This mineral consists of crystallized remains of hard-shelled algae and it is yet another example of how incredibly effective natural alternatives are to health, wellness and DIY products. Sit back and relax while I share the remarkable diatomaceous earth benefits.
1. Natural food preservative
Diatomaceous earth is a great kitchen stable because it can keep your pantry food fresher, longer! This natural mineral will keep your pantry food dry, so mold and other bacteria will not grow as fast.
The diatomaceous earth actually absorbs the moisture so your food can’t! Not only does this inhibit mold growth, it keeps your food from clumping! It works effectively on beans, rice, corn, legumes and grains, to name a few.
2. Homemade toothpaste
Add diatomaceous earth to your favorite toothpaste and brush away! Adding this mineral to your existing toothpaste will boost its cleaning potential because it will exfoliate and loosen lingering bacteria on your teeth.
3. Deodorizer
Since diatomaceous earth absorbs moisture, it also absorbs smells caused by moisture. For example that unpleasant smell coming from your garbage can, litter box, or your kid’s shoes!
Just sprinkle the diatomaceous earth powder in the smelly area you want to freshen up! I encourage dusting the earth thoroughly into footwear and mixing it thoroughly when you add it to a litter box.
4. Face wash
Diatomaceous earth can be added to water to make a great face wash, or added to your existing face cleanser to enhance its abilities! Since diatomaceous earth soaks up moisture, I recommend using it as a face wash once every couple of weeks; you don’t want to be too hard on your skin!
When I do this, I generally keep the water and earth paste on my face for about 2-3 minutes until it’s dried and then I rinse it off. You’re skin will feel very smooth and fresh afterwards!
5. Natural de-wormer
When your pet has worms, use diatomaceous earth to eliminate them! Diatomaceous earth will dehydrate and kill the parasites in your pet.
Make sure you use the food grade earth to avoid any unwanted chemicals or additives in the earth. And you MUST make sure your pet’s water dish is full at all times throughout this treatment! Diatomaceous earth will not only dehydrate the parasites, it will also dehydrate your pet, so your furry friend should always have access to water!
Depending on the size of your pet, you can use ½ a teaspoon to 1 tablespoon. ½ teaspoon is appropriate for a kitten, while 1 tablespoon is a safe dosage for a dog over 50 lbs.
Simply add this to your pet’s food!
6. Flea fighter
Diatomaceous earth is a powerful yet gentle flea killer, which is great for your pet’s health and comfort. Simple rub the earth into your pet’s coat and within the hour the fleas should be dead.
Don’t forget to bathe your dog after this treatment because you don’t want their skin to dry out! Most animals have a very important natural oil secretion that could be damaged if the diatomaceous earth stays on them for too long
Definitely do this outside! It will make a mess and you don’t want any fleas hopping on you, your clothing, or your furniture.
7. Garden protector
In the same way that diatomaceous earth can kill fleas, it can also kill the insects that threaten the welfare of your lovely garden!
If your garden is infested by flying insects than make a paste out of water and diatomaceous earth and apply it lightly to your plants. If your insect perpetrators are usually ground dwellers than put a ring of diatomaceous earth around the base of the plant; this will deter them from climbing and snacking on that plant!
I recommend buying Earthworks or Pure Earth diatomaceous earth; these are both food grade and safe for you and your pet!
Another amazing feat by mother earth!
Sources:
http://www.diatomaceousearth.com/deodorize-your-garbage-can/
http://healthwyze.org/index.php/component/content/article/533-pet-care-deworming-and-eliminating-fleas-naturally.html
http://www.richsoil.com/diatomaceous-earth.jsp
