Why And How To Use Clay?

Found in several colors: green, red, pink, blue, purple, brown or white depending on their composition. In commerce, it is also found in several forms. Crushed, powdered, ultra-ventilated, superfine, or ready to use for example. So why and how to use clay? How is it actually used? What are its properties?

Why and how to use clay?

Clay is a sedimentary rock, composed mainly of silica. But it also contains: aluminum, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, copper, zinc, selenium, cobalt, manganese, and lime… It is waterproof, greasy to the touch, and can be easily shaped when wet. Usually, it is found underground, about a meter deep. It is a natural and healthy product that we deserve to know a little more about.

–Ancestral uses of clay:

An ancestral remedy, we know its virtues and have used it for curative care for hundreds of years. But it is also used for washing clothes; to wash your body and hair. As well as the making of pottery and/or writing tablets. Or even as a construction material; to rebalance a soil; in arboriculture, etc. Even animals bathe in it instinctively when they are injured!

• In Greek mythology, Prometheus created men with the potter’s clay!
• The Egyptians used it to speed up the healing of wounds. As well as in mummification rituals, due to its antiseptic and purifying properties.
• The Romans added it to thermal baths to take care of their skin. They also applied it during pain and/or on deep wounds.
• In the 18th century, clay whitewash was used under the name “Ointment of Saint Fiacre”. It was mixed with cow dung. It was used to treat wounds on trees for rapid healing during grafting or wounds.
• Until the era of modern medicine, apothecaries used it in a large number of preparations. At the hospices of Beaune, you can still see pots containing clay powders.
• During the First World War, German and Austrian doctors used it to fight against epidemics of dysentery which was wreaking havoc in the armies.

Clay, an internal and external remedy

Clay therapy acts internally (diluted) or externally. Externally, it is used in a bath, in friction, in a wrap, in a poultice, in a beauty mask or as a hair product. It is effective alone or mixed with plants or other ingredients. Such as vegetable oils, hydrosols, essential oils, honey…

–Internally:

It stimulates tired organisms thanks to the trace elements and minerals it contains. Also, it strengthens natural defenses and helps with cell regeneration. It can also protect and calm the gastrointestinal mucosa. As well as reducing acid reflux (by balancing acidity and pH), and regulating transit in cases of gastroenteritis. Absorbed by the digestive tract, it acts as a pump on toxins stored on the mucous membranes of the stomach, small intestine and colon.

–Externally:

The clay paste (+water) can be applied to:

Infected pimples, scrapes, cuts, rashes, eczemas and bites help purify and heal irritated areas.
As a poultice:
It relieves joint and muscle pain, aches, skin irritations, sunburns, small burns, minor injuries, rheumatism, etc.

It is used as a mask:

For skin and hair and also regulates excess sebum in combination to oily skin. Helps fight premature aging of the skin, reduce rosacea, acne, and wrinkles.

It is also effective in absorbing impurities and smelly substances. Also perfect for sanitizing and deodorizing laundry, objects, refrigerators, shoe cupboards, etc.

You can also find ready-to-use clay preparations.

For more on the latest skin care trends, click here.

I hope you enjoyed this little guide on why and how to use clay? and found it useful. Comment down below what you think of clay based products, or share with us your favorite DIY clay recipies that you swear by!

Looking forward to reading your comments, sending you love and positive energy!!!