Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)

Nobody wants bed bugs. They’re a pain in the, well, bed. In this blog post, we’ll explain what they are, how to tell if you’ve got an infestation, and share a non-toxic, affordable way to give the bugs the boot for good. What are bed bugs? Bed bugs are small insects that are reddish-brown in colour and oval and flat in shape, no bigger than an apple seed. These pesky little insects like to set up home in our homes - they have a particular fancy for bedding, mattresses and furniture - so they have easy access to their food source: us. That's right, they feast on our blood. And if that wasn't creepy enough, they usually wait until after hours to gorge. How to identify bed bugs Signs you've got an infestation may include: · Bites on the areas that are exposed while you're sleeping; often face, neck and arms · Small spots of blood on your bedding, which can be caused by the bites or you rolling over and squashing one in the night · Small brown spots which, we're sorry to tell you, is likely bed bug poo While the bites can be itchy and unpleasant, they are unlikely to cause any major health issues. Nevertheless, nobody wants these uninvited lodgers hanging around. Thankfully there is a simple, straightforward way to get rid of these irritating critters without having to spend a fortune on expensive pest control. The benefits of Diatomaceous Earth Diatomaceous Earth is an affordable, non-toxic method for putting an end to your bed bug misery. Here are just a few of the reasons why we can’t get enough of the stuff: · It's a natural product - Made from fossilized sea creatures, these remains largely consist of silicon dioxide, which is non-toxic and safe to handle · Works with heat treatment - Used alongside heat treatment (heads up: you're going to be doing a lot of laundry), it works wonders to eradicate bed bugs for good · Safely kills - You won't find any pesticides or other nasties in Diatomaceous Earth, so you might be wondering how does Diatomaceous Earth kill bed bugs? It essentially dehydrates their waxy shell and in doing so, kills them · Long-lasting - How well does Diatomaceous Earth kill bed bugs? It’s long-lasting stuff! While you're looking at a week minimum for it to work its magic, Diatomaceous Earth is a powerful remedy that will put an end to your bed bug plight for good · Can't be outwitted - Diatomaceous Earth is clever too; bugs can't crawl through it as it acts as a physical barrier and they also cannot develop a resistance to it like they can do with certain pesticides · Safe for most pets – Is Diatomaceous Earth safe for pets? It depends on what furry company you keep but, in most cases, yes. This non-toxic substance is safe around pets like cats and dogs. However, it's best to avoid in areas where you've got reptiles or spiders as it could cause a number of dehydration related health issues. How to get rid of bed bugs with Diatomaceous Earth 1. Isolate the room/s affected First things first, you're going to need to decamp elsewhere for a week minimum while this process gets underway. 2. Heat treat loose items Diatomaceous Earth works best alongside heat treatment, so for items that can be hot washed (e.g., your bedding, clothes) that is your first line of defence. Once washed, pop into a sealed container until the infestation has gone. 3. Apply Diatomaceous Earth Now it's time to crack out the good stuff and be liberal as these cheeky critters get everywhere. It's important to sprinkle it in all the places where bed bugs like to lurk, so pay close attention to: · Around the borders of a room · Behind faceplates · Underneath all furniture and in any interior space e.g., bed frames There is no precise measurement you need to use, but it’s better to be generous than scrimp. And while it is perfectly safe to handle, you’ll want to wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling any. 4. How to get rid of bed bugs on mattress The majority of the bed bugs are going to be hiding in your mattress ready for their next feast, so this requires a particularly intensive approach. For the best result, apply the Diatomaceous Earth over the whole thing and then pop it in a bed bug mattress cover. This will ensure that all the bedbugs are killed as they won't have access to their food supply. 5. Leave it for at least a week, ideally longer, and then vacuum Once you've left the Diatomaceous Earth for a week to work its magic, you get the satisfying job of vacuuming up* the dead bed bugs. Once you're done, dump the contents in your outside bin. - So, what are you waiting for? Stock up on Diatomaceous Earth and say goodbye to your bed bug nightmare! *When vacuuming Diatomaceous Earth DO NOT use a regular filtered vacuum cleaner or a vacuum cleaner with a bag. Use only vacuum cleaners with a high quality HEPA filter. //

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring sand made from the fossilized remains of diatoms. These are tiny aquatic organisms whose skeletons are composed of natural silica – an essential ingredient of diatomaceous earth. It looks like an off-white powder, a bit like talc, and has no noticeable odour. It's non-toxic and abrasive and can be used for a number of handy things. And please don't worry, as diatomaceous earth is a vegan product, meaning that no diatoms were hurt during the production process. What is Diatomaceous Earth Used For? There are two main types of diatomaceous earth: food grade and feed grade. Food grade diatomaceous earth is often used as alternative medicine. It can be ingested or used on the outside of the body to cure various ailments. Food grade can also help cleanse the digestive tract, improve cholesterol and bone health, and promote hair growth. Feed grade diatomaceous earth is used as a natural pesticide and effectively kills fleas and other pests, including ticks, ants, cockroaches, and bed bugs. When sprinkled around the house or placed directly onto your pet's coat, the powder scratches the insects with its abrasive, sharp edges, penetrating the exoskeleton while absorbing its oils and fats. This dries the insects out, killing them. The difference between feed and food grade diatomaceous earth is due to the level of filtration. While both contain less than 1% crystalline silica, food grade contains fewer heavy metals, making it safer for human consumption. How to Use Diatomaceous Earth When consuming diatomaceous earth, take one teaspoon once a day alongside a glass of water. For best results, use it on an empty stomach at least one hour before eating or two hours after. Drinking an additional glass of water after each dose will improve the effects of the powder. When used against fleas and other insects, diatomaceous earth can be sprinkled directly onto a carpet or soil. It can also be used in the garden to protect your plants and crops from pests. However, you'll need to reapply the powder after heavy rain or dew for it to work. As a non-toxic, natural substance, the rain will simply wash it away. On carpets, sprinkle the powder where fleas are most likely to hide and leave it for three days. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly to remove dead fleas and repeat the process over a couple of weeks to capture newly-hatched eggs. You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth on your bed in case of a bed bug infestation. Just remember to vacuum it off before you go to sleep, as it may feel a little itchy. If you've found fleas on your pet's fur, diatomaceous earth can be applied directly to the coat. After sprinkling it into fur, brush it deep into the scalp, being careful to avoid the eyes and nose. Your pet shouldn't be bothered by the powder and may even enjoy a good brush. While the powder can kill fleas, it can't kill insect eggs. Therefore, repeat the treatment for a minimum of two weeks. After using diatomaceous earth, store it in a cool, dry pantry or cupboard to keep it at its best for longer. How Long Before You Feel the Effects of Diatomaceous Earth? It can take a little while for the silica in diatomaceous earth to work through your system. Don't be disheartened if you don't feel the effects straight away, as it usually takes between 6-8 weeks for results to show. Is Diatomaceous Earth Safe for Pets? As a non-toxic substance, diatomaceous earth is perfectly fine to use on dogs, cats, and larger mammals. However, when using it on your pet, be careful not to get it near the eyes or nose, as it may dry them out and cause irritation. We wouldn't advise using diatomaceous earth around lizards and geckos, as the powder can irritate the skin. As a general rule of thumb, keep it away from reptiles in case it dries them out and causes health issues. Similarly, diatomaceous earth is not safe around spiders or other pet insects as it will dehydrate and kill them. You should only use food grade diatomaceous earth with your pets as this is the grade that's safe for animals if accidentally ingested. To make it easier for you, we only sell diatomaceous earth that's kind for both pets and humans. Where to Buy Diatomaceous Earth? You can find both Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth and Feed Grade Diatomaceous Earth in our online store. Wholefood Earth is committed to providing full transparency on the testing and acquisitions procedure for your peace of mind, so check out the product pages to find out more. /**/

Mid-January can make us feel all a bit lost, but it’s time to get back to routine! Now the festive period is done and dusted, it’s time to get back into the flow of things. Which might mean focusing on healthy eating, keeping active, reducing alcohol intake, embarking on your New Year’s Resolutions! All this in mind, we thought we would recommend our January Detox Range! Featuring: Clipper Teas – Detox/Nettle/Dandelion These Herbal Teas can be great for Bloating, Indigestion, Water Retention, Soothing for your tummy after an indulgent Christmas. 3 cups a day in between meals.https://wholefoodearth.com/pages/search-results-page?q=tea&page=2 Together Vitamin D –This Sunshine Vitamin is harder to come by at this time of year, so supplementing in the wintery months is vital. Vitamin D is amazing for your energy levels, bone health, low mood, teeth, hair, skin and nails. Overall Vitality and certainly puts a spring into your step! This product is Vegan Friendly too! (Please consult with your GP/Health Care Professional if unsure or on any Medication) https://wholefoodearth.com/products/together-health-vegan-vitamin-d3-food-supplement-30-capsules Willy’s Kombucha Kombucha is fabulous for your digestion. The Apple Cider Vinegar version is a power packed Detox Drink, rich in natural probiotics. Customers say they feel energised and invigorated with improved digestion. Also great for Colds, Sore Throats, Hair Skin and Nails, Tummy Upset and so much more! The Apple Cider Vinegar Edition comes in three flavours: Apple, Blackcurrant and Raspberry and Introducing Willy’s Ginger Beer – Alcohol Free! Ginger is great for Nausea, Sickness, Stomach Discomfort and Indigestion. (Please consult with your GP/Health Care Professional if unsure or suffer with any Medical Conditions)|https://wholefoodearth.com/products/willys-ginger-kombucha-beer-250ml Donat Water Donat is back in stock! High in demand, this Magnesium Water is magical. Not only great for Indigestion, Heart Burn, Constipation you name it! It is also great for those suffering with Muscle Cramps, Restless Leg Syndrome, Stiffness, Muscle Spasms, Aches and Pains, Low Mood & Stress, Energy levels and may even help you sleep! Magnesium is an adaptogen and adapts to what your body needs. Drink daily for optimum efficiency. https://wholefoodearth.com/products/donat-mg-magnesium-water Wholefood Earth Soya Mince/Chunks A lot of us look to reduce processed and rich foods in the New Year. By swapping meat for plant-based meat alternatives, you will be reducing your fat and cholesterol intake and increasing protein and fibre. Two nutrients vital for helping you feel full, energised, for muscle recovery and overall health. Why not try our Soya Mince in your Bolognese, Cottage Pies, Chilli etc and the Chunks in Stir Fries, Casseroles, Curries, Salads and more! Simply rehydrate in boiled water for 15 mins to an hour depending on the texture you like and mix into your cooking! Super healthy, Versatile, Low Fat, High Protein…Yay! https://wholefoodearth.com/pages/search-results-page?q=soya+mince Pop into our Ramsgate store to see the full range or shop online!

Introducing Wholefood Earth's new product listing - Vital Wheat Gluten.Famous for the creation of Seitan - the vegan meat alternative!Vital wheat gluten is a natural protein source found in wheat. It is a powerful flour that is almost pure gluten. It is made from wheat flour that has had the gluten activated during a dehydrating process, removing all other ingredients except the gluten. Wheat gluten has very little starch content and a fantastic way of making dough elasticated. Vital wheat gluten is great for bread making as it helps to increase the gluten content of the bake. It is equally as great used in muffins, cakes and other bakes such as tarts and pastries where you are working with yeast ingredients. A small amount added to yeast bread recipes improves the texture and elasticity of the dough. When combined with water it becomes highly elastic and has a sticky like texture. Vital Wheat Gluten is a natural and very effective raising agent, helping your bread fill out perfectly and evenly, giving it more volume. It can be especially helpful for baking bread made with whole grain flours and coarse cereals. Vital Wheat Gluten can ensure recipes that require fruit, nuts and seeds, chocolate chips etc stay firmly held together and a good binder too! Brilliant for binding Vegan Meatballs, Burgers, Tofu etc. To make Seitan: Mix Vital Wheat Gluten with spices and add water to make a dough. When the gluten dough is cooked either by steaming, baked or boiled it becomes chewy with a meat style texture! See the range of sizes online and in store today! We sell in bulk so perfect for cafes, restaurants and keen cooks alike!

Happy Halloween! Welcome to October,The air is slowly cooling, leaves are falling from the trees, the outdoors become covered in deep colours of orange, red and brown, the distinct aroma of bonfires tickle our nostrils, our favourite fruits and vegetables come into season and probably the most well known event October is known for...Halloween!Halloween has been a favourite annual event for decades, beginning from Celtic Harvest Festivals.Today we celebrate Halloween in various ways, the most common would be a big party, dressing up in comedic and spooky costumes, carving pumpkins, knocking on your neighbours door for candy, the traditional 'Trick or Treat'With this in mind we thought we would share Healthy Hints & Tips for an alternative Halloween. Maybe you want to reduce added sugar from your or your families diet? Or simply to try some new exciting foods?1. Seeds - Pumpkin,Sunflower,Black Sesame seedsSeeds are easy to nibble, savoury to taste and black sesame seeds give a spooky look to compliment the theme. You could roast seeds with a splash of Soy or Tamari sauce, Salt and Pepper, spices like Paprika, Chilli flakesRich in fibre, essential fats, minerals for overall health.2. Fruit - Dried Dates, Apricots, Banana, Figs, Cranberries, RaisinsDried fruit contains sweet natural sugars, great for a natural energy boost and appealing to all ages! No added sugar, rich in fibre, Iron and Vitamin C!3. Nuts - Peanuts, Brazil, Macadamia, Pecans, Cashews We understand that Nuts may be a NO GO when it comes to children's snacks. However for those who may choose to eat Nuts, they are power packed with protein, essential fats, minerals, help you feel satisfied without feeling the need to eat more. Rich and creamy to taste, also Nut Butters e.g. Peanut butter, Almond Butter, Cashew butter are lovely to dip carrot sticks in or spread on a cracker, bread sticks etc.4. Dairy Free Chocolate/SweetsFor a tasty treat, brands like Moo Free cater for those who are allergic or choose to avoid Dairy, Soya, Gluten. We sell Mini Moo Bars, perfect for a little snack for the sweet tooths out there!Gelatine Free Gummy Sweets - Sour fruits or Cola we sell packets of Vegan sweets that can be shared5. Fruit and Nut BarsBrands such as 'Nakd, Beond Organic,Trek, Cliff, Meridian'Make healthy snack bars that give you on the go energy, they may be small but they pack a punch of slow release energy! 6. Dips and ChipsWe stock a wide range of Gluten free, Vegan Crisps and Dips. So many yummy flavours of crisps made from Lentils, Quinoa, Hummus, Corn instead of the considered unhealthier high fat potato chips.No added sugar dips and relishes to tantalise your taste buds!We hope this helps and have a happy and safe Halloween!All products listed are available online and in our NEW Ramsgate Store!WholeFood Earth22, Leigh RoadHaine Industrial Estate4032277001622RamsgateCT12 5EU

What is Celtic Sea Salt? Deriving from the coastal regions and estuaries of Brittany, France, Celtic Sea Salt (or Sel Gris as translated in French) is a grey salt, harvested traditionally from solar-evaporated ocean water. Inhabited at the bottom of clay ponds, Celtic Sea Salt has a complex flavouring that naturally enhances the taste of fruits and vegetables. Why is Celtic Sea Salt trending? The artisanal salting technique goes back centuries, linking back to traditions and rituals. The ecosystem has been preserved for many years, making the production very authentic. Over the last few years Celtic Sea Salt has found its way onto social media because of how uncomplicated the processing is. The natural salt has been recommended by influencers all around the world. Creators have invested in the product and have been talking about all of its advantages. Celtic Sea Salt Benefits Hydration By adding the salt to fruits and vegetables, and eating the whole foods (not the sea salt) in large doses, it allows for a larger electrolyte intake, and eventually an electrolyte balance in your body. This, as well as the trace minerals, could help aid the functioning of hydration in your organs, and wash out the toxins in your body. Digestion Celtic Sea Salt is minimally processed compared to other salts; therefore, it contains a lower amount of sodium, a higher amount of minerals, and it includes lots of natural moisture. With this being said, it is far lighter to digest because of its natural elements and could potentially improve your gut health in the same process. Nutrients In discussing Celtic Sea Salt’s harvesting, the minimal processing keeps most of the nutrients and minerals in the salt, thus giving the body nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, (maintains bone, muscle, and nerve health) potassium, (regulates blood pressure, and heart health) Iron, (supports transportation of red bloods cells and oxygen) and Zinc. These elements also help promote clearer and hydrated skin, by balancing out the PH levels, ultimately reducing acidity, inflammation and irritation. HINT: A pinch of Celtic Sea Salt in warm water before bed could help soothe your muscles, strengthen the body, and the calming properties could even promote a better night’s sleep. History of Salt Dating back to 6000BC, parts of China would fight over salt reserves. The Shangxi province contains a salt river, civilians would wait till the dry seasons where the water would dissolve, and salt would be left behind. Eventually, hunters and gatherers found large amount of salt in animal meats and started to understand the concept of flavouring and seasoning. This is when the concept of ‘pickling’ and ‘brining’ foods began. During late 400 BC, Hippocrates used salt for medicinal reasons. He used salt for respiratory treatments, and it was also pressed into the skin to help heal diseases. Salt also became an expensive investment during ancient times, because of the preservation and seasoning elements. Communities would trade for salt and economies thrived off the transactions. In fact, the Latin word for salt, ‘sal’ became the term ‘salary’ in Roman times, as many soldiers were paid in salt. Hence where the term ‘not worth his salt’ comes from. Moving to the 14th century, large amounts of rock salt started to get mined, in what is now considered Austria. During this Celtic era was also when the French collected spring water and first boiled it to extract salts from ‘brine water’ in order to collect chunks of pure salt, and also boiled it to create separate drinking water. In the 18th century the United Kingdom took on salt for the chemical industries. Taking on Prussia’s clever organisation of salt mining, the UK were quick to adapt to the monopoly of salt trade and were the biggest manufacturer and consumer of Salt. By the 19th century many chemists began experimenting with other compounds and ‘Salt’ became a popular additive for many products, such as- soda, soaps, fertilizers, and textiles. Now in the 21st century, salt is a cheap everyday product, however, it is still mined and harvested in the same traditional ways as centuries before. Types of Salt As seen in the paragraph above, salt has been and is still used for lots of different reasons. It is a useful and versatile mineral that can be bought in different states and types. Table Salt (The most commonly used salt in cooking, predominantly made up of sodium chloride.) Sea Salt (Evaporated Sea water, available as fine granules and crystals. Less processed than table salt.) Rock Salt (Mined salt from its original form. Excellent home remedy for digestive issues.) Pink Sea Salt (The same type of salt as sea salt, the pink colouring comes from natural minerals and clay.) Fleur Del Sel (Wind-dried, hand harvested salt from the French marshes of Guerande.) Himalayan Salt (Mined from ancient deposits in the Himalayan mountains, rather than from evaporated water. Smoother taste than table salt.) Black Salt (Synthetic salt made from different types of sodium and charcoal, or activated charcoal and sea salt.) Kala Namak (Black salt that is manufactured from the outer regions surrounding the Himalayas.) Why Celtic Sea Salt? Aside from its unusual grey colouring, Celtic Sea Salt is a great salt to invest in because of how natural its sold state is. Alike Himalayan salt, Celtic Sea Salt is also traditionally gathered, giving it that authentic edge over other salts. Compared to other salts, Celtic Salt has the lowest amount of sodium. Sodium in small doses help balance out your electrolytes, and help your nerve impulses function. Too much sodium can have a negative effect on your liver and kidneys and lead to de-hydration and fluid retention. Food experts have talked about how Celtic Sea Salt has a curious flavour and texture to it. The saltiness is delicate, allowing the true flavours of the food to push through to your palette, and the texture is satisfyingly crunchy adding to its complexity. Although it is sometimes suggested as being an expensive salt, chefs have said that it is a great restaurant ingredient and a great pantry ingredient to keep in your house. Why Is Celtic Sea Salt So Moist? Celtic Sea Salt is very moist because of its natural mineral-rich brine. Not to be confused with water, this salt has a brine that is low in sodium and high in nutrients. Celtic Sea Salt is dried in the sun; therefore, its moisture is not fully removed. Compared to most salts, Celtic Salt contains more natural minerals because of its extra moisture. NOTE: If wanting to grind this salt, remember to cook your salt in the oven for a few hours to dry it out. This should make it easier to grind and the texture should be more of a powdery form. Cooking With Celtic Sea Salt As we now know, Celtic Sea Salt has an unusual flavour that enhances our whole food recipes. Celtic Salt can be used in baking and cooking, it dissolves very quickly so it is great seasoning for soups, stews, casseroles, and curries. As well as this, Celtic Salt is a great finishing salt for meats, fish, and plant-based meals. It is a popular salt to use for home fermenting. It also works as a great savoury flavouring with dark chocolate and caramel desserts. It is suggested that humans should only ingest between 1 and 2 teaspoons of the salt a day, anymore could lead to potential hydration issues. What Is The Best Celtic Sea Salt We recommend purchasing Celtic Sea Salt from smaller businesses who focus on the organic side of products. This way you will have a better idea of the quality. Some of the best Celtic Sea Salt brands include: Celtic Sea Salt (This Celtic Sea Salt shop was founded in 1976, and is a worldwide brand) Le Paludier Celtic Salt, Sel de Guerande, Food Alive, Whole Food Earth (You can buy this Celtic Sea Salt online)