What is Diatomaceous Earth ?
Diatomaceous (die-uh-toe-may-shus) earth is the skeletal remains of a plant called diatoms. Diatoms are a type of hard-shelled algae. These plants live in water and serve as food for aquatic life. It is crumbled finely and it looks very much like… dirt. 
In its raw form diatomaceous earth contains 80% silica, 10% metal oxides (calcium, magnesium, aluminum), and 10% moisture.
Food grade DE is purified with acids and rewashed removing the mineral oxides and leaving behind nearly pure silica.
Diatomaceous earth is sometime refered to simply as DE. (Who can pronounce it anyway ?) I also seen it under the name “Fossil Shell Flour” and “Fossilized Phytoplankton Powder“. Since it contains mostly silica, it is sometimes confused with silica supplements.
Uses for Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous Earth for Humans too ?
Yes, absolutely.
Diatomaceous earth is for human consummation too. You probably ate some without even knowing it. It has been used mixed with normal flour into bakery to stretch the flour. You can find it also in your toothpaste.
You need to get a Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth . Perma-Guard (or Permaguard) is the type most often used in US agriculture for grain storage, and as feed supplement.
Do not get the one that is made for swimming pools filters. That one is heated with added chemicals.
You can sometime find it in herbal supplement stores under different brand names. It is also found under the name supplement silica.
Diatomaceous Earth and Parasites
DE is commonly fed to pets as a dewormer and parasite cleans. But YES, it works great to get rid of tapeworms in humans.
Mix 1 to 2 tablespoon mix with any liquid and drink up to get ride of tapeworms. Use everyday till you see the results, usually around 3-4 days. For a real “intestinal flush” you should use every day for up to 3 months.
Some people drink this every day. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Diatomaceaous earth cuts up human intestinal parasites – literally.
The DE can be compared to tiny shards of glass. It is perfectly safe for our human intestines, but when parasites crawl through it, the DE dehydrates them. If the parasites ingest the DE it cuts them up from the inside.
You can also find DE in a parasite cleanse.
The only parasite cleanse that has DE listed in their ingredients (that I know of) is PARATREX. You can get more info on their website. The advantage of taking it as a supplement is that the DE is used in conjunction with other herbs to kill all sorts of parasites, not just tapeworms.
How to use Diatomaceous Earth for Humans
Diatomaceous Earth for Parasites Cleansing
- 1 to 2 tablespoon of DE to a glass of water or juice (or any liquid)
- stir and drink up !
Since it has no taste really, it can be mixed with anything you can think of : milkshakes, smoothies, oatmeal. I even heard of someone who puts in his coffee !
This is the best way to be used as a parasite cleans.
BUT – if you want more of the benefits of silica, this is what you do
Diatomacous Earth for Silica Benefits
This method assures your body absorbs the most of the silica and can also make your little bag last for years. It is the most economical way to use your precious diatomaceous earth.
- 1 tablespoon
- 1 gallon of water (3.75 litres of water)
Put one tablespoon of silica in your gallon of water ( I use a smaller water bottle, it’s more practicle) and just let it settle. The DE will then sit at the bottom, and just leave it there.
Take little sips throughout the day. When the water levels gets too low, just add water. Let the mud deposit in the bottom, it is slowly delivering the silica. You could do that on and on for years without changing the DE, but most people change it every few months.
You do NOT need to keep in the refrigerator, but you can if you want to.
Do not add anything else (like juice or sugar) If you want to change the taste, pour yourself a glass first and add juice or whatever to your liking.
DE will be more effective if you add it to the water and let it settle. You will get more of the benefits of silica this way.
Diatomaceous Earth Food Grade – Human Side Effects
There is NO known dangerous side effects to ingesting diatomaceous earth. It is absolutely not toxic.
The only safety precaution would be to not breath in the dust for a prolonged period. it also dries up the skin when you touch it. (not dangerous at all, it can just be unpleasant if you touch with your fingers)

