Getting rid of intestinal parasites with diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth is an all natural mineral that can be a great way to fight intestinal worms. It's found in the soil and is made up of fossilized remains of diatoms, tiny single celled algae. When ingested, this miracle product works by cutting through the outer shell of parasites like tapeworms and pinworms before they can attach to your intestinal lining.

If you have tested positive for parasites or suspect a parasitic infection, diatomaceous earth is a gentle and natural alternative to remove intestinal parasites. So what exactly is it?

Without going into to too much detail, it is essentially fossilised algae, which has been ground up into a powder. It is naturally high in silica and other essential minerals, but what it is most known for is its ability to bind to parasites and toxins, clearing these pathogens from the intestinal tract. 

What exactly is diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from fossilized algae. It's used as a pesticide and insecticide, as well as a food additive and supplement. It is a naturally occurring substance made of the fossilized remains of diatoms, microscopic aquatic plants that lived in oceans and lakes. It's often used as a filtering agent for water and air.

You may have heard about it as an alternative for pesticides, but there are so many diatomaceous earth benefits. It can be used to clean pools and filters, remove contaminants from water, and remove intestinal parasites.

Diatomaceous earth is also used in a variety of other applications: as an abrasive in toothpaste, cosmetics (it's often used as an ingredient in face masks), or even on cement floors; as a food additive; to absorb oil spills; to make medicine; as a fertiliser; as an insecticide; or even as part of a natural bug repellent!

Because it is made from fossilized diatoms, it's not only safe for humans but also for pets - it won't harm them at all!

What is diatomaceous earth used for?

There are so many uses for diatomaceous earth, the possibilities are endless. Some of the more notable benefits include gastrointestinal detoxification for pathogenic bacteria, parasites and heavy metals, cleansing and removing stubborn dirt and grime from the skin in the form of facial cleansers, scrubs and masks.

In natural toothpaste, it helps to remove bacteria and plaque in the oral cavity, as well as being used in the home as a natural cleaner, and even as a nutritional supplement for bones, joints and ligaments due to its silica and mineral content.

Diatomaceous earth is also often used in natural animal care for much the same reasons. To learn more, see our previous blog Uses and benefits of diatomaceous earth and Supercharged Food Gut Healing Frequently Asked Questions

In addition, this products can be used for:

• Food storage: Diatomaceous earth can absorb moisture and prevent mould from growing on food. It's also used as an insecticide in some areas, so it keeps your food safe from bugs too.
• Animal bedding: Diatomaceous earth has been used as bedding for livestock since the 1700s, and it works great because it absorbs liquid while still allowing air flow - and it's not expensive!

Is there a difference between diatomaceous earth for humans and diatomaceous earth for chickens

Diatomaceous earth for humans is generally sold as a supplement, and it's often used to treat certain types of digestive problems or skin conditions like acne. It's also been linked with weight loss because it can help reduce bloating and gas in your body.

Food grade diatomaceous earth has not been treated with heat and retains a high silica content. Along with its uses for human consumption, diatomaceous earth uses also include parasite, mites and lice removal and prevention in chickens.

If you are wanting to do an internal cleanse, you need to use diatomaceous earth food grade in order for it to be both safe for consumption and high in essential minerals. 

As with any detoxifier, side effects may include fatigue and nausea due to a ‘die off effect’. Although this is rare, in sensitive people or those with a high degree of pathogenic bacteria or parasitic infection, the effect of killing these organisms can produce the above symptoms. 

If you experience constipation, it’s likely due to taking too much powder and not enough water. It is recommended that you decrease your powder intake and drink plenty of water.

Diatomaceous earth for chickens

Diatomaceous earth has become increasingly popular among poultry enthusiasts as a natural approach to keeping chickens healthy and pest-free. When added to the chickens' dust-bathing areas or mixed with their feed, it can help control parasites such as mites and lice that commonly afflict these birds. It's essential to emphasise that only food-grade diatomaceous earth is suitable for use with chickens.

This ensures that the product is safe for consumption and external use on animals, providing a non-toxic, chemical-free method of improving flock health. By incorporating food-grade diatomaceous earth for chickens, poultry keepers can embrace a more natural and holistic approach to maintaining their birds' well-being.

Intestinal parasite removal with diatomaceous earth

Intestinal parasites are a common problem, especially in undeveloped countries. The symptoms of these parasites can range from mild to severe, depending on the type of parasite.

Intestinal parasites are tiny bugs that live inside your body. You might have heard of them being referred to as worms or other names.

There are hundreds of different types of intestinal parasites and they all have different ways of getting into your body and causing problems. Some can be found in water sources like lakes or rivers, while others may come from food that isn't cooked properly or from eating uncooked meat or eggs.

Intestinal parasites can also be passed between people through contaminated food or drink.

Intestinal parasites don't hurt us directly because they live inside our intestines where they feed on our waste products instead of our bodies themselves. However, when these bugs move around inside our bodies they can cause many different kinds of health problems including diarrhea and other digestive issues as well as headaches and fever.

Intestinal parasites are an unpleasant, if not dangerous, condition. They can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. The most common symptom is diarrhea, which is often accompanied by stomach pain and bloating. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

Intestinal parasite symptoms may include bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort, but symptoms such as brain fog and reduced cognitive function, poor sleep, reduced appetite, and low energy may also occur.

How can you test for intestinal parasites?

Testing through your health care practitioner can assist with intestinal parasite identification, however if you have not been testing yet suspect parasites, using diatomaceous earth powder is a safe and gentle natural remedy.

As with most natural alternatives, this is not a quick fix. It needs to be taken regularly over a period of time, and like any natural product, consistency is key. Using it sporadically will not yield the same beneficial effects as if it were being taking every day over a period of time.

As every case is different, there is no set time frame that you might expect parasites to be removed using diatomaceous earth, however a few months is likely to be the minimum time frame to see optimal effects, with more time needed for chronic cases.

How does it work? 

Diatomaceous earth looks like a cylinder/honeycomb full of holes that has a negative charge. As the millions of cylinders move through the stomach and digest tract, they attract and absorb bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, endotoxins, pesticides, drug residues, E-coli and heavy metals.

These pathogens are trapped inside the cylinder and passed out of the body. Part of the reason is because the bad bacteria has a positive charge and the good bacteria generally has a negative or neutral charge, as does diatomaceous earth. 

Additionally, any larger parasites that happen to be in the stomach or digestive tract are taken care of by the diatomaceous earth particles. This de-burdening of the digestive system results in not only a healthier digestive system but a healthier body that’s less prone to sickness.

Most people who use diatomaceous earth powder on a daily basis state they generally feel better because the bad bacteria, parasites and heavy metals are being removed from the body and so, the immune system has less work to do.

How to use diatomaceous earth for external parasites

If you have a pet, they may be infested with fleas or ticks. If so, diatomaceous earth can be used on them to help get rid of the parasites.

To treat your dog or cat for fleas, dust the animal's fur with food grade diatomaceous earth. You will need to do this every day until all signs of live fleas are gone and their skin has cleared up.

Treating an entire household for fleas is also recommended if there are other animals around that could become infested as well as humans who would like relief from bites too!

For dusting plants for natural pest control - add at 5% ratio of feed for worming pets and animals. 

Diatomaceous earth can be a good way to fight intestinal worms, but make sure you know how to use it

If you're considering using diatomaceous earth as a worming agent, it's important to know that it's safe for humans and animals. It isn't toxic to humans or animals, so you can use it without worrying about harming yourself or your pet.

In addition to being safe for people and pets, this natural product also has several other uses:

• It can be used as a flea killing powder when applied directly onto the skin of dogs; this will kill any fleas present on their fur at the time of application. Just make sure not to overdo it. Inhaling diatomaceous earth can irritate your dog's lungs. So, apply a small amount, maing sure that it remains on the skin and not in the air.
• You can also apply diatomaceous earth directly onto carpets where there are fleas infesting them in order to kill them off completely before they start reproducing again later down the road!

Where can you buy diatomaceous earth in Australia

While it's true that you can buy diatomaceous earth at your local grocery store or hardware store like Bunnings (it's often sold as a pool filter cleaner), it's important to know that different brands of diatomaceous earth differ in purity and effectiveness.

For example, you may be able to find it at your local pet store or feed store; however, this type of diatomaceous earth may not be safe for human consumption because it contains other contaminants like silica dust (which can cause lung damage) or aluminium silicates (which are toxic).

At Sassy Organics, we stock a food grade diatomaceous earth, that is not only safe for humans, but also for the animals.

FAQ about diatomaceous earth

Is diatomaceous earth safe for humans and pets?

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is generally considered safe for humans and pets. However, it is essential to avoid inhaling the fine dust because it can cause respiratory irritation. When used for pest control (not food-grade) it might have other chemicals that could be harmful if ingested or inhaled.

What types of diatomaceous earth are available?

There are primarily two types of diatomaceous earth: food-grade and filter-grade (or pool-grade). Food-grade diatomaceous earth is safe for consumption by humans and animals, while filter-grade diatomaceous earth is treated with heat, causing the silica to become crystallised, which is not considered safe for consumption.

Can I use diatomaceous earth for gardening?

Yes, diatomaceous earth is often used in organic gardening to control pests without the use of harsh chemicals. It's effective against slugs, beetles, and other garden pests but should be applied carefully to avoid affecting beneficial insects like bees.

How do I apply diatomaceous earth?

To apply diatomaceous earth, you can use a dust spreader or sprinkle it directly with your hands (wearing gloves). It's important to apply it to dry surfaces, as moisture can lessen its effectiveness. Lightly coat the areas where pests are found or may hide.

Can diatomaceous earth be used to treat fleas?

Yes, food-grade diatomaceous earth is commonly used as a natural flea treatment for pets. It should be applied directly to the animal's fur, avoiding the eyes and nose to prevent irritation. However, consult your vet before applying diatomaceous earth to your pet.

Is diatomaceous earth effective against bed bugs?

Diatomaceous earth can be used as part of a comprehensive approach to eliminate bed bugs. It should be applied to areas where bed bugs are likely to crawl. It must remain dry and may take several days to be effective.

How should diatomaceous earth be stored?

Diatomaceous earth should be stored in a dry place with a tightly sealed container to maintain its effectiveness. Keep it away from moisture and out of reach of children and pets.

Will diatomaceous earth lose its potency over time?

No, diatomaceous earth does not expire or lose its potency, as long as it is stored properly and kept dry. It is a mineral that remains effective as long as it is not exposed to moisture.

How often should I reapply diatomaceous earth?

Reapplication may be necessary after heavy rain or if it gets blown away by the wind. For pest control, it's typically reapplied every few weeks or as needed until the pest problem is under control.

Can diatomaceous earth be used indoors?

Yes, food-grade diatomaceous earth can be used indoors to control pests like cockroaches, silverfish, and bed bugs. It should be applied in thin layers in areas out of reach of children and pets and should be kept away from air vents to prevent dispersion of the powder.

Where can I purchase diatomaceous earth?

You can purchase diatomaceous earth at many physical and online stores, such as Sassy Organics. Make sure you are purchasing from reputable retailer and opting for food grade quality.

Final thoughts

So, if you're looking for a natural way to fight intestinal parasites, diatomaceous earth may be worth a try. It's cheap and easy to use and has been shown in studies to be effective against many types of parasites. Just remember that it can take weeks or even months before the effects start showing up so make sure you are patient before giving up on this method!