Diatomaceous Earth!

[KaleidoskopicVision]

Has anyone tried using this stuff daily for the supposed health benefits? Since I've started working at an herbal apothecary I am becoming exposed to what literally seems like a thousand and one ways to improve my health using totally natural means and one of them happens to be ingesting powdered diatomaceous earth.

What is diatomaceous earth? Well, it's the skeletons of little critters known as diatoms, a type of phytoplankton. They look absolutely incredible under a microscope, but the point is that their little skeletons are very high in trace minerals which are essential for bodily health, especially silica.

But more importantly these tiny skeletons act as little razors which race through the intestinal tract cutting up or scooping up gut parasites and removing plaque from the intestinal walls. The food grade diatomaceous earth supposedly does not harm the human anatomy though, despite its devastating effect on parasites!

I took a spoonful a few minutes ago and I can literally feel it working, it's like my insides are being ever so gently scrubbed. Perhaps that's just my imagination though

I'm hoping some of our more knowledgeable herbal health advocates could give their opinions on diatomaceous earth, preferably if you've used the stuff before.


I will report back after 30 days with the results of my daily dose of this stuff.

[liamona]

I have a 2lb. bag of the stuff that I've been meaning to use.

I was going to follow the protocol of taking a small amount with a large glass of water at night, working up to a tablespoon dose. But I'm busy at night right up until I go to sleep, so I will need to do something to remind myself. Thanks for being the first reminder.

[ginkgo]

Herbs are plants not dead animals.

[KaleidoskopicVision]

Originally Posted by ginkgo

Herbs are plants not dead animals.

My post.


Your head.


And let's clarify shall we? A diatom is a type of algae, which is a type of unicellular organism. Algae is usually not classified as an 'animal'. Herbal apothecaries often sell products that are not strictly derived from herbs, rather the bulk constituent of their stock is herbal in nature.

I get the sense that you are trying to be an inflammatory individual with your post and have nothing of value to offer, which is disappointing because I was looking forward to a post from you full of useful information as you usually have something interesting to say in relation to health and nutrition. Seems like you're having an off day.

[ChildOfNone]

I too have a bag of diatomaceous earth that has been in my pantry for a couple of years. what is the shelf life? Anyone know?

[KaleidoskopicVision]

Originally Posted by ChildOfNone

I too have a bag of diatomaceous earth that has been in my pantry for a couple of years. what is the shelf life? Anyone know?

Probably near infinite as it's the skeletal remains of diatoms. It probably keeps for thousands of years without any significant molecular change.

[ginkgo]

Originally Posted by KaleidoskopicVision

My post.

And let's clarify shall we? A diatom is a type of algae, which is a type of unicellular organism. Algae is usually not classified as an 'animal'. Herbal apothecaries often sell products that are not strictly derived from herbs, rather the bulk constituent of their stock is herbal in nature.

I get the sense that you are trying to be an inflammatory individual with your post and have nothing of value to offer, which is disappointing because I was looking forward to a post from you full of useful information as you usually have something interesting to say in relation to health and nutrition. Seems like you're having an off day.

They are not skeletons but fossils like when a plant or animal turns into a rock like petrified wood. Wiki:

(pronounced /ˌdaɪ.ətəˌmeɪʃəs ˈɜrθ/) also known as diatomite or kieselgur, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder.

The typical chemical composition of oven dried diatomaceous earth is 80 to 90% silica, with 2 to 4% alumina (attributed mostly to clay minerals) and 0.5 to 2% iron oxide.[1]

[Note that life on planet earth is carbon based. Silica is silicon dioxide.There is no creature made of that on earth. Now on Star Trek there was a living rock creature made of this. It got injured and they healed it using plaster of Paris.]

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, mild abrasive, mechanical insecticide,[2] absorbent for liquids, cat litter, activator in blood clotting studies, and a stabilizing component of dynamite.

Here is a way to use it. You have lots of roaches in your house. Toxic sprays are bad for pets, babies and everyone. You put diatomaceous earth on the ground where roaches walk and it will kill them. Also used for cat litter-- kitty litter.

You are right. Rocks, dirt or earth will stay good and not change for tens of thousands of years. I bet kitty litter is also good for thousands of years.

[KaleidoskopicVision]

Oh and Day 3 update:

I feel better already, my intestinal tract feels a bit lighter somehow.

[KaleidoskopicVision]

Originally Posted by ginkgo

They are not skeletons but fossils like when a plant or animal turns into a rock like petrified wood. Wiki:

(pronounced /ˌdaɪ.ətəˌmeɪʃəs ˈɜrθ/) also known as diatomite or kieselgur, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder.

The typical chemical composition of oven dried diatomaceous earth is 80 to 90% silica, with 2 to 4% alumina (attributed mostly to clay minerals) and 0.5 to 2% iron oxide.[1]

[Note that life on planet earth is carbon based. Silica is silicon dioxide.There is no creature made of that on earth. Now on Star Trek there was a living rock creature made of this. It got injured and they healed it using plaster of Paris.]

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, mild abrasive, mechanical insecticide,[2] absorbent for liquids, cat litter, activator in blood clotting studies, and a stabilizing component of dynamite.

Here is a way to use it. You have lots of roaches in your house. Toxic sprays are bad for pets, babies and everyone. You put diatomaceous earth on the ground where roaches walk and it will kill them. Also used for cat litter-- kitty litter.

I'm sorry I asked, you're evidently only interested in being argumentative.

Thanks for correcting the mild distinction between a skeleton and a fossil. I suppose if you want to play tit for tat I better be careful with such distinctions!

I am using food grade diatomaceous earth. I am unsure why there would even be such a thing as food grade diatomaceous earth if it were not intended for ingestion. I can see you ripped your info from Wikipedia, which leads me to believe you don't really have anything of value to offer here, or at least any more value than Google can give me. I refer you to the following article, rife with information on the healthful benefits of diatomaceous earth as a supplement,

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth serves as a multi-purpose natural supplement

[ginkgo]

Originally Posted by KaleidoskopicVision

Oh and Day 3 update:

I feel better already, my intestinal tract feels a bit lighter somehow.

Bentonite clay also cleans the intestines. Wiki says:Bentonite is an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate, essentially impure clay consisting mostly of montmorillonite. There are different types of bentonite, each named after the respective dominant element, such as potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and aluminum (Al).

[KaleidoskopicVision]

21 days so far and I feel much different. My gut feels less 'heavy' and I'm much more regular. Good stuff these diatoms!

[thirdwar]

First off, let me start by saying that you're extremely lucky to land a job with an herbal apothecary. I would LOVE to have a job like that right now. Anyways, this is interesting, and I'd like to look into this.

Perhaps you've already heard of Chlorella, Spirulina, and Marine Phytoplankton? All 3 are micro-algae and since taking them this past week my health has skyrocketed. I'm posting about these all over this forum because they're so life changing. Check them out when you get a chance.

You can read some interesting info at Chlorellafactor.com, which might even help you out at your job to help recommend this to people!

[beautyscientist]

If everyone has calmed down about definitions and stuff, thanks for an interesting post.

Although diatomaceous earth seems to be the most popular for this kind of thing I imagine bentonite might work in the same sort of way. Both of them have very large absorbant surface areas so it might well be a good way of affecting what your stomach is absorbing. I'm fine right now, but I have gone through periods when I have had chronic stomach pains so it is handy to have something that might be helpful up my sleeve.

What dosage are you using?

[elucidate]

Interesting to see how it's all been working for you KV.

If it keeps up I may even give it a go myself.

I'd love to work in a herbal apothecary. Maybe I'll manifest that as my next job while I'm getting my business off the ground.

I'll be checking in to see more of your entries and progress.

[KaleidoskopicVision]

Originally Posted by thirdwar

First off, let me start by saying that you're extremely lucky to land a job with an herbal apothecary. I would LOVE to have a job like that right now. Anyways, this is interesting, and I'd like to look into this.

Perhaps you've already heard of Chlorella, Spirulina, and Marine Phytoplankton? All 3 are micro-algae and since taking them this past week my health has skyrocketed. I'm posting about these all over this forum because they're so life changing. Check them out when you get a chance.

You can read some interesting info at Chlorellafactor.com, which might even help you out at your job to help recommend this to people!

I am taking a blend of Chlorella and Spirulina formulated by the master herbalist I work for. I think the other components are nettle and some different grasses (wheat, barley, stuff like that). I usually mix it in with the diatomaceous powder. It's great stuff and tastes a bit like chocolate to me (no chocolate in it though).

Originally Posted by beautyscientist

If everyone has calmed down about definitions and stuff, thanks for an interesting post.

Although diatomaceous earth seems to be the most popular for this kind of thing I imagine bentonite might work in the same sort of way. Both of them have very large absorbant surface areas so it might well be a good way of affecting what your stomach is absorbing. I'm fine right now, but I have gone through periods when I have had chronic stomach pains so it is handy to have something that might be helpful up my sleeve.

What dosage are you using?

I take a teaspoon or two in juice or just water. Tastes like a bit of dirt if you drink it only in water, not too bad

I think people use bentonite more frequently than the diatomaceous stuff, at least that's how it seems. Google turns up almost no results for diatomaceous as a supplement but bentonite certainly does.

Stomach pain could be all sorts of things, indigestion is the most likely culprit though. Perhaps you're combining foods that don't agree with each other. I'd delve a bit into Ayurvedic medicine, it's such an excellent and simple way to get to know what your body really needs. I personally find it quite fun to study because you end up learning a lot about yourself.

Originally Posted by elucidate

Interesting to see how it's all been working for you KV.

If it keeps up I may even give it a go myself.

I'd love to work in a herbal apothecary. Maybe I'll manifest that as my next job while I'm getting my business off the ground.

I'll be checking in to see more of your entries and progress.

It's a good fit

I think my favorite part of working there is how I always smell of herbs, oils and spices.