Diatomaceous Earth

Q: What does DE mean?
A: Diatomaceous Earth, It is simply an abbreviation.

Q: How can something that kills bugs not be harmful for me and my pets?
A: Remember Diatomaceous Earth kills insects by physical action, not chemical. Hundreds of the microscopic particles get all over the insects body. As the insects move, it scratches the waxy coating off of them and they dehydrate and die. Because the particles are so small--they cause no harm to people and pets. It is a simple mineral - silica. Please note I do not want to promote the killing of any creatures no matter how small, but this is for your information. 

Q: How much Food Grade DE should a person take each day?
A: You could take 1 heaped tablespoon per day in liquid of your choice. I use juice, but many just put in a glass of water. I know some who take 2 or 3 tablespoons a day, but that is usually for a severe problem they are trying to correct. I also know some who just take a teaspoon per day to start out with and work up to a tablespoon.

Q: Can i use DE on skin? 
A: Diatomaceous Earth ais said to work as a fantastic exfoliator, making it a perfect addition to many skin care products. However we cannot recommend its use on skin as we have not had it certified as a topical product.

Q: I have heard DE is dangerous--Especially when Breathing it in.
A: Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth often gets confused with Filter Grade Diatomaceous Earth. Filter grade DE starts out as food grade, but it is heated to about 1,000 degrees and chemicals are added to crystallise it. This works great for filtering but is dangerous to people and animals. Breathing the crystallised product in over long periods of time causes a disease called silicosis. The world health org. has said that DE needs to be less than 2% crystalline silica in order to be considered safe. The filter grade DE is 60% crystalline!! -- Stay away from it --- it is dangerous!!

This food grade Diatomaceous Earth on the other hand is less than 50% crystalline silica. As you can see, that is more than 4 times less than it needs to be to be considered safe! Daily use of Food Grade DE for people, pets and around the home is perfectly safe. But it  should be treated like any other dusty product, if you are going to breath it in over long periods of time, wear a dust mask ---- but it should in no way be compared to the dangerous crystallised filter grade.

Q: How long is it recommended I can take this for, and should I have a break from it? A: Food-grade Diatomaceous Earth is often taken in cycles, rather than continuously. While there’s no official medical guideline, many people follow a general pattern like this:

• Start slowly: Begin with a small amount (e.g. 1 teaspoon per day) and gradually increase to 2 teaspoons per day, depending on tolerance.
• Duration: A typical approach is 10–30 days, followed by a break of 1–2 weeks. This gives your body time to rest and avoids overuse.
• Repeat: You can resume if desired, or as part of a seasonal cleanse.

This cycling helps avoid potential issues like dehydration or mineral imbalances, especially if you're taking it for detox or digestive support.Q: If I take other supplements or minerals with Diatomaceous Earth, am I overdosing?A: As long as you separate the timing between your other supplements and minerals and the Diatomaceous Earth, around 1-2 hours, (as taking mineral supplements at the same time as DE might slightly reduce their absorption), it’s very unlikely you’d overdose on minerals just by combining DE with standard supplements.

Q: Will Food Grade DE interfere with any medication I am now taking?
A: Diatomaceous Earth is a mineral---silica. We have never had an issue where anyone has reported problem or reaction to taking DE. If you have any questions as to interactions with medications you are taking---ask your doctor or pharmacist if taking a silica supplement will cause any problems. We know nothing about pharmaceutical drugs so we cannot advise on using both at the same time. Please know this is no disrespect to pharma drugs or the good people who prescribe them, I have too much still to learn about natural products to start learning about anything pharmaceutical.

Q: Does Diatomaceous Earth ever get old or expire?
A: No, Diatomaceous Earth is a mineral and will never expire---remember--it is already thousands of years old, and so could you live to be if you follow a healthy organic lifestyle and use Ancient Purity products ;)

Q: Can you give me some guidance on the use for Pets?
A: Sure... Diatomaceous Earth benefits pets and other animals similarly to the way it does humans, and it can have other benefits as well. For example, rubbing Ancient Purity Diatomaceous Earth on their coats will ward off fleas and ticks and given internally, it is an excellent de-wormer.

The Dosage for Dogs is as Follows:

• Small dogs should receive 1/2 teaspoon.
• Under 50 pounds - 1 teaspoon.
• 50 to 100 pounds - 1 tablespoon.
• More than 100 pounds - 1 to 2 tablespoons.

Cats: Cats should be given 1 teaspoon. Kittens should receive 1/4 of a teaspoon. Diatomaceous Earth can also be added to kitty litter and pet carriers to reduce odours.

Q: How can i use DE at Home? 
A: Use against house insects (ants, cockroaches, silverfish, bed bugs, flies, fleas, ticks, etc.). Sprinkle the area which you suspect is infested.

• Brush and vacuum carpets or any area where you think bugs, insects or fleas could be lurking. This will improve the efficacy of diatomaceous earth for flea and other pest problems, because it aggravates them and gets them to move, which allows DE to work better.
• Apply Ancient Purity Diatomaceous Earth Powder where needed in your home, yard, carpets, car, etc. Rub the powder into the carpets with a broom. Use enough to finely cover the surface but not too much that it’s easy to breathe in a lot.
• Let the powder sit for about four to 12 hours before vacuuming. It’s recommended that you repeat this process once a week for a total of 2-4 weeks.

Q: How do i use DE a Natural Plant Protection against Insects?
A: DE is the organic way of controlling insects in the garden, greenhouse, orchard, and other places. Use it for control of slugs, whitefly, beetles, mites, grasshoppers, etc. For use in the greenhouse or outdoors on fruits, vegetables, flowers, grains and grass - up to and including the day of harvest. Ensure coverage over the entire plant, including under the leaves. For young plants, 2 lbs (0.75kg) per acre may be adequate. For larger plants, 5 lbs (1.8kg) per acre may be enough. Add 7 lbs (2.6kg) of DE to each ton of grain and mix well to kill bugs in the grain.

• Take 1 - 2 teaspoons in pure water, on an empty stomach daily. Best to taken in the morning or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Do not exceed recommended daily intake.
• Diatomaceous Earth does not dissolve, stir a few times while drinking to prevent settling.

NOTE: Breathing in too much Diatomaceous Earth may irritate the mucus membranes in the nose and mouth, it is not harmful but it can irritate.

• Diatomaceous Earth powder (Fresh Water Sourced) Unheated - Food Grade.

Produced to ecological standards, free from agro-chemicals, non-irradiated and GMO-free.

• Brand: Ancient Purity.
• Size:
200g (7.05 oz.).
• Origin: Peru.
• Container: Recyclable Pouch.
• Estimated shelf life from purchase: 2 - 4 years. (It is already thousands of years old).

• Storage: Keep in a cool dry place, keep out of reach of children.