Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring white powder in water sediment. It is formed from fossilized skeletal remains of diatoms. Diatoms are single-celled aquatic animals like algae. It has been mined for decades as it is a naturally occurring substance in water sediments. In the past, it has been used as a food preservative, water purifier, detoxification, among others.
There are two types of diatomaceous earth;
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- the food-grade safe for consumption and;
- filter grade suitable for industrial use
Since diatomaceous earth occurs in sediment, it contains large quantities of a compound called silica.
Silica compounds exist in two forms; crystalline and amorphous. The food-grade diatomaceous earth contains about 0.5 to 2% of crystalline silica, making it safe to use in the food industry. It is also approved for consumption by the FDA, USDA, and EPA. On the other hand, the filter-grade contains about 60% crystalline silica, thus not safe for consumption. However, it is suitable for industrial use like water filtration.
For these reasons and more, diatomaceous earth is an essential survivalist product to know about. Read more about the uses of diatomaceous earth below.
Ten Uses of Diatomaceous Earth To A Survivalist
Food preservative
Food preservation is one of the uses of Diatomaceous Earth. As a survivalist, you want to ensure you have enough food and remain safe from spoilage and free of insects. With food-grade Diatomaceous Earth, you can keep your food safe. It is suitable for dry foods like cereals, flour, among others. Sprinkle a teaspoon of this compound in every pound of food.
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Detoxification
Diatomaceous Earth is said to remove toxins from your body. The common toxins that this compound is capable of eliminating are heavy metals present in unclean water. If you are outdoors camping, the possibilities of running out of clean water are very high. As such, you might find yourself unable to locate a clean water source.
Water purification
Drinking dirty water predisposes you to the possibility of metal poisoning, a severe health issue that can cause death in humans when it goes untreated. However, with diatomaceous earth, you can purify the water, making it safe for drinking.
Water purification is one of the industrial uses of diatomaceous earth. Find yourself in a situation where no clean water is available, and neither do you have a portable water purifier. Diatomaceous earth can help in purification by removing harmful bacteria available in the water.
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Earthborn Elements Diatomaceous Earth is an excellent example of filter grade diatomaceous earth.
Deodorant
Are you in a situation requiring you to keep fresh, but you do not have the usual deodorants? Why not go natural? If you have diatomaceous earth, you can make natural deodorant in baking soda, which causes skin irritation.
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What ingredients do you need? Take ¾ cup of cornstarch, ¼ cup of food-grade diatomaceous earth, and 5 to 7 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. Then, mix the diatomaceous earth and the cornstarch before adding the coconut oil. Transfer the mixture into a bottle, and it is ready for use. All these ingredients are available on Amazon in the quantities that you prefer.
Stain remover
If you plan to survive on a budget, you are probably hoping to find an on-budget stain remover. The best news is that with diatomaceous earth, there is no need to stress the issue as it is an excellent stain remover. It is effective when removing stains resulting from liquid spills.
Apply a thin layer of this compound immediately after a spill occurs and wait for it to absorb. Based on the size of the stain, the waiting period can be between two to twenty-four hours.
Shoe deodorizer
During a survival situation, you want to ensure you are minimizing your spending on unnecessary items. However, the odor from shoes can be devastating, requiring you to buy an artificial deodorizer.
However, you need to sprinkle a generous amount of your boots with diatomaceous earth after removing the inner soles. Please wait for it to settle for about twelve to forty-eight hours.
Cholesterol management
You can use Diatomaceous earth as a dietary supplement. If you are battling heart disease and obesity due to increased cholesterol levels, you have a chance of living a long and healthy life on the diatomaceous earth.
Research to determine the impact of the diatomaceous earth on cholesterol management indicated a decrease in bad cholesterol and an increase in good cholesterol after eight weeks consecutively.
Source of silica
Filter-grade diatomaceous earth has high levels of crystallized silica. However, since it is not safe for consumption, the food-grade diatomaceous earth contains a small but reasonable amount of silica. Silica plays a significant role in increasing hair thickening and growth. Besides, silica deficiency can result in dry skin.
If you are in a situation where you cannot access a diet rich in silica, consider using food-grade diatomaceous earth.
Eliminate bed bugs
Are bed bugs causing you sleepless nights? If you want to survive in a bed bug inhabited room, get yourself a filter grade diatomaceous earth like BVV PurifiDE XG-12 Ultra Purified Diatomaceous Earth Filter Aid and enjoy a peaceful night.
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Sprinkle the powder on the mattress after changing the sheets, and you will be bed bugs-free sooner than you know it.
Foot fungus
Are you susceptible to foot fungus? Get rid of this issue by using diatomaceous earth. This compound is known to reduce moisture, ensuring your feet remain dry and clean.
Sprinkle some of the diatomaceous earth powder on your toes or socks, and you will enjoy dryness all day long and hence, eliminating possibilities of fungus development.
How To Identify Safe-To-Use Diatomaceous Earth
Identify the silicon level
If you want diatomaceous earth which is safe for consumption, go for food grade. Also, before purchase, ascertain that the silicon level is not more than 2% of crystallized silica, less than 10mg/kg of arsenic, and less than 10mg/kg of lead.
Bottom Line
For your survival situation, get yourself diatomaceous earth, especially the food grade. As a natural component, it is cheap and eliminates possible negative impacts resulting from chemical-based products. Use this product to survive in any of the above situations at a cost-friendly price.
