NaturallyOne UK Wholesale Mineral Suppliers

We expect you may have many questions - KEEP ON ASKING--we want to answer all your questions.  Here is a list of FAQ you might want to look over first to see if the answer is already here:

 

What is Diatomaceous Earth?

The word "diatomaceous" comes from the root word "diatom", which is a single-celled organism. Diatomaceous earth is a chalk-like powder that is made up entirely of these diatoms that have fossilized over thousands of years.

 

Where does it come from?

Diatomaceous earth forms over a long period of time as millions of single-celled organisms fossilize in lake beds. These lake beds then dry up, exposing the sedimentary deposit that we call diatomaceous earth.

 

What is DE used for?

Food grade DE is used for a great many things, almost all of which fall into two main (and rather unrelated) categories: health benefits and pest control. It is either taken internally as a supplement or used as a natural solution to treat all kinds of insects. There are other grades like pool grade DE that are used to filter water, but have been treated and are not safe for consumption. Make sure you have the right grade for the job.

 

How long has DE been around?

Diatomaceous earth is naturally formed, and has been around for thousands of years. It has only been relatively recently that we have discovered how to effectively use it.

 

How can something that kills bugs not be harmful for me and my pets?

NaturallyOne Diatomaceous Earth kills insects by PHYSICAL action---not chemical.  Hundreds of the microscopic particles get all over the insects body.  As the insects move, it scratches the waxy coating off of them and they dehydrate and die.  Because the particles are so small--they cause no harm to people and pets.  It is a simple mineral---silica.           

 

Is the same product used for killing bugs and helping people?

Even though both do the same thing. We sell both Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth and Insect Control Diatomaceous Earth with the approved EPA label. If you are going to be using Diatomaceous Earth for killing insects, you may wish to buy the EPA labeled Insect Control. The Food Grade DE is for comsumption by people and pets for health purposes and for other non EPA uses around the home.

 

How much do I feed my dog?

The dosage for your dog varies with their weight.

• Under 25 lbs: ½ tsp

• 25 - 50 lbs: 1-2 tsp

• 50 - 100 lbs: 1 Tbsp

• Over 100 lbs: 1-2 Tbsp

For a more thorough answer, checkout out our Diatomaceous Earth For Dogs article.

 

How much do I feed my cat?

The dosage for your dog varies with their weight.

• Under 7 lbs: ½ tsp

• 7 - 13 lbs: 1 tsp

• Over 13 lbs: 1½ tsp

For a more thorough answer, checkout out our Diatomaceous Earth For Cats article.

 

How much do I feed my horse?

The dosage for your horse is dependent on how much they eat. For every 10 lbs of feed, we recommend adding roughly 3 oz of diatomaceous earth. For a more thorough answer, checkout out our Diatomaceous Earth: Horse and Cattle Feed article.

 

I have a different pet. How much do I feed it?

A good general guide to follow for all animals is to measure the weight of your pet's food and add roughly 2% of that weight in diatomaceous earth.

 

Will DE kill fleas if I feed it to my dog?

No. Diatomaceous earth can only kill insects it contacts directly. Feeding your dog DE will not kill fleas. To eliminate the them, you'll need to make sure they come in contact with the DE by applying it to your dog's bedding and other areas he visits regularly.

 

How often should I feed it to my pet for deworming?

In order to ensure the quality of our products and information, we are committed to meeting all FDA and EPA regulations. Because of this commitment, we are unable to provide an answer to this question without damaging our good standing with either the FDA or the EPA.

 

Will DE transfer to puppies/kittens through nursing?

Not in any significant amount.

 

How much DE do you feed to horses?

The dosage for your horse is dependent on how much they eat. For every 10 lbs of feed, we recommend adding roughly 3 oz of diatomaceous earth. For a more thorough answer, visit our Diatomaceous Earth: Horse and Cattle Feed article.

 

What is the dosage for cattle?

The dosage for your cattle is dependent on the volume of their diet. For every 10 lbs of feed, we recommend adding roughly 3 oz of diatomaceous earth. For a more thorough answer, check out our Diatomaceous Earth: Horse and Cattle Feed article.

 

How much do you feed to sheep/goats?

Like all other farm animals, the dosage for your sheep and goats is dependent on how much they eat. For every 10 lbs of feed, we recommend adding roughly 3 oz of diatomaceous earth. For a more thorough answer, visit our Diatomaceous Earth: Sheep Feed Additive article.

 

How much do you feed to chickens?

The general guide is to combine 3 oz of DE with every 10 lb of chicken feed. For a more thorough explanation, take a look at our Diatomaceous Earth: Chicken and Turkey Feed Additive article.

 

Do I need to apply DE directly to my chickens?

It isn't necessary. Diatomaceous earth works best for chickens when applied around a chicken coup and added to their dust bath. The chickens will then largely take care of themselves.

 

How does DE work as a fly repellant?

Diatomaceous earth is very irritating to a fly. If they spend enough time in it, they will die. Any surface that is coated in DE will be one a fly doesn't want to spend time on. DE doesn't produce any smells to ward flies off however. It's only upon contact that a fly will be repelled.

 

What pests does DE work on?

Diatomaceous earth is an effective pesticide against anything with an exoskeleton. This includes every bug you can think of from the smallest bedbug to the largest scorpion. It is not effective on mice or other rodents, as they have the same protection to DE that we do: skin.

 

Can I put DE on my couches and chairs?

Yes, you can. In fact it is often necessary to treat your furniture along with the rest of your house for some pest problems. If you have leather furniture, it's always a good idea to apply a leather conditioner after cleaning off the DE to restore any lost moisture.

 

If I treat my home, will it hurt my pet or child if they get into it?

DE is non-toxic and will not harm your child. However, if your child or pet eats or breathes too much or gets some in their eyes they can experience discomfort.

 

Will DE damage any items in my home if the dust gets on it?

Generally No. DE will not damage most items in your home if they are exposed to DE. The only things you'll want to be cautious of are any exposed items that have a fan, such as a desktop computer. If enough DE gets into the fan, it could cause it to seize up.

 

Will DE damage wood or finished surfaces?

DE will scratch wood and finished surfaces if pressure and friction are applied. Take caution when using DE around valuables made of wood or other soft materials.

 

How long should I keep it down when applied on the floor?

It depends on the reason you have for applying it to the floor. For bedbugs or fleas, we recommend keeping the DE down for a week if possible. If that proves impractical, feel free to vacuum it up with a shop vac and reapply it as soon as you can. When you're trying to break an insect's breeding cycle, it pays to be as thorough as you can. If you're simply deodorizing your carpets, then 1 - 2 days should be all the time needed.

 

How much DE do I need to cover my floors?

A little DE goes a long way. A rough guide to follow is to allow 2 lbs of DE per 1000 sq ft. You'll need a little more than that for shaggy carpets or rugs. We generally recommend purchasing 10 lbs of DE for treating pests in the home because it's better value for money and ensures you have enough with some to spare. Diatomaceous earth never expires, so if you're unsure about how much you'll need, lean towards the larger amount and keep the extra for any future projects.

 

Can I walk through it once it's on the floor?

Yes. DE is perfectly safe for you or your family to walk through.

 

Will it kick up dust clouds from the carpet if walked over?

Lots of active traffic will kick up a little DE into the air. This shouldn't be a concern unless you have sensitive lungs.

 

Will it harm my pet rodents/hamsters etc?

No. DE is only harmful to insects. Any creature with skin or fur is quite safe around diatomaceous earth.

 

Can people with respiratory problems be around DE?

Diatomaceous earth doesn't pose any irritation to the lungs unless it's airborne. Anyone who has respiratory problems can be around DE after it has been applied and settled. If there's any concerns about inhaling DE, a dust mask can provide an extra layer of protection.

 

How do I clean DE up once I'm done with it?

The most important thing to know with cleaning up DE is that it can clog a standard household vacuum rather easily. If you're not careful, you can burn out a motor really quickly. If you don't already have access to one, we recommend renting a shop vac or other filterless vacuum to take care of the DE in the carpet. For a full list of instructions for cleaning DE on all surface types, check out our cleaning guide here.

 

What type of vacuum should I use to clean up the DE?

As mentioned in the previous answer, you will want to use a shop vac or other filterless vacuum to clean up diatomaceous earth. If you are determined to use a regular filtered vacuum, you will want to clean the filter every few minutes or else you'll risk burning out the motor. DE is quite hard on vacuum filters.

 

Does DE work on moths in clothing?

Yes, you can treat stored clothing with DE to help kill moths if they begin to infest them.

 

How does DE work as a fly repellant?

Diatomaceous earth is very irritating to a fly. If they spend enough time in it, they will die. Any surface that is coated in DE will be one a fly doesn't want to spend time on. DE doesn't produce any smells to ward flies off however. It's only upon contact that a fly will be repelled.

 

How do I spread DE outside?

That depends on where you're looking to apply DE outside. To add DE to the soil of your garden plants, we recommend using something like the Wilcox 3Qt Sifting Scoop. This scoop also works well to apply a barrier around the perimeter of your house. To cover your garden, the Dustin Mizer is the largest applicator we have. It can churn out a large cloud of DE across a wide area.

 

How much DE do I mix into water to apply it?

There's no exact science to the DE to water ratio, but we recommend roughly 10 Tbsp to 1 gallon of water. If you add too much DE, it can clog the nozzle of your sprayer.

 

Do I need to put DE on the leaves or soil of plants?

Add DE to both. Covering the leaves protects your plant from flying insects, while adding it to the soil prevents any crawling insects from reaching your plants.

 

Will it kill earthworms?

Yes. DE kills all types of worms and grubs.

 

Will it repel mosquitos?

Not very effectively. DE doesn't release any scent to repel flying insects. It only discourages bugs that come in contact with it. Applying DE to a surface will repel them from that surface, so to make DE an effective mosquito repellant you would have to cover yourself. You're better off looking elsewhere for a natural mosquito repellant.

 

Do I need to reapply DE when it rains?

It depends. Rain is only detrimental to DE if it physically washes it away. If the DE is in the soil of your garden, it probably won't go too far and will resume working for you once it dries out. If you covered your patio to ward off ants, then you'll probably need to reapply as it would wash away in the rain.

 

Does it work on crickets?

Yes. DE will kill any insect it comes in contact with, including crickets.

 

Does DE kill slugs/snails?

Yes. Diatomaceous earth is particularly effective against slugs and snails because it doesn't have to break through a shell before it can start to dehydrate them.

 

Can you use DE to preserve flowers?

Yes. You can learn to use DE to dry and preserve flowers here.

 

Can I mix DE into the soil in my earthboxes?

Yes. This will actually help decompose some of the compost you place in your earthboxes.

 

How do I know if I have bedbugs?

You can recognize if you have bed bugs when either you notice bites after a night's sleep or begin to notice blood smears or black fecal matter around your bed.

 

Does DE kill bedbugs?

Yes! Diatomaceous earth is among the most effective treatment options for bedbugs. Unlike chemical pesticides, DE kills bedbugs by wearing away at their shell and absorbing their fluids until they die of dehydration. This mechanical process remains effective months after a chemical treatment has worn off.

 

How do I apply DE for bedbugs?

After an initial vacuum and clean, dust a light layer of DE over every area of your home that you suspect bedbugs may be hiding. The more thorough you are, the faster you'll see the results. For an in-depth article about applying DE for bedbugs, see our article here.

 

Can I put DE on my mattress and box spring?

Yes. You will want to add DE to your mattress and box spring to ensure you beat the begbugs. We recommend applying a light layer of DE to your mattress and then covering it with your fitted sheet.

 

How long does it take to kill bedbugs?

Bedbugs will die within a couple of hours when exposed to DE. The challenge is making sure every last one has been exposed enough. If you're battling a particularly bad infestation, you might be in for the long run. It can take up to a few weeks to completely beat them.

 

How do I spread DE outside?

That depends on where you're looking to apply DE outside. To add DE to the soil of your garden plants, we recommend using something like the Wilcox 3Qt Sifting Scoop. This scoop also works well to apply a barrier around the perimeter of your house. To cover your garden, the Dustin Mizer is the largest applicator we have. It can churn out a large cloud of DE across a wide area.

 

How much DE do I mix into water to apply it?

There's no exact science to the DE to water ratio, but we recommend roughly 10 Tbsp to 1 gallon of water. If you add too much DE, it can clog the nozzle of your sprayer.

 

Do I need to put DE on the leaves or soil of plants?

Add DE to both. Covering the leaves protects your plant from flying insects, while adding it to the soil prevents any crawling insects from reaching your plants.

 

Will it kill earthworms?

Yes. DE kills all types of worms and grubs.

 

Will it repel mosquitos?

Not very effectively. DE doesn't release any scent to repel flying insects. It only discourages bugs that come in contact with it. Applying DE to a surface will repel them from that surface, so to make DE an effective mosquito repellant you would have to cover yourself. You're better off looking elsewhere for a natural mosquito repellant.

 

Do I need to reapply DE when it rains?

It depends. Rain is only detrimental to DE if it physically washes it away. If the DE is in the soil of your garden, it probably won't go too far and will resume working for you once it dries out. If you covered your patio to ward off ants, then you'll probably need to reapply as it would wash away in the rain.

 

Does it work on crickets?

Yes. DE will kill any insect it comes in contact with, including crickets.

 

Does DE kill slugs/snails?

Yes. Diatomaceous earth is particularly effective against slugs and snails because it doesn't have to break through a shell before it can start to dehydrate them.

 

Can you use DE to preserve flowers?

Yes. You can learn to use DE to dry and preserve flowers here.

 

Can I mix DE into the soil in my earthboxes?

Yes. This will actually help decompose some of the compost you place in your earthboxes.

 

When do I need an applicator?

Whenever you're looking to apply DE to any surface, an applicator can make your life much easier.

 

What applicator works best inside the home?

There are a number of good choices for indoor applicators. For a quick solution, the squeeze duster is great for general applications. If you'd like a more durable applicator that can reach small crevices, the JT Eaton duster is your best bet. For those on a budget, you can make a quick applicator from an empty parmesan shaker.

 

What applicator should I use outside?

To create outdoor barriers or for mixing DE in the soil, it's hard to beat the 3Qt Sifting Scoop. If you need to cover a large area in a blanket of DE, you'll want the Dustin Mizer.

 

When should I use a wet application of DE over a dry one?

Wet applications are good for sticking to surfaces that dry DE won't hold to well, such as walls, fences and plant leaves. Unless you're concerned about the diatomaceous earth holding to the surface your want to cover, a dry application will work better for you.

 

What is the difference between applicators?

All applicators have strengths and weaknesses. The squeeze duster is cheap and versatile, but not particularly durable. The JT Eaton duster is strong and works well for small spaces, but won't get you far for large applications. The Gilmour duster and bulb dusters are both a little more expensive, but are good all-around solutions. Any one of those would work well for indoor use. For larger applications outdoors we'd recommend the Dustin Mizer.

 

Do I put DE in or around my food storage?

Both. To protect against pests thoroughly we recommend using DE around and in your food storage.

 

How much DE should I use in my food storage?

We recommend using 1-2 cups per 50 lbs of grain. For a full guide on applying DE to your food storage, click here.

 

Will it affect baking when put in flour?

If you add DE to your flour as advised in our guide, it'll make up less than 2% of your flour mixture. This should have a very limited effect on your baking.

 

Is diatomaceous earth safe for Humans?

For food grade diatomaceous earth, yes. Pool grade DE is safe so long as you don't ingest it or inhale it for long periods of time. While food grade DE does not pose the same dangers, it can still be a mild irritant to the lungs or eyes. If you have sensitive lungs and plan on applying large amount of DE, we would recommend wearing a dust mask.

The food grade diatomaceous earth sold here at NaturallyOne.co.uk is safe to eat.

 

Is DE harmful to my lungs?

Food grade DE is no more harmful to your lungs than regular dust in your home, however for those with sensitive lungs such as asthmatics, you will want to be careful if large amounts are being applied in an indoor environment. A standard dust mask will prevent any respiratory discomfort.

 

What are the potential health risks to using DE?

There's a very short list of mild risks to using food grade DE, and they fall into two categories:

External Risks

Dry skin: Exposure to DE on your skin can cause it to dry out. Simply wash off the DE with water and apply a moistuizing lotion.

Mild lung irriatation: For anyone with sensitive lungs, breathing the airborne DE particles can cause irriatation. Wear a regualr dust mask if this is a concern to you.

Internal Risks

Constipation: Eating too much DE with not enough water can lead to constipation. Simply lower your DE intake and increase your water consumption, along with your fiber intake if needed.

Bloating: Again, this tends to occur as a result of not enough fluids in the body. Increase your water intake to mitigate the problem.

 

Can DE cause cancer?

There are no studies that show a link between the consumption of or exposure to our food grade DE and cancer. Studies have shown, however, that prolonged exposure to pool grade and industrial DE over several years is carcinogenic. We believe it helps prevent cancer.

 

 

How much DE should I take?

If you're starting DE for the first time or haven't had any for a while, we recommend starting with a teaspoon 1-2 times a day. After about a week you can start to increase that up to a tablespoon a day if you wish. The reason we recommend starting slow is to give your body time to adjust. DE can sometimes cause constipation, and so a smaller initial dose will allow you to see if you need to adjust water or fiber intake before committing to a full dose.

 

Is it good to take DE long term?

Absolutely! Taking DE long-term can help promote your overall health and wellbeing. We have had hundreds of customers use DE for years and have had many amazing experiences.

 

Can I take too much diatomaceous earth?

Yes. Too much DE can cause serious constipation. We generally recommend that people begin with 1-2 teaspoons a day and move to a tablespoon over 1-2 weeks. We advise against ever taking more than 2 tablespoons a day.

 

Can I take DE while pregnant or breast feeding?

We know of women who actively enjoy DE through pregnancy and breastfeeding and they haven't reported any concerns. We would encourage you to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any questions about DE and pregnancy.

 

Can I take my medication with DE?

The short answer is you probably shouldn't. As mentioned above with taking DE and food, diatomaceous earth is highly absorbent and takes into itself whatever is around it. If you take any medication with DE, you will lessen the effect of the medicine as the DE absorbs it instead of your body. We haven't heard of any reports of DE reacting with any form of medication, but it is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider if you plan to take DE alongside any other medication. In any case, if you do take DE and medicine, make sure there is at least an hour gap between taking the two. This will allow your body a chance to take in the medicine before the DE can absorb it.

 

What are the symptoms of detoxing too quickly?

A rapid detox may result in frequent trips to the bathroom, sweating, and increased hunger and thirst.

 

Does DE absorb into the blood stream?

Only a small percentage of DE is small enough to enter your blood stream. That small amount can make big changes to the strength of your joints, bones, hair, skin, and nails.

 

Will diatomaceous earth help with weight loss?

In some cases, yes. Diatomaceous earth isn't exactly a weight loss supplement, but it can help remove some potential obstacles to losing weight. DE is made up almost entirely of silica, which is an essential mineral for ensuring circulatory and digestive systems are working effectively. It is also effective at removing toxins from your body which can prevent weight loss. Taking DE daily will help promote optimum overall health, which provides an environment for a healthy diet and exercise to be effective in losing weight.

 

Does DE help prevent or cure baldness?

Generally, DE has limited effects on reversing baldness. Baldness can be influenced by many different factors including age, gender, nutritional deficiencies and various health conditions. In the case of nutritional deficiencies, DE can make a noticeable impact as it helps provide silica to produce collagen, which in turn promotes hair growth. For every other situation, DE will promote good health but it is unlikely to restore a full head of hair.

 

Will DE make me constipated?

Taking too much diatomaceous earth and not enough fluids and fiber can cause constipation. If you notice this becoming a concern, lower your DE intake and increase your fluids and fiber.

 

Does it get rid of yeast infections?

DE can help alleviate various internal fungi and parasites if taken regularly with the appropriate diet. If your condition is severe, we'd encourage you to consult your healthcare provider.

 

Why am I experiencing bloating?

Sometimes people experience bloating in connection with DE. This is often a sign that you're not drinking enough water. If this is something that is affecting you, lower your DE intake and increase the amount of water you drink.

 

Will it influence diabetes?

If you have questions regarding how DE can affect diabetes, we advise that you meet with a healthcare professional and ask how a silica supplement may affect your condition.

 

Will DE help with gout?

We have heard of cases where DE has made a positive impact on gout. If you'd like further information regarding how DE can affect gout, we advise that you meet with a healthcare professional and ask how a silica supplement may affect your condition.

 

Does DE work on any type of fungus?

DE can help alleviate various internal fungi and parasites. If you have a specific condition you're looking to cure, we'd recommend consulting with your healthcare professional.

 

Does it kill treat parasites in people?

In order to ensure the quality of our products and information, we are committed to meeting all FDA and EPA regulations. Because of this commitment, we are unable to provide an answer to this question without damaging our good standing with either the FDA or the EPA.

 

How true is it that DE can cure cancer?

We don't promote diatomaceous earth as a cure for cancer, but we acknowledge that some people do claim DE has made a difference for them. If you have questions regarding how DE can affect various forms of cancer, we advise that you meet with a healthcare professional and ask how a silica supplement may affect your condition

 

How much Food Grade DE should a person take each day?

It is up to you. You would have to be drinking all day to overdose. No matter how much diatomaceous earth is in the body, the  body will only absorb the amount it needs and safely dispose of the rest. Therefore it is also important to consume DE daily.

 

How much DE should I take?

If you're starting DE for the first time or haven't had any for a while, we recommend starting with a teaspoon 1-2 times a day. After about a week you can start to increase that up to a tablespoon a day if you wish. The reason we recommend starting slow is to give your body time to adjust. DE can sometimes cause constipation, and so a smaller initial dose will allow you to see if you need to adjust water or fiber intake before committing to a full dose.

 

Should I take DE with or without food?

We recommend taking DE at least an hour away from a full meal. The reason for this is that diatomaceous earth is highly absorbent. If taken with food, DE will absorb some of the nutrients of the food instead of any toxins in your body. This can lessen the effect of both the DE and your meal.

 

What time of day should I take DE?

The time of day is less important than the time since your last meal. Take DE anytime during the day that is convenient for you while still being at least an hour away from a full meal.

 

Is it good to take DE long term?

Absolutely! Taking DE long-term can help promote your overall health and wellbeing. We have had hundreds of customers use DE for years and have had many amazing experiences.

 

Can I take too much diatomaceous earth?

Yes. Too much DE can cause serious constipation. We generally recommend that people begin with 1-2 teaspoons a day and move to a tablespoon over 1-2 weeks. We advise against ever taking more than 2 tablespoons a day.

 

Can DE be mixed with hot drinks?

Yes. Food grade DE only becomes hazardous when heated to temperatures above 1000°C / 1832°F. Your cup of tea or coffee won't alter your diatomaceous earth.

 

Can you mix it with apple sauce, yogurt etc?

Sure. It may lessen the nutritional value of the food you mix into it, as DE tends to absorb whatever it comes in contact with, but it won't harm you to mix DE into food. We do recommend that you avoid taking DE within an hour of a full meal though as this can limit the effectiveness of the DE.

 

Is DE Kosher?

Technically, no. While diatomaceous earth does not violate any Kosher standards, we have not officially been certified as Kosher.

 

Is it Vegan?

Yes. Diatomaceous earth is formed purely from the fossilized remains of a type of hard-shelled algae. There are no animal products in DE.

 

What does DE taste like?

Diatomaceous earth both tastes and feels like powdered chalk, even when mixed in water. If the taste is undesirable to you, try mixing it in with a flavored drink like juice.

 

Can I take my medication with DE?

The short answer is you probably shouldn't. As mentioned above with taking DE and food, diatomaceous earth is highly absorbent and takes into itself whatever is around it. If you take any medication with DE, you will lessen the effect of the medicine as the DE absorbs it instead of your body. We haven't heard of any reports of DE reacting with any form of medication, but it is always a good idea to consult your healthcare provider if you plan to take DE alongside any other medication. In any case, if you do take DE and medicine, make sure there is at least an hour gap between taking the two. This will allow your body a chance to take in the medicine before the DE can absorb it.

 

Will DE make me constipated?

Taking too much diatomaceous earth and not enough fluids and fiber can cause constipation. If you notice this becoming a concern, lower your DE intake and increase your fluids and fiber.

 

Why am I experiencing bloating?

Sometimes people experience bloating in connection with DE. This is often a sign that you're not drinking enough water. If this is something that is affecting you, lower your DE intake and increase the amount of water you drink.

 

Can you take it in capsule form?

While we do not produce DE in capsules, there is nothing wrong with taking it this way. Make sure that the DE you're about to take is pure food grade diatomaceous earth.

 

Are there nutritional benefits to taking DE?

There is negligible nutritional value to DE in terms of anything you would find on a Nutritional Facts panel for a food item. The value comes from its almost pure silica content, which is an essential mineral to all life, yet one that you won't see printed on any nutritional fact sheet. Your body uses silica to support many functions of your cells. DE aids the growth of many cells in your body, including those that build your joints, bones, hair, skin and nails.

 

Are there any calories in diatomaceous earth?

No. DE has no caloric value.

 

How long will a 10 lb bag last if I'm taking it?

A 10 lb bag will go a very long way for one person. Taking one tablespoon per day should make a 10 lb bag last close to 990 days.

 

Can I give it to my small child?

Yes. Small children can take DE in small doses once they are 1 year old. We do not recommend feeding DE to infants.

 

I've been taking DE for a month. Why don't I see any improvement?

The silica in DE can take a long time to work its way into your system and begin to manifest its effects. Expect 6-8 weeks to pass before you will begin to see any visible results.

 

If this stuff is so great, why have I never heard of it before?

You have to remember that it is always "all about the money."  No one is going to spend millions of dollars and years of research on a product that you dig out of the ground and that cannot be patented.  Diatomaceous earth is one of those hundreds of natural products that get shunned by most doctors and drug companies.  Most DE is sold and used by someone who has a friend or relative that has used it and gotten results.  You would think that is would be just the opposite---that a natural, safe, non-chemical and drug product that is inexpensive and has so many uses would be in every home in the country, but chemicals and drugs are where the big money is, so that is what gets promoted and used.

 

Why are there different grades of DE?

Not all diatomaceous earth is the same. As a naturally occurring mineral, its quality varies from mine to mine. Not only that, but companies reguarly alter or add other substances to diatomaceous earth to enhance their effectiveness for a particluar task. It is important to know what you want to do with DE, and which grade will best fit your needs. Here at DiatomaceousEarth.com, we only sell food grade DE (though we do have a Crawling Insect Control label, this too is food grade DE). All of the information you find on this site is tailored to using pure food grade DE that has no additives or treatment. If you are unsure whether the DE you purchased is suitable for a given task, contact your supplier and check with them.

 

Is all diatomaceous earth considered organic?

The short answer is, it depends. While all DE is naturally occurring, any DE that has undergone artificial treatment may no longer be considered organic. It also depends on which standard you want to use to define organic. The diatomaceous earth sold on our site is certified organic by OMRI, the Organic Materials Review Institute. Not all food grade DE sold by others is OMRI listed. If you have concerns about whether the DE you purchased is organic to your standards, it is best to contact your supplier and check with them.

 

How often should I wash my face with DE?

Generally we recommend only washing your face with DE once every few days, as washing too frequently can cause your skin to dry out. If you do find yourself with dry skin, apply a facial moisturizer and wait a few days before your next DE face wash.

 

How can I use it in my toothpaste?

Simply squeeze your toothpaste into a small plastic container that has an airtight seal. Add some DE and mix well. Then use toothpaste as you would normally. You can learn how to make your own toothpaste here.

 

Can I take showers and wash my hair with DE?

We wouldn't recommend using straight diatomaceous earth in the shower. DE is helpful to your hair, skin and nails when ingested in small amounts, but when used externally it'll only dry out your skin. If you enjoy making your own soaps and shampoos, then you could consider adding a little DE to your recipe to help absorb extra oils and dirt. DE works better as a cleaning booster than a cleaner itself.

 

Can you use DE to clot blood?

If you are having issues with getting your blood to clot we strongly advise that you seek medical help immediately. We do not recommend using DE on any open wound.

 

Is DE is dangerous--especially breathing it in?

Food Grade DE and Insect Control DE often get confused with filter grade DE.  Filter grade DE starts out as food grade, but it is heated to about 1,000 degrees and chemicals are added to crystallize it.  This works great for filtering but is dangerous to people and animals. Breathing the crystallized product in over long periods of time causes a disease called silicoses.  The world health org. has said that DE needs to be less than 2% crystalline silica in order to be considered safe.  The filter grade DE is 60% crystalline!! -- Stay away from it --- it is dangerous!!  Perma-Guards food grade DE and Crawling Insect Control DE on the other hand is less than .50% crystalline silica.  As you can see, that is more than 4 times less than it needs to be to be considered safe! Daily use of Food Grade DE for people, pets and around the home is perfectly safe as is Crawling Insect Control DE for all your bug killing.  Both products should be treated like any other dusty product, if you are going to breath it in over long periods of time, wear a dust mask ---- but it should in no way be compared to the dangerous crystallized filter grade.

 

Will Food Grade DE interfere with any medication I am now taking?

 Diatomaceous Earth is a mineral---silica.  We have never run into a situation in the thousands of orders sold over the last 8 years where anyone has had a problem or reaction to taking DE.  If you have any questions as to interactions with medications you are taking---ask your doctor or pharmacist if taking a silica supplement will cause any problems.

 

What is the shelf life of DE?

As a naturally occuring mineral that has been in existance for thousands of years, diatomaceous earth doesn't expire. You'll need to store it in a dry environment to preserve its effectiveness however.  Diatomaceous earth is a mineral and will never expire---remember--it is already thousands of years old!!

 

Should you store it in the fridge?

There is no need to store it in the fridge and we wouldn't recommend it, but you can if you wish to. Be careful though, DE can take on scents and might taste like uncovered leftovers after a while.

 

Can you store DE in plastic containers?

Yes. DE can be stored in basic plastic containers so long as they are airtight.

 

Does DE react if mixed with chemicals?

No. DE is quite innert and often does not respond to chemical exposure.

 

What is the difference between diatomaceous earth and bentonite clay?

Diatomaceous earth and bentonite clay are two very different natural substances. Diatomaceous earth is formed through the fossilizing of single celled diatoms in freshwater rivers and lakebeds that build up as sedimentary deposits over a long time. It is almost pure amorphous silica. Bentonite clay on the other hand is primarily montmorillonite, which is a group of minerals that can vary slightly depending on the type of bentonite. Both products are highly absorbent, but bentonite clay does not have the same abrasive properties as DE and so it cannot kill bugs and boost cleaners like DE can.

 

Why are your prices so much less than others selling DE?

Two reasons --- 1st is because we buy DE in such big amounts --- we get 100ton at a time.  This gives us the lowest cost available.  2nd--because we sell so much, we take a much smaller markup per item.  Most sellers of DE buy just a few bags to a pallet at a time and take bigger markups per item.

 

Do you have pricing for large amounts of DE?

Yes!!  The more you buy the cheaper it gets.

 

Do you ship to other countries?

Yes, we will ship anywhere. 

 

Can I pickup DE myself to save shipping costs?

Yes.  We are located in Hampshire UK .