We had a spider overrun in our garage this summer, and diatomaceous earth (DE) saved the day!
Diatomaceous earth is natural and a great addition to any household. There are a multitude of uses for DE. (One of my favorite lists can be found at Tips Bulletin.)
Beth Haymond is an expert on this wondrous, versatile substance and agreed to answer my questions regarding the origin of DE, as well as its many uses. Beth is content writer and social media coordinator for DiatomaceousEarth.com where you can find high quality DE. (I have no financial affiliation with this company, just an interest in helping others avoid hazardous chemicals.)
What are the most common uses for DE?
Rather than trying to list the thousands of ways to use diatomaceous earth, let me just say this: if you’ve eaten gummy bears or bread in your life then you’ve already eaten diatomaceous earth. If you brush your teeth regularly, it’s likely you’ve brushed your teeth with DE. If you use soap then more than likely you have used DE.
You see, there are thousands of uses for diatomaceous earth. It keeps gummy bears from sticking together. It’s found in skin care products, toothpastes, foods, beverages, medicines, filters, and so much more.
Other ways to use DE are due to its amazing absorbency capabilities. You’ll find it in cat litter, floor dry, soil amendments among others. It absorbs odor as well, so toss a bit in a smelly garbage can or your gym shoes to keep the odor away.
It’s most well-known as a natural insecticide. When ants or any bug with an exoskeleton comes in contact with diatomaceous earth, it dries them up. They no longer can hydrate because the diatomaceous earth sticks to the waxy layer found on the exoskeleton and prevents them from hydrating from the moisture that is in the air.
Are there any downsides to the use of DE?
It’s never going to be as strong as a chemical pesticide. It’s as simple as that. You need to be patient with diatomaceous earth and smart with your application. Since it’s a dust, it has to come in contact with the insect to work.
Of course, its downside is its upside. It’s not a chemical! This is a huge advantage to me, and you can keep it in your home as long as you want, without risking your family’s health. It may not be as strong as a chemical pesticide, but I’ve found DE pretty effective and most people agree.
What is the top misconception regarding the use of DE?
This one takes some explaining so bear with me. First off, you need to know the chemical composition of DE (which varies between mines and companies). They all look something like this:
Amorphous silicon dioxide, from diatomaceous earth 85%
Other element oxides 10%
Moisture 5%
As you can see, the main component of DE is silicon dioxide, which can range from 80 to 90 percent of DE. Silicon dioxide, also known as silica, comes in two forms: crystalline and amorphous. Crystalline silica is formed when DE is superheated.
Here is the misconception: many people think there is a serious risk with inhaling DE. There have been studies that show there can be an increased risk of cancer and silicosis after people have breathed in crystalline silica. But these studies almost always look at people in construction or mining operations. Silicosis generally happens after about twenty years of working in a site like that.
The potential carcinogenicity of crystalline silica is still being explored. But again, the people being studied are constantly exposed because of their jobs. The gist of what we know now is that you’re at risk if you breathe in crystalline silica every day, all day, for about twenty years of your life.
Sometimes you’ll read an article that says something like this: “Warning! Use a dust mask when applying diatomaceous earth because it’s toxic when you breathe it in!” This is simply not the case. To be labelled food grade DE, it cannot contain more than one percent crystalline silica.
Amorphous silica is the natural stuff. This is what makes up your DE and hasn’t been altered. DE that has been superheated and contains a high amount crystalline silica is pool grade DE. This is used in pool filters. Even with this DE, you should be fine. You’re just adding it to your pool filter after all.
To date, no carcinogenicity has been linked to amorphous silica.
With all this being said, there should still be some caution because DE is still a dust. Some people with asthma, allergies, or sensitivities should take precautions, especially when a large application is involved. Keep the area ventilated and you should be just fine.
Can you give a little background/information on your company?
DiatomaceousEarth.com took off this year in April. We sold DE before on DiatomaceousEarth.net under the brand name Pure Earth D. When a new domain opened up, we took it as a chance to create an informative, user-friendly website. We have an interactive learning center full of how-to articles with step-by-step instructions. We have a blog that we regularly update with the latest information on how to use DE. People can email, use the chat feature, call in, and Facebook us with their questions. We have lots of knowledge to share.
Do you recommend taking DE internally?
This is one of the more controversial topics, but I think there could be something to eating DE. We know that silica plays an important role in the body. While the exact role isn’t clear cut, silica deficiency induces deformities in skull and peripheral bones, joints are poorly formed, the mineral balance in the femur and vertebrae is disrupted, and contents of cartilage and collagen are reduced.
People who have taken DE have found various benefits. The most common benefits I hear about are healthier hair, skin, and nails. If you want to ingest DE, 1 tsp a day should do the trick.
As far as we know it shouldn’t have any negative side effects. It’s listed by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), and as we established earlier, you’ve likely already ingested trace amounts of DE.
The main problem with the benefits of eating DE is the lack of information. There aren’t many studies to back up some of the benefits people have found.
With this in mind, sometimes people will message me on our Facebook page and ask something like, “Will this cure my cancer, autoimmune disease, heart disease, lower my blood pressure, etc.?” My reply is always the same. Contact a competent medical professional, and seek proper medical attention. Do not discontinue any medicine your doctor has prescribed.
Do you have any tips regarding the application of DE?
Recognize that you will apply it differently depending on the pest you’re dealing with. When I’m protecting a plant from a slug, I apply a barrier of DE around the plant. On my dog, I push back her fur until the skin is exposed and then apply it everywhere to kill fleas.
Some steps that are always the same with most insects: clean your home like the Queen of England is coming to visit, fix or caulk any cracks, prune back foliage, and get rid of any leaks or moist areas. Unfortunately for some of our warmer states, it’s just a given that you’ll be fighting against insects most of the time. DE is in this scenario because you can always have it applied and it’s not toxic to your family. As long as you keep it dry, it will last forever.
One of my favorite things about DE is a barrier as well, which is not something many chemical pesticides are capable of. I have problems with ants every summer, but I know where they’re coming in—the crack under my front door. I put a line of DE in front of my door, and reapply when it gets washed away. I haven’t had a problem with ants since I’ve done this.
Not all applications are that easy. Bed bugs fall under this category. If you have them, buckle up because you have to do a lot to get rid of them. DE isn’t magic, but it does work. Same with chemical pesticides, you generally have to use a few methods to get rid of heavy or difficult infestations.
What is Food Grade DE?
For all your diatomaceous earth needs, it’s best to use DE that meets the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) standards. This kind is typically referred to as food grade diatomaceous earth. It’s basically the bee’s knees of DE because it’s natural and unaltered. This is the grade you want to use as your pesticide, feed additive, deodorizer, cleaner, etc. The best way to tell if the DE is food grade is by the label on the package.
The only grade to look out for is pool grade. When DE is superheated this process causes the diatoms to crystallize. This process makes the DE into a great filter, and as the name suggests, you’ll want to only use this grade as a filter in your pool. Don’t use pool grade DE for any of the suggestions listed here.
Thanks to Beth Haymond for taking the time to help us live more naturally and avoid the health hazards associated with petroleum-based chemicals.
Diatomaceous Earth.com recently featured momsAWARE on their site. You can read the full interview here.
Bonus Recipe
Every summer I make a bug powder ready to apply if we get some uninvited visitors which invariably occurs in Arizona.
- All-Purpose Pesticide Powder
- 1/2 c. bay leaves
- 1/2 c. peppermint leaves
- 1 1/2 tsp. each citrus peel, garlic powder, diatomaceous earth, cayenne pepper, pyrethrum, salt
Grind the ingredients into a powder using a blender or mortar and pestle. Dust along affected areas.
For a free printable recipe list see the momsAWARE Pest Punching Printout!
DE helps keep our chicken coop free of ants and it’s supposed to be good for the chickens to injest as well.
This is such a good post. This answers so many questions we all have about diatomaceous earth. I love DE and all the amazing things it can do for us. It is critical that we all help each other with information such as this provides. It will help us fully take advantage of the many wonderful benefits of diatomaceous earth. Thanks for the post ANDREA And BETH.
Thanks Kris! I learned a lot too.
I actually knew the old gentleman the did the whole diatomaceous earth identification and catorization of it . What it starts out being is skeletal remains of all different sizes and shapes . It s used in tooth paste and cost ,Ajax and many other things as the abrasive ingredient !
Fantastic article. Thank you for making it so easy to understand.
I learn something new everyday.
So what affect does it have on the human gut biology? If it has that affect on ants and such does it not also have a negative affect on smaller organisms as it passes through your GI tract?
I think many of the microbes would be resilient to this, but your question makes sense. This would be the reason that less is more when taking DE internally. I have taken DE in the past with no negative effects – but mostly I stick with charcoal or bentonite clay.
It is great for intestinal parasites. I’ve heard some people are amazed what they pass!
I’ve really been wanting to try it to lower the bugs in our house.. never knew about the health benefits! Amazing!
Great post! My comment is actually a question. The only DE I can find in my area (in large quantities anyway) is more red-ish in color. I believe it’s called “Red Lake Earth” diatomaceous earth. It is food grade… just wondering if it’s the same stuff as the all white DE… except the color of course! Thanks!
Jabe,
As long as it hasn’t been heated at high temperatures it should be fine. Here is what I am reading on their website:
“Food Chemical Codex Grade diatomaceous earth, on the other hand, is treated at a much lower temperature (non-calcined) and contains a very low percentage of crystalline silica (Red Lake Diatomaceous Earth contains less than 1% crystalline silica). Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth must also meet strict specifications in regards to heavy metal content.”
You could ask the company exactly how high they heat it since they are saying lower temperature. That would be my only question with it.
I recently got this kind and I can’t get it off of my laminate wood flooring!!! I am at a loss as to what to try next as I don’t want to ruin my floors. They’re not even a year old yet. Any help would be appreciated!
It should be dusted and come right up. Not sure how to help, Sheila.
Use vinager water
It is food grade. My understanding is that Red Lake Earth has clay in it. This could be the deposit itself, because every diatomaceous earth deposit is different, or it could be added later.
http://grandpasdiatomaceousearth.com
This was very informative. I’ve used it before for fleas, but I didn’t realize it was so versatile. Pinning this for future reference.
I’ve been meaning to look into DE for a while now. Thanks so much for sharing with me the knowledge!
Any idea how to determine a good amount to take internally, for a child or adult? Thanks! Katie
I’ve seen a range of one teaspoon once a day to several teaspoons several times a day. Either way, seems like one tsp is a good place to start, Katie.
So I just purchased diatomaceous red lake earth I’m understanding that you may take a tsp a day or I can put on my dog for fleas and it will not harm us correct
That’s what I understand to be true, Sandra.
I really need feed back from people who give RLE DE to their dogs. There are a lot from people with chickens but have found none from dog owners. If I could get some feed back from dog owners it would make my stress lower. Thank you.
I have not given the Red Lake Earth DE or any DE to our dog, but found this article which may be helpful:
http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/benefits-diatomaceous-earth/
Our 35# dogs get 1 teaspoon DE every morning, stirred into either a raw egg or some canned dog food. We began using it because our puppy had a sensitive system and we wanted an alternative to chemical wormers. We’ve been doing this a year and have seen no signs of worms.
Nice to hear, Helen! Thanks for your comment.
I use RLE (Red Lake Earth) DE (diatomaceous earth) for my dogs and have for years…especially my yorkie with valley fever and in meds…seems to make a difference in keeping him regular and active. Feeding to dog: sprinkle a tsp over a medium sized dog dish that feeds 2-3 small pets a day.
I personally take 1 tsp of DE a day to keep regular BMs and help with removing daily environmental toxins from my body. It’s great for so so many uses including face masks, bug bites, itchy skin relief, of course your plants love it as well as using as a bug barrier around doors and porches. Make sure you are using CODEX food grade products (usually sold at feed and grain supply chains).
Thanx for this…as I was confused by the “white” & “brown” DE. I just bought the Red Lake stuff & was worried it was different. I feed DE to my dogs/chickens & use as a pest dust. I’d like to ingest it myself, but haven’t read how that’s done? I’m assuming u mix it with food but what? Would luv to hear suggestions….thanx
1/2 teaspoon in water is a dose that I’ve used in the past. Some will recommend a heaping teaspoon daily. Others say several times a day. My feeling is less can be more. The texture is a bit clay-like but I find it tolerable. Some people put it in smoothies.
Is the (red lake ) brand ( DE) ok for human consumption? Must no thanks !!!
I have red lake diatomaceous earth with calcium bentonite from a supply store its food chemical codex grade. Can I drink it?
I might contact the company. It sounds like it’s food grade but could be worth asking.
How do you use it for itchy skin?
You can try making a paste with water and apply.
I have this and wonder if its ok for humans to drink? I sure hope it is, I took one tsp. Mixed in water, been giving the same kind to my dog for a few days now. Thanks, I am not sure to take this kind anymore myself, read somewhere not intended for human consumption, ,that scared me.
So many opinions on this. I surely don’t know. I know that I have no trouble taking it internally but usually go with charcoal or bentonite clay if needed.
I have a yorkie who gets worms whenever fleas get bad. I’ve put DE in her food each time and it gets rid of the worms. I’ve never seen any bad effects from it. She’s 9 years old.
I dust my dogs and add RLDE to their food
Hi Kim. Thanks for sharing. I used the picture at the top and linked back to this page on my Holistic Healing Protocol page. Hope thats ok with you.
Peace & Love
pete
Can you describe how you applied the DE to get rid of the spiders in your garage? That’s the issue in my house. Some are so big, I’ve shed tears. 🙁 It’s a strong word but…..I HATE spiders.
The source of DE that I mention in the article sells the dispenser with the DE. I just “squirt” the DE around the perimeter of the garage. It really seems to help, Martha. Spiders are very unnerving.
Is it true that natural, unaltered DE is food grade, even though it may not state it on the label. I need this cleared up because I bought a bag with the same exact ingredients as the one labeled food grade, yet it doesn’t say food grade. It is not for pool filters. My skeptic friends are really bugging me about this. Thank you.
Hi Susie! I’m not sure. Do you know the brand? I might call the company to find out. They should have full disclosure. I’m guessing it’s fine, but I would want to check. I’d be curious what you find out.
Thanks for your reply. In answer to your question I asked you because I had already asked the store to call the company, and they would only say it’s not labeled food grade. It’s Manna Pro Pure DEfense diatomaceous earth.with silicon dioxide from DE-85%, other element oxide- 10%, and
moisture-5%. Same as food grade label on shelf next to it. I wonder if it costs millions to get it certified food grade, and they aren’t allowed to say it is if they don’t spend the money. For some reason this is being made to seem very confusing. The label says poison control center common name of active ingredient is–amorphous silica from diatomaceous earth. Amazon was selling a bag of this and they answered the question for a customer with yes food grade. This will not satisfy my friends because it’s not on the label or from the company. Can anyone clear this up for everyone? It’s a common concern.
Interesting. I will check around, Susie. Thanks for clarifying.
They’re not saying whether or not their DE is crystalline or amorphous. The crystalline is superheated and that’s what you want to avoid. Can you contact them directly to find out?
Is the word “amorphous” all we need to know that it’s natural and unaltered? If that’s the case, you may have missed what I wrote earlier, that the poison control center information ON THIS BAG says common name of active ingredient is amorphous silica from diatomaceous earth. I just want someone to say with certainty, that this is the food grade DE. I really believe it is, but try to tell my friends that! Ha h a thanks again!
I contacted the company and this is their reply:
Thank you for contacting Manna Pro. Our DE is not food grade. If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to ask.
When I pressed the representative, here is what she said:
It costs a great deal of more money to certify the product as food grade. The company we get the DE from did not want to pay for it to be categorized as food grade. The product is all natural and if an animal consumes it on accident nothing should happen to the animal. Legally we cannot recommend feeding it on purpose since it is not registered as food grade.
My son’s school has had an outbreak of bedbugs and I am FREAKED out!! We always get a couple bites here and there but now I am alarmed we could have them! They were actually seen in his classroom. I bought a bottle of the stuff you puff out and we put that around our rooms as a barrier. I went to TSC and bought the Red Lake DE is this a good one to use for insects? We were also told to mix 2 tablespoons into a 32 Oz spray bottle and add water to spray our furniture. We did this but I have read it does not work when it becomes wet. But I’ve also read it turns back to powder once dry. Maybe I should just stay off google!! Lol We haven’t seen anything just doing it as a precaution. We have had those wood or Wolfe spiders too so I’m hoping it works for both!! Thanks so much!!!!
Seems to me the spray can’t hurt – that it will dry to a powder again. So hard to know, but DE makes a great preventative either way. Nice to hear from you, Mandy!
Is it good for inside your home different bug problems? I live in an apartment building and now I am worried about bed bugs roaches whatever kind of bug you can come in contact with. I did buy the Diatomaceous Red Lake Earth I purchased it from a nursery. How and where I should where should I apply this to prevent a problem
We have used it indoors the same way as outdoors. From our experience, keep it to a light dusting in corners or crevices.
I’ve lived in apts for many years until i bought my house. I started using DE about 30 years ago, never had ants, roaches, or spiders in my apt. Fleas come in on your shoes, i sprinkle the DE all around and it gets them as well.
Accidently used pool grade DE in hone for bed bugs. Freaking out because I am 9 months pregnant and have a cat and two dogs. I am extremely concerned about the health hazards this might have caused for me my baby and my animals. I was extremely careful when I sprinkled it along some baseboards and around the feet of My bed but like I said it’s pool grade not food grade thanks to my roommate who was the one who brought the bed bugs in and the said the pool grade was safe to use!!! Help!!! What do I do? !!
I’m not sure. I feel for you. You didn’t ingest it I would assume which is a positive. You could contact the person I interviewed for this article and ask her opinion.
I bought a 50 lbs bag of food grade DE at TSC. I use it.in the chicken barn. But since it is food grade is it safe for humans like this or is that purchased elsewhere?
From what I understand, Jane as long as it’s food grade it’s fine for humans.
I contacted RED LAKE EARTH IN Canada and understand these companies freak out when someone asks if okay for human consumption bc of the liability. Understand that USA FDA refuses to recognize the benefits of DE to be humanly consumed. FDA has warned they companies to shun any positive response in regards to DE have any health benefits; they CAN NOT admit safe or they can be sued! However, I’ve used for years and swear by the the stuff.
General RULE of thumb when buying:
• Do NOT buy at a hardware store where they
Pesticides are sold. Even improper storage
Of DE around chemicals is a BAD idea bc of
sheer absorbency and possibility of
Improper labeling and storage.
• Do NOT buy at a POOL supply store or big
Box store as the idea of them carrying the
Right type is slim to none.
• Only purchase at FEED & GRAIN supplies &
There’s still items to look for.
1. Try to look for ‘fresh water’ processed
2. Always look for CODEX (safe for mammal
Consumption * you won’t ever find an
Label that state safe for humans as DE
Is not FDA approved (codex is key label).
For its safe for pets you are generally ok.
Great suggestions. Thank you!
Ok i have to be honest ive eaten so much of this while pregnant i thought my baby would be plastered lol. I started eating it as a replacement of the white dirt that you buy out of the store. My baby and i are fine. I craved dirt lume crazy.
For all the parents that want a natural remedy for insects, this product works, but please use the food grade. We had a major battle with fleas and if anyone has had a flea issue, it is extremely difficult to break the flea cycle. We tried everything. Then we found DE. We scrubbed our houses rom top to bottom, washed the pets, stuffed everything we could in the washer and vacuumed everything. Then we applied DE to our pets, their bedding, cat tree, under the couch, in the couch, any place where the pets slept and so far we have been completely flea free for weeks now. This stuff is a miracle and the best part is it is safe around my kids and pets.
Hi Pam when you sprinkled it on pet beds and your couch did you wait a bit and vacuum it? I’m assuming so because if you put it on the couch and you sit won’t the dust from it get everywhere? I just bought some and looking for everyone’s feed back on it, thanks
I bought the Red Lake DE a while back and I’m using it on my dog and I’m going to spray around my backyard. I thought about maybe drinking it then I put some in a glass and added water but it was way too dark for me to even think about drinking it look nasty is it safe I mean it smells like Clay looks like mud. lol
How do I use this product to kill fleas in the house and the back yard?
You can use the duster in the house and sprinkle it around the backyard in areas of concern. I like the duster for anything indoors.
can i just put the powder around the base boards for insects (fleas,tics,spiders,ants) Will it still work and do I need to be concerned if my dogs and cats eat it. Than you!
You can do a very light dusting inside. Pets can handle DE as far as I know, but you can certainly check with a vet beforehand.
I purchased a 40 pound bag of red lake earth by tenacious with calcium Bentonote. It said it’s guaranteed food chemical cortex grade, moist your maximum 8%, Ash material matter, maximum 95%.
Ingredients: diatomaceous earth calcium bentonite. It’s a dark gray matter & fine. OMRT on the bag, listed organic material review Institute. Then it has various animals listed and pictured on the front of the bag. The bag weighs 40 pounds very heavy it’s full of clay from what from information I get online. my question is is this just for animals or is it for human consumption, I tried it and after three days mantis didn’t stop working even though I drink lots of fluid that because of the clay in it ? I would appreciate any information on what type I should use for humans. I see pictures of white powder online and this is nothing close to that
I know nothing about this brand. I might contact the company directly. 100% DE is a white powder and easy to drink in small doses. Bentonite clay is sometimes used as a detoxifier. But I’ve not heard of this combination. I wish I could be of more help.
Thanks for the reply, I’ve decided to go to my nearest health food store and purchase the food grade it’s white powder sold by the pound and see if that would work better for me. I purchased a 40 pound bag of red lake earth by tenacious with calcium Bentonote. It said it’s guaranteed food chemical cortex grade, moist your maximum 8%, Ash material matter, maximum 95%.
Ingredients: diatomaceous earth calcium bentonite. It’s a dark gray matter & fine. OMRT on the bag, listed organic material review Institute. Then it has various animals listed and pictured on the front of the bag. The bag weighs 40 pounds very heavy it’s full of clay from what from information I get online. my question is is this just for animals or is it for human consumption, I tried it and after three days mantis didn’t stop working even though I drink lots of fluid that because of the clay in it ? I would appreciate any information on what type I should use for humans. I see pictures of white powder online and this is nothing close to that
I recently bought at 50lb bag of PERMA-GUARD “Food Chemical Codex Grade” DE that has the directions: “Mixing rate: this product is for use as an inert carrier or anti-caking agent in feeds, in an amount not to exceed 2% of total diet.”
I take this to mean that it is for animal feed, and not necessarily intended for human consumption.
But given the FCC grading, do you think this is safe for me and my family to consume?
We know others who take it twice a day and are all healthy but I would like to hear the opinion of a professional as well!
I’m afraid I’m not qualified to speak as a professional, only from my experience and research. I certainly feel safe taking it. Like anything, less is more and I don’t tout is a fix-all. But I would assume you have a good quality DE.
I noticed that this product is the same consistency as the ear powder I use when I groom my dogs. The ear powder ingredients are zinc oxide powder and silicone dioxide powder. I’m wondering if I could use this to pull the hair out of my dogs ears.
That’s a great thought, Sherry. I’m not sure! Seems like it couldn’t hurt and might be just as effective.
Does this product harm bees and butterflies? I wanted to try it on my roses but was worried about the neighbor’s honeybees.
Great question, Kate! When used wisely it should be OK. Here’s a great article on the subject.
http://www.wormfarmingrevealed.com/diatomaceous-earth-and-bees.html
Andrea
So, I’m an idiot and used the plastic scoop but then used a metal straw (face palm) will i see side effects? Am I right in that I shouldn’t use metal when taking this?
It’s only brief contact with the straw. I sure can’t imagine this would be a problem in the long run. I think you’ll be fine but would love to hear what you learn about this.
I bought a bag of red lake de at tractor supply .I have a roach problem .it shows pictures of dog cats rabbits houses chickens on bag I have sprinkled thin layers all through the house and within 10 almost bug free I am going to keep this on hand and it is safe for my dogs to be around yeah!!!!
Great news, Connie! Thanks for sharing to help others.
Been doing and extensive research about Diatomaceous Earth DE for the past weeks. Since have a dog and I’m more into the Holistic medicine approach, myself. Surprisingly found out is a great natural dewormer and good for pets digestive system too. Knew about DE first in 2015 and his properties for pest control . Works great ! Been using MannaPro Pure DEfense (including silicon dioxide, other dioxides and moisture 100%)(THAT’S WHAT IT’S LISTED N THE BAG AS ACTIVE INGREDIENTS) followed by *AMORPHOUS SILICA. Bought it at a local Barn Store. They told me that’s food grade. Happens is about time to deworm my 85 pnds, 5 yr dog and waiting for his Rx to arrive by mail. Therefore decided to start and try DE for the 1st time today. Decided to start consuming it myself too. I’m a MS patient and learn could be of great benefits for many symptoms. Since medicine is the science of trials and errors, took chances with my guts. Started with 1 tablespoon daily for both of us. Will know and keep you posted. Going to post a couple of links about the subject, also, for your interest.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Laura.
Posting some links, hope they could help :
https://www.diatomaceousearth.com/diatomaceous-earth-health-benefits/
http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/defaq.html
https://youtu.be/X3-iFA7I3UQ
Has thos been safe to ingest for u and ur dog. I bought a bag of this but i haven’t used it yet. Please let me know ur experience with this product.
How long do you leave it before vacuuming….are we talking hours or days for it to take full effect?
The dust is what traps them, so if you can dust it lightly and leave it there, that’s optimal.
Does DE,really kill bedbugs
I was given DE for bedbugs and fleas a houseguest and her dog left me. I have 2 dogs and 6 cats. I was mortified. I treated the animals and their bedding, carpets. I left it in the carpets. They were bug free in a few weeks. I got a powder applicator and went after the bed bugs. Took awhile and lots of looking for their hangouts, but I got them! I also started taking it in my smoothies daily. The first thing I noticed was that I found much more energy. After a few days I was detoxing and felt like the flu. That’s completely normal. I had plantar fasciitis and was getting treatments and prescriptions for anti-inflammatory treatments for over a year. It’s very painful hard to walk. Since I was taking DE I did not have to see the doctor again. Cured! Also, I often had terrible IBS pain that had me reeling on the bathroom floor. I haven’t had that pain since. And I’m much more regular! I guess my body needed silica! Thank God. Toss out all those other supplements that are so expensive. Try this stuff! Oh and I lost 19 pounds without trying! I feel 10 years younger!
Hint… Start with a low dose.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Congratulations on your success with this product. Which type of DE did you use to get such amazing results? Red Lake (brownish clay powder) w calcium bentonite or the pure kind (white powder)? Interested in experimenting with its effects on my cat as well as my household. I am dealing with IBS as well.
can i use this on a brown recluse bite?? Went to the ER my daughter was givin amoxicillin to take and i was told that if she gets fever or starts vomiting to bring her back we sat there for almost 4 hours and this was after they confirmed that the spider was a brown recluse(i took the spider in with me) and they told me there was nothing to do but keep it from getting infected and that if her skin tissue does start to rot to take her to a wound clinic so they can do a skin graph. I seen online that alot of people who have been bitten even small children mix bentonite powder with water and and put that on a bandage and apply to the bite and it is supposed to draw out the venom. Would this work the same as just plain bentonite?
I like to use the bentonite clay for bug bites, but I’m honestly not sure about DE on the skin. That’s a great question. We always take charcoal internally for bites as well.
What if I am allergic to shellfish? My daughter and I both have rash trouble afteriI dust our dog and cat. Bummer, but I use it anyway.
I’m not sure on that one, Dorothy! Good question.
My dogs have been getting De rubbed all over for a few days and their skin is flaking off in chunks. At least my girl stopped itching from flea allergy but is it dangerous to leave de on her with skin flaking so massively?
It might be good to contact the company to find out on this Valerie. Good question.
I have Red lake diatomaceous earth with calcium benzonate is it effective for a pest control it’s grey in color . The other brand I had was white and I don’t know if it had the calcium benzonate in it
Hi, I just picked up some and have a few Qs …
1. Can i do 1 tbsp in milk? And how much milk, im assuming it doesnt matter.
2. When putting on my cats do I just sprinkle on their belly and kinda rub it in, we have a really fluffy cat so it’s hard to get on the skin.
3. When I sprinkle on my carpet is it best to wait a few minutes?
Thanks any information would be greatly appreciated THANKS
Has anyone used this on head lice?
It sounds like some have used it successfully. This article explains more: https://www.earthworkshealth.com/treat-lice-naturally-diatomaceous-earth/
Has anyone tried this on head lice?
I read we could use an old sock filled with a cup or so of DE as a good “powder poofer”. All you need is a dusting of DE, not a wasteful pile of it along the baseboards like I did the first time enthusiastically applying it by the fistful. Ahem
Also, what a great article! And the comments w links are also good. Thank you for tying all the myriad pieces of DE info into one great article. Well done, Andrea 👏👏🏾👏🏻👏🏼👏🏼
Thanks Kristen, and thanks for the tip!
Hi, I’ve had a big container of Red Lake earth diatomaceous for a couple of years..unopened because I was unsure how to use it or how safe it is. Thanks for such informative posts. I’m going to start using it today. Last year I had to have surgery on my digestive system which has resulted in chronic diarrhea and now have such itchy skin with sores which seems to have been environmentally triggered. I’ve got six pet chickens so am going use it on them too. I live in the country with several wooded acres so I think I’ll treat the more used areas as well. Maybe I can post results in a timeline to show the effects. Thanks again for everyone’s posts.
I would be very interested to hear back, Dale. Thanks for sharing your story.
Is there a free printable version available for the list of multiple uses for DE, located on the Tips Bulletin page?
I’m not sure on this, Darla!
Greetings
Can I take Diatomaceous Clay to relieve/cure my wheezing.
I have been advised to take two tablespoons full with water every morning.
Your comments please
Not sure on that, Kandy!