DE

[Guest guest]

I like DE, it does many wonderful for many things, but it has NO nutritional value worth mentioning.

Bill Dunlap

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A sample of diatomaceous earth

Diatomaceous earth (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. It has a particle size ranging from less than 1 micron to more than 1 millimeter, but typically 10 to 200 microns.[1] This powder has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and is very light, due to its high porosity. 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]

Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, as a mild abrasive, as a mechanical insecticide, as an absorbent for liquids, as cat litter, as an activator in blood clotting studies, and as a component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.

FORMULA = Formation

Diatomite forms by the accumulation of the amorphous silica (opal, SiO2·nH2O) remains of dead diatoms (microscopic single-celled algae) in lacustrine or marine sediments. The fossil remains consist of a pair of symmetrical shells or frustules.[1]

[Guest guest]

I think it is somewhat misleading to conclude and state that DE has " NO

nutritional value worth mentioning " . The silica provided by DE is worth

mentioning as are the other trace minerals. Silica is one mineral which

is diminished in today's grains as opposed to those of a few decades

ago. I and many others have used it in place of eggshell or coral

calcium for minerals when making water kefirs which need a source of

mineral, which of course proves of nutritional value to the humans who

ingest it.

Silica is reported to help destroy bad fats thus reportedly helping

lower cholesterol and lowering high blood pressure. Because of its

action scouring the intestinal walls and blood vessels with its negative

charge it accomplishes many of the same things as ingesting clay with

its negative charge minerals. Wikipedia only provides the limited

knowledge of the wiki community users and their sources used at that

point in time. My source for the DE I use is Earthworks of Norfolk, NE.,

near my home. It is USDA approved for human use as well as

animal,plants and other uses. Their website tells in detail what DE is,

how it works for human, animal and plant (nutrient uptake), use, and

some of the reported benefits. We use it for ourselves, our pets,

plants, and as a pesticide around the yard and home. I might mention

that it is mentioned as useful vs. bedbugs which seems to be a national

problem for whatever reason at this point in time.

Just my 2 cents worth to defend natural means to provide the nutrients

we can use for better health for ourselves and our eco-systems.

Joyce Simmerman

[Guest guest]

Joyce, please tell me how you use the DE in water kefir. Do you just stir it in? Filter it out? Do you still use a slice of lemon?

I have been using DE for many years for my dogs. I breed German Shepherd Dogs - raw, no vacs, etc. I also use it around the house/yard for any bug problems.

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

Bonnie,

Do you DE for fleas? If so how?

Joyce, please tell me how you use the DE in water kefir. Do you just stir it in? Filter it out? Do you still use a slice of lemon?

I have been using DE for many years for my dogs. I breed German Shepherd Dogs - raw, no vacs, etc. I also use it around the house/yard for any bug problems.

Bonnie

[Guest guest]

I believe our bodies can also convert silica to calcium. It's an excellent supplement when healing a broken bone.JoanneOn Oct 22, 2010, at 10:51 AM, rawDairy wrote:Silica is reported to help destroy bad fats thus reportedly helping lower cholesterol and lowering high blood pressure.

[Guest guest]

Bonnie ... Just stir it in the brew so it is used by the ferment. It

has been over a year since I did it, but believe I usually tossed in a

few unsulphured raisins or apricot and lemon slice. I just had too much

going so limited myself to milk kefir ..particularly when my husband was

the caretaker of it and me during foot/ankle convalescence. One of

these days will take it up again! Cheers, Joyce Simmerman

[Guest guest]

, Thanks for that idea!! I love hearing of the " experiments " of

others & how it goes! Sounds good stuff to me. Joyce Simmerman

Oh, for the qs. on the fleas on the dogs, I have a big plastic ex-spice

container with shaker top & just shake it out & rub it in all over,

particularly around the top of their rumps, over all soft-belly parts

back between legs and in forearm pockets, around their privates, up

around ears.

Speaking of the use of DE for their minerals ... I hadn't put any out in

their food for awhile & got reminded to do so by writing the other day

.... and the two who never fight over the dry dog food, sweet Cupcake and

mellow-fellow , got into this terrible sounding fight with poor

yelping. He has few teeth left so had little to protect with I

guess. I ran over to see and here was miss sweet darling Cupcake being

a " real bitch " standing guard and bristling over the end of the bowl

with the DE powder in it!

As a Cesar fan, I calmly and assertively edged her out and away & let

in. She seems to have acquiesced since then .. back to sharing

in peace.

Cheers to all ... Joyce Simmerman

[Guest guest]

Vicki, Sharon's advice for the goats goes for the dogs as well. You can put the DE directly on their coats and brush or rub it in. Just don't breath in a bunch of it. You can put it in the dogs food as well. If they won't eat it on their food, just mix some with a little yogurt.

Bonnie