloating, excessive wind, and unwanted gas. By helping to improve healthy digestion through the removal of parasites, toxins, and other impurities, diatomaceous earth can help to ensure a functional and unburdened digestive system. Diatomaceous earth has been found to eliminate certain stored product pests such as meal worms and mites, and may play a similar role within the human digestive system (7).

Nutrient Absorption  Food grade diatomaceous earth helps to improve your digestive system, making it easier to absorb essential minerals and nutrients. If you can create an unburdened digestive system by removing the bad stuff from your digestive tract, nutrients will be more easily absorbed and the overall health of your body will improve as a result. Silicon is a major and naturally occurring trace element in the human body, with the vast majority of this material derived from our diet. The presence of silica in most human cells and primitive organisms suggests that it may have an essential biological role in all organisms (8). The bio-availability of silica has been found to improve nutrient absorption and modify nutrient efficiency and content (9).

Balance Your Hormones  Many of the benefits of diatomaceous earth are related to the silica content, which accounts for roughly 80-90% of its overall composition. Silica has been found to regulate the balance between magnesium and calcium in the body (10), with this balance essential for maintaining healthy hormones. Silica affects all of your hormones, including your thyroid, with the selenium in diatomaceous earth also assisting with thyroid hormone metabolism (11).

Heart Health  The silica in diatomaceous earth helps to keep arteries and blood vessel walls supple and strong and supports overall heart condition. According to research , silica may be helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis, which can cause strokes and heart attacks (12). Arteriosclerosis is a serious type of coronary artery disease that causes hardening of the arteries. This condition can be extremely dangerous, with hardened arterial walls causing the blood to move more slowly and increasing the chance of damage due to high blood pressure. The silica that is found in diatomaceous earth helps to strengthen the body’s veins and arteries through the formation of elastin and collagen (13).

Cholesterol  Many of the benefits of diatomaceous earth are related to the circulatory system, with silica and other minerals known to influence heart health and blood pressure. While many studies have been undertaken to look at the benefits of silica, magnesium, and other minerals, there are not many studies based on diatomaceous earth as a product. According to one 1998 study published in the European Journal of Medical Research, however, consuming diatomaceous earth three times a day for eight weeks was found to improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels in healthy human subjects (34).

Another potential benefit of diatomaceous earth is its ability to help balance cholesterol and protect heart health.

A 1998 study published in the European Journal of Medical Research sought to examine the effects of diatomaceous earth supplementation on adults with moderately high cholesterol.

In total, 19 healthy adults with a history of moderately high cholesterol aged 35–67 (10 males, nine females) supplemented with 250 milligrams of diatomaceous earth three times a day for eight weeks.

The results showed that there were significant cholesterol reductions throughout the study, hitting the lowest point during the sixth week. Even more impressive, four weeks after the supplementation was ceased, cholesterol and triglycerides remained lower than at the beginning of the study, while good HDL cholesterol also increased significantly in participants.

To date, only one small 1998 human study has investigated diatomaceous earth as a dietary supplement. In the study, 19 participants with high cholesterol took the supplement three times daily for 8 weeks. At the end of the study:

• total cholesterol decreased by 13.2%
• LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides decreased slightly
• HDL “good” cholesterol increased

However, since this trial didn’t include a control group, it cannot show that diatomaceous earth was responsible for lowering cholesterol. The researchers concluded that a placebo-controlled study is required.

Blood Pressure  Magnesium, potassium, and other minerals found in diatomaceous earth may have a positive effect on heart health and blood pressure. A number of studies have shown links between magnesium consumption and lower blood pressure, which is integral for human health and longevity. According to a study published in the journal Hypertension, people who took magnesium supplements over a period of three months had lower blood pressure than those who did not take magnesium supplements (19).

Diabetes  The health benefits of diatomaceous earth stretch far and wide, with the rich mineral content of this food grade product helping to protect against numerous diseases. The magnesium and manganese found in diatomaceous earth are both known to provide assistance in controlling diabetes, which is one of the most prevalent diseases in the developed world. Type 2 diabetes is frequently associated with extracellular and intracellular magnesium deficits, with magnesium supplementation in diabetic patients found in most, but not all clinical studies (21).

Immune System  The health benefits of diatomaceous earth influence the entire body, with improved gut health and lower levels of inflammation helping to protect the immune system. This material is incredibly old and originates from deep within the earth’s rich crust, with the diatoms in diatomaceous earth providing humans with access to some of the most alkalizing minerals available. According to research, the silica in diatomaceous earth helps to boost the production of the antibodies and antigens that the immune system needs to fight infections (14). What this means is simple – faster and more efficient healing from colds, flu, infection, and illness.

Heavy Metal Toxicity  Diatomaceous earth has a number of benefits for humans, many of which are related to the removal of parasites and toxins. The accumulation of aluminum in the body is a particularly big concern that often results in aluminum toxicity, something which can lead to numerous diseases. The silica found in diatomaceous earth possesses heavy metal detox properties (16) that reduce the chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that can result from long-term aluminum poisoning (17).

Wound and Burn Healing  The silica and other minerals found in food grade diatomaceous earth have been found to stimulate the rapid re-growth of damaged skin tissue. Silica is present in all human tissues at all times, with most of the silica that our body needs coming from our diet. According to research, silica is integrally bound to connective tissues around the body and plays an important structural role in healing and growth (18).

Anti-inflammatory  Inflammation is a defence mechanism that occurs when the body attempts to heal problems. Even though this biological response is an important part of self-protection, it often gets out of control and causes disease. The magnesium content in diatomaceous earth helps to prevent the chronic inflammation that is responsible for so many diseases, with the rich mineral makeup also helping to prevent early aging and obesity. According to research, a low magnesium status has been associated with numerous pathological conditions characterized by chronic inflammation (20).

Urinary Tract Infections  Regular ingestion of diatomaceous earth may help to prevent kidney stones and heal infections of the urinary system. The high levels of magnesium and other minerals in diatomaceous earth can act as a natural diuretic, which may be able to increase the excretion of urine and help to promote normal function in the urinary system. According to one study , magnesium supplements can decrease the severity and recurrence of urinary tract infections (23).

Headaches, Migraines  Headaches, migraines, and associated conditions such as vertigo and tinnitus may be partially alleviated with food grade diatomaceous earth and other natural supplements. Magnesium is essential to many intracellular processes and is known to play an important role in migraine pathogenesis (24), with many of the other minerals found in diatomaceous earth also needed to prevent cortical spreading depression and other causes of headaches.

Collagen Production  Collagen is the main structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues, with this protein also regularly used in cosmetic surgical treatments. The silica found in diatomaceous earth is important for the production and maintenance of collagen, which is also helpful in healing the lining of the gut, maintaining healthy skin, and improving hair strength among other benefits. According to research, silica induces a significant increase in collagen levels of between 13% and 19% compared to a control group (15).

Hair and Nails  The ingestion of food grade diatomaceous earth can help to protect and strengthen your hair and nails (4). Among other things, silica is well known for the positive effect it has on hair and nails, with this powerful mineral also helping to protect the scalp from fungal infections. Whether you have specific problems with dandruff or hair loss, or you simply want to increase the strength and shine of your hair and nails, food grade diatomaceous earth is a powerful form of bio-available silicon.

Skin  The collagen in diatomaceous earth has been found to have a number of beneficial effects on factors of human skin physiology that are commonly related to aging (30). Skin elasticity was vastly improved with collagen supplements, with skin moisture and trans-epidermal water loss also improved to some degree.

Silica and many of the other minerals found in diatomaceous earth are known to have an effect on skin elasticity and other factors known to affect beauty and subjective aging. While the silica found in high-grade diatomaceous earth is retained by the body in all tissues, the highest levels of silica have been found in bone and other connective tissues related to physical appearance, including skin, nails, and hair (22).

Skin Exfoliant  Silica is one of the most important minerals on Earth and the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust at 28%. While most of the silica present in igneous and sedimentary rocks is not readily broken down, diatomaceous earth is a notable exception. Diatomaceous earth can be used both internally and topically, with its silica and mineral content acting as a great skin exfoliant and facial scrub (25). While food grade diatomaceous earth is generally believed to be completely safe to consume, when using it as a beauty product, some people advise against breathing in the fine particles.

Bones  Silicon, which is the non-oxidized form of silica, is one of many minerals stored in your body. Its exact role is not well understood, but some research suggests it may contribute to the health and structural integrity of nails, hair, and skin. Taking around 25 milligrams (mg) of silicone per day may have some bone health benefits, but researchers conclude that more research is needed to understand these possible benefits.

Decreases the Risk of Bone Fractures  Among all the diatomaceous earth health benefits, bone health gets most of the attention for a very good reason (26). The silica in food grade diatomaceous earth is known to increase bone volume and mass, with dietary silicon one of the best ways to improve bone and connective tissue health and reduce the risk of bone fractures (27). While the exact biological roles played by silica in bone health are unknown, it is thought to improve the synthesis and stabilization of collagen and its matrix mineralization. The copper and manganese in diatomaceous earth are also involved in the synthesis of the bone matrix.

Post-Menopausal Osteoporosis  Silica is known to improve bone matrix quality and facilitate bone mineralization, with both of these factors capable of preventing and managing post-menopausal osteoporosis (35). While the benefits of calcium and vitamin D are well known when it comes to osteoporosis treatment, silica and many of the other minerals found in diatomaceous earth are only now starting to be recognized.

Teeth, Bones, Joints, Ligaments  Since it has natural abrasive qualities and kills parasites, diatomaceous earth is used in many toothpastes, skin exfoliators, polishes and skin scrubs. Research has suggested that just like other beneficial clays — like bentonite clay — diatomaceous earth dries out harmful toxins and leaves behind clean, smoothed skin with little to no side effects.

It also seems to have anti-aging effects by helping with the use of calcium in forming strong bones, nails and teeth.

The silica in diatomaceous earth supports stronger teeth, healthier bones, and more flexible joints. According to a 2007 study in The Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, dietary silicon is beneficial to healthy bone mass and connective tissue (1). Not only does diatomaceous earth support normal metabolic processes, it also has a measurable effect on bone mineral density (2). Low bone mass often leads to osteoporosis. Adding diatomaceous earth to your regular diet can have substantial positive effects on skeletal strength and function, with the high levels of silica and other minerals possibly helping to prevent and treat bone and connective tissue diseases like osteoporosis (3).

A 2007 study published in the Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging stated that dietary silicon is beneficial to bone and connective tissue and helps prevent low bone mass (osteoporosis), which is considered “a silent epidemic of the 21st century.”

Silica within diatomaceous earth helps with normal bone metabolism and joint formation, with evidence over the past 30 years suggesting there’s a positive association between dietary silicon intake and better bone mineral density.

Thus, diatomaceous earth makes a healthy addition to any osteoporosis diet and treatment plan. A number of possible mechanisms for how this works have been suggested, including the possibility that silicon helps with synthesis of collagen (used to form joints, the lining of the digestive tract and connective tissue) and within the mineralization of bones. While more research is still needed, it appears that silica supplementation can be used to help support normal metabolic processes, preserve healthy joints and prevent bone disorders.

Endocrine Function  The health benefits of diatomaceous earth affect every part of the human body, with the silicon content able to control metabolism in various endocrine glands (28). Aging and poor health often lead to decreased silica absorption and inadequate or reduced hormone or thyroid activity, which can be partially alleviated with silica supplements or the ingestion of diatomaceous earth products.

Energy   The magnesium content in diatomaceous earth helps your body to produce energy from food and improve exercise performance (31). Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in how the human body functions on a daily basis, including energy metabolism and the maintenance of normal muscle function.

Dementia  The high silica content in diatomaceous earth, along with the other nutrients and anti-oxidants, may be helpful in reducing the risk of dementia. According to a 2009 report published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, silica can be ingested to counteract the damaging effects of aluminum in drinking water (32). In the study, scientists found that the mineral silica can help to decrease the risk of aluminum-induced dementia in elderly patients, with diatomaceous earth one of the best sources of silica in the world.

Alzheimer’s Disease  Diatomaceous earth may be able to help decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, with studies already showing the health benefits of water that is rich in silicon. According to a study by Christopher Exley, a leading scientist on the issue of aluminum toxicity, silicon dissolved in water can chelate damaging aluminum from the body without having any harmful effects on other beneficial metals (33).

Optimize Nervous System  The magnesium levels found in diatomaceous earth are capable of optimizing our central nervous system and helping our cells to produce and use energy (36). Magnesium is crucial for a wide range of body functions, helping with stress management, anxiety, and cell repair. By increasing our magnesium levels with diatomaceous earth and other supplements, we can optimize our nervous system, moderate out anxiety levels, and feel less stressed throughout the day.

Sleep  The health benefits of food grade diatomaceous earth stretch far and wide, with the mineral content of the ancient diatoms assisting us on both a psychological and physical level. The magnesium and calcium in diatomaceous earth are needed by the body to promote healthy sleep patterns, with insomnia one of the primary symptoms of magnesium and calcium deficiency. According to a study by the Human Nutrition Research Center in North Dakota, a high magnesium and low aluminum diet is one of the best ways to promote deep and uninterrupted sleep (37). Poor sleep and insomnia are responsible for so many health conditions, with a lack of magnesium and other key minerals found in diatomaceous earth often having a snowball effect.

Muscle Weakness, Fatigue  Diatomaceous earth includes a number of powerful minerals, including phosphorus and calcium which have the ability to reduce physical health problems such as muscle weakness, numbness, and fatigue. The phosphorus in diatomaceous earth can also have a positive effect on libido levels and impotence, making it a great sexual tonic when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. Phosphate is an excitatory or high-energy mineral because it is used to fuel our bodies and produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate) (38).

 

Origin: USA
General Information
Diatomaceous earth is a natural product made up of fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Composed of the cell walls/shells of single cell diatoms, it easily crumbles to a fine powder. In fact, the composition of the diatom cell walls is biogenic silica. The substances used to make diatomaceous earth are safe and taken directly from the sea, since diatom silica deposits accumulate over time in the sediment of rivers, streams, lakes and oceans.

Diatomaceous earth goes by many names other than diatomaceous earth, including:

• dinosaur dust
• miracle mineral
• fossil shell
• ancient treasure

The National Pesticide Information Center indicates that diatoms found in diatomaceous earth are actually skeletons that are made up of silica, a very common type of matter found in nature that makes up about 26 percent of the planet’s crust. There are various types of natural silica, many of which you probably recognize, including:

• sand
• emerald
• quartz
• feldspar
• mica
• clay
• asbestos
• glass

Quality Details
Our diatomaceous earth (DE) powder is an extremely pure, high-quality product from a freshwater fossil deposit. This DE comes from the ancient, fossilized shell of the Aulacoseira diatom, formed in freshwater during the Miocene epoch. Its shell is made of amorphous silica, which is silica in its naturally occurring state, and this unique tubular shape is critical to its effectiveness. This powder is nearly pure white and consists of 89% or more Silicon Dioxide and less than one half of 1% crystalline silica, which are both important measures of their suitability for human and animal consumption.

This highly absorbent powder is widely used as an anti-caking agent, especially in animal feed. Its ability to absorb moisture is why it is used to prevent clumping in feed that contains sticky substances like molasses. This helps the feed flow better and prevents mold. This high-purity, food-chemical-grade powder is a versatile and effective ingredient for maintaining feed quality and flowability.

Listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI), silica in diatomaceous earth is a key common component of the earth’s rock, sands and clays. Silica is an important component of human ligaments, cartilage and musculature and is also abundant in plants since it facilitates their growth and development. Studies have demonstrated that it’s a healthy essential mineral for the body to build strong bones, hair, nails and teeth, and it’s needed to carry calcium into various parts of the body. Research published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging showed that many forms of silica exist in nature, and compelling data supports many, many beneficial effects of consuming more silica.

Silica used to make diatomaceous earth is a key common component of the earth’s rock, sands and clays. Silica is an important component of human ligaments, cartilage and musculature and is also abundant in plants since it facilitates their growth and development. Studies have demonstrated that it’s a healthy essential mineral for the body to build strong bones, hair, nails and teeth, and it’s needed to carry calcium into various parts of the body. Research published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging showed that many forms of silica exist in nature, and compelling data supports myriad beneficial effects of consuming more silica.

Orthosilicic acid is the form of silicon predominantly absorbed by humans and found in numerous tissues, including nails, bones, tendons, the aorta, the liver and the kidneys. Compelling evidence exists that suggests silica is essential for health and has a strong anti-aging effect. Deficiencies in silica can contribute to:

• abnormal growth
• deformities in skull and peripheral bones
• joint pain caused from poorly formed joints and reduced contents of cartilage and collagen
• disruption of mineral balance
• damage to the femur and vertebrae

Diatomaceous earth is available as

• Food-Grade — meant to be taken internally by humans
• Non-Food-Grade — used in industrial practices

Some products that contain diatomaceous earth include dusts, powders (or a “powder duster”) and pressurized liquids that are used on the outside of buildings, on farms, in gardens, and in human and pet foods. It usually comes in the form of a white powder and is also used in water filtering, food manufacturing, skin products and farming to naturally eliminate free radicals, viruses, insects, parasites and other harmful organisms by binding to them and drying them out.

Diatomaceous earth comes in several forms:

• Granulated diatomaceous earth is a raw material made from crushing silica that’s usually available as a powder and safe for human consumption. (To be food-grade, it must contain less than 1 percent crystalline silica.)
• Milled or micronized diatomaceous earth is a very fine substance used in pesticides and insecticides.
• Calcined diatomaceous earth is a heat-treated and activated form used in liquid filtering and explosives.

You can purchase food-grade diatomaceous earth in some health food stores or online.

Our diatomaceous earth (aka Fossil shell flour) comes from an extremely pure fresh water deposit of the diatom Aulacoseira from a deposit created in the Miocene epoch. Its shell is made of amorphous silica. Its shape and hardness are important to how it works. Its hardness keeps it from dissolving in liquid. The holes along the diatom’s wall allow it to absorb moisture, hence its commonly used as an anti-caking agent.

The colour of this DE is almost pure white and consists of 89% (and sometimes more) Silicon Dioxide plus 28 trace minerals which means more diatom surface area is available. More diatom area means greater absorptive capacity and more improvement in the mixability and flowability when used in animal feed. It does not swell nor absorb nutrients and thus poses no long-term hazard when used as an anti-caking agent in animal’s feed. Darker coloured DE often contains an excess of a particular mineral such as iron or a high percentage of clay.

Freshwater Versus Saltwater DE
Freshwater deposits like in this DE, have a consistent diatom presence. Their fossilized shells have maintained their tubular shape. This shape and strength of the fossil shell is critical to its effectiveness. This deposit has 89 – 95% amorphous silica content and is also more consistent in its purity of other elements that have settled in it. A freshwater deposit is confined to the runoff water of its surrounding environment. A freshwater deposit in the mountains, such as in this DE, formed when snow was pure and its runoff provided the water source these diatoms lived in.

Saltwater deposits contain a mix of types of diatoms of different shapes. Their fossilized shells are fragile and break easily. This renders them ineffective for our purposes. The salt water deposits are less predictable in their sediments.

Amorphous And Crystalline Silica
Amorphous silica is silica in its naturally occurring state. It is a trace mineral every mammal on the planet needs to live. It becomes crystalline when it is exposed to extreme heat through volcanic activity or commercial manufacturing means. The type of DE used in swimming pool, and other, filtration systems is crystalline silica. Crystalline silica is extremely dangerous when inhaled or ingested. It is not biodegradable. Our DE contains less than one half of 1% of crystalline silica and is considered GRAS (generally regarded as safe).

Animal Feed:
Bird and animal feed may contain substances such as molasses that cause the particles to become “sticky” and clump. This can not only make the feed hard to pour but also promote mold. When DE is mixed in the feed (not to exceed 2% of the dry weight), it coats each particle, making it difficult for the particles to stick together. This allows the feed to “flow” better and its absorption ability protects it from mold. No mold means less wasted feed.

By separating the particles of feed, the animal’s digestive enzymes are able to completely surround each particle. This may also allow for a more complete digestion.

Human Consumption:
Our DE is listed by the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) which supports organic integrity by providing organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers, and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in production, handling, and processing. It is also a product labelled Food Chemical Codex Grade (FCC) which refers to a compendium of standards used internationally to ensure the quality and purity of food ingredients.

Even though this suggests high-quality standards and that DE is GRAS (generally regarded as safe), these terms do not guarantee that this product is safe or registered for human consumption. Please note that Diatomaceous Earth is not approved as a food in Canada.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.

For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compound (or sometimes a few) and may concentrate them. What is not extracted is thrown away, since it is depleted by the extraction. These solids are ‘leftovers’ of the extraction process and essentially treated as worthless. However, these are still beneficial in ways scientists have not recognized yet and can be helpful in ways not yet understood. Concentration of beneficial compounds is quite important in some cases to increase the health effect of the compound and/or be a good alternative to consuming unrealistically large amounts of the herb for the desired benefit.

Extracting (tea, tinctures, oils, some capsules, powders, tablets, etc.) is very common and often more convenient for the user, which is often their main appealing feature. However, it also can lead to problems, like liver and other issues, that as far as we know by the current state of research don’t occur in the natural herb form.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
Diatomaceous earth powder can be added to any drink or food. Be sure to ingest all of it.
Humans – 1-2 (6-12 g) heaped tablespoons/day

Recommended dosage rates for pets, animals and livestock:
Kittens – 1/2 teaspoon per day
Adult Cats – 1 teaspoon per day
Puppies – 1/2 to 1 teaspoon p/day dependent upon size and breed
Small Dogs under 15kg – 1 teaspoon per day
Medium Dogs 15kg to 35kg – 1 tablespoon per day
Large Dogs over 35 to 50kg – 2 tablespoons per day