Diatomaceous Earth VS Charcoal Powder
Today we delve into the fascinating topic of natural minerals and earth substances that can be used as medicines, in particular two increasingly popular natural products that are used in a wide variety of ways – Diatomaceous Earth VS Charcoal Powder.
The first is a sedimentary rock made up of fossils that is known in its usable form as Diatomaceous Earth. The second is a specially treated charcoal called Activated Charcoal or Activated Carbon.
Each of these has some similar uses, but naturally, as they vary in composition and structure, they are different substances and offer some unique benefits, uses, and drawbacks.
Firstly we get to know each of these substances a bit better. You will learn what they are and what each may be beneficial for. We will also compare the two and share a super simple, beautifying DIY recipe to uplevel your natural self-care routine using your Diatomaceous Earth and a few other easily found ingredients.
Diatomaceous Earth
What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous Earth is a powder made from Diatomite, a siliceous sedimentary mineral that is composed of the fossilized shells of diatoms (single-cell aquatic algae). It contains trace minerals and is particularly high in bio available silica.
The structure of Diatomaceous Earth results in it having a gentle and very effective, abrasive effect. It has an adsorptive nature, working to draw and accumulate substances onto the surface area of its structure.
It is said to be a negatively charged substance that attracts positively charged substances such as harmful toxins and viruses. DE (Diatomaceous Earth) is very cleansing and detoxifying through the above actions.
What is it Beneficial For?
It has a wide range of uses and benefits that extend beyond human use into agriculture and industry. Agricultural grade DE is popularly used as a targeted insecticidal pest control in the garden and home. In this article, you will learn more about food-grade DE which is specifically processed for human use internally and externally.
Important Note: Please always be sure you have high-quality food grade DE as DE in other grades can be more abrasive and have different unsafe effects on your body.
Some of the human bodily benefits of food-grade DE include:
- Detoxification of the body.
- Joint, bone, and ligament support.
- Cleansing and protecting skin, nails, and teeth.
- Encouraging collagen production.
- Improving digestion.
- Eliminating parasites.
- Lowering cholesterol.
For enhanced gut health and to address issues like leaky gut or candida overgrowth, Turkey Tail Tincture is an excellent companion to DE. Its potent anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive properties can further detoxify and rejuvenate your digestive system.
Activated Charcoal Powder
What is Activated Charcoal?
This type of charcoal is activated by being exposed to a special treatment involving heat, it is available and used as a fine powder. Its activation results in it having a highly developed internal pore structure and this greatly increases its surface area and boosts its adsorption abilities.
Similarly to DE, AC (Activated Charcoal) has a negative electrical charge, so it will attract, trap, and remove positively charged molecules including gasses and toxins.
What is Activated Charcoal Beneficial for?
Activated Charcoal may be used internally and externally for its various benefits, some of which are backed by science and many of which are known through anecdotal evidence.
Many naturally focused people and brands use this substance in natural self-care products. It also has industrial and home uses such as its use for water filtration
Some of the benefits of Activated Charcoal can include:
- Toxins are drawn out when applied externally and are used for wound healing and on insect bites as poultices.
- It is used as a remedy to adsorb and flush out many types of poisons.
- It can help absorb gas, alleviating bloating and flatulence.
- It may improve kidney function
- It may reduce cholesterol levels
- It is added to many toothpastes and powders and is said to have a whitening and cleaning effect when used in the correct concentration ( there are conflicting opinions on AC use for this purpose)
Comparing Diatomaceous Earth and Activated Charcoal
| Comparing | Activated Charcoal | Diatomaceous earth |
| Color | black | light gray, light brown to white |
| Texture | fine powder | fine powder (food grade) |
| Composition | primarily carbon and oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, hydrogen, and other mineral matter. | primarily silica and other trace minerals which can include phosphorus, selenium, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, and more |
| Structure | porous | amorphous and porous |
| Hardness | 2-3 on the Mohs hardness scale | 6 on the Mohs hardness scale |
| Electrical charge | negatively charged | negatively charged |
| Unique uses | ● AC can be used internally in larger doses when needed
● Supporting kidney functioning ● Insect bite treatment ● Water filtration ● Keeping wounds clean from infection ● Remedy for combating poisoning and allergic reactions |
● DE is best used internally in moderation only when needed.
● Eliminating parasites from the digestive system. ● Insect pest control ● It contains some trace minerals
|
| Similar Uses | ● Mild abrasive
● Lowering cholesterol ● Used in moderation internally for detoxing ● Skin exfoliation and cleaning by adsorbing toxins and oiliness |
● Abrasive ( different grades have different levels of abrasive action)
● Lowering cholesterol ● Used in moderation internally for detoxing ● Skin cleansing , exfoliation, and health benefits for skin ( DE can boost collagen production ) |
| Safety and considerations | ● Can cause a reduced absorption of pharmaceutical medications.
● It is not useful for all types of poisons and is contraindicated in certain scenarios, such as impaired consciousness of the patient or when the intestines are blocked. Please use it with due research, caution, or with someone well-experienced. ● Be sure to use a high-quality finely milled AC for internal and topical use. |
● De is never to be inhaled or exposed to your eyes.
● Some people may be allergic or have an adverse reaction, always conduct a test patch or dose before working with DE.
● Be sure to use a high quality finely milled DE for internal and topical use. |
Diatomaceous Body Polish Recipe
Ingredients
Ingredients- ⅛ Cup or 15g ( 0.52oz) Hibiscus dried and powdered ( or other botanicals of your choice with skin benefits)
- ½ Cup or 35g ( 1.23 oz ) Food grade Diatomaceous Earth
- 1 Cup or 250ml (8.45 fluid oz) High-quality Olive Oil ( or skin-compatible oil of your choice )
Equipment
Equipment- Bowls
- Measuring cups/ scale
- Spoons
- Storage jar
Step-by-step method
- Measure out ½ Cup or 35g ( 1.23 oz ) of Diatomaceous Earth food-grade powder.
- Measure out ⅛ Cup or 15g ( 0.52oz) of Hibiscus powder.
- Measure out 1 Cup or 250ml (8.45 fluid oz) of high-quality Olive Oil.
- Mix together your dry ingredients.
- Add in your oil.
- Stir everything together well and prepare your clean storage jar.
- Fill up your jar and enjoy your homemade body polish!
Recommended Use and Storage
This cleansing and nourishing body polish can be used once weekly
or intuitively, as needed, as part of your beautifying and cleansing self-care practice.
Store your jar out of direct sunlight and avoid adding water or other contaminants to it during your use to maintain its longevity. Depending on the herbs and oil that you use it should have a shelf life of up to 1 year or more.
Please Note: In skincare DE it is not great for dry skin, especially on its own and some of you may be sensitive to it topically. The oil added to the body polish may balance this drying effect and you can add in extra oil or the oils of your choice to find the right formula for your skin. For best practice please conduct a test patch first to see how your unique body responds to the body polish
If making remedies at home isn’t an option for you, don’t worry—you can still enjoy the benefits with a convenient All Purpose Salve.
This ready-made salve is perfect for soothing irritated skin, especially eczema and rashes, where it works to moisturize and calm the skin with its natural healing properties. Beyond that, the All Purpose Salve is a fantastic, natural alternative to chemical-laden creams that can often irritate sensitive skin.
Whether you’re dealing with dry patches, minor cuts, or everyday skin irritations, this salve is a gentle, skin-friendly solution you’ll feel great about using. You can get it from here.
*Now, something I can’t stress enough is using natural care products. Most soaps you buy from your daily store are filled with chemicals and harmful-for-skin compounds. Don’t trust me? Just read the ingredients of the ones you are using right now.
The truth is, nature truly provides us with everything we need for natural healing. You can finally break free from the vicious cycle of making others rich on lab-made products. I stepped out of that race, and now I’m thriving, knowing exactly which plants replace some of the most known pills.
Here are some of the remedies you will find in The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies II:
… + 200 other remedies you should put to good use for your own health! Learn more here!
Hi, are their online companies, that you recommend, that sell the dried ingredients you mention in your recipes (not just the one)?
There
Mountain Rose Herb is an amazing company