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Thanks for saying that. I was just gonna write something to that effect since is not holistic or voodoo but science.
And I thank you as I was left speechless that someone would refer to it as holistic or voodoo.
It maybe natural and proven in some areas, but I have seen people attribute things to the healing or curative "powers" of DE. There are some things it just can't do. It's efficacy in many scenarios is dubious at the least.
DE is composed of silica. DE in the "pool grade" form has had a change in it's chemical composition so that the silica are crystallized. Thus the very very sharp little edges can cause damage to sinuses and lungs when inhaled. It's not more "powdery", it's crystallized.
DE in either form is very drying and can be irritating when inhaled. It is however, a good internal parasite as well as external parasite, non-chemical route to go. However, unlike sprays or powders or pastes, it has to be applied regularly. For example, if I wormed my horses with traditional paste wormer, It would be a monthly or bi-monthly process. If I use DE, it's a daily feed supplement. Because, there is no residual effect to DE.
ETA: Diatomaceous earth (pronounced /ˌdaɪ.ətəˌmeɪʃəs ˈɜrθ/) also known as diatomite or kieselgur, is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. It has a particle size ranging from less than 1 micrometre to more than 1 millimeter, but typically 10 to 200 micrometres.[1] This powder has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and is very light, due to its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of oven dried diatomaceous earth is 80 to 90% silica, with 2 to 4% alumina (attributed mostly to clay minerals) and 0.5 to 2% iron oxide.[1]
Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, mild abrasive, mechanical insecticide[2], absorbent for liquids, cat litter, activator in blood clotting studies, and a stabilizing component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.
