Diatomaceous earth is not just for swimming pools anymore. As a matter of fact, more and more people are using it not just around the home but for health purposes too!
Did you know that human beings can ingest diatomaceous earth? Yep, it is true. The only catch…you have to make sure it is “food grade”.
It is readily available in most stores. In this post, I will explain the product first and then show you 23 amazing ways you can use Diatomaceous Earth in and around your home and on the homestead. You may be surprised how many benefits there are.
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Diatomaceous Earth And It’s Uses
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
Food grade diatomaceous earth should be fairly easy to find in most commercial stores like Home Depot or Lowes, Walmart and even Amazon.
How to Know if It’s Food Grade
First, it should have no more than 10mg. per kg. of lead and no more than 10mg. per kg. of arsenic.
Second, it must have a label applied by the Food Chemical Codex Rating or FCCR.
Third, it must show approval from GRAS, (Generally Recognized as Safe).
Fourth, it must be pure white or off white in color as any other colors are not acceptable as food grade.
Finally, it must have EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) labels that include:
- Animal Feed Additives
- Grain Storage Protectant
- Anti-Caking Agent
- Trace Mineral Supplement
How To Use Diatomaceous Earth
Pests
- Kills bedbugs, spider, ants- sprinkle around the house, leave for 3 days, vacuum, repeat for 30 days. Can use on windowsills, doorways, on the mattress, and in cabinets.
- Rids hair of lice.
- Kills fleas and ticks on dogs/cats -just rub in the skin every 2 weeks.
- Works as a natural insecticide in the garden. Sprinkle around plants every 2 weeks.
- Sprinkle 1/4 tsp. in dogs/cats food daily for worms.
- Controls parasites in chickens.
Personal Care
- Sprinkled on toothpaste 1 x per week whitens teeth.
- Makes an excellent facial scrub.
- Improves thin hair and helps eliminate hair fallout.
- Use as a deodorant or with other ingredients to make DIY deodorant.
Maintaining Health
- Lowers cholesterol with zero side effects.
- Sprinkled in socks can help eliminate foot and toenail fungus.
- Stops smelly feet when sprinkled in your shoes and boots.
Animals
- Added to chickens food makes stronger and better tasting eggs.
- Increases milk production in cows when added to feed.
- Improves coats and hooves when added to feed.
In and Around the Home
- Placed in a cloth packet acts as a moisture absorber in food.
- Polishes/cleans stainless steel when combined with freshwater, lemon juice, and a few drops of dish soap into a paste. Rub on, rinse.
- Also, polishes copper and silverware as above.
- Rids garbage can of odors.
- Eliminates odors in the fridge.
- Sprinkle in the litter box to help with odor.
- Can be mixed into compost to eliminate odors.
You can also do your research about diatomaceous earth, where you can most likely find the best answers to your questions and concerns.
Have you tried using diatomaceous earth around your homestead? Let me know in the comments below! Share your tips and ideas to help other homesteaders both around the house and even on the farm.