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Diatomaceous Earth (DE, diatomite, kieselgur, celite) is a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like, sedimentary rock mineral that is easily crumbled into a fine white, off-white or pink powder.
This powder is very light-weight due to its high porosity. It is made primarily of silicon and consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a hard-shelled algae which inhibited the waters of the Earth millins of years ago.
Diatoms used to serve as the basic food for aquatic life, just as grass is the basic food for land animals. Some of these deposits which shfited to dry land overtime, have become the sources of diatomaceous earth as
we know it. Diatomite can be of fresh and salt water origin. The fresh water diatomite is the one which is generally regarded as clean and is being used most widely for a number of purposes - insecticide being one of them.
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What makes Peruvian Diatomite different?
Peruvian diatomite is called extra-pure, since it comes from a fresh water source and is very high in silica and very low in heavy metals such as iron and aluminium. It is a very light substance,
white-coloured and has a pleasant smell of sea water (even though it is of fresh water origin!).
There are hundreds of sources of Diatomaceous Earth and most deposits are from salt water sources.
The ones coming from fresh water sources are of extremely high purity. Freshwater diatomite is mined from dry lakebeds and is mostly hydrated amorphous silica.
Peruvian DE is non-toxic, and is safe around humans, animals, pets, plants and the environment. Its 100% natural origin ensures that it is free from the artificial chemicals which are abundant in modern-day
insecticides, anti-parasite remedies and plant food.
How does diatomaceous earth work on insects and parasites?
Diatomite punctures the exoskeleton of insects and parasites and absorbs their body fluids effectively drying them out. It also acts as a powerful natural repellent. Insects stay away
from surfaces covered with DE, making a serious infestation unlikely.
Known Applications of Diatomaceous Earth:
- At home: used against house insects (ants, cockroaches, silverfish, bed bugs, flies, fleas, box elder bugs, scorpions, crickets, ticks, etc.). Sprinkle
the areas which you suspect is infested with insects. To eliminate bed bugs, ensure coverage of all the bed parts.
- Pet protection against insects and parasites:fleas, ticks, lice, and other pests. Rub the powder into the animal fur, sprinkle on the carpet, bedding.
- Livestock protection against insects and parasites:horses, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and other domestic animals will benefit from the use of DE
to protect them against fly larvae, ticks, fleas, etc.
- Livestock - other benefits:Regular addition of DE to animal feed is said to stimulate metabolic rate, improve coat and hoof condition, improve digestion and elimination, act as a natural
mineral food supplement (it contains numerous minerals in it), promote healthier egg production and stronger eggs in poultry, and reduce overall animal stress. It can also reduce the odour in barns from excrement, prevent larvae from forming in the
manure.
- Natural plant protection against insects:DE is the organic way of controlling insects in the garden, greenhouse, orchard, and more. Use it for control of slugs, whitefly, beetles, mites, grasshoppers, etc. For use in the greenhouse or
outdoors on fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains and grass - up to and including day of harvest. Ensure coverage over the entire plant, including under the leaves. For young plants, two pounds per acre may be adequate. For larger plants, five lb/acre
may be enough. Examine the leaves periodically to make sure that the DE goes all over the plant and the leaves are not eaten by bugs. Use special dust applicator. Make sure that you always wear protective mask over the face and your eyes are covered
to avoid irritation of the eyes/mucous membraine.
While we do not give any prescriptions or recommendations in terms of human consumption, we think that consumers have the right to know facts about Diatomaceous Earth and how it is being commonly used. Here are some of them:
- In some countries DE is sold as a natural product for better hair, nails, skin, bones, etc.
- There are 2 basic types of DE: the one of marine origin, and the one derived from fresh water beds. The fresh water DE is the
one classified as food grade diatomite due to its exceptional purity.
- The FDA (USA) has classified DE as GRAS (Generally Recognised as Safe).
- It is pH neutral and completely non-toxic.
- DE contains numerous micro and macro-elements which may contribute to natural body re-mineralisation.
- Food grade DE is being used as a very effective natural remedy against parasites in humans. Many people have pets. Even if pets are not part of the household,
worm infestation is very common. DE expels worms swiftly and effectively, without the need for chemical remedies. It is also a safe and effective preventative measure
against parasites.
- Cholesterol reduction: several studies have shown diatomite to be effective in reducing cholesterol in the blood.
- Blood sugar level: there have been reports of reduction in high blood sugar level.
- Weight loss:some people report appetite reduction and consequent weight loss when using diatomaceous earth.
- Powerful sorbent, natural detox: DE is a highly sorbent substance which can eliminate toxins out of the body acting as a natural detoxifying remedy.
- Immune stimulant: DE has been found to stimulate the immune system in both animals and humans.
- Rich source of mineralsDiatomite is exteremely rich in minerals which makes it a great mineral food supplement.
- Colon cleanser:DE collects numerous toxins/debris when it passes through the colon. While eliminating parasites, it also picks up other unwanted substances
and takes them out of the body swiftly and efficiently. In cases of inactive stool movements, it is one of the natural aids for quick elimination.
- Silicon-rich:DE is very rich in silicon, a chemical element which has multiple functions in teh body, such as production of bone, cartilage, hair, nails, strengtheing cellular membraine,
blood vessels, participating in the production of thyroxine, etc. "Scientific studies have shown that silicon (widely known as 'silica') Si plays an important role, cross-linking the mucopolysaccharides and proteins to increase
the strength and reduce the permeability of the extracellular matrix in connective tissues including the aorta and other arteries, trachea, tendon, bone, teeth and skin, and also has a catalytic role
in the mineralisation of new bone. Silicon therefore aids the healing process and also helps to build the immune system." http://www.portfolio.mvm.ed.ac.uk/studentwebs/session2/group29/silinut.htm
Note: All this information is given as information only and should not be treated as medical advice. Please do not resort to self-treatment. Consult a
doctor if feeling unwell. We do not diagnose or prescribe any treatments, and cannot give recommendations as to the dosage or frequency of application.
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