10 Amazing Uses for Diatomaceous Earth Around the Home

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Uses of Diatomaceous Earth
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Tell your kids it’s “skeleton powder.” Or that it slashes and dehydrates bugs to death! If you have boys especially, they may look at your natural pantry with a whole new respect!

You won’t be lying  … Diatomaceous Earth (or DE for short) is all that and more! Here are all the (not so gory) details on this natural remedy wonder for anyone with pets or a family.

What Is Diatomaceous Earth, Anyway?

DE is, as mentioned, a white powder naturally occurring from the fossils of diatoms (a type of algae found in river bed and lake beds). The diatoms form a very hard shell of silica in a tubular shape.

When dry, Diatomaceous Earth appears very fine and soft to the naked eye but microscopically it has some very unique qualities:

  • High Silica Content: These fossilized diatoms have a very high silica content (which is used to build hair, skin, and nails).
  • Hard as Nails … or Diamonds: DE is very hard (only two points lower than diamonds on the hardness scale). It looks like a tiny cylindrical tube with many holes in it when viewed through a microscope.
  • Holds a Strong Negative Charge: DE has a very strong negative charge, which makes it purifying and beneficial in several ways.

Since the 1960s DE has been commonly used in things like toothpaste, as an anti-caking aid, for clarifying beer or wine, and to eliminate pests naturally. In fact, you’ve likely consumed products that contain traces of DE without even knowing it! While I’m usually not a fan of hidden ingredients, DE is one we don’t need to worry about.

That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its share of controversy … not all of it warranted.

How Do I Know DE Is Safe?

In this article, I’m referencing Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth, which the FDA classifies “Generally Recognized As Safe” for human consumption, even when pregnant or nursing. It is NOT the industrial grade type used in pool cleaning. Much of the misunderstanding about the benefits of DE stems from the difference in these two types. The industrial grade is toxic to humans and should be avoided. It is also toxic to workers who collect it.

Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth is purified and amorphous, not crystalline. It is inert and harmless (as long as you’re not an insect with an exoskeleton).

What Does Diatomaceous Earth Do for the Body?

For the human body … and even for animals … DE is an ally. Thanks to its strong negative charge diatomaceous earth binds to unwanted toxins in the digestive tract. On the skin, it acts as an oil binder, a purifier, and an exfoliant.

For unwanted bugs and insects, it’s quite another story.

Does DE Kill Insects?

In a word, yes! Many use Diatomaceous Earth as a natural pesticide. Its sharp and strong structure allows it to puncture and drain the exoskeleton of insects from their protective fats and oils on a microscopic level. This causes them to dehydrate and die (while humans and animals are left completely unharmed).

10 Ways to Use Diatomaceous Earth

Uses for diatomaceous earth-skin hair and nails-pest controlSome sources claim that DE is a cure-all for everything from parasites to viruses and everything in between. They claim it eliminates free radicals, remineralizes bones, and halts aging in its tracks.

I haven’t found any research to back up these claims, but there are studies on silica and other compounds found in DE. These are the benefits that seem credible based on the available body of evidence:

1. As a Natural Alternative to Pesticides

Most pesticides and insecticides work by poisoning the pest. Unfortunately, chemicals that are harmful to small pests can also be harmful to humans and carry risks. Insects can also develop immunity over time.

DE works mechanically on:

  • fleas
  • bedbugs
  • cockroaches
  • ants

Just sprinkling a little DE around the house bonds to and absorbs parts of the waxy coating on the exoskeleton of these insects, causing them to dehydrate and die. Sprinkle a perimeter around the exterior of the house and also indoors where problems are observed.

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act classifies DE as safe for household use. The Environmental Working Group classifies it as safe for household and beauty use as well.

2. To Treat Fleas on Pets

I will be forever grateful for DE and its help when we had a horrible flea infestation. We adopted a rescue kitten and she brought along a few thousand close friends … FLEAS.

The fleas quickly infested the entire apartment we were living in at the time and with a new baby and toddlers, it was a HUGE problem. I didn’t want to use any type of harmful pesticide either since my kids were crawling around on the floor.

To stop the flea outbreak, we sprinkled DE all over our carpet and soft surfaces several times a day. The only potential concern with DE is irritation from inhalation, so I wore a dust mask when sprinkling it around the whole house. I worked the powder into the carpets and let it sit for about an hour. Then, I vacuumed it up. I repeated this a few times a day for 4 days until the fleas were gone. (Yes, this is a messy process!)

We also killed the fleas on the kitten by carefully dusting her with DE a few times a day, avoiding the eyes and nose.

We now dust all of our animals with DE before and after going hiking with them in the woods, or if they show any signs of fleas.

3. Fighting Bed Bugs

Were you hoping bed bugs weren’t real? Well, sorry … they definitely are and don’t discriminate against even very clean homes!

DE is well documented for its ability to eliminate bedbugs. Even pest control companies sometimes use DE for removing bed bugs safely. Follow these steps if you see or fear bedbugs. For good measure, I sprinkle DE on mattresses each time I change the sheets to help ward off bed bugs and other pests.

4. As a Source of Silica

DE is 84-90% silica with over 20 trace minerals that are difficult to obtain in today’s world and needed by skin, teeth, and hair. A study from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Pharmacy showed that silica may help increase hair growth and thickness when taken regularly. The skin also uses silica and deficiency may lead to dry or brittle skin.

Studies show that dietary silicon is beneficial to bone and connective tissue, though the specific form in DE is not well studied. Evidence shows a positive association between dietary silicon intake and better bone mineral density, though the exact reason is unclear. One theory is that silicon helps the body synthesize collagen (which the body uses in joints, connective tissue, bones, and skin).

More research on the direct effects of DE on silica levels is needed, but silica itself is indisputably good for hair, skin, and nails.

9-ways-to-use-diatomaceous-earth-in-remedies-and-around-the-house

5. To Assist in Detoxifiction

This is where claims start to get murky. On the one hand, there are thousands of products that claim to remove “toxins,” without clearly defining what “toxins” are. Since “toxins” is a term that could apply to a wide range of substances, these claims are difficult or impossible to measure.

On the other hand, there is evidence that diatomaceous earth may have a measurable affect on several substances that harm the body, including reducing aluminum and other heavy metals.

DE’s high silica concentration may also contribute to the detoxification claims. Some evidence suggests that silica may help fight free radical damage in a similar way to antioxidants. This may be due to its ability to remain stable and carry a negative electrical charge, attracting positively charged free radicals. Though largely unproven by actual research, this mechanism is likely the basis of the claims that it reduces oxidative damage and has anti-aging effects.

6. To Fight Parasites and Bacterial Overgrowth

When a family member was battling SIBO his practitioner had him drink DE daily to help bring his gut bacteria back into balance. There isn’t much research on DE’s ability to remove parasites in humans, but it is well documented in animal studies.

In one commonly cited study The Oxford Journal of Poultry Science examined DE’s role in reducing parasites and improving egg quality in organic and free-range chickens. The study essentially concluded that hens fed DE had better eggs and fewer parasites relative to controls.

If you happen to be a chicken struggling with a mite problem, DE is a great remedy. The method in humans is less clear, but many people have used DE internally to fight other types of intestinal parasites. Anecdotal reports abound of DE’s benefits in human parasites as well, but more research is needed.

7. As a Way to Reduce Cholesterol

Amazingly, the most well-researched benefit of DE for humans is not often mentioned. In fact, the only study I found that looked at DE as a dietary supplement dates from 1998 and examined its role in improving cholesterol levels. The results are fascinating:

  • Participants all had a history of high cholesterol
  • They took diatomaceous earth multiple times a day for 8 weeks
  • At the end of the study, the subjects total cholesterol had got down by 13.2%
  • LDL (“bad”) cholesterol decreased the most
  • HDL (“good”) cholesterol increased slightly

The researchers concluded that while the results were promising, further studies are needed with larger groups and a control group. Anecdotal reports abound of people who used DE to help with cholesterol levels. A family member saw a 30 point reduction in blood pressure numbers from using DE.

8. In Sensitive Skin Deodorant

I’ve been making my own natural deodorant for years now (using this recipe) and love it. Some people react to the baking soda in the recipe, likely because it is so alkaline and may irritate certain skin types. This recipe is a great sensitive skin alternative using diatomaceous earth in place of the baking soda.

9. To Fight Foot Fungus

DE is naturally drying and may reduce moisture. I couldn’t find any studies to back it up, but a friend claimed that sprinkling it in her socks daily helped her beat a decade-long battle with toenail fungus.

10. Mixed in Beauty Products

A bonus use for DE!

I personally love using diatomaceous earth on my skin in beauty products. My skin tends to be naturally oily, so I often add a little bit of DE to homemade facial cleansers and face masks to remove some excess oil. Bonus: It makes a nice natural exfoliant!

Cautions and Risks

It is VERY IMPORTANT to only use food-grade diatomaceous earth for consumption. Other forms of DE are not considered safe and can be harmful to the lungs if inhaled. Many of the misconceptions about diatomaceous earth comes from confusing these types. Food grade DE is recognized as safe by both the FDA and the EWG. Industrial grade has many uses but is not safe for human use or to inhale!

Avoid Inhaling INDUSTRIAL Diatomaceous Earth

Studies have shown that long term exposure to industrial DE can be dangerous. While it isn’t a good idea to inhale any form of powder, the same level of caution isn’t necessary with food grade DE, as this National Pesticide Information Center fact sheet explains.

Diatomaceous “Detox” Reactions

DE may cause die-off symptoms, so it is important to work up slowly. Some people don’t respond well to DE, and I always suggest working with a knowledgeable health professional for any kind of acute problem or when doing any kind of detox.

How to Take DE

At our house, adults take 1 tablespoon per day on an empty stomach (we worked up to this from a teaspoon over a period of weeks) and kids take a teaspoon per day (they started with 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon).

Where to Buy Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth (& How It Tastes)

We use this brand since I was able to verify that it is food grade, though many local co-ops and feed stores carry food grade DE as well. It has a chalky/silky consistency and tastes like a very mild mixture of dirt and chalk, but we are able to just mix in water to take it daily. It can also be mixed into juice or coconut milk.

Disclaimer:

I am not a doctor and I don’t play one on the internet. Diatomaceous Earth has been recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration, but it is not intended to treat, prevent, cure or diagnose any disease, so use at your on risk.

Have you ever use Diatomaceous Earth? What did you use it for? How did it work? Share below!

Diatomaceous earth is a chalky powder of fossilized diatoms. It is helpful for eliminating bed bugs, fleas and other pests and is a powerful beauty remedy.

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

430 responses to “10 Amazing Uses for Diatomaceous Earth Around the Home”

  1. JC Avatar

    I have been using this for several months now and it is amazing stuff. I can tell when I don’t take it. It helps keep things regular as well as detoxes. I still have not been able to work up to more than a teaspoon but I have a lot more issues than most. I put it in my fresh made vegetable juice each morning and do not even notice its there. I’ve also put it in smoothies and hot cocoa.

  2. Clare Bennett Avatar
    Clare Bennett

    Hi there- love your blog! I just recently heard about DE and it seems amazing! I have terrible arthritis and tendonitis in my hands and am over joyed at the prospect of having a natural remedy!

    However, I have a 6 month old daughter, whom I breast feed, and am curious if the DE in my system could negatively affect her? How does the detoxing aspect work, what avenue do the toxins take to leave the body? Will my milk be tainted and harm her? I would love her to have the benefits of DE- especially hair growth, she’s a lil baldy :). I consume a lot of probiotics (mostly homemade raw milk kefir) and I know that has helped her gut, I feel like DE would be a good companion as long as I won’t be detoxing through my milk supply….

  3. Christine Avatar
    Christine

    Yup, I got mine at a local feed store, yet none say food grade; all are approved for feed. A new one they just received is “food chemical codex grade” but still if you look up the info there are no DE that are approved for human consumption. I am torn. In regard to unsafe levels of crystalline silica, that is usually pool grade or filter grade due to the heating process. None which are pesticide grade or food grade undergo this intense heating process.

  4. Campanella Dixon Avatar
    Campanella Dixon

    Hello all,

    Has any one used Manna Pro’s DE? I have emailed the company and this was their response

    “Christine, thank you for reaching out to Manna Pro. The Pure Defense is not considered food grade as it is registered as a pesticide, however it is safe for consumption. Diatomaceous Earth can be registered as a pesticide or food grade, it is the same product but 2 different agency registrations. In short, it is safe for consumption. I hope this helps, please contact us with any further questions.”

    I am just still feeling uneasy. Any ideas.

    Thanks,

    Chris

    1. Angele Doiron Avatar
      Angele Doiron

      Unless it is certified Food Grade, I would not take it. It could contain unsafe levels of cristalline silica-which is not safe for consumption. Perma Guard sells large quantities of pure, high quality food grade DE for very cheap. Also, as Katie mentions, you can get Food Grade DE from a local feed and seed store.

      1. Oxana Avatar

        Hello, Angele!
        I purchased Perma Guard DE from eBay. It was repackaged from 50lb bag into 1lb zip lock bag. This morning I tried taking very small amount, maybe 1/4 of a tsp, it tasted like white clay. I can’t imagine how I’m going to take larger amounts of it because of the odour. Did you find that odour is bothering you when using DE from Perma Guard?
        Thank you.

  5. DeLane Hood Avatar
    DeLane Hood

    I have thyroid issues, (hypothyroid) would DE be safe to take ?
    Thanks,

    1. Mariette Franco Avatar
      Mariette Franco

      I also have take thyroid medication and am planning to try DE for my chronic health issues. You should take DE four hours before or four hours after your thyroid medication. I know that sounds impossible but thyroid medication should be taken on an empty stomach and for best absorption you should not consume calcium or iron within four hours of the thyroid medication. Because of this I think it is safest to do the same with the DE. Best of luck to you!

  6. Mary Avatar

    Do you give the DE to your children and if so how much do you give them?

  7. Lydia Lambert Avatar
    Lydia Lambert

    Hi. I know you say that ideally DE should be mixed with water and taken on an empty stomach, but would it be beneficial at all to be mixed with food while cooking? My husband has some digestive issues but there is no way he would ever take a supplement. He would however be happy to have it in food, as long as he can’t taste it!

  8. Peggy Avatar

    Does anyone know if a break should be taken while taking DE or if it is ok to take it daily long term?

  9. Jonathan Avatar
    Jonathan

    Hello… I was wondering if it is okay to take DE mixed with a protein shake.

    Also when taken on an empty stomach how long should you wait to lets say have a smoothie for breakfast??

    Thank you Love the site

    1. Katie - Wellness Mama Avatar

      I always take on an empty stomach so that it can hopefully bind to and remove things that shouldn’t be in my digestive system. It shouldn’t hurt with food, but I’ve found that it seems more effective apart from food. You would only need to wait 15 minutes or so

  10. Stef Avatar

    We have been taking a calcium bentonite clay in the morning. I have always given DE to my animals, but would like the humans in the house to take it as well. Can we drink it together with the clay or will that offset some of the benefits? Thank you for your help.

  11. Nicole Avatar

    Would DE be something you could use in homemade shampoo? I’m specifically asking about pet shampoo, but I wouldn’t put anything on our pets what I wouldn’t use for my child.

  12. Pam Avatar

    I used it for fleas when we adopted a cat. I later dusted the dog with it, and the house, when the dog got tics…..they fell right off! I haven’t eaten it yet but soon may. I love the stuff.

  13. Sandi Avatar

    I love following your blog. I was excited to try DE. I purchased the brand you suggested. I put 1 Tbl. in a smoothie. Within an hour, I had pretty severe bloating and cramping followed by a very mucosy stool. By evening, my face had also broken out with a red itchy rash. Is this the DE forcing toxins out or a reaction I should be concerned about?

  14. Judith Avatar

    Hi Katie,
    Question. I have been taking bentonite clay for 2 years daily. Will DE be a better daily thing to do? Does DE have more nutrients like silica than clay?
    Thanks

  15. jen mcdermott Avatar
    jen mcdermott

    Love the Diatomaceous piece. It is a big part of holistic equine care. We use it for parasites, ulcers, GI issues, detoxing. Topically for swelling in legs, also used to draw out absesses in hoof. Its awesome stuff. I also give it to my husband who suffers from acid reflux before he eats. didn’t know about the bed bugs or fleas. great info. thanks

    1. Briana Avatar

      How does this help with ulcers? Curious because my husband has stomach ulcers.

  16. Kim Avatar

    Hi Katie
    There seems to be lots of things that you take ‘on an empty stomach’ or ‘first thing in the morning’. How do you take more than one thing, like DE and Sole, first thing in the morning? I’d really like to hear how you fit all these things into a day! Could you share what you take on an ideal day? I’m gradually adding some of your tips to my diet, I love your blog.

  17. Jennie Gillihan Avatar
    Jennie Gillihan

    You DO need to be careful about inhaling the food-grade DE as do your pets if you put it on them for flea control. It’s a wonderful products with so many uses, but it IS a lung irritant, for you as well as your pets. I have given it to my dogs, put it on them as a flea control method, and taken it myself. Just put it on your pets outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. And always, ALWAYS, make sure it is food-grade, not the kind you use in pool filters.

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