The concept of leveraging nature's bounty for optimal health is not novel. Civilizations have relied on natural resources for centuries to fortify their health and cure ailments. Diatomaceous earth (DE), a chalk-like substance primarily composed of fossilized diatoms, has recently garnered considerable attention in the health and wellness industry due to its numerous health benefits.
This article explores the diverse health benefits of diatomaceous earth and offers insights into incorporating this natural product into your health regimen.
Diatomaceous earth, sometimes called DE, is a naturally occurring sedimentary rock composed of the fossilized remains of diatoms, microscopic algae with hard silica-based cell walls. It is harvested from ancient freshwater and sea beds, processed, and often sold as a fine white powder.
One of DE's most frequently discussed health benefits is its potential for detoxification. Diatomaceous earth possesses a negative ion charge. This attribute enables DE to attach to toxins, harmful bacteria, and parasites in the digestive system and flush them out of the body, aiding in detoxification.
Diatomaceous Earth can assist in detoxifying a wide range of harmful substances, including:
In addition, DE's high silica content can promote digestive health. Silica is a vital mineral that helps our bodies digest and absorb nutrients effectively. By increasing the silica levels in our system, DE might boost our overall digestive efficiency.
Diatomaceous earth is an excellent source of silica, which is necessary for the proper formation and health of bones, joints, and connective tissues. Studies suggest that silica aids in calcium absorption, a crucial element for bone health. DE can help maintain bone density, promote joint flexibility, and prevent osteoporosis.
One of diatomaceous earth's most noticeable health benefits is its ability to enhance the health of our skin, hair, and nails. The silica in DE can stimulate collagen production, vital for skin elasticity and hair and nail strength. Regular DE consumption might lead to glowing skin, healthier hair, and stronger nails.
Emerging research suggests that DE might be a potent ally for heart health. The silica found in diatomaceous earth can potentially reduce cholesterol levels and promote heart health by strengthening blood vessels. It is also suggested that silica can prevent the accumulation of plaque in arteries, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
Diatomaceous earth may support the immune system in a couple of ways. First, by detoxifying the body and ridding it of harmful bacteria and parasites, DE can help our immune system function more effectively. Second, the silica in DE may improve the body's utilization of its key nutrients, thereby strengthening the immune response.
Another compelling health benefit of DE is its potential to support metabolism and weight management. Diatomaceous earth may enhance metabolic function by improving nutrient absorption and promoting digestive health. Additionally, the detoxifying properties of DE can support weight management by eliminating waste and promoting overall body health.
To reap the potential health benefits of diatomaceous earth, it can be ingested in food-grade form or applied topically. When ingested, start with a small dose, about half a teaspoon, and gradually increase to a couple of teaspoons daily mixed into water, juice, or smoothies. DE can be mixed with water to form a paste and applied directly to the skin for topical use.
Diatomaceous Earth contains silica, which offers several health benefits when consumed. The body absorbs a small amount of silica each time DE is ingested. One of the advantages of silica is its ability to help remove bad fats and reduce cholesterol levels by 40-50 points. Silica can also contribute to reducing high blood pressure.
Silica is also said to help with the following:
It is important to purchase only food-grade Diatomaceous Earth, as the type of DE sold in pools is unsafe for health applications and can be toxic when inhaled.
Nature's Wisdom is a reputable brand of food-grade DE that has existed for some time. Many people have used this product for years. Here's a link to the product on Amazon:
While research on the health benefits of diatomaceous earth is still ongoing, preliminary findings indicate promising potential. As a source of silica and a natural detoxifier, DE offers a range of health benefits from improved digestion and bone health to enhanced skin glow and heart health. With responsible use and professional guidance, diatomaceous earth can be a valuable addition to your natural health toolbox.
Read on for feedback from Earth Clinic readers who have used Diatomaceous Earth to treat various ailments and improve their overall health.
Do you realize that diatomacious earth is glass? the algae in the ocean make this glass as part of their body. they die and people collect this diatomaceous earth from the bottom of the ocean. it has a cutting action -- just like glass. thus you could cut a hole in the eardrum with this or your intestines. i would not drink this nor put it in the ear.
Replied by DeborahD.E. is NOT GLASS! Diatoms are actually made up of mostly calcium and other minerals and are the food grade is safe for humans and animals internally as well as externally.
Replied by DianeI don't think cutting is a problem with diatomaceous earth; if you feel it with your hands it is very smooth.
Silica, which is what DM is mostly, (it is not glass, though a large percentage of glass and don't forget 3000 degrees) is not good to inhale, silicosis is a problem with working with clay also which has a lot of silica so best to take care when working with the dry, like using for insect control, even mixing with water.
It does cut insects bodies and parasites. Silica is important to the body.
Food grade has been used in food and animal foods for a long time, so I don't think there is a worry.
Replied by CelesteWhy do people post things as facts when it is just their uneducated opinion. You could not be more wrong in your statement. DE is NOT glass.
Posted by Breanna (Sedalia,mo) on 03/07/2014
Hello! We were told to use diatomaceous earth in our house to rid it of fleas. I took precautions by wearing a mask when I put it all over our house, which is 4000 sq ft. I left it there for 3-4 days. During that time my 2 year old was running and playing all over the house and moved around all of the particles in the air. Well after that she started coughing and 7 months later she has been diagnosed with asthma. She was fine before this exposure. My concern is that she got this from inhaling all of that in our house. She is too young to have tests to check her lungs and her function but my concern is that she could have serious lung problems and have read that this can lead to tuberculous, cancer, and death. Do you know how serious this is? How many cases has there been. What can I do to help her! ? Thanks
Replied by Taram7From what I know, its not harmful if its small amounts and given time to clear out of the lungs. its the silica particles. but my question would be was it the Organic Food Grade DE or the hardware store kind? The first thing I would do is visit the place you bought it and write down all the ingredients. If they are not listed then you can contact the manufacturer- for stabilizers or anti-caking agents, etc. But asthma is inflammation- so anti-inflammatory herbs and foods would help and avoiding inflammatory foods. A quick internet search can pull these up for you. There are plenty of natural treatments for asthma. I am not a doctor, but my daughter had sports induced asthma for a while and it can flare up as side-effects of other things. But it its been 7 months at least and it was organic food grade DE and just minimal from breathing- I have always heard the lungs will clear it out with a good immune system and no side-effects.
Replied by TimhTaram7: The asthma reaction is the lungs inability to properly remove the silica, which ends in an inflammatory response.
To hasten the removal of this particulate, use purified water in either a vaporizer or nebulizer. Three herbs which will help the lungs are Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm, and Mullein. You may find an herbal lung formula at the health food store w/ these three as well as others. Read label for directions.
As these remedies begin clearing the lungs, there may be some silica build up in the colon, so sprinkle Milled Flax Seed in the child's food to final eliminate the silica. Speaking of Flax, you will need to increase the dietary Omega 3 Fatty Acids w/ cold water fish like Salmon, Mackerel, or Sardines. These greatly reduce inflammation and promote healing.
When you seem to have succeeded in this endeavor, you may consider giving one cap of Raw Lung Glandular so as to heal any possible lung damage.
Replied by Mama To ManyWell, I am so sorry your daughter was left with asthma from the DE and also sorry you have gotten such dire predictions about her future health. I won't at all minimize the asthma issue (we have dealt with this in two of our children) however, the human body can generally deal with a lot of assaults to it and still live on well for a long time. (Not that we should assault it on purpose, but it is inevitable in this world, no matter how careful we are.) My father is in his 80's. He has some health issues and has asthma, likely caused by decades of smoking and some dangerous chemical exposure to his lungs as a young person. Yet he has led a long and very productive life.
Is your daughter needing medication to keep her asthma under control? Is this hindering her play of her sleep?
Tim's advice about herbs and pure water in a vaporizer or nebulizer are great.
Heritage Essential Oils makes a blend called, "Lung Healing" that we found very helpful for our daughter. We used it for months in an essential oil nebulizer while she slept for months and it kept her from wheezing or coughing.
Please keep us posted!
Replied by SandeeHi Timh . I used diatamaceous earth (food grade) to get rid of carpenter bees. I used a pest pistol to get it into the openings. The dust did fly everywhere and I was not wearing a mask. Fast fwd several months later and a chest CT scan shows nodules (benign in nature. possibly from old pneumonia which I never had or breathing in some solvent) and slight swelling of lymph nodes. I feel it is safe to assume this was caused by my inhaling the diatomaceous earth as I have an autoimmune condition which keeps my immune system at a less than optimal level. I am going to try your suggestions and have a few questions if you don't mind. I have a nebulizer and will begin treatments with purified water. how often do you recommend. Of these 3 Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm, and Mullein. which do you think would be best for my situation?
Replied by TimhSandee: It's always safe to start low and go slow, so one treatment on day 1 and if no bad side effects two treatments per day. You can use all three herbs together for best results. The nebulize water plus herbs should help significantly but true healing will take some time. Other treatment options would be an herbal expectorant like Lobelia or Licorice. The herb Hawthorn Berry has an antioxidant affinity for the lungs which should encourage the removal of anything foreign. After several weeks of treatment and you feel "cleaned out" you can consider the herbs Horstail, Gotu Kola, and Comfrey for removing scar tissue and encourage regrowth. Two other nutrients which will help is Glucosamine and Calcium-AEP. Looking forward to your results.
Replied by SandeeThank you so much Timh. I will go today to get the water and herbs. I am so happy and blessed to have figured the possible cause and to "stumble" upon this thread (no coincidences is my belief:)
Would it be ok to do nebulizer treatments along with using a vaporizer at night? Also if I use a vaporizer will my partner be ok . want to make sure there will be no ill effects for him.
Thanks so much. you have shed much light on this issue for me and others too I am sure.
Replied by TimhSandee: I suppose you will use something like "Vicks" mentholyptus in the vaporizer and if so the same principle applies --start low and go slow; gradually increase the mentholyptus or eucalyptus. I forgot to mention these herbs but they are helpful. Back in the day, the steamrooms at the fitness centers I attended had the Eucalyptus available or allowable to mix w/ the steam and oh my what a cleansing & invigorating experience. Unfortunately nowadays most places have too many complainers of the "bad odor" and so goes the Eucalyptus. The advantage of the steamroom experience would be rapid cleansing as well as removal as per the sweating.
The only bad side effects I can imagine in your case would maybe be some heart pain or digestive discomfort as the lungs are clearing the toxins back into the bloodstream. Headache or dizziness would indicate a good deal of bad stuff, so it all comes down to what kinda levels of free radicals you have in your lungs. The marshmallow and Slippery Elm will help lubricate & protect the Kidneys as well as lungs so that would greatly reduce the stress loads on the Kidneys, although if there is any sign of infection some Cranberry will take care of it.
Am very glad to help and only hope to hear some good news from you soon.
Replied by Neal & LoreneI was told when using DE for carpets/house to "wear a mask" due to the dust when applying. This makes good sense. I don't know about effects on Asthma victims, but would be cautious and be out of the house while someone else does the job. It settles really fast. You might want to dust excess off furniture if ppl are going to be running, raising the dust to inflict into lungs. (?) I would suspect that it is not that harmful. Read the bag! Follow directions. Asthma can be from many things, but mostly from a poorly functioning immune system.
I just wanted to share on the 'hazards' of breathing in food grade Diatomaceous Earth, while making capsules of the stuff recently I was tamping down to fill more and trapped dry DE burst out of capsule machine going into my face, hair, eyes, nose, mouth, and as I gasped in nervousness, my lungs. Apart from a mild stress from reading too many warnings, I had no ill effects, I did not wipe my eyes, nose or mouth, as at first I froze, not knowing what I should do. I did think well any bacteria in my nose will die. I will still take care with DE, but will absolutely not freak out about accidentally breathing it in.
Try the D.E. as a face scrub. Works better that way for acne. Also start with small dose for internal use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon..work your way up to a tablespoon. Anything can be overdone.
Acne Posted by Dianek (Macon Ga) on 03/16/2014I had acne problems and I read that by using Diatomaceous Earth as a facial mask mixing water with then rub for 30 secs let dry for 2 mins then rinse. It's a great exfoliator and it helped cleared up my acne. I do this every other day. My pores have gotten smaller and easier to clean. I also use rosehip oil after. Hope it works for you. Give it a month. Let me know.
Acne Posted by Natcat86 (Gaithersburg, Maryland, Usa) on 08/16/2011I had really bad acne all over my face and neck with the random appearance on my chest, back, or shoulders constantly for 14 years (starting at puberty), and as time went on it only got worse (so it wasn't caused by changes in hormones as I was led to believe).
I stumbled upon some information on Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and became intrigued because of its many proported benefits (I recommend looking it up). It is relatively unknown, and only sold for pest control and consumption by animals, (but you can buy food grade DE online) but since it is used to mechanically kill bugs in grain silos and just about every person who has ever eaten grain which was stored in a silo has eaten DE, I figured it would be safe and I would try it.
DE is the fossilized shells of a type of algae called Diatoms. Their shells are extremely hard and very sharp (but yet not dangerous to your cells) and they mechanically scrub the walls of your intestines, scraping away any build-up. Some DE passes through the intestinal walls and into the bloodstream and while it is there it scrapes plaque buildup away from the walls of veins and arteries. It basicly acts like a plumber in your body.
I found that most cases of acne are caused by toxins entering the blood stream through the digestive system (some degree of leaky gut), not by a problem with the skin itself. It is your body attempting to expel the toxins from your blood.
When you expel the toxins which originate in your digestive tract through the digestive system, they don't have the opportunity to make it into your blood stream and thus cause acne by pushing through your skin.
So. I began adding 1tsp DE to water every day for a week, then increased it to 1 tbsp gradually after that and drank it daily for 2 months. I noticed a difference my skin within a day.
By the time 2 months was up I no longer had acne. I had to stop consuming it for a little while after that because I slightly threw my body off balance (my skin became a little dry). After a month off, I started consuming it again in moderation and have been ever since.
I have been able to consistently keep the acne away as long as I continue to consume it at least a couple of times a week. I highly recomend it because it is very effective and it gets to the root of the problem instead of just treating the symptoms. I now have had only a few pimples (instead of many hundreds) within the last 9 months, and I know that in time I will get them to go away completely.
