Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) has been traditionally used as a natural remedy for treating parasites, particularly in agricultural and veterinary settings. Its use is based on its abrasive and desiccant properties: the microscopic sharp edges of DE particles can physically damage the exoskeletons of insects and parasites, causing them to dehydrate and die. This mode of action has led to its widespread use in livestock and pet care for the control of external parasites such as fleas and lice. In folk medicine and some alternative health communities, DE is also ingested with the belief that it can help eliminate internal parasites in humans and animals.

However, scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of DE for internal parasite control in humans is limited and mostly anecdotal. There are some small-scale studies and reports in veterinary contexts indicating a potential reduction in parasite loads in animals, but these findings are not robustly replicated or confirmed by large, controlled clinical trials. Regulatory agencies have not approved DE as a treatment for internal human parasites. Most of the scientific support for DE pertains to its use as an insecticide or for external parasite control rather than as an internal anti-parasitic treatment. Thus, its use for general parasite treatment is primarily justified by tradition and anecdotal reports, with limited scientific validation.

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