Clay has been used for centuries by people - not only in agriculture or industry. Clay was and is an important medicinal and cosmetic tool. The first recorded use of medicinal clay goes back to ancient Mesopotamia (the Tigris-Euphrates region in the eastern Mediterranean) around 2500 B. C. Also, ancient Egyptians used clay. For example, the legendary Cleopatra used clay to preserve her complexion. The Pharaohs' physicians used the material as an anti-inflammatory agent and an antiseptic.
Clay is becoming increasingly popular as a treatment for many different health and skincare conditions.
Medicinal Properties of Clay
Here are some quick facts about medicinal clay:
- Clay is effective in killing bacteria
- It absorbs excess oil, dirt and toxins from skin
- Clay exfoliates and improves skin circulation
- Application of medicinal clay has healed many types of skin infections
- Clay contains large amounts of all trace minerals, necessary for good skin and health - it is common to see 40 or even 70 different trace minerals in various clays
Nowadays there are numerous clay researchers and studies, which are receiving more and more attention around the world. For example, some of university studies have shown that French green clay has health benefits. It kills bacteria which are even resistant to antibiotics. As scientists explain, green clay literally erodes the cell walls of bacteria which causes them to die. Meanwhile, other scientist-researchers believe that there is some substance within the clay that attacks bacteria. Either way, French green clay may help with skin diseases, scientists assume.
An American researcher, Madeleine Mariani, ND, PhD, a doctor of Naturopathy based in Encino in California, believes clay acts as an analgesic, quickly reducing the pain of itching, speeding the healing process. According to Mariani, "It cleanses the digestive track of positively charged ions, which are bacteria, viruses and fungals as well as removing parasites. By assisting the body in detoxing, clay aids the liver and kidneys, which are greatly overworked by toxins." She adds that clay may be good for skin disorders.
Clay Variety
Clays come in a variety of colors such as blue, green, white, gray and red. They range in texture from coarser and heavy to fine and fluffy. The different colors of clay occur because of their natural mineral content.
Blue Clay
Blue clay is an excellent healer, cosmetologists say. Blue clay is suitable not only for women, but also for men. Blue clay has all mineral salts and microelements: phosphate, iron, magnesium, silica, calcium, potassium, etc. The studies have shown that blue clay smooths out wrinkles, treats acne and pimples, and removes freckles.
Green Clay
Green clay is a perfect antiseptic. It is also rich in microelements. Green clay contains silver, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, cobalt, molybdenum, and phosphorus. It is good predominantly for oily and combination skin types. It promotes the pores' constriction, removes dead skin cells and absorbs fats and impurities. After using green clay, the skin feels fresh, soft, smooth and radiant.
White Clay
White clay also absorbs the waste products of organism cells, dead epidermis cells and excessive fat, enriching skin with rich mineral content. This kind of clay is suitable for all skin types -- oily, normal, sensitive, dry, blemish prone or mature skin. White clay draws out poisons. It is more widely used than other cosmetic clays and white clay is frequently found in skin care products, deodorants, soaps, scrubs, powders.
Red Clay
Red clay is a less absorbent material than the green, but the red clay removes allergies and works well for the sensitive skin inclined to irritation. It contains an aluminum silicate that is aluminum silicic compound iron, magnesium, copper and potassium. Red clay cleans out the skin from the layers of dead keratinized cells and it accelerates the regeneration process. This sort of clay normalizes sebaceous gland functioning, prevents pimples and acne.
How to Use Medicinal Clay: General Instructions
Face Masks
- Wash face as normal
- Apply clay to damp face, avoiding eye and lip areas
- Leave on for 15-20 minutes
- Let it dry
- Rinse well with warm water
(Use weekly for dry skin and more often for oily)
Body Packs
- Add one part clay to three parts of water or until the desired consistency is reached
- Mix thoroughly to an even paste
- Apply to skin area
Baths
- Add 2-3 ounces of clay (56-85 grams) to your bath water
- Thoroughly mix in and soak
- Feel free to add essential oils or/and an herbal infusion
- Take bath for 20-30 minutes
Medicinal clay is typically available in health food, beauty stores or on internet. Clay is very good for skin - not just from beauty standpoint, but also from health standpoint.
The healthier your skin is, the healthier you are!
Sources:
AboutClay is a website, dedicated to educating the public about the myriad benefits of using calcium bentonite clay, with interviews of numerous scientists and researchers.
Doctors Lounge is a large online network of doctors, physicians, nurses and allied clinical professionals.
'Healing clays may have antibacterial effects researchers say', Arizona State University, Nov 18, 2006
NutritionResearchCenter.com is a website, founded by nutritionists with clinical experience.
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