What Is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a chalk-like substance that is composed of fossilized diatoms that have formed together into silica deposits. The silica deposits are grounded into a fine powder called diatomaceous earth.
There are two different grades of diatomaceous earth; food grade and pool grade.
- Food grade diatomaceous earth is safe to use for the home, yards, and animals to name a few.
- Pool grade diatomaceous earth is altered by high heat and is only safe to use in pools.
Be sure to buy 
It is most commonly used as a natural insecticide and is great to use on your furry friends to get rid of fleas. 
How Do I Use Diatomaceous Earth?
There are many uses for diatomaceous earth. In fact, it is one of the most used ingredients in my
Here are just a few natural solutions that are featured in my book:
- Scouring Powder
- Carpet Stain Remover
- Carpet Deodorizer
- Refrigerator Deodorizer
- Trash Can Deodorizer
- Car Deodorizer
- Eliminate Asian Lady Bettles
- Eliminate Cockroaches
- Eliminate Fleas
- Eliminate Ants
- Eliminate Bed Bugs
- Eliminate Hornets & Wasps
- Eliminate Mice
- Natural Garden Pesticide
- All Natural Lice Treatment
Now that is a wide variety, isn’t it? And this list just names a few…there are so many more uses for diatomaceous earth.
You can get a free preview of my book here and also sample some of my solutions: Take a Look Inside – 23 Natural Solutions That You Can Try Out TODAY!
But before you start browsing around, go ahead and
Diatomaceous Earth Should NEVER Be Ingested!
Now I know diatomaceous earth is kind of a trendy ingredient these days.
More and more people are ingesting diatomaceous earth and I’m not sure that is such a good idea.
After reading Anthony William’s book 
If you’re using diatomaceous earth products, beware. They’re really, really, really a problem with the immune system. They’re touted as being good for the immune system. They’re touted as being good for the intestinal tract. People are consuming this. Uh-uh, not a good idea at all whatsoever. I don’t care if you haven’t felt a negative impact yet, you have to be cautious.
What this does, it’s like diatomite. It’s a soft rock. It becomes like a white powder. It tenaciously binds to the inside lining of your intestinal tract and it suffocates the intestinal tract. That sounds kind of spooky, right?
What that does is it stop absorption is micronutrient trace minerals. If you continue to use these diatomaceous earth products and you internalize them, you’re taking them internally, you will become deficient in so many vitamins and minerals, everything that it says it does and do.
Not to mention, if you’re a sensitive person with colitis, Crohn’s, IBS, spastic colon, peristaltic action issues, everything, anything in the digestive arena, you don’t want to be ingesting diatomaceous earth. I’m just going to say it right here. You can read more of Anthony’s damaging health fads report here.
I personally do not feel that enough research has been done to ingest this ingredient, so for that reason, I’d recommend not ingesting it. If you are dead set on taking diatomaceous earth internally, please talk to a qualified physician about the possible side effects.
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I use diatomaceous earth in my home to ward off cockroaches and silverfish. It works great and doesn’t affect my cats!
So many uses, right Jeff! We don’t have as much of a silverfish problem here (Florida) but I hear they can be quite a nuisance! Glad to hear that diatomaceous earth works well with those little buggers too!
How do you use it to ward off the bugs?
I would like to try D E but after reading the reports re never ingest D E I am concerned for health reasons, can you let me know if in your opinion those reports have any credibility.
The author sounds good and knowedgable stating benefits and uses of De then falters and fumbles. Clearly we have our own homework ahead of our lives and future lives will benefit from our experience now. I would suggest mixing with colloidal silver and food grade h2o2.
John,
The author of this article is basing her opinion on Mr. Anthony William’s spiritual beliefs that claim to have a special supernatural connection to the human body! He has no medical training Or a practice license! And raving about salary juice based on what he thinks is good not based on medical knowledge or rigorous clinical trials. You always have to look into who’s voicing his opinion and their credentials. This article is based on a fortune teller’s opinion!! I hope that helps.
I’ve taken it internally for years with no problems, I add it to my smoothies and it does wonders for your skin. You can find pros and cons of everything, it’s called food grade for a reason. Research it and if it resonates with you, try it!
Can I ask you what its done for your skin? My skin is aging real early with wrinkles and not being plump.
I agree, and saying that diatomaceous earth “binds” to the intestine…I don’t believe this, it does just the opposite; too many people have tried DE with great results for purging the intestine, myself included, over the past 5 years, with only good results. I find this article really lacking in all respects.
Well said, I have researched all medical websites and as of today there are no known side effects nor does DE interact with any medications, my mother had arthritis so bad in her fingers and hands she couldn’t even make a fist, she had knots on top of knots on her knuckles DE ten days on…ten days off …for 90 days her hands have almost went back to normal, her memory has improved too, parasites are in everyones body and they wreak havoc on the brain and body, DE is an all safe detox for everything!
Well that would come from the Drug and Food Administration because this is put into our food the foods we buy from the store so we already ingest DE
Ive been consuming this for over 6 years and my health has improved drastically . people making claims against it have absolutely no knowledge of what they are talking about they are repeating what theyve heard or read from someone else. Big pharma wants to lay down a paper trail of damaging reports because it works and helps many individuals and when you dont need to cover up symptoms with a pill sold by big pharma then it puts a dent in their ever growing pocketbooks
I think big Pharma puts the untruths about DE out there. They don’t want people off drugs and medicine. Makes sense as they would not profit as much if people went to natural cures.
I am concerned regarding reports that D E should not be ingested,can you tell me if there is any danger to health .
I fed food grade DE to my petskunk everyday …he lived to be a super duper senior. I have taken it in the past and will start soon again and will feed it to my dogs & horses.yourAHfoolishPeople
I can tell just by the way he writes that Anthony William isn’t too bright. What makes him the authority on DE? He doesn’t say why not to injest it, just that it’s very, very bad..
Yes, it does say why not. It blocks intake of trace minerals and binds to wall of the intestine. Read it again.
He also has no medical background
Yes, he did not support his theory with any science based article.
His claims are pure rubbish. Diatomaceous earth can’t bind to the walls of the intestines. It’s an exfoliant, basically cleaning the intestinal walls. This is why it works so well to “clear you out”. By its very properties it wouldn’t have a binding affect. That claim has me almost without words. As for interfering with absorption, that’s also untrue. A healthier digestive system will absorb vitamins and minerals MORE effectively. For example, one thing DE does is rid the body of parasites and yeast overgrowth. If you have a tapeworm in your intestines, that is guaranteed interfering with your absorption of nutrients. The eradication of said tapeworm by DE only improves the situation. That’s just one example. As long as you’re using food grade DE – and using it properly (meaning within the directed dosing guidelines and methods) – this isn’t a substance that worsens absorption of nutrients. Now, people with chronic health conditions ALWAYS have special circumstances, so someone who already has absorption difficulties shouldn’t be using something like this without ongoing supervision by a doctor, but that goes for any medical intervention…. And that still doesn’t make this person’s claims true.
Jen, we have an issue here in Orange Ca. With very small Asain mosquitoes.
Do you think ingesting D.E. would help to repel them?
Diatomaceous earth does not repel insects. It kills them. It shreds their bodies apart. But they would have to walk through the dust or have it sprinkled on them. Most mosquitoes, I think like water. I’m not sure if the stuff would work when it it wet.
I have taken it for a whole now. It cleans the colan, detoxes, and is a great way to absorb minerals. If you have food poisoning of a stomach bug.. it helps clear it up faster than going to a doctor. People have been taking it for years. It doesn’t take minerals from you.. it gives minerals and can help your skin, nails and hair. It has also helped heal lungs as it seems to help clean them out and get them working better. It has helped my eyes. I heard of it doing this and have taken much more regularly the last month. I had my eyes checked yesterday, and my prescription in my right eye has just gone from a +2 to a
+ 1.75 and I lost the astigmatism that I have had for years.
My nails are much stronger too.
I actually have tried diatomaceous earth for 3 weeks everyday and I regret it . I have ruined my gut . My nails got vertical lines on them and my hands are extremely dry and cracking , I never had it like this and my nails have been beautiful before and now Iam suffering trying to heal my gut . I think the DE ripped off the mucus from my colon . I also got a huge headache and UTI after this . And yes I bought the food grade one in my local health store .
Alina what are you doing now to heal your gut? My husband had the same problem with the DE. You said it ripped off the mucus from your colon. Wondering if this is why my husband is having these issues. I agree with you Alina it is not good for some people. People need to be aware.
Your reaction to DE if parasite die off. Parasite eggs hatch during full moon. The de disturbs them or kills them. You must use more than a month along with a colon cleanse or bath to rid the toxins. Your reaction is called herxheimer reaction. The more parasites and yeast you have the worse the reaction. It won’t tear your organs. I’ve used it for years
Hi Alina.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I am considering ingesting DE so appreciated your comment. Still assessing all comments.
Everyone is individual and you obviously have specific individual health conditions also. eg. someone with a stomach ulcer will have a different experience and shouldn’t do certain things.
I think your nails is a good clue or sign.
I am not a Dr but the western world has western society health issues.
Fortunately, I studied clinical biochemistry.
Check your Vitamin D, Vitamin C, Calcium daily intake.
Are you getting enough strong sunlight each day on your skin?
Are you indoors a lot?
It sounds like pre-rickets and you may not be getting enough sunlight, Vitamin D or calcium. (or something is not working!)
Perhaps supplement with Vit D and C. ( i prefer to eat an orange)
Of course, if you have serious gut issues…you may not be absorbing the food you eat.
Goto a Dr and see if they can give you a vitamin shot to bypass the gut.
Keep a food diary. Then see a dietitian or naturopath with it.
After a decade…I realised my gut was reacting badly to some dairy!
It took me 10 years to nail it down for me.
So I cut out cows milk and that helped my gut settle.
…If you try that, make sure you replace the calcium with other sources.
eg…soy milk, oat milk, oats, etc….
Who knows what is the cause of half this stuff?
Roundup?
Intensive farming?
5G and mobile phones?
Hope this helps you?
I totally agree with Jen and everything she says about DE! I have found many great things about DE on how it is good for you. Diatomaceous earth can’t bind to the walls of the intestines. It’s basically cleaning the intestinal walls. A healthier digestive system will absorb vitamins and minerals MORE effectively. I feel great using it! My energy, stronger nails and hair! I joints also don’t hurt like they once did! I also use it in my garden and for my cats!
I have done alot of research before using! I think you should do more research!
I have done my research Tracy, why don’t we just agree to disagree.
We have all been ingesting DE for years, because it has been used in the food and farming industry for years. It has been and is being used, for example, to prevent clumping, and stickiness for gummy candies and to help keep grains fresh in grain bins. “The Food & Drug Administration lists diatomaceous earth as “Generally Recognized as Safe”. “Food grade” diatomaceous earth products are purified and safe. They may be used in foods and as anti-caking materials in animal feed, or as clarifier’s for wine and beer.” So, it’s already in most individual’s bodies but not enough to get the benefits they could by consuming more. Just saying.
Hi Jen, I ‘ve been taking food grade DE for years. It has made my hair thicker and stronger. However, with aging and medications I’m taking at 65, I am experiencing dry mouth and mucous membranes. Do you think DE could also be contributing to this newer problem? Thanks for your input.
How do you use it for your hair? Do you wash your hair with it or take it orally?
DIANA. I am first researching DE. Have never taken it. I am 75 and have been experiencing dry mouth for the last few years as have several friends in the older age category. I think it comes with the terrain.
I concur. I have used food grade Diatomaceous earth with livestock and with patients and on myself with great success. It is especially successful in binding mold …. and on another note even helps with cellulite and gives you the eyelashes of a camel. Some of MM ideologies , I have found to be very useful and insightful. Other contributions I have found to make patients much much worse. Diatomaceous earth has restored the lives of many I know…. so this is an example of the latter.
Thank you! Because I firmly it’s a wonderful and works excellent when I do my detox.
I meant to say I firmly believe
My concern is that as a fine silica it can be airborn and cause lung damage . The very reason that it is so affective for so many uses is that it cuts with sharp glasslike structure. in fact glass is made by melting silica. If the body cannot digest or soften these edges you have tiny glass particals that may cut your lung cells and intestinal villia….since I am a sculptor and have to use powderd sliica in the ceramic shell that receives the molten bronze I have seen VERY strong warnings on the bag about inhalation of these fine airborn silica particles. It actually can enter air upon high temps that I have to use and be invisible! A msk is a MUST so it says and outside ventilation. Like asbestos the body cannot dissolve it. Internaly I’m sure the body washes it away with the bad guys but in lungs I am skeptical. Be careful use your own mind to determine since it is not spoken of as so many other things arnt till it is too late.. Like ROUNDUP that early statements said it was unharmful to humans just weeds. I used my own mind to questionn it. I looked how it works .. then I avoided it on what I found. Thirty years later the truth is out. I don’t have to worry though because I thought about it myself and made a judgment based on what I found. This diatomaceous earth is the same . I like it I use it but be ware. DONT breath it! they will say it thirty years later no doubt.
I have inhaled it I am only reading this now. I am so very sick. My lungs hurt. I am having a hard time breathing I used a “puffer.” maybe 6-7 loads.i also apologize for my writing but I am looking for ANSWERS!!! I have no medical care have been to the hospital and transferred to another only to be sent away. No energy whatsoever, numbness for over a week now PLEASE HELP!!!
Maggie, and anyone else having problems with DE- how much water are you drinking along with the DE? You cannot expect results without upping your water intake. Pharmaceuticals are destroying our ability to understand the way our bodies work, especially when it comes to digestion. Imagine being covered in sticky, greasy, flour (what we eat) and someone hands you a scrubber (DE) and says “ok, wash up!” And they spray you a couple times with a misting bottle – enough to get you damp and cause everything to congeal all over your body – and that’s it. You wouldn’t be clean! In fact, you’d probably be even worse off than before! It’s true for your insides as well (fact: saliva in your both breaks down your food more than any other part of your digestive tract. It’s not magically getting liquefied in your body unless you add liquid!! Please chew thoroughly and please drink more water so your body can work! If you pee all the time, you are not drinking enough water. More water = less trips to the bathroom once you’re actually hydrated).
*mouth,not both
It actually does the opposite, increasing your bodies ability to absorb minerals your body needs. There are numerous studies to document this use of food grade de. Dont beleive everything you read here.
Well said, I have researched all medical websites and as of today there are no known side effects nor does DE interact with any medications, my mother had arthritis so bad in her fingers and hands she couldn’t even make a fist, she had knots on top of knots on her knuckles DE ten days on…ten days off …for 90 days her hands have almost went back to normal, her memory has improved too, parasites are in everyones body and they wreak havoc on the brain and body, DE is an all safe detox for everything!
I agree, I have ingested food grade Diatomaceous earth for several years now, and I believe it has helped my immune system. I have Candida from being a Vegetarian several years ago, and I would have it daily.
I ingest it. I had a terrible problem of insomnia, anxiety attacks, bloating and headaches while breastfeeding my baby after I had lost about 40 lbs over the course of a couple months. I started taking DE and all the symptoms disappeared within 2 weeks. I had dealt with those symptoms for a couple weeks and researched a lot about DE from personal testimonies and holistic doctors and nutritionists. I’m glad I took it. I still take it occasionally when symptoms start to arise again. The key is not to take it when ingesting food, vitamins, or medicines. It is best to wait a couple hours to make sure the DE doesn’t take out the good nutrients you ingest.
I use DE all around – for me, for my pets, for the yard/house.
I put it in my Coke every day – makes it all fizzy – and it helps
me feel better.
After giving my older cat de he threw up small sand like specs. He also has very thin poop
any suggestions please?
You may have given the cat too much, especially if it is the first time. Even when people consume it, they are only to consume maybe a teaspoon or so to start. A cat is way smaller than a human, so they probably only need maybe an 8th of a teaspoon in their food. I know a lot of people are saying they believe it is dangerous for humans to consume, but many veterinarians and farmers have given it to their animals for years with great results; you just have to know how much to give for a particular animal, and how often.
Small sand specs sounds like parasite eggs… Better out than in
Jen, we have an issue here in Orange Ca. With very small Asain mosquitoes.
Do you think ingesting D.E. would help to repel them?
Obviously there is a difference between pool grade DE and food grade. However, if the food grade DE works in the body as the pool grade works in pool systems I could understand the problem with consuming it. I worked at a pool for a few summers including cleaning out the pool filtration system. They add DE to the water to help catch the pool pollutants (like dirt, hair, leaves). It is extremely effective in clumping to pollutants and was tricky to remove from the fabric filters (part of the cleaning process was to spray water on the filters to wash the polluted DE down the drain before adding fresh water and DE to the system). I think it sounds feasible that it could attach itself to nutrients and a person should consult medical professionals before and during use.
I’m not convinced that the DE is the sole reason some have had worsening/new symptoms. I’d love to hear from someone who’s willing to subject themselves to scrutiny by giving specifics as to before and after DE usage, i.e. general health info, symptoms, how/when DE consumed (w/ or w/o meals? with enough (in oz/L per day) of water/liquid, dosage (initial to end) activity level/lifestyle/life events-good or bad—stress?), etc. I recognize this sounds like an informal study that may warrant scientific research & controls. However, I believe much can be gleaned by those of us that need specific examples and more info. and those who’ve not had a net benefit might gain insight as to results. So long as we’re intent & focused on learning and exchanging information/opinion as such, I believe the exchange won’t enter the realm of the offensive/defensive. I’d love to have respected authorities’ definitive/exhaustive research on the matter, but sometimes an informal series of question/answer can lead to informed risk-taking.
This article is hilarious and that “doctor” talked alot but said nothing what so ever. “It gets stuck to intestine walls” what? Show us a picture or at least care to explain a bit more on the topic how that happens?
He just used common fear inducing commentry without a shred of evidence so that people wont profit from naturally existing helpful ingredients. Discard this whole article and give it a go. Of course keep it moderate and simple.
I have eaten diatomaceous earth food grade for years. I use to just mix it in a smoothie or my coffee but now I just eat it on my cereal. I give it to my dogs because they’re always catching rabbits and rats. It keeps the intestinal worms from taking over.
For me, I never have any pooping problems, my hair is very soft, thick and healthy. People don’t believe I’m 53. I’m told all the time how young I look. I’ve had no serious health issues. No medications I have to take. And I smoked cigarettes for 35yrs. I quit a little over a year ago. I use to have alot of adult acne, but very little since eating diatomaceous daily.
When you 1st start eating it your acne will get worse at 1st until it cleans the toxins out. But then it gets better.
My daughter gets UTI ‘s a lot, but not when she faithfully eats the diatomaceous. My roommate has constipation problems and when nothing else seems to do the trick he comes and asks me to make him what we call a poop shake….. banana milk shake with diatomaceous earth food grade.
I just started taking it 3 days ago, let’s see how it goes, how long can I start seeing results? For hair, weight loss , face?
It works great if you maintain proper hydration. If you don’t drink enough water while taking DE you will surely see constipation, dry skin, etc…
Is it harmful to someone with celiac disease?
Not sure, if you want to try it, i suggest starting with a very small dose. You really need to concentrate on healing your leaky gut. I know a lot can be done in cases like yours with proper diet. I would consult a naturopathic doctor first.
The title is irritating. This is all your opinion and you definitely SHOULD NOT tell us what we SHOULD NOT do.
I’m not telling you to do anything and yes, this is my website where I share my beliefs. That’s why it’s my website. You are free to read my content and it is okay if you don’t agree with everything I say.
I’ve used DE for 7 years and I live it. It work better than anything I’ve tried to clean me out. Also pysillium husk activated charcoal bentonite clay works too. You can’t listen to people if you know you used something and it works for you you can’t listen to everybody. I am into all homeopathic medicines herbs and teas.
Hello, I am curious as to how DE works if you ingest it — as a gardener, I’ve learned that DE applied to soil/plants does not work once it gets wet, so I’m confused. Can someone please clarify?
I have been ingesting DE for many years and like it. I mix it with some Apple Cider Vinegar first to activate it and then put it in my smoothie. I have no health problems. I am 52 now. I have recommended DE to all my clients too. They have had great results. It is a collagen booster. Great for hair skin nails joints bones and improving digestion.
The guy you quoted used no scientific studys or references. If you look it up on ncmbi you find it lowers cholesterol extremely. Like any supplement its not a one size fit all but I do not know that eventually it will be included in a pharmaceutical.
D.E. is great I take a tablespoon in 8 ounces of water every morning along with pure collagen peptides powder in my coffee. I’m 35 with 3 young kids and feel like I am in my early 20s.
I plan on using it in my garden, but I’m worried it will end up in my food and I have gut issues already. I’ve been trying to find any actual evidence that it either helps or harms the gut and and I’m finding plenty of opinion but nothing on actual studies done, not even on animals. Nobody’s referencing anything, they’re just pointing to the next site and that one has an opinion that points to the next site… none of them end in a reference to a science journal article. Anyone have some actual proof or a keyword for a starting point on pubmed? Thanks!
This healthline article sources several peer reviewed documents: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-diatomaceous-earth
What I gather is that it doesn’t supplement your diet in any way. Though it is super effective at pest control and keeping dry foods dry in a completely non-toxic way.
That’s why I think this article is so harmful! Diatomaceous earth is an excellent tool to keep pests off our food and increase its shelf life with no side effects!
For the past year I’ve been taking half a teaspoon of DE in a large glass of water most mornings on an empty stomach and an hour or more before breakfast. I do this as part of the Root Cause Protocol which thousands of people worldwide follow with great results.
I tried the MM’s celery juicing thing (to restore stomach acid levels) before the RCP but after 6 weeks of daily morning celery juice I started to experience constant nausea and painful stomach cramps straight after drinking it. It took a week after stopping the celery juice for my stomach to come right and after a break I tried it again but same problems arose. I re-tried several times but it was no good. I’m now quite dubious about MM’s recommendations, they don’t work for everyone. He’s lost credibility with me.
Dipshit
exactly…, DE…greaT stuff, use it correctly.
They let anyone post BS on the internet…..
that is the truth,,,this article is total nonsense ..
Bought some food grade off amazon, and totally regret it.
Not only did it make my stomach ache. I feel I’m having a histamine reaction. the back of my throat feels like the lining is being ripped off. I consumed it without doing any research, just some people on youtube saying it’s natural and your body loves silica.
None of these sellers tell anyone to not inhale the dust, with is similar to ASBESTOS.
You’re basically consuming ground up glass. That’s the truth. Sharp glass that is ripping up your system, your organs, as well as all the “worms”. I’d rather have the worms. I feel awful. I would like to find a way to detox the diatomaceous earth. 100% regret it. government should either do some clinical trials with this on humans, or outlaw it for human consumption.
..you are am Imbecile…no need to respond further to a nitwit like you!!!
I’m a nutritionist and just wanted to add that food grade DE is already abundantly found in many things we already eat. It’s used as an additive and flowing agent in some supplements. DE will add minerals to your body and not cause mineral deficiencies. Like most things it’s about balance and not overdoing it. I believe food grade DE is safe to ingest when used properly and not over used. Start slow, take it for 2 weeks on then 2 weeks off. Inhaling DE is another thing, you want to avoid inhaling it because it can cause lung problems, which is luckily reversible most of the time. So, don’t inhale DE.
I love DE! We take the food grade internally. Silica is required for rebuilding collagen. It helps give you a glow because it helps carry blood cells to carry more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Within one week, my teens acne cleared up significantly. It is a natural anti-inflammatory. After 6 months, my dad’s hair went from silver back to strawberry blond. With all due respect, to the Medical Medium, celery is one of the worst produce for pesticides even if after it has been juiced.
I first took Diatomaceous Earth about 5 years ago for several weeks and felt like I had more energy, I even liked the taste and looked forward to my daily drink. However I developed Gastritis while taking it, so I immediately stopped. I couldn’t stomach anything for several days and have had really bad indegestion every day all day ever since, however I had been diagnosed with Gerd a couple of years before ( but it was all chest pain before and no indegestion). I imagined my Gerd would of gotten worse anyway and was hoping it was just a coincidence that it happened when it did, so I decided to try it again a couple of months ago. After 4 or 5 days my stomach started rattling around non stop (which is how the Gastritis started last time ) and I had to stop taking it. I guess it’s just not for me. I’ve seen some claims of it healing Gastritis and other digestive issues, but it just seems to irritate mine and make them worse. I’ve read far more positive reviews than negative and would still recommend it to someone without preexisting digestive issues or Gerd.
Out of all the different uses, can anyone tell me if this stuff can be used to purify fruit juice (by adding to boiling juice, in order to bring out impurities – but of course Not ingested) ?