100% Pure Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth -1.6kg (2x 800g)- Fossil Shell Flour ®

IF OUT OF STOCK, PLEASE CHECK OUT THE OTHER SIZE OPTIONS FOR THIS PRODUCT:

 800g

BULK SIZE- 2.7kg

100% Pure Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth- Perma-Guard Fossil Shell Flour ® 

100% Pure, Organic and comes from fresh water. 

1.6kg (2x 800g bags)

Perma-guard Fossil Shell Flour® Food Grade DE Diatomaceous Earth HUMAN HEALTH 

Other available sizes of this product are; 800g and 2.7kg

Perma-Guard Fossil Shell Flour is the world’s finest food-grade diatomaceous earth. Entirely organic and pure, this natural source of silica and assists with optimal gut health and nutrient absorption.

Description:

Fossil Shell Flour is a natural product derived from the fossilised remains of microscopic shells of freshwater aquatic organisms called diatoms. This 100% pure plant based whole food has many health benefits and provides a natural source of silica.

Perma-Guard Fossil Shell Flour ® FOOD-GRADE DIATOMACEOUS EARTH

Perma-Guard is the original and largest supplier of registered food-grade diatomaceous earth products in the world and is imported from the United States. Not all Diatomaceous Earth is Food Grade. There are many cheaper versions of Diatomaceous Earth starting to flood the market in Australia, we suggest you check that the product is registered/certified food grade before making any purchases as many types can contain impurities making them unsafe for consumption. To date, there is no Australian Diatomaceous Earth that is certified as Food Grade. Some Diatomaceous Earth claimed as food grade contain higher amounts of sediment and clay that make them less effective. Depending upon how the deposits were formed, clay particles may be present in sufficient quantities to clog the pores of the fossilized shells. If this is the case, the effectiveness of the Diatomaceous Earth is severely reduced. The shape of the diatom must be tubular with holes in the walls. It must be fresh water because the diatoms form a harder shell and are less fragile than those in salt water. Perma-Guard Fossil Shell Flour DE is registered Food Grade and is 100% pure, organic and contains no chemicals.

Out of 600 deposits in the US only 4 are considered “Food Grade” by the FDA standards

Warning: When purchasing Food Grade Fossil Shell Flour Diatomaceous Earth, you should be looking for something that is off-white/bone in colour. The photo above is a comparison of the Perma-Guard brand on the left and an Australian version of fine grade Diatomaceous Earth on the right, as you can see there is a large comparison in colour, this is mainly due to clay deposits found in the Australian products.

Perma-Guard Food Grade Fossil Shell Flour (DE) – amorphous silica as diatoms (microfossils) is more than 99% and the crystalline silica is generally regarded as less than 0.5%.

PERMA-GUARD is the trade name for a grade and quality of Diatomaceous Earth (DE) and comes from the USA. Actually, DE is not an earth. It is the fossilized remains of microscopic shells of freshwater plankton Algae/plants called DIATOMS.

These products do not contain persistent chemicals harmful to the environment and to higher forms of life. Although not harmful to animals or the environment generally, it may be harmful to fish.

All diatomaceous earth is not the same. Diatomaceous earth packaged under our Fossil Shell Flour (FSF) label comes from an extremely pure fresh water deposit of the diatom Melosira Preicelanica. Why is this diatom so special? Its shell is made of amorphous silica. Its shape and hardness are important to how it works. Its hardness keeps it from dissolving in liquid. The holes along the diatom’s wall allow it to absorb moisture.

Why fresh water vs. salt water DE? Fresh water deposits like ours have a consistent diatom presence. Their fossilized shells have maintained their tubular shape. This shape and strength of the fossil shell is critical to its effectiveness. Our deposit has very high amorphous silica content. Our deposit is more consistent in purity of other elements that have settled in it. Salt water deposits contain a mix of types of diatoms of different shapes. Their fossilized shells are fragile and break easily. This renders them ineffective for our purposes. The salt water deposits are less predictable in their sediments.

What’s the difference between amorphous and crystalline silica? Amorphous silica is silica in its natural occurring state. It is a trace mineral every mammal on the planet needs to gain full health. It becomes crystalline when it is exposed to extreme heat through volcanic activity or commercial manufacturing means, e.g. the type of diatomaceous earth used in swimming pool, and other, filtration systems is crystalline silica. Crystalline silica is extremely dangerous when inhaled or ingested. It is not biodegradable.

In Australia, Food Grade Fossil Shell Flour has only been approved for sale as an Anti-Caking Agent and animal feed, therefore we can only advertise it as such. Please see the manufacturers website to find out more or research on the internet (google, youtube etc). In Australia it is currently not approved as a human health product, in other countries such as USA and Canada the Perma-Guard brand of Fossil Shell Flour Food Grade DE is approved by PMRA & Health Canada, USDA, FDA and EPA.

Benefits

The benefits of Fossil Shell Flour (diatomaceous earth) can include:

• Cleanses the digestive system and improves gut health
• Helps remove toxins, impurities and parasites
• Healthier looking skin, hair and nails.
• Improves functionality of the liver and colon
• Contains minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Iron and is 93% Silica
• Increases nutrient and mineral absorption and hydration levels
• Reduces gas and bloating
• Helps improve energy levels
• Promotes regular bowel movements
• Cleanses intestinal walls and digestive tract

Recommended usage

To experience these health benefits, simply take half to one teaspoon of food-grade diatomaceous earth with liquid (water, coffee, smoothie, etc) twice a day. You can increase your dosage slowly over several weeks up to a tablespoon.

Notes:

Keep sealed and store in a dry, cool place

Avoid inhalation

FAQ

What is Diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth is the fossilised remains of microscopic, aquatic organisms called diatoms. This major group of micro-organisms have been around for millions of years and can be found in oceans and waterways all around the world.

What’s the difference between Fossil Shell Flour and Diatomaceous earth?

While these two are basically the same thing, Diatomaceous earth packaged under the Fossil Shell Flour label ensures you will be receiving the purest form of DE sourced from a freshwater deposit.

Fossil Shell Flour is the registered trademark of Perma-Guard, the original and largest supplier of fresh water, food-grade Diatomaceous earth.

Is all diatomaceous earth the same?

No, there are many different varieties of diatomaceous earth and not all of them are food grade.

Some diatomaceous earth cited as food grade contains higher amounts of sediment and clay, making them less effective that their pure counterparts, this can also leave to a residue being left in the body.

Since the Australian market has been flooded with cheap versions of DE, we suggest you check that the product is registered and certified food grade prior to purchase.

Where does your diatomaceous earth come from?

Diatomaceous earth has been mined for decades from various deposits all over the world, but not all diatomaceous earth is the same.

Plant Doctor sources diatomaceous earth from Perma-Guard, the original and largest supplier of registered food-grade diatomaceous earth products in the world. With more than 40 years’ experience, Perma-Guard in known world-wide for using an entirely pure grade of diatomaceous earth.

Out of 600 deposits in the US, only 4 are considered ‘food grade’ by the FDA standards, with Plant Doctor sourcing from one of these 4 deposits via Perma-Guard.

This freshwater deposit is consistent in its purity and has 89 – 92% amorphous silica content, making it very pure.

Plant Doctor is the exclusive Australian importer of Perma-Guard’s Fossil Shell Flour®.

What minerals are in it?

Amorphous Silica: 89 – 95%

Calcium: 0.407%

Iron: 0.25%

Potassium: 0.107%

Magnesium: 0.138%

Phosphorus: 0.00937

Silicon: 0.342

Zinc: 0.000754

Plus other Trace minerals

Is Fossil Shell Flour vegan?

Yes, Fossil Shell Flour is gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, sugar-free and dairy-free.

Also approved by the FDA and EPA

Perma-Guard Fossil Shell Flour ® Food Grade pure Diatomaceous Earth - 100% Pure, organic and comes from fresh water.

SEE WHAT DR AXE has to say about Diatomaceous Earth....

You may never have heard of diatomaceous earth (DE) before, but chances are you’ve consumed or used plenty of products that contain it. So what is diatomaceous earth and does it really work?

DE is a powder that comes from the cell walls or shells of diatoms, or aquatic organisms. It’s commonly used by humans to promote detoxification, aid digestion, and improve skin and hair health.

For example, diatomaceous earth for fleas is also extremely effective for your pets. But DE has many uses beyond that, with an astounding ability to kill insects and harmful substances in your home and purify your water.

If you haven’t used this natural substance in your diet, home or garden yet, you’ll want to experience its many benefits.

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a natural product made up of fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Composed of the cell walls/shells of single cell diatoms, it easily crumbles to a fine powder.

In fact, the composition of the diatom cell walls are biogenic silica.

The substances used to make diatomaceous earth are safe and taken directly from the sea, since diatom silica deposits accumulate over time in the sediment of rivers, streams, lakes and oceans.

DE goes by many names other than diatomaceous earth, including:

• dinosaur dust
• miracle mineral
• fossil shell
• ancient treasure

According to the National Pesticide Information Center, diatoms found in DE are actually skeletons that are made up of silica, a very common type of matter found in nature that makes up about 26 percent of the earth’s crust. There are various types of natural silica, many of which you probably recognize, including: sand, emerald, quartz, feldspar, mica, clay, asbestos and glass.

What are some products that contain diatomaceous earth?

Diatomaceous earth is available in two different grades:

• Food Grade — meant to be taken internally by humans
• Non-Food Grade — used in industrial practices

Some common products that contain diatomaceous earth include dusts, powders (or a “powder duster”) and pressurized liquids that are used on the outside of buildings, on farms, in gardens, and in human and pet foods.

It usually comes in the form of a white powder and is also used in water filtering, food manufacturing, skin products and farming to naturally eliminate free radicals, viruses, insects, parasites and other harmful organisms by binding to them and drying them out. It also has the ability to improve the body’s use of calcium, improve bone mineralization, protect joints and fight effects of aging.

Diatomaceous earth comes in several forms:

• milled, micronized or granulated diatomaceous earth, a raw material made from crushing silica that’s usually available as a powder and safe for human consumption (to be food-grade, it must contain less than 1 percent crystalline silica), can also be used in pesticides and insecticides
• calcined diatomaceous earth, a heat-treated and activated form used in water filtering and explosives

You can purchase food-grade DE in some health food stores or online. DE for your garden or pest control is also available at many home improvement stores.

Silica used to make diatomaceous earth is a key common component of the earth’s natural rock, sands and clays. Silica is an important component of human ligaments, cartilage and musculature and is also abundant in plants since it facilitates their growth and development.

Studies have shown that it’s an essential mineral for the body to build strong bones, hair, nails and teeth, and it’s needed to carry calcium into various parts of the body.

According to research published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging, many forms of silica exist in nature, and compelling data supports myriad beneficial effects of consuming more silica within water. Orthosilicic acid is the form of silicon predominantly absorbed by humans and found in numerous tissues, including nails, bones, tendons, the aorta, the liver and the kidneys.

Compelling evidence exists that suggests silica is essential for health and has a strong anti-aging effect. Deficiencies in silica can contribute to:

• abnormal growth
• deformities in skull and peripheral bones
• joint pain caused from poorly formed joints and reduced contents of cartilage and collagen
• disruption of mineral balance
• damage to the femur and vertebrae

Benefits for the Body

1. Detoxifies the Body

Diatomaceous earth — also known as diatomite — works like a natural detoxifying agent within the body, killing parasites and viruses that can contribute to illnesses while also helping to clean the blood. It’s also inexpensive, simple to use and much safer than many store-bought detox products or plans.

Some of the benefits of using DE internally include reducing odours, helping to curb gas, cleansing the digestive tract, boosting liver function and absorbing harmful toxins within the blood.

How does DE work to help with detoxification?

Silica works similarly to antioxidants found in high-antioxidant foods because it retains its traits as a stable particle even while continuously suspended in a liquid medium, allowing it to fight free radical damage. It’s broken down into a colloidal form, which acts like a detoxifier for the blood since it carries an electrical charge that attaches to free radicals and other harmful toxins.

Silica particles can then neutralize the charge of free radicals and remove them from the body through sweat, urine and faeces, which slows oxidative damage and has anti-aging effects.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that silica also helps eliminate heavy metals from the body, such as aluminum, making it perfect for a heavy metal detox. In studies, it has been shown to have a high-aluminum-affinity and reduces aluminum availability from the human gastrointestinal tract.

2. Fights Parasites

A 2011 study published in the Oxford Journal of Poultry Science found that DE has the potential to be an effective treatment to help control internal worms (parasites). Interestingly enough, this was observed in hens that produce organically raised, free-range eggs.

Giving two breeds of commercial egg-laying hens DE improved production of their eggs and egg quality compared to control groups, effectively working as a parasite cleanse in the process.

The two groups of hens used in the study were found to differ in their resistance to internal parasitic infections, which was observed by examining their gastrointestinal tracts. The hens fed DE had significantly lower incidences of infections, including fewer Capillaria FEC, slightly lower Eimeria FEC, fewer birds infected with Heterakis and significantly lower Heterakis worm infections.

Those fed DE were also significantly heavier in weight, laid more eggs and consumed more feed than hens fed the control diet, plus their eggs had larger yolks and therefore were more concentrated with nutrients.

3. Improves Joint, Bones and Ligaments Health

A 2007 study published in the Journal of Nutrition Health and Aging stated that dietary silicon is beneficial to bone and connective tissue and helps prevent low bone mass (osteoporosis), which is considered “a silent epidemic of the 21st century.”

Silica within DE helps with normal bone metabolism and joint formation, with evidence over the past 30 years suggesting there’s a positive association between dietary silicon intake and better bone mineral density. Thus, DE makes a great addition to any osteoporosis diet and treatment plan.

A number of possible mechanisms for how this works have been suggested, including the possibility that silicon helps with synthesis of collagen (used to form joints, the lining of the digestive tract and connective tissue) and within the mineralization of bones. While more research is still needed, it appears that silica supplementation can be used to help support normal metabolic processes, preserve joint health and prevent bone disorders.

4. Helps Clean and Protect Skin, Nails and Teeth

Since it has natural abrasive qualities and kills parasites, DE is used in many toothpastes, skin exfoliators, polishes and skin scrubs. Research suggests that just like other beneficial clays — like bentonite clay benefits and uses — DE dries out harmful toxins and leaves behind clean, smoothed skin with little to side effects.

It also seems to have anti-aging effects by helping with the use of calcium in forming strong bones, nails and teeth.

Benefits for the Home

1. Helps Purify Water

Diatomaceous earth is used in many filtration products, including the trademarked brand name Celite, because its chemical composition makes it a great filtration aid. It’s able to filter very fine particles that otherwise pass through or clog filter papers.

This makes it a common product used in water filters to help prevent tap water toxicity and also purification practices for fish tanks. Additionally, it’s also important for manufacturing beer and wine, syrups, sugar, and honey without removing or altering their colour, taste or nutritional properties.

A study published in the Journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology found that diatomaceous earth helps kill viruses and purify drinking water. Viruses have been found to be dangerous and abundant in certain sources of drinking water, raising the risk for viral infections and having a significant impact on bacteria and algae populations in the ecosystem.

Researchers tested the effects of a filter containing DE on tap water that was contaminated with heavy metals and various viral strains. The results of the study showed that DE helped absorb up to 80 percent of the viruses present, including poliovirus 1, echovirus 5 and coxsackievirus B5, which were all present in tap water even after filtration.

2. Kills Insects and Other Harmful Substances in Your Home

In the U.S., DE is classified under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act as a safe substance for household use. How does diatomaceous earth work to get rid of insects?

It’s a natural insecticide, since it absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects’ exoskeletons, which causes them to dehydrate and die of water deficiency. This is why it’s also useful in food preservation, as a natural home deodorizer and cleanser, and for helping to treat livestock suffering from parasites.

Does diatomaceous earth kill fleas and ants? Research suggests that using DE can help eliminate bed bugs, house dust mites, cockroaches, ants (such as ant hills) and fleas within your home without the use for harsh chemicals.

According to the website for Pest Control Technologies, silica gels have been used by the pest control industry for more than a half century since they safely produce an electrostatic charge that helps them adhere to insects crawling over treated surfaces.

Silica gel and diatomaceous earth have been found in studies to kill insects by removing a portion of the razor-thin, waxy outer coating that helps an insect conserve moisture, which allows them to work better than other products that relay on abrasion or poisoning.

How to Use It?

You may have wondered, “Is diatomaceous earth toxic to humans?”

Diatomaceous earth is safe for humans and animals to consume and it’s also beneficial for skin, so it’s used both inside and outside the body. Just be sure to check the source and make sure your product is food-grade. Skip using internally if it is not.

The Food and Drug Administration lists food-grade diatomaceous earth as “Generally Recognized as Safe,” which means that it’s legally allowed to be added to many different types of foods, beverages and supplements. Small amounts of silica are normally present in all body tissues and usually found in urine, too, so it’s well-tolerated and not known to cause many side effects.

What is diatomaceous earth used for? As mentioned previously, common products that contain diatomaceous earth include dusts, powders, “powder dusters” and pressurized liquids that are used on the outside of buildings, on farms, in gardens, and in human and pet foods.

In addition, today, there are over 150 pesticide-related products registered for use both indoors and outdoors that contain DE. There are also thousands of non-pesticide, food grade diatomaceous earth products that are used on the skin, in food, and in supplements or medications.

There are a number of ways to use DE. Some of the most popular diatomaceous earth uses include:

• pet nutrition products
• products used on dogs and cats to kill fleas
• bed bug-killing treatments
• sprays and products used for insect control, including cockroaches, crickets, fleas, ticks, spiders
• rodent sprays
• water filters
• skin care products
• toothpastes
• foods and beverages, such as in beer and wine
• anti-caking and clarifying ingredients used in food manufacturing
• supplements and medicines
• rubbers and paints used in construction
• abrasive products used as defoliators and for cleaning

Here are the recommended steps to subscribe to for safe use of DE as a detoxification agent and to protect bones and joints (but always consult with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement routine):

• Take about one teaspoon of food-grade diatomaceous earth powder with water once a day. It’s best used on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating.

• Drink an additional cup of water after each dose of DE to improve its effects. In general, make sure to consume plenty of water with DE and stay hydrated.

• Increase your dosage slowly over several weeks, working your way up from one teaspoon to two teaspoons daily, or one tablespoon max. Split the dosage into two parts taken in the morning and one at night.

• Take DE 10 days on and 10 days off for 90 days to effectively and safely detox. Another strategy is to take it daily for a few weeks at a time as you track symptoms, stopping and starting again throughout the year. It’s safest when you give your body breaks and don’t use it continuously for very long periods of time.

• As a note of caution, initially you might notice some mild side effects that can develop as your gut environment changes, yeast dies off and your body releases stored toxins. This can include mild headaches, fatigue and flu-like symptoms, which should diminish within a couple weeks.

Wondering what DE tastes like? If you’re eating diatomaceous earth, you’ll see that it’s basically tasteless and has a rough, gritty texture.

You can take it with water or mix it into another liquid if you prefer, such as  juice, yogurt or a smoothie. It won’t dissolve when mixed into water, so it’s normal to see some residue.

You can stir vigorously before consumption to break it up, but it’s still going to leave behind some chalkiness and a gritty texture, which is why disguising it is a good idea.

Here’s how to use diatomaceous earth in your home:

Step 1: Brush and vacuum carpets or any area where you think bugs, insects or fleas could be lurking. This will improve the efficacy of diatomaceous earth for flea and other pest problems, because it aggravates them and gets them to move, which allows DE to work better.

Step 2: Apply diatomaceous earth powder where needed in your home, yard, carpets, car, etc. Rub the powder into the carpets with a broom. Use enough to finely cover the surface but not too much that it’s easy to breathe in a lot.

Step 3: Let the powder sit for about four to 12 hours before vacuuming. It’s recommended that you repeat this process once a week for a total of three to four weeks.

Risks and Side Effects

Is diatomaceous earth safe? Although it’s generally recognised as safe to use on the body or to consume, some people react to DE by experiencing irritation and other side effects.

It’s possible for diatomaceous earth to irritate the nose and nasal passages when you breathe it in, or if consumed in large amounts, it can contribute to coughs and shortness of breath.

It also has the potential to irritate the skin and cause some mild irritation and dryness. If you have sensitive skin, eyes or nasal passages, it’s a good idea to monitor your symptoms and watch out for any strong reactions.

It’s also recommended that you keep DE away from babies and small children who might be more sensitive to DE’s effects and can react to it by experiencing irritations.

As far as long-term exposure goes, in animal studies generally no health effects have been observed even after applying diatomaceous earth to animals’ skin five times per week for several weeks. In a rat study, researchers fed rats high doses of diatomaceous earth for six months and found no evidence of reproductive or developmental effects.

That being said, the National Pesticide Information Center states that there’s some evidence that inhaling a very small amount of crystalline silicon over time (the kind used in small quantities in some types of diatomaceous earth, especially pesticides) might contribute to silicosis, chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems in a small percentage of cases. However, the risk seems low considering the vast majority of diatomaceous earth used in products for human consumption is amorphous, not crystalline.

Impact on the Environment

Wondering if garden safe diatomaceous earth can harm animals or contribute to environmental pollution? Evidence shows this is very unlikely and that diatomaceous earth is actually nontoxic to mammals, fish and aquatic invertebrates.

It’s commonly encountered by birds and other wildlife in nature, but has been found to be harmless to birds, fish or other wildlife in numerous studies.

In fact, silica is naturally plentiful in the ocean, and seawater contains vast amounts of diatomaceous earth. The skeletons of many types of sea life and marine organisms are actually made using silica, and therefore it seems to pose no major risks to most species.

As far as plants go, DE can actually be beneficial since it’s used as a growing medium in potted plants. It’s sold as natural soil additive and helps soil retain water and nutrients, while allowing for more oxygen circulation and killing off parasites.

It also helps preserve foods naturally (such as grains or legumes, which can grow mold) and helps replenish soil so more plants and food can be grown for livestock and human consumption.

Final Thoughts

Some common products that contain diatomaceous earth include dusts, powders and pressurized liquids that are used on the outside of buildings, on farms, in gardens, and in human and pet foods.

Diatomaceous earth benefits include detoxifying the body; purifying water; parasite control; killing insects and other harmful substances in your home; improving joint, bone and ligament health; and cleaning and protecting skin, nails and teeth.

Today, there are over 150 pesticide-related products registered for use both indoors and outdoors that contain DE.

Diatomaceous earth is available in two different grades: food grade (meant to taken internally by humans) and non-food grade (used in industrial practices).

Diatomaceous earth comes in several forms, including granulated diatomaceous earth, milled or micronized diatomaceous earth and calcined diatomaceous earth.

The above information is sourced from Plant Doctor, Agtech Natural Resources, Perma-Guard and Dr Axe evidence based articles (6 Proven Diatomaceous Earth Uses and Benefits- By Dr Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN). The above is for information purposes only. Please research this product further if required in order to determine if it is right for you.