Cleansing with Healing Clay

Clay has a long history of use, from building homes to making pottery. But did you know you can eat it too? While it probably doesn't go well on a veggie burger, its nutritional properties are well documented. Clay is a potent detoxifier for the whole body, inside and out.

Clay's history is history indeed. Dating to before written history, clay has been used by native cultures as a powerful regenerator and healing agent. It was commonly used to support the intestinal system in the elimination of toxins, heal open wounds, and mend fractured bones. Primitive tribes on almost all continents have used clay for conditions of toxicity. Dr. Weston A. Price in his book, "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration", writes that while studying diets of certain tribes, he examined their knapsacks. He found that some contained balls of clay, and inside the clay were morsels of food. Price explained that the clay condiment was to prevent "sick stomach". These natives were reported to use the clays for combating dysentery and food infections. Price found that the Quetchus Indians of South America, who were largely vegetarian, would dip their potatoes into an aqueous suspension of clay. This procedure was said to prevent 'souring in the stomach'." The Pomo Indians of California consumed bitter and toxic types of acorns along with clay. The clay absorbed the poisons and eliminated the bitterness.

Clay is one of the three major components of soil, the other two being sand and silt. Its formation is due to the geological events of erosion and precipitation and is found where water has deposited minerals of the earth or volcanic lava has flowed. Their healing powers are said to be from their complex mineral composition; many clays contain high amounts of calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium, silica, and zinc, as well as a variety of trace minerals. Its very small particle size makes it able to absorb and hold water.

The use of clay is a very effective treatment for many internal ailments. Its healing properties come from its ability to absorb toxins and pull them from the body. Clay is an inert material that has an electrical charge, attracting toxins and holding them as they are eliminated. Some clays have the ability to dramatically swell when hydrated, providing a larger surface area to collect impurities. Clay is most commonly used today for digestive tract ailments, including detoxification, relief from chronic constipation, diarrhea, or indigestion. Other internal uses include tissue repair, increased resistance to infection, relief from ulcers, a cure for mineral deficiencies, and neutralization of an overly acidic system. It can even leave you with a clearer complexion. Clay is said to work on the entire organism, leaving no part of the body untouched by its healing energy. As far as eating dirt goes, bentonite is the most effective and powerful healing clay used today. It is considered a "swelling" clay. One quart is the equivalent of 12 football fields in surface area. The Wedge carries Yerba Prima's Great Plains Bentonite Clay, 16oz that retails for $8.99. We also carry bentonite clay in our bulk herb section, retailing for $16.20 per pound.

Clays have a variety of uses in the cosmetic and facial care industry for their absorbent, drawing, cleansing, thickening, and tightening properties. They are used in facial masks, body powders, deodorants, soaps and creams. Clay has a toning action that stimulates the skin, bringing fresh blood to damaged cells, and revitalizing the complexion while tightening pores. French green clay is the mud of choice for skin care because it is highly absorbent and very rich in minerals. Its highly micronized state allows for far greater absorption of impurities, dust, oil, contaminants, and makeup than other clays. It is especially effective on oily skin and for shrinking large pores. For some skin types, green clay can be too drying, but white kaolin or bentonite clays are less so. Mixing all clays with oil, however, will also decrease their drying properties. Clay is also used for full body mud treatments. Taking a dip in mud is known to increase blood circulation, absorb impurities, soften skin, and improve surface moisturization. At the Wedge, we carry French green clay in bulk for $12.70 per pound. Try Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, a bentonite clay, 16 oz retails for $7.99, giving you 10-15 facials; or Burt's Bees Pore-Refining Mask with French green clay and eight different herbs and flowers, 1.8oz sells for $7.29. Aubrey's Natural Herbal Oil Balancing Mask with kaolin clay sells for $8.49 for 4 oz. Simply moisten clay with an equal amount of water or other liquid and make it into a paste and leave on for 5-20 minutes. The longer the clay is left on, the more drawing and tightening the effect.

Clay is an excellent medium for building a house, making a bowl, or tossing at your friends. It is also an excellent way to cleanse, both internally and externally. For further information, check out the Health and Body Care Department at the Wedge.