Why Food Grade?

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 and are therefore called food grade diatomite. Freshwater diatomite is mined from dry lakebeds and is mostly hydrated amorphous silica. Food grade 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 it work on insects/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. When ingested, it works on parasites on the same principle by puncturing ther skin and absorbing their fluids and wrecking havoc with their internal eco-systems, thus killing them. It makes food grade DE the most powerful and safe natural insecticide/anti-parasite natural remedy around.

Uses of Diatomaceous Earth:

• At home: use 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. Against parasites: add 0.5-1 tsp of DE to pet food or water to expel parasites and prevent their re-appearance. Cat litter: add for odour control.

• 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. Add DE to animal feed to expel parasites.

• Livestock - other benefits:Regular addition of DE to animal feed will 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 will also reduce the odour in barns from excrement, prevent larvae from forming in the manure. All this will help reduce vet bills.

  For smaller farm animals (pigs, sheep, goats), add about 12g (0.5oz) to their feed. For larger animals (cows, horses), add 25-50g of DE to feed, once a day. For poultry and small animals which you keep in large number add 2% of DE to their food.

• 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 recommendations in terms of human consumtion, I think consumers have the right to know certain facts about Diatomaceous Earth, as well as its benefits and uses in order to make the right decision as to whether DE is the right product for them. Here are some of them:

• In many 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).
• When mined, diatomite is heat treated to over 600 degrees Celsius, making it completely sterile and safe from the point of view of infection.
• It is also 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 an extremely 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.
• 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 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. Si 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

In many ways, Diatomaceous Earth can be compared to the edible clays and zeolite (clinoptilolite), due to its powerful detoxifying, remineralising, immune-boosting, chloesterol-reducing properties. What sets it apart from the other two is its strong insecticide and anti-parasite properties. However, as mentioned in this article, DE is not limited to it, and serves as the most natural aid to many other body functions.

Note: All this information is purely information 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.