What Diatomaceous Earth Is and Why People Take It
Diatomaceous earth is a powder made from the fossilized shells of diatoms, tiny aquatic organisms. It is mostly silica — the same mineral found in sand and quartz. The powder has a porous, jagged structure under magnification, which is why it shows up in everything from water filters to toothpaste to pesticides.
People in alternative wellness routines take food-grade diatomaceous earth by mouth, usually mixed into water or smoothies, in amounts ranging from one teaspoon to a tablespoon daily. The claim is that the jagged particles move through the digestive tract and pull out unwanted substances. Others use it topically on skin or add it to baths. The practice sits somewhere between supplement use and folk remedy — it has been around for decades in wellness circles, but the scientific evidence for most claims remains thin.
This guide covers what diatomaceous earth actually is, what people say it does, what the research shows, and how to source and use it safely if you decide to try it.
Key Takeaways
- Diatomaceous earth is a silica-based powder from fossilized diatoms; only food-grade versions should be taken internally, never pool-grade or industrial grades.
- Common claims include digestive support, joint health, and skin improvement, but human studies backing these claims are sparse or absent.
- The main safety concern is inhaling the powder as dust, which can irritate lungs; mixing it into liquid rather than stirring it dry reduces this risk.
- If you take diatomaceous earth alongside medications or supplements, space them at least two hours apart because the powder may interfere with absorption.
- Pregnant people, those with silicosis risk, and people with certain digestive conditions should avoid it or check with a healthcare provider first.
The Claims People Make About Diatomaceous Earth
The most common reason people take diatomaceous earth is for digestive health. The theory is that the jagged particles act like a scrub, removing parasites, bacteria, and other unwanted material from the gut lining. Some people report feeling cleaner or having more energy after taking it for a few weeks. Others say it helps with bloating or irregular digestion.
A second set of claims centers on joint and bone support. Because diatomaceous earth contains silica, and silica plays a role in collagen formation, some people take it hoping to strengthen connective tissue, reduce joint stiffness, or support bone density. A few wellness practitioners recommend it for people with arthritis or recovering from injury.
Skin, hair, and nail health is a third area. The silica content is cited as the reason — the idea being that it supports the structural proteins your body uses to build these tissues. Some people take it internally for this reason; others explore the powder directly to skin or mix it into face masks.
Parasite cleansing is also mentioned, particularly in online wellness communities. The claim is that the powder's texture damages parasitic organisms as it moves through the digestive tract. This claim is the least supported by any kind of evidence and should be treated with caution.
What Research Actually Shows
The scientific evidence for diatomaceous earth in humans is limited. Most studies have been done in test tubes or animals, not people. A small 2007 study in Nutrition Journal found that people taking diatomaceous earth showed modest improvements in cholesterol levels, but the study was small and has not been widely replicated. A few animal studies suggest it may have anti-inflammatory properties, but this does not automatically translate to human benefit.
For parasite removal, there is no credible human evidence. For joint health, skin health, or digestive cleansing, the research is similarly sparse. What exists is mostly anecdotal — people report feeling better, but controlled studies comparing diatomaceous earth to placebo in humans are rare.
The silica content is real, and silica does play a role in bone and connective tissue health, but whether taking extra silica in powder form actually changes your body's silica levels or improves these tissues is not well established. You get silica from many foods — whole grains, leafy greens, beans — so most people are not deficient.
How to Source and Use Diatomaceous Earth Safely
If you decide to try diatomaceous earth, the first rule is to buy food-grade only. Pool-grade and industrial-grade diatomaceous earth are treated with heat and chemicals that make them unsafe to ingest. Food-grade is less processed and is the only version meant for internal use. Check the label explicitly — it should say "food-grade" or "food-grade diatomaceous earth."
The typical dose is one teaspoon to one tablespoon mixed into water, juice, or a smoothie once daily. Start with a smaller amount — a quarter or half teaspoon — and increase gradually over a week or two. This reduces the chance of digestive upset. Mix it into liquid rather than stirring it dry; inhaling the powder as dust is the main safety concern and can irritate your lungs and airways.
Take diatomaceous earth at least two hours away from medications or other supplements. The porous structure of the powder can bind to medications and reduce how much your body absorbs them. If you take thyroid medication, blood thinners, or any prescription drug, space the timing carefully and mention diatomaceous earth use to your healthcare provider.
Store it in a cool, dry place in a sealed container. Food-grade diatomaceous earth is shelf-stable for years. Reputable sources include online supplement retailers, health food stores, and some garden centers — look for brands that list the source and confirm food-grade status on the label.
Who Should Avoid Diatomaceous Earth
Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid diatomaceous earth because there is not enough safety data in this population. People with a history of silicosis or other lung conditions should not use it, as inhaling silica dust can worsen these conditions.
If you have inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis, check with your healthcare provider before starting. The theory that diatomaceous earth "scrubs" the gut could be problematic for people whose gut lining is already inflamed or damaged. People with a known silica sensitivity or allergy should also avoid it.
If you are on blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or take medications that affect clotting, mention diatomaceous earth to your doctor. Some older sources claim it affects blood viscosity, though this is not well proven — but the spacing rule still applies to avoid absorption issues with your medication.
What to Expect If You Try It
If you start taking diatomaceous earth, the first week or two may bring mild digestive changes — some people report loose stools, mild cramping, or changes in bowel habits. This often settles as your body adjusts. Drinking extra water helps. If symptoms persist or worsen, stop taking it.
Most people who report benefits say they notice changes after two to four weeks of consistent use. These are usually subjective — feeling less bloated, having more energy, or noticing skin changes. Because there is no strong placebo-controlled evidence, it is hard to know how much of this is the diatomaceous earth and how much is the placebo effect, improved hydration from mixing it into water, or other lifestyle changes happening at the same time.
If you do not notice any change after a month of regular use, it may not be working for you. Stopping is safe — there is no rebound effect or withdrawal from diatomaceous earth. If you do notice benefits and want to continue, consistency matters more than occasional use.
Diatomaceous Earth Versus Other Silica Sources
If your goal is to increase silica intake, diatomaceous earth is one option, but it is not the only one. Whole grains, oats, brown rice, and barley all contain silica. So do leafy greens, beans, and root vegetables. Green tea and beer also contain silica. If you eat a varied diet with whole foods, you are likely getting enough silica without a supplement.
Other silica supplements exist — colloidal silica, silica gel, and silica-rich plant extracts like horsetail. These have slightly different absorption profiles and may be easier for some people to tolerate. If you are interested in silica supplementation but concerned about the dust inhalation risk of diatomaceous earth powder, these alternatives are worth exploring with a healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is diatomaceous earth the same as the stuff used in pools?
No. Pool-grade diatomaceous earth is heat-treated and chemically processed, making it unsafe to swallow. Food-grade is minimally processed. Never use pool-grade internally. Always check the label and buy from sources that explicitly state food-grade.
Can I take diatomaceous earth if I am on blood pressure or cholesterol medication?
You can, but space it at least two hours away from your medication. The powder can bind to medications and reduce absorption. Tell your doctor you are taking it so they can monitor whether your medication levels stay stable. Do not assume it will lower your cholesterol on its own — the evidence is too weak.
How long does it take to see results?
Most people who report benefits notice changes after two to four weeks of daily use. Some notice nothing. Because human studies are limited, results vary widely and may include a placebo effect. If you see no change after a month, it may not work for you.
Can I use diatomaceous earth to treat parasites?
There is no credible human evidence that diatomaceous earth removes parasites. If you suspect a parasitic infection, see a healthcare provider for testing and prescription treatment. Do not rely on diatomaceous earth as a parasite remedy.
What happens if I inhale diatomaceous earth powder?
Inhaling the dust can irritate your lungs, throat, and airways, causing coughing or shortness of breath. This is the main safety concern. Always mix it into liquid rather than stirring it dry. If you inhale a significant amount, move to fresh air and contact poison control or your healthcare provider if symptoms persist.