Diatomaceous Earth Silica

With many people looking for more natural solutions to problems instead of toxic chemicals, diatomaceous earth is experiencing renewed interest for its many beneficial properties. Diatomaceous Earth is completely natural and has many uses for the home, as well as for personal health.

About Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth is composed of the fossilized skeletons of microscopic creatures called diatoms. Diatomaceous earth in mined from areas where rivers and lakes once existed as the habitat for these tiny creatures. The diatomaceous earth is collected from these areas, and the material is then processed into a fine, white powder.

There area several different grades of DE, depending on how much the material has been processed. Diatomaceous earth that is used for animal or human consumption or for use around the home should be “food grade” material. Other grades are used for filtering use such as for swimming pool filters.

Diatomaceous Earth Pesticide Use

Diatomaceous earth can be used as a completely natural pesticide for flea control on animals and bedding, as well as for use around the home to eliminate ants, cockroaches and other pests. Diatomaceous earth is free of the hazardous chemicals that can cause allergic reactions and lead to long-term health problems. The diatomaceous earth is a crystalline material that has sharp edges. When insects come into contact with the material, it scratches the exoskeleton, drying out the internal organs, and the insect eventually dies.

Garden Use

Gardeners incorporate diatomaceous earth into the soil to condition it, improving the ability to retain water and nutrients. Diatomaceous earth works much like perlite or vermiculite to keep soil loose and aerated. The sharp edges on the material will also help to reduce the number of insects in your garden.

Animal Use

Diatomaceous earth can also be used as a safe and effective worming medicine for livestock. A few tablespoons can be given to the animals each day, or it can be put into the feed for continuous protection against parasitic worms. The material can also be dusted over the animals to repel insects.

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth Human Use

Many health-conscious people use diatomaceous earth for internal cleansing and nutrition. Diatomaceous earth contains up to 89% of a compound called silica. This compound can be helpful in removing toxins from the body, eliminating intestinal parasites, promoting regularity and helping with arthritis joint pain. It is also said to reduce blood pressure.

Food grade diatomaceous earth is safe for human consumption. It can be taken as one teaspoon in a glass of water, juice or other liquid on a daily basis for best effect. The amount can be increased to one tablespoon over a period of time.

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