Clay is a natural rock material with multiple uses and benefits. Used since the Middle Ages, it is used in the art of pottery but also for its benefits on health, well-being and beauty.
This dry powder that turns into clay when mixed with water is composed mainly of silicates and alumina hydrates but also other minerals and trace elements such as aluminum, iron, magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium and manganese. Several types of clays can be distinguished according to their composition.;
Clays with a high alumina content (aluminium oxide)
Clays with a high magnesium content
Clays with a high iron content
Clay: good for the skin and the body
Clay, in addition to being used in pottery, is also very appreciated for its effects on the body both in preparation for drinking and in skin application.
Clay for internal use
Certain types of clays can be used internally to prevent and treat various problems encountered by the body.
In these cases, the clay takes the form of a powder diluted in water or sometimes in the form of granules.
Clay for external use
Clay is widely used externally for beauty and well-being as well as for healing. It is used as a cataplasm on wounds, as a skin mask or added to a bath.
What can be treated with clay?
Clay in oral intake
For gastrointestinal disorders
Clay taken orally will have a preventive action to support the digestive system and a curative action that fights against pain, inflammation and acidity problems of the stomach. Thus, bloating, diarrhea, irritations, heartburn and imbalances in the intestinal flora are soothed and calmed thanks to the action of clay.
To make a clay cure
Carrying out a clay cure is an excellent way to cleanse your body. Clay will revitalize and remineralize the body in depth. This clay cure can be complemented by a gemmotherapy complex to purify and strengthen the liver.
Clay as a cataplasm
For open wounds
On an open wound, the clay paste (clay mixed with 2 teaspoons of water) will absorb impurities and germs to clean and disinfect the wound. Then, zinc and alumina (aluminum oxide) will help the wound heal faster.
Clay also has remineralizing and regenerative properties for the skin and is therefore the perfect dressing for grazes, abscesses, boils and other sores.
For joint pain
Thanks to the silica present in the clay, a cataplasm based on it will solidify the bones and repair the tendons.
Clay is excellent for treating inflammation and pain, draining oedemas, decongesting hematomas and relieving bruises, tendonitis, sprains or lumbago...
Precautions and contraindications for clay treatement
In case of skin application, perform an allergy test by placing a small amount of clay in the hollow of the elbow and wait a few hours.
In care for the skin or in cataplasm, there are no other precautions or particular contraindications to know.
Taking clay orally is not recommended for people with a history of occlusion, chronic constipation or hernia.
Clay must be taken outside from other medications intakes (including the pill) because clay absorbs and neutralizes everything in its path. The clay must be taken 2 to 3 hours before or after any other medication.
Do not heat the clay on the fire or in the microwave but prefer the water bath.
Do not use tap water but rather demineralized water.
Do not put in contact with metal (spoon) because it depolarizes the clay.
Drink a lot of water during a cure to improve the effects.
Which clay mask to choose for hair and skin?
White clay is indicated for dry and fragile skins as well as for hair with a dry tendency. It is soft and soothes irritations and eliminates toxins present on the skin.
Green clay regulates excess sebum and improves the healing and purification of the skin. It is used on combination and oily skin with acneic tendency and oily hair.
Yellow clay is toning and absorbs impurities. It is intended for normal or oily skin and normal and weakened hair.
Pink clay is recommended for dry hair and sensitive and dull skin because it softens and gently cleanses the skin while restoring its shine.
Red clay is rich in iron and is perfect for stimulating the scalp as well as purifying and re-boosting the skin so that it regains a luminous complexion.
Blue clay is applied to dull and stressed skin. It relieves the skin of external aggressions in addition to eliminating impurities and illuminating the complexion. It is ideal for the skins of smokers or people living in a polluted environment.
The ghassoul comes from Morocco and can be used on all skin types even if it is particularly interesting for oily skin. It absorbs impurities and excess sebum while gently cleansing.