Throughout history clay has been used for medicinal and cosmetic purposes. It is a powerful agent for healing and in fact is the single most used natural health remedy in France today.

Laboratory analyses of a variety of clays have determined that the best possible one for personal use is French Green Bentonite Clay which is selected for its purity and efficiency.

French Green Bentonite Clay has been available in Australia since the 1980's but it is only in recent years since word has got around about its healing capabilities that sales have really taken off in a big way.

For an excellent website on all aspects of clay please visit Eytons Earth.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Clay for External Healing - Compresses and Poultices

Clay helps to stimulate tissue repair, soothe pain and prevent scarring. In a ceramic, glass or plastic container mix clay with an equal amount of water to form a paste. Apply paste to burns, sores, cuts and bites to retard the growth of bacteria and stimulate the growth of healthy tissue. If the area to be covered is large, wrap in bandages and leave overnight if possible. Remember not to use metal utensils as metal seems to affect clay's properties. Clay may also be beneficial in the treatment of arthritis, varicose veins, migraines, acne and other skin eruptions.

Clay for Internal Healing

Taken internally clay goes straight to the site of a disorder to draw out toxins and evacuate them from the body. It can also absorb harmful substances - from bacteria to poisons - and remove them from the body. Clay has proved useful in the treatment of ulcers, enteritis, dysentery, constipation and diarrhoea. It expels worms and also appears to neutralize radioactivity.

The average daily dose is one teaspoon (half a teaspoon for children up to 10 years of age).

If possible the clay should be prepared several hours or the night before as follows:

1. Place one teaspoon of clay in a glass, cup or plastic mug half filled with fresh (unboiled) water.


2. DO NOT USE A METAL SPOON OR ALLOW METAL TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE CLAY.


3. If a glass is used choose a fairly thick one because clay emits or transmits such powerful radiations that thin glasses are sometimes shattered.

The clay should be taken first thing in the morning or at night before going to bed.

The first clay treatment lasts for 3 weeks. If the condition is still persisting a week later, resume taking the clay on the basis of one week's treatment followed by one week's rest. This regime can be continued for many months if necessary.

Points to Note

• Clay cannot adjust to the presence of pharmaceutical medications so it is preferable not to take clay internally if one wishes to continue with some other form of medical treatment.


• Elimination of clay from the body is rapid unless the waste drain into the intestine causes an obstruction resulting in constipation. This can be remedied by drinking a lot between meals so that the volume of liquid is sufficient to dilute and evacuate the accumulations of solid matter. Alternatively replace the clay treatment temporarily with a laxative infusion until the condition is righted.


• Clay does not work because of its mineral content. In fact it does not act chemically in the body at all. Rather it works on the basis of the transmission and transformation of energy. Each particle of clay carries a considerable amount of magnetism and stored radiation that awakens the dormant energy in the organism strengthening the immune system and stimulating healing.

Clay for Sensitive Teeth

Prepare clay in a cup or glass as directed above. Swish one mouthful of clay water around in the mouth for at least one minute after cleaning teeth at night. The clay water may be then either spat out or swallowed. Half a glass of prepared clay water lasts approximately 5-6 days. This treatment can be continued indefinitely.

Clay for Beauty - Face Mask Preparation

Mix approx. 1-2 teaspoons of clay with a little water in a ceramic, glass or plastic container to make a thin paste. Remember not to use metal utensils. Add four drops of essential oil.

For dry and delicate skin a small amount of olive oil or any other cold pressed oil may also be added to lessen the intensity of the clay.

Smooth on to the face avoiding the eye area. Clay is non-abrasive but will draw out toxins though the skin. Rinse off with warm water after approx. 10 minutes. Apply a moisturiser.

As well as cleansing, clay increases blood circulation and flow of oxygen to the skin. This is how the natural process of skin cells replacement is stimulated.

References

• Raymond Dextreit, The Healing Power of Clay, Editions Vivre en Harmonie, 1952
• Albert Frey, 'The Healing Clay', Australian Wellbeing Magazine, No.27, 1988. p.p. 16-19
• Yani Silvana, 'Here's Mud in Your Eye ,on Your Hair, in Your Toothpaste', Nature and Health, Nov.1990. p.p.15-16