How to Treat a Flea Infested House With Diatomaceous Earth

By Heather Vecchioni, eHow Contributor

A variety of flea treatments are available on the market, but those looking for an all-natural approach should consider using diatomaceous earth to eliminate their flea problem. Diatomaceous earth is made from finely ground fossilized shells. When the fleas eat the substance, they act as razor-sharp crystals, causing the fleas to dehydrate and ultimately die. Safe to use around children and pets, diatomaceous earth is an effective, earth-friendly way to control your flea infestation in and around the home.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Purchase food-grade diatomaceous earth from the hardware or home improvement store. Be sure to pick up the powdered form.
   • 2
     Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth powder around windows, doorways and baseboards. You only need to sprinkle enough of the powder to leave a dusting. Sprinkle the powder on your carpets and rugs, as well, rubbing them in with your hands.
   • 
     
   • 3
     Vacuum all areas in which you applied the product after three or four hours to remove the powder and any fleas that may have died.
   • 4
     Repeat the process two or three more times, two or three days apart, to fully eliminate the fleas in the home. While the fleas are in your home, they will likely lay eggs, which the diatomaceous earth will not affect. In order to kill the fleas that hatch from the eggs, you will need to treat your house again about 10 days after the initial treatment in order kill all of the stages of the flea life cycle.
   • 5
     Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth all over your outdoor environment as well. If your home has fleas, chances are your yard has them, as well. Apply another treatment to the ground about 10 days after the first treatment in order to kill the fleas that have hatched from their eggs.

• Tips & Warnings

• Diatomaceous earth is also available in a pool-grade form. Only use the food-grade variety as the pool-grade could be hazardous to those who come in contact with it.

Instructions for Diatomaceous Earth

By Catherine Chase, eHow Contributor

Diatomaceous Earth is a natural solution to pest control, both indoors and outside. It is harmless to humans and pets. This sediment, composed of tiny, fossilized diatoms is highly abrasive. It digs into insects and kills them. However, moisture renders it useless. If it gets wet, you'll need to re-apply it or wait for it to dry. Use it to control infestations of ants, earwigs, cockroaches, slugs and other unwanted visitors. Since this substance dehydrates the insects, you may see more of them in your home looking for water before they expire. This is temporary.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Wear gloves and a dust mask before handling Diatomaceous Earth. The sharp edges can irritate bare skin and your respiratory tract.
   • 2
     Sprinkle a pinch of Diatomaceous Earth by cracks in your walls where you have seen ants, cockroaches or other insects congregate. Other likely points of entry are your baseboards and window frames.
   • 
     
   • 3
     Distribute several pinches of Diatomaceous Earth along the tops of your cabinets and behind your refrigerator and other appliances.
   • 4
     Rub several pinches of Diatomaceous Earth into your pet's fur if it has fleas. It will not harm your pet.
   • 5
     Dust a carpet infested with fleas with a light layer of Diatomaceous Earth. Let it sit there for two days and then vacuum it. Repeat this procedure for upholstered furniture, using the vacuum hose to remove it after two days.
   • 6
     Sprinkle a barrier of Diatomaceous Earth around your vegetable garden to keep slugs out. Only apply it to dry ground. Re-apply the barrier after it has rained and the ground has dried out.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth as a Dewormer

By Lilly Taylor, eHow Contributor

Although there is much controversy over the use of diatomaceous earth (also known as DE) as a dewormer for animals, many people continue to do so to provide a nonchemical worming option for organic production. Diatomaceous earth kills parasites through the mechanical action of its sharp particle edges and therefore does not trigger chemical resistance in parasites like many of the currently approved chemical dewormers do. Diatomaceous earth has also been used successfully to rid animals of external parasites in addition to internal ones.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Locate a local supplier of food-grade diatomaceous earth and discuss your intended application with them, since they may have helpful information for the use of the product in your area. Verify that the diatomaceous earth you will be using has a fine, powdery consistency and is not caked with moisture, mold or other foreign substance. Store your diatomaceous earth in a waterproof container to avoid contamination with toxic substances.
   • 2
     Collect a fecal sample from the animals to be treated in a small, plastic, resealable bag. Have it analyzed by a veterinarian to establish a baseline parasite count. Record this baseline number, along with the date and animals tested in a notebook so that you will be able to review the results of using diatomaceous earth as a dewormer.
   • 
     
   • 3
     Decide how you will administer the diatomaceous earth to your animals; sprinkled over their feed is the most common method, although it is sometimes mixed in with loose, supplemental salt. Determine what parasite count level you will accept as an adequate reduction rate. Discuss this number with your veterinarian if you are unsure. Remember that in many species, there will always be some evidence of internal parasites, however, it is important for you to set your acceptable baseline so that you can make management decisions based on how well your choice of dewormer is working to achieve that level.
   • 4
     Begin to apply the diatomaceous earth to your animals' food at a rate of approximately one level tablespoon per hundred pounds of body weight. Encourage your animals to eat the diatomaceous earth by adding it to appealing treats such as a bit of molasses or other enticement, if necessary. Watch carefully to verify that each animal to be treated is receiving an adequate share of the diatomaceous earth supplement. Observe your animals when first giving them the diatomaceous earth to be sure that the gritty powder is not causing any problems with eating or swallowing. Offer water if at all possible when feeding the diatomaceous earth supplement.
   • 5
     Continue feeding the diatomaceous earth supplement daily for 4 weeks, then collect a new fecal sample and take it to be analyzed. Record this new parasite count in your notebook and evaluate whether to continue treatment to create further beneficial results or to discontinue treatment if you find it to be ineffective in containing or bringing down the parasite count. Add any changes you plan to make and any other comments in your notebook. Be aware that diatomaceous earth may not be as effective at bringing a heavy parasite load under control as it is in preventing an infestation from getting started.
   • 6
     Continue to provide the diatomaceous earth supplement to your animal as needed to bring parasite counts under control. Determine the interval at which you will retreat and retest, many animal experts use the product one month prior to reproduction and one month after, and as needed throughout the warmer months. Seek appropriate veterinary care if your animal does not respond positively to the use of diatomaceous earth as a dewormer, since heavy parasite infestations can be deadly if left untreated.

How to have better hair and a healthier body with a little-known source of silica

Friday, May 20, 2011 by: Jane Goldberg


(NaturalNews) Recently someone in my community asked how to get rid of pesky critters. A neighbor who own a garden center said that they use Diatomaceous Earth. Well - that seemed to me to be a golden opportunity to reveal my little secret to the world - that I have been eating Diatomaceous Earth for about a year now.

D.E. has many beneficial effects, but it is the anti-aging effect that I have seen most pronounced as a change in myself. Rather remarkably, since I have been eating D.E., I have stopped needing to bleach my hair. It has gone from a mousy mostly grey to a luscious blond/brown (my pre-65 year old hair color). I am really happy about this change - as it is saving me tons of money ($300 a pop for tin-foil bleaching). Even my hairdresser is surprised at the change, and keeps telling me how nice the color of my hair is. However, the good news for my hair dresser is that my hair is now growing wildly faster, and so I am able to keep her happy by needing more frequent haircuts.

Diatomaceous Earth is a fossilized deposit of microscopic shells created by one-celled plants called Diatoms. These plants inhabit all the waters of the earth, and serve as the basic food for aquatic life, just as grass is the basic food for land animals. This mineral-based compound contains silicon, magnesium, calcium, sodium, iron and other trace minerals that the body needs to stay healthy. All Diatomaceous Earth is 84% Silicon Dioxide (Silica).

Here is the science behind my peculiar habit of eating this stuff:

Diatomaceous Earth is the hands-down best source of the mineral silica. In 1939, Nobel Prize Doctor Butenant showed the importance of silica for life itself. It may be true that silica is the most important trace element in human health. Silica plays an important role in many body functions. The human body holds approximately seven grams of silica, a quantity far exceeding the figures for other important minerals. Years ago, the silica found in our foodstuffs was adequate for our needs. But with today's hybrids and depleted soils, only about 1/3 of the silica needed is supplied in our food.?

Diatomaceous Earth looks like a cylinder full of holes--kind of like Rice Chex Cereal. This cylinder has a very strong negative charge while pathogens have a positive charge. As these millions of cylinders move through the stomach and digestive tract, they attract and absorb fungi, protozoa, viruses, endotoxins, pesticides and drug residues, E-Coli, and heavy metals. These are trapped inside the cylinder and passed out of the body. In addition, any larger parasites that happen to be in the stomach or digestive tract are "cut up" and killed by the sharp edges of the diatomaceous earth. All of these activities result in a much healthier body with less sickness.?

Detoxification Benefits:

The spa that I own, La Casa Day Spa ( http://www.Lacasaspa.com ) in Manhattan, emphasizes therapies that detox the body. Last month, we wrote our 50,000th receipt. That's 50,000 detox treatments we have done in 18 years, a lion's share of those being colonics. We want all people to continue to have colonics because colonics give a thorough cleansing of the colon. But we also want people to know how to continue colon cleansing at home. D.E. is the perfect home remedy.

Diatomaceous Earth is?very?hard. On the hardness scale where diamonds are a 9, Diatomaceous Earth is a 7. This hardness is important because as those millions of tiny hard and sharp diatomaceous earth cylinders pass through the small and large intestines, they "scrub" the walls. After only a few months of taking Diatomaceous Earth, the intestine wall is no longer coated with mucus and molds but has become clean. The advantages of this are several:

-regularizes bowel movements (this is the most frequently mentioned benefit about D.E.)
-creates a healthier colon environment (a cleaner colon helps to keep away polyps, cancers,
and ulcers)
-gives increased energy and less need for sleep (with a cleaner colon, food and nutrients are
better absorbed into the blood stream)
-reduces inflammation of the intestinal tract (can prevent or clear up diarrhea and, rather
intelligently, also cures the opposite condition of constipation)
-helps to normalize hemorrhoidal tissues
-alleviates lower back pain that is caused by a too-full colon

But the health benefits of D.E. only begin with colon detoxification. Other benefits of Diatomaceous Earth can be organized around three principles: over-all health; anti-aging; weight loss.

Over-All Health Benefits:
-helps repair and maintain vital lung tissues and protects them from pollution
-lowers high blood pressure
-lowers high cholesterol
-addresses osteoporosis?& joint problems
-acts as a cough decreasing agent; tones the upper respiratory tract (nose, pharynx, larynx)
and reduces swelling because of its positive action on the lymphatic system
-helps to prevent many unwanted side-effects of menopause?
-helps to prevent kidney stones
-heals infections of the urinary tract; is a natural diuretic which can increase excretion of
urine by 30 percent, thus flushing the water-excreting system and restoring normal
function to these vital organs
-effective with female discharge, abscesses and ulcers in the genital area and cervix, as well
as mastitis (especially for breast feeding mothers).
-acts as a supportive treatment for inflammation of the middle ear (effective in reducing
swelling of the lymph nodes in the throat)
-has anti-inflammatory disinfecting, absorbing and odor binding effects
-normalizes circulation and regulates high blood pressure (hypertension)
-decreases vertigo, headache, tinnitus (buzzing of the ears) and insomnia
-promotes synthesis of elastase inhibitor by the pancreas, thus helping to normalize diabetes
-strengthens blood vessels
-helps to prevent Tuberculosis.
-improves the elasticity of the joints; helps rheumatism
-stimulates metabolism for higher energy levels

Weight Loss:

One of the benefits of silica is that it helps to destroy bad fats. Taken in the morning, it helps to curb appetite throughout the day.

Anti-Aging:

Hair (90 micrograms per gram) needs almost as much silica as bone (100 micrograms per gram). Eating D.E., with its rich supply of silica, should be part of any ongoing hair revitalization program. Silica helps to prevent baldness, stimulates healthier hair growth and assures beautiful shine, luster and strength.

D.E. serves as nature's internal cosmetic for skin, nails and teeth as well as hair.?Collagen underneath the skin enhances elasticity and beauty. Collagen is largely made up of silica. As we age, tissue degeneration?accelerates because our connective tissue begins to lose the ability to retain moisture. Silica helps to slow down the degenerative/moisture-losing process of aging connective tissue.?
Silica also protects our teeth and gums. By hardening the enamel, silica prevents cavities and preserves teeth. Silica also helps to prevent bleeding gums, gum atrophy, and recession.

Finally, silica can help avoid or alleviate Alzheimer's by preventing the body from absorbing aluminum.

About the author:
Jane G. Goldberg, Ph.D. is a psychoanalyst and author of 7 books, including the acclaimed, The Dark Side of Love. As well, she is the owner of La Casa Day Spa in NYC , now celebrating its 18th year anniversary. In her specialization of working with cancer patients, Dr. Goldberg has integrated her psychoanalytic work with the field of holistic health. She has worked with many cancer patients who, through commitment to sound principles of health as well as an interest in the exploration of their mental, emotional and psychic states, have defied the statistical odds and consider themselves "cured."

Dr. Goldberg is also the Founder and Director of Brainercize, a system of interactive integrative brain exercise classes designed to maximize brain functioning.

Dogs Naturally - The Benefits Of Diatomaceous Earth

Dogs Naturally - The Benefits Of Diatomaceous Earth
by John languish

Diatomaceous Earth is a dirt cheap way to control external and internal parasites in your dog.

Diatomaceous Earth is a non-toxic, safe substance made up from crushed fossils of freshwater organisms and marine life. Crushed to a fine powder and observed through a microscope, the particles resemble bits of broken glass. Diatomaceous Earth is deadly to any insect yet completely harmless to animals.

Diatomaceous Earth’s mode of action for insect and parasite control is strictly mechanical. The microscopically sharp edges contact the insect or parasite, and pierce their protective coating, so they soon dehydrate and die. The larvae is affected in the same way.

Internal parasites can be controlled by giving Diatomaceous Earth internally. It is very important to note that it must be food grade – the earth used in gardens and pool filters can damage your dog. Diatomaceous Earth can eliminate roundworms, whipworms, pinworms, and hookworms within seven days of being fed daily. To be most effective, Diatomaceous Earth should be fed for at least 30 days, to catch all newly hatching eggs or the cycling of the worms through the lungs and back to the stomach.

Another use for Diatomaceous Earth is the control of external parasites and flies. This is achieved by dusting your dog with Diatomaceous Earth, along with his bedding area and surrounding carpeted areas.

Other Uses

Diatomaceous Earth has also been reported in scientific literature to absorb methyl mercury, e-coli, endotoxins, viruses, organophosphate pesticide residues, drug resides, and protein, perhaps even the proteinaceous toxins produced by some intestinal infections. Given this, Diatomaceous Earth is very useful as a detox solution, digestive aid and colon cleanser.

Dosage

For dogs, use one tablespoon per day in his food for dogs over 55 lbs. and one teaspoon per day for small dogs and puppies. For external parasite control, simply rub the powder at full strength into the coat for fleas and sprinkle on bedding.

How Effective Is Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas?

By Elizabeth Tumbarello, eHow Contributor

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is an all-natural flea control remedy that works to dehydrate adult fleas. When applied to the animal's environment, as well as the animal itself, it is as effective as chemical alternatives. While chemical flea treatments are made up of poisons, diatomaceous earth works naturally to rid a pet of fleas.

What It Is

• Diatomaceous earth is a fine powder made from diatomite, the crushed, fossilized remains of a marine algae called a diatom. Food grade diatomaceous earth is used among farmers as a wormer, to rid animal feed of insects and as a nutritional supplement.

How It Works

• DE, when used in flea prevention, cuts holes in the flea's body as it moves across it, and as this happens, the fleas leak water which the diatomaceous earth absorbs. Because of this, the fleas dehydrate and die.
• Types of Diatomaceous Earth

• One formulation, containing crystalline silicate, is commonly sold for use in pools. This is not safe for use around animals or humans. DE for flea control should be USDA food-grade certified.

Considerations

• When an animal or area that has been treated with diatomaceous earth gets wet, the efficiency of DE drops. Therefore, animals or bedding treated with DE should be kept as dry as possible.

Diatomaceous Earth vs. Chemical Flea Control

• In tests performed by the USDA, as well as consumer trials, diatomaceous earth has shown to be just as effective as chemical insect control.

Safety Considerations

• When applying DE to large areas, such as a pet's sleeping area, a dust mask and goggles are recommended. If diatomaceous earth is applied directly to the animal, care should be taken to avoid any mucous membranes (eyes, ears, nose) that may become irritated.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth as a Horse Wormer Read more: How to Use Diatomaceous Earth as a Horse Wormer

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth as a Horse Wormer

By Christy Bagasao, eHow Contributor

Worming horses with chemical products is a controversial topic. Horse owners want to rid their noble steeds of parasites, but at the same time hope to avoid the potentially toxic effects of the worming agent. Many horse owners have turned to diatomaceous earth, the crushed shells or cell walls of minuscule members of the algae family known as diatoms. Mammals, including horses, can safely consume food-grade diatomaceous earth, but it slices the exoskeleton of insects and internal parasites such as worms, dehydrating and killing them. It is a viable natural worming alternative.

Instructions

Worming Naturally

1. • 1
     Add 1/2 cup diatomaceous earth to the horse's food daily, preferably mixed with water or a moist feed or supplement to prevent the horse from breathing the dust. Feeding 1 to 2 tbsp. twice a day is ideal.
   • 2
     Check the horse's stool for symptoms of worm infestation (eggs or worms) after two or three weeks. Check the sample visually or take it to your equine veterinarian for a more accurate count.
   • 3
     Increase the dosage to one cup if the worms are still evident. If there are no signs of worms, continue at the regular dosage or stop for a time. Repeat every three months.
   • 4
     Alternatively, give the horse a constant supply of diatomaceous earth for free choice eating by mixing it with herbs or other supplements and placing it in free choice buckets.

• Tips & Warnings

• Use only food grade diatomaceous earth.
• Diatomaceous earth is also available as a blend with other natural products, making it even more beneficial and reducing the powdery nature of the substance.
• Wolf Creek Ranch encourages a slow introduction to diatomaceous earth to avoid a detox reaction from a rapid killing of parasites and worms.
• University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture states that some worms in grazing animals are normal. The point of worming is to keep them at a manageable level.
• Use of diatomaceous earth as a wormer is controversial. Be sure to bring your questions to a reliable veterinarian knowledgeable in the use of natural equine maintenance and cures.
• Diatomaceous earth is an extremely fine powder which is harmful when inhaled excessively.

How to Use Diatomaceous Earth for Fleas & Ticks

By Alicia Bodine, eHow Contributor

Both fleas and ticks need a host to get their meals. Most of the time the host is an animal. Unfortunately, there is not always an animal around, which causes the fleas and ticks to attack humans. Both fleas and ticks carry diseases so it is best to get rid of them as soon as you notice them. This can be done safely, without the use of harsh chemicals. All you need is a product called diatomaceous earth

.

Instructions

1. • 1
     Purchase food-grade diatomaceous earth. There is another kind that is treated with chemicals and used in pool filters. This kind is toxic if eaten. Don't take a chance that your cat or dog will eat poison.
   • 2
     Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth all around your property outside. Let it remain there and kill any fleas or ticks that are outside. The diatomaceous earth is made up of sharp particles that will pierce the exoskeleton of any flea or tick it contacts. This causes the fleas and ticks to dehydrate and die.
   • 
     
   • 3
     Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth on your carpeting where any fleas may be living. Do this the same day you treat the outside of your property. Vacuum up the diatomaceous earth the next day.
   • 4
     Take your dog or cat in the bathroom and set it in the tub. Sprinkle the diatomaceous earth all over its fur to take care of any fleas and ticks that may be on it.
   • 5
     Repeat these steps every seven days for a total of three weeks. Your fleas and ticks will be completely eradicated by then. According to Wold Creek Ranch, fleas and ticks will die within 72 hours of the diatomaceous earth application, but the flea eggs that were laid won't hatch until one week later. They must be killed with the diatomaceous earth in order to prevent them from laying more eggs. After three weeks, you should have been able to kill any fleas that hatched.