this clay It has been used since ancient times natural treatment to solve health problems. It has been widely used in naturopathic medicine with great practical results, especially because it is simple to prepare, affordable and easy to find.In fact, there is a Various types of claymany of which can be considered medicinal, with traditional uses and proven scientific research supporting their therapeutic properties.
Properties of Medicinal Clay
this clay It comes from the breakdown of feldspar, a mineral that makes up 60% of the earth’s crust and consists of silica and aluminum oxide.
Generally speaking, clays are very hydrophilic, that is, They retain water very wellthey have a Strong adsorption force, which partly explains its therapeutic properties. For example, they have the ability to retain gases and have healing properties.
Other benefits come from its mineral content, there is a big difference between each one.It is also essential to Bacteria and organic matter They contain microbial activity as they mark their antimicrobial effect.
Most healing clay is bentonite claya rock formed in the earth’s bed volcanic ash.When volcanic ash is compacted and penetrated with water, it is primarily converted into Kaolinite (in acidic environment), Smectite (slightly alkaline, such as sea water) or Zeolite (strongly alkaline).
Green or white clay: which one to choose
When searching medicinal clay You may come across these names, but many are also named after the place where they were extracted or where their traditional use developed, e.g. Rasulfrom the Atlas of Morocco, or french green clay.
The color depends on which mineral is dominant, which has little effect on its properties. Thus, French green clay gets its color from the oxides of the rock from which it is extracted, while red clay is notable for its iron.
Generally speaking, Clay is considered safe Apply to the skin, you can even choose clay for pottery or brickwork.But maybe it makes us more reliable when buying medicinal clay preparations or clay cosmetics, as companies must prove the safety of their products.
How to prepare clay at home
When preparing, the most important thing is Clay has little sand or impurities:
- Put clay into container Clay, ceramic, wood or glass instead of metal or plastic.Then Add purified water Let it rest. If it’s too light, add more clay powder.
- Pasta should be model consistencycan be easily rolled into balls.
- You can prepare it for a few days and then leave it out in the sun and air, okay Cover to avoid accumulation of impurities.
- Just add water and knead it Clay bacterial proliferationwhich will alter its therapeutic properties.
When ready, apply in the following form Plasters, compresses, wraps, masksetc., depending on what is most comfortable for the area to be treated.can be applied cold or hot, although in most cases applications will be cold whenever possible. If heating is necessary, we will do it in a water bath or knead with hot water.
able Mix clay with other ingredients Enhance certain effects like cabbage, garlic, honey, oil, onion… You can add to the mask, for example, banana or avocado, or brewer’s yeast, great for acne. Wrap clay containing fenugreek powder in gauze and use it on oozing wounds or cracks that must drain to heal.
How to use medicinal clay
Depending on the area being treated, you may be more comfortable using one or another method:
- Plaster: On a piece of linen or cotton, handkerchief, napkin, etc.extend one 5 mm to 2 cm layer of clay Apply directly to skin with a wooden spatula or your hands. In areas with hair or wounds, place a gauze pad between the skin or wound and the clay.Then Fix with bandage Or cover it with wool or flannel.
- compression: Prepare clean water, soak the cloth in it, wring it out slightly, apply it directly or spread gauze on the affected area; then cover it with wool or flannel cloth.
- envelope: used to place a large part of the body Contact with the Earth. Moisten wrappers, drain and wrap around arms, legs, torso or entire body. Wear warm clothes and stay in bed during application.
- Face mask: Clay used alone or with other ingredients, directly on skinFor example, in cases of acne or excess sebum.
- Dust removal: Apply powder to bruises, irritations, ulcers, eczema and massage or rub.
- egyptian law: he Brush clay into skin Covers a large area. Dead Sea slime is often applied this way.
- bandage: For example, impregnate gauze with kaolin clay to prevent bleeding. The application of clay can last from 1 hour (until the heat dissipates if it is hot), up to 3 or 4 hours, or even 8 hours, overnight. Treatment can last from several days to several months. If any discomfort or unpleasant reaction occurs, remove it immediately.
and, Once used, the clay is thrown away. As for the frequency, it depends on the purpose. For abscesses and purulent rashes, it is recommended to apply every 1/2 hour or 1 hour until necessary; in case of trauma, 1 to 3 hours and repeat; in large applications, once daily for 2 or 4 hours.
What is clay used for?
this Topical Applications of Clay They can provide relief from a variety of conditions, especially skin problems, bumps, and inflammation.
- skin problems: Clay helps remove excess oil and toxins from the skin, so it is effective in keeping the skin clean and healthy, as well as treating various skin diseases, such as Boils, acne and seborrhea.they have proven useful dermatitis touch, Psoriasis, herpes, impetigo, galls and ulcers (French green clay is used to treat Buruli ulcers).A great application for clay is Abscesses and infected wounds Due to its antibacterial effect, and burns Level 2, under medical supervision.
- pain and inflammation: Clay can relieve arthritis and gout (applied to cold compresses) and Low back pain and osteoarthritis (in thermal paste).it is also used for Neuralgia and mastitis (Use a hot cloth if the breasts are full and uncomfortable; use a cold cloth if the breasts are engorged; this should be pleasant).
- trauma and shock: When clay is applied to injuries or blows, skin color changes or large bruises may occur; we must interpret this as a good thing, because extravasation of blood from the trauma will flow into the skin, thus accelerating improvement.
- Other uses: Clay is also used to treat cystitis, prostatitis, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, goiter, and to relieve congestion in breast cancer tissue.
internal clay
It is believed that, Geophagy (eating clay) has been practiced throughout history Make up for mineral deficiencies Examples include iron or zinc, but are also commonly used as Detox and Treat diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Using only specific clays, previously tested in traditional ways or experimentally, and with indications for use as medicine or food, under medical supervision.
this KaoliniteFor example, it has been a traditional treatment stomach acheand has been used in anti-inflammatory drugs watery diarrhea.in the case of severe heavy metal poisoning Bentonite clay has been used due to its adsorption capacity. In turn, the bacterial flora in the clay can be used to rebuild the digestive microbiota in the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease waves ulcerative colitis.It also has antibacterial properties salmonella, Aeromonas and E. coli.
he internal uses of clay It is contraindicated in patients with constipation, intestinal obstruction, and hernia.
Mud and sludge treatment
In addition to clay, which can simply be mixed with tap water, what we commonly call clay can also be used for medicinal purposes. “Mud” or “mud”. These are actually a kind of sphere: Mixture of minerals and organic substances with mineral water. These mixtures are used in wraps and baths in spas and spas.
this mud and sludge is the most commonly used sphere, but there are others, including slime or peat, with different combinations of minerals, organic matter (humus, algae) and water (sulfide, chloride, seawater…).Their healing effect from its minerals, the specific effects of each water and its bacterial activity, as well as its Strong thermal insulation ability When applying heat.
The sphere is For external use only The International Society for Medical Hydrology has been clarifying its indications, supported by practice and research. Peloids support the treatment of rheumatism, neuralgia, bruises and other trauma, Raynaud’s syndrome or phlebitis, skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, itching and toxic dermatitis, dysmenorrhea and ovarian hypofunction, or post-traumatic paresis and nerve paralysis.