CLAY
Written by Slawomir (“Swavak”) Gromadzki, MPH
I remember certain man who told me he had a big growth on his elbow which was caused by a rare condition called elbow tuberculosis. For a long time different doctors tried many drugs and conventional methods to treat that problem but all of them failed. And when that man finally asked for a surgery, as the growth was big, he was told it wouldn’t work too as it reappeared after surgeries. Fortunately, somehow he met my friend who encouraged him to try green clay poultices on his elbow. He decided to give it a chance and voila! After repeating the treatment every day for a few weeks the growth disappeared and he completely and permanently recovered from that problem! I also saw that gentleman a few years after he recovered as a result of using clay and the problem never reappeared during those years!
Amazing healing properties of Clay have been known for centuries in many cultures around the world. Cleopatra used Dead Sea clay twice a week in order to maintain her skin smooth and unblemished. Back in Poland I used and recommended this wonderful remedy externally and internally for many different conditions often with great success. There are different types of clay such as Kaolin Clay (White), Green Clay, Bentonite (Grey/Cream colour), or Rhassoul Clay (Moroccan Red Clay). All of them can be effectively used to detoxify, regenerate and nourish the skin, to eliminate inflammation, or brighten dark areas. Clay mask is also one of the most effective ways to get rid of dark spots and to effectively treat almost any skin problems.
FACE MASK
In order to make a face mask mix two tablespoons of any type of clay with two 2 tablespoons of hot water (distilled would be the best), or rose water, or the same amount (2 TBS) of strong Calendula tea (or Comfrey tea), and 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice.
Mix all ingredients together thoroughly, wash your face with distilled water or clean with aloe vera juice and apply the mask on the skin. Let it dry for about 30 minutes and rinse.
Note: Do not use any metal tool to mix clay with other ingredients. Use a wooden or glass instrument to keep clay potent and effective.
To get much better results the mask needs to be left on the skin much longer or even overnight (only if you are able to sleep with it). You should also enrich the above ingredients with 1 teaspoon of cold pressed Olive oil, Evening primrose oil or Castor oil. Mix all ingredients together thoroughly, wash your face with distilled water or clean with aloe vera juice and apply the mask on the skin. This time you also need to cover the mask with a Clingfilm to prevent it from drying.
Some ladies who left a Green Clay mask on face overnight told me it worked like a magic. In case of a dry skin try to use a raw organic coconut oil or vitamin E oil after removing the mask.
Medicinal clay is one of the best natural remedies I know and it is very effective in treating many conditions including Phlebitis. Clay has a powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is very effective in absorbing toxins from the body and at the same time it is an excellent source of silica and other minerals, as well as some flavonoids such as quercetin.
CLAY POULTICE
When I was living in a small village in Polish mountains sometimes people from other villages asked my college and me to help them with their health problems. And I remember certain lady who developed a horrible pain in one of her legs. Her husband took her to a doctor who prescribed a medication for her but the drug didn’t work and the pain was even stronger. So they came back to the doctor hoping he would prescribe another medication. Unfortunately, the physician had no idea how to help her and said he couldn’t do anything else. Fortunately, after returning home someone in the village told them about us and they immediately sent a messenger to ask us to visit her. When we arrived she told us she was suffering a horrible pain in one of her legs. The whole leg was swollen and pain was so severe that she couldn’t walk nor sleep for three days and nights.
After seeing her leg and knowing the symptoms we realised it was an acute inflammation of the veins (phlebitis) due to poor refined diet, which was high in sugar, pork, animal fat, dairy, white flour products and low in raw vegetables, fresh fruits, and other unrefined plant foods.
Since they were farmers and lived in a village, in the garden they had plenty of very potent fresh organic herbs. So we picked some horse tail herb which is the highest source of mineral silica. When the horse tail herb is dry and when you shake it you can actually hear a kind of faint rustling sound. That’s because it is very high in silica which is extremely important for blood vesicles as it strengthen them, increases their flexibility, and has anti-inflammatory properties. But because horse tail contains a chemical which is called an anti-vitamin B1 factor it is important to take it with vitamin B1. So we told her husband to buy a nutritional yeast tablets which were high in this vitamin.
Find out more about Horsetail and how to use it >
Apart from that, also in their big rich garden full of potent remedies we dug out a very good quality green clay which is also very high in silica. W boiled it in a big pot with water for about 30 minutes and when it was warm we put a thick clay compress on entire sick leg and rapped it with a cling film and left the compress for 2 hours. And the whole procedure was repeated twice a day.
At the same time we prayed with them asking for God’s blessing and encouraged them to pray and read the Bible every day. We also explained them what was the cause of the problem and encouraged to improve their diet. As a result of the treatment the very next day she was better. In a few days the inflammation was gone and in about two weeks she was completely healthy, free from pain and was able to walk and work again. They both were so thankful that they wanted to me to merry their daughter :-). But in spite of the fact that she was really a very beautiful girl I was too shy at that time to get involved, and apart from that, I already received a visa to America (which was extremely hard to get at that time as Poland was under communism). So I was very excited about going to America – the land of milk and money :-).
It can cause pain and swelling in the leg and may lead to complications such as pulmonary embolism (when a piece of blood clot breaks off into the bloodstream and blocks one of the blood vessels in the lungs).
Ten Impressive Bentonite Clay Benefits (Carlos Tello, PhD) >
.How To Use French Green Clay
.How to make a Clay Poultice:
A poultice is far more effective than a compress due to the fact that it requires using a thicker layer of clay, therefore increasing the drawing power of the product. Applied this way increases the clays electromagnetic charge, which makes it draw the toxic mass into itself. As the clay begins working you will feel that the clay gets warm. For this reason it is always nice to use clay that is cool on inflamed treatment sites.
- Pour the required amount of French Green Clay into a glass or ceramic bowl.
- Slowly pour mineral or spring water over the clay until the clay is just covered.
- Allow enough time (if possible) for the clay to absorb the water. Then mix the clay into a smooth paste.
- Place a layer of gauze over the area you want to treat. Then put the clay directly onto the site (a decent amount – approximately 2cm’s thick), then put another layer of gauze on top of the clay – much like the idea of a full teabag. Then cover the entire area immediately with a bandage.
- Leave the poultice on for as long as necessary and then remove it. Do not allow the clay to dry out before you remove it and always throw the used clay away (it is full of what you are trying to eliminate from the body). Re-apply a fresh one at this point if required.
How to make a Clay Pack:
A Clay Pack is very similar to a Clay Poultice, except for the fact that the clay is in direct contact with the skin, whereas a poultice has a thin layer of gauze between the skin and the clay. A Clay Pack is therefore highly effective and holds a very strong electromagnetic charge; which explains its drawing power, much like a poultice. If the skin is not broken on the area you are treating, a Clay Pack can be applied. If the skin is broken or very fragile, a poultice is recommended instead. A Clay Pack is very cooling when first placed on the skin (a rather pleasant sensation), then once it begins working, the clay can become warm, especially when drawing toxins out of an inflamed area.
- In a ceramic or glass container, and using a wooden spoon, mix the required amount of clay into a thick paste. First place the clay into the bowl, then carefully cover it with mineral water – do not use too much water. Leave it for a few minutes (for as long as two hours if possible) to absorb the water. Then, using a wooden spoon, mix it together into a thick paste.
- Apply the paste directly onto the skin – at least an inch thick. Secure it in place by sticking a piece of gauze over the clay, and then wrap the entire area in a bandage or clean cotton cloth.
- Leave it in place for the required amount of time, but do not allow the clay to dry out. Unwrap the bandage or cloth and remove the clay. Throw it away immediately and do not re-use it or re-hydrate it because once used it is full of the toxins that have been drawn out of your system.
- Reapply another Clay Pack if you feel it necessary and once the treatment is complete for the day, rinse the residue of clay sticking to your skin off with cool water.
How to make a Clay Compress:
A Clay Compress is very effective when applied to the body for serious complaints such as aching joints, sore muscles and sunburns, to list only a few. It contains a thinner layer of clay when comparing it to a Clay Pack or Poultice, but it is often used when treating a larger surface of the skin.
- Mix some clay with room temperature mineral water. Make the mixture quite runny (not nearly as thick as you would make it for a poultice) and warm it by placing your bowl over another, slightly larger, that contains hot water (a bain-marie). Make sure you do not make the clay too hot – you do not want to burn the skin.
- Spread this clay over a piece of cloth or thick piece of gauze (cut the cloth to the required size that does not exceed the area you want to treat beyond a centimetre). Spread a layer thick enough so that the fabric can no longer be seen through the clay, but thin enough to be able to compress it against the skin without the clay oozing out of the sides when applied. Apply this to the affected area – with the clay directly against the skin, and rub your hand gently over the dry upper side of the cloth so that you know it is attaching to the affected area effectively. Then, depending on the area being treated, wrap the entire area in a warm cloth or towel, or even a piece of cling-wrap plastic.
- After a time, once you feel the clay detaching itself from your skin – falling away – it is time to remove it and replace it with another if necessary. Every situation is unique and one must always use good judgement when deciding how long to leave the compress on the affected site. Do not allow the clay to dry out completely. Throw the used clay away as soon as you have taken it off. Do not re-use or re-hydrate it, because once used the clay is full of toxins that have been drawn out of your body.
- Once the treatment is complete, gently rinse off any residue of clay left on the skin with cool water.
How to make a Clay Bath:
A French Green Clay bath can be very soothing on the system for it has a gentle detoxification effect. It also softens the skin and invigorates your system.
- Add about ½ a cup of French Green Clay or less to a deep warm bath. Make sure the water temperature is comfortable but not too hot.
- Lie in the bath for about 15 minutes (maximum of ½ an hour).
- Once you have finished bathing, swirl the water as it drains. The Clay should not clog the plumbing system when so little is used, as long as it is dumped gradually, as it drains, and not left to collect in the bottom of the bath.
- If you still have a residue of clay on your skin after your bath, gently rinse it off under a cool shower.
How to make a Clay Body Wrap:
A French Green Clay body wrap is a luxurious and thoroughly therapeutic treatment. Clay body wraps are used in a detoxification program. They will leave you feeling healthy and invigorated. However, the clay has very strong absorptive and adsorptive properties, so do not do this treatment too frequently. A treatment like this at a spa is always optimal, for another will apply the clay and see to it that you take the necessary time out required in order to optimise the result.
- Mix a decent amount of clay with mineral water (always in a ceramic or glass bowl, and using a wooden spoon). The consistency of your clay must be quite runny and smooth.
- Before applying it to your body, prepare a place to rest. Lay one or two blankets over a soft comfortable surface (like a massage bed) and cover it with plastic. It is optimal to be in a warm room so your naked body does not strain itself in any way to keep you warm. Have another large warm towel ready to place over your body once you are lying down, and an alarm clock set for 15 to 30 minutes- preferably one with a very pleasant ringing tone or music to warn you that time is up, or ask someone in your house to let you know when the time you have allotted yourself for this treatment strikes.
- Spread the clay over your body as if you were spreading body cream, so that you have a nice thin layer of clay everywhere. Switch on your alarm, lie down, cover yourself and then close your eyes and relax. Make sure you remain warm throughout.
- After 15 to 30 minutes, gently wash the clay off your body in a warm shower and apply your favourite body cream.
How to make a Facial Mask:
French Green Clay used as a facial mask is only recommended for people with oily skin. The clay has extremely effective adsorptive and absorptive qualities and therefore draws an enormous amount of excess serums / oils out of the skin, cleanses on a deep cellular level removing toxins, and restores a good pH level. But due to its ‘drying out’ action it is not recommended as a facial mask for people with dry or sensitive skins. It is however very beneficial to people who suffer from an Acne problem. The recommendation is to not exceed using French Green Clay as a facial mask more than once a week.
- Place a small amount of French Green Clay into a ceramic or glass bowl. Pour enough mineral or spring water into the bowl so it just covers the clay. Allow it to stand for a few minutes – giving the clay time to absorb the water – and then stir it into a smooth liquid paste using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Using a small wooden spatula apply a thin layer of the clay paste to your entire face. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes. Do not allow it to dry out too much.
- Rinse it off with warm water and then apply your favourite moisturiser. Your skin will feel fresh, revitalized, clean and will generally look younger due to its lifting effect.
How to use clay as a Body Powder:
- French Green Clay can be used as a powder on weeping eczema, Athletes foot, ulcers and any other wound that needs disinfection and healing.
- It can also be used very effectively by nursing mothers on their sore or cracked nipples. A small amount dabbed directly on the nipple, using a cotton-wool ball, after feeding’, brings great relief. It has a cooling effect and the powder enters all the small hairline cracks that are inflamed, relieving the inflammation, disinfecting the area and promoting rapid healing. It is recommended to rinse the residue of clay powder off the nipples before next feeding your baby. French Green Clay can be ingested safely under strict guidelines, but ingesting too much can cause constipation, so ‘feeding’ it to your baby will not be optimal.
Guidelines when working with French Green Clay:
- Never use ordinary clay for any of these treatments. Only use clays that have been scientifically tested in their effectiveness to treat certain ailments. We at Alive only advocate the clay we supply – French Green Montmorillonite Clay.
- Always stick to the recommended guidelines when treating an ailment with French Green Clay, and never exceed the recommended amount stipulated in these documents should you wish to use it internally. Alive Products will not take any responsibility for those who chose to use the clay as an alternative method of healing, however through experience and extensive study, here above we share guidelines in order to keep the treatment effective and away from harming any individual or animal.
- When mixing French Green Clay always use a ceramic or glass bowl and a wooden spoon. Never use metal near the clay. Metal has been said to affect its effectiveness due to the clays strong electromagnetic property and ionic exchange.
Recommended Temperature of Clay for External Use:
The temperature of the clay can be altered to make the healing process more effective and more comfortable. This is dependant on several factors including your personal tolerance. Here is a guide-line to help you figure out at what temperature to make the clay, but the only way to really know if you have the right temperature is by gauging your own reaction or the reaction of the person you are treating.
Cold Clay: Use cold mineral water to prepare cold clay. This is usually needed and used on inflamed, red and hot areas. The cool temperature helps further reduce inflammation.
Warm Clay: Never use warm water directly when mixing your clay into a paste. Prepare the clay with room temperature water and then slowly warm it by placing it over another ceramic or glass bowl filled with hot water. Do not make the clay too hot or it will burn the skin your are treating. This temperature clay is usually used to repair and re-generate areas and organs that are NOT inflamed, red or hot.
Room temperature Clay: Prepare your clay with room temperature mineral water when you are really unsure of what other temperature is best for the condition you are treating, OR when you are in a rush and don’t have time to cool down or warm up your clay. For example in the case of an insect sting.
Other Uses:
French Green Clay can be used for other things too. Due to the fact that it is so highly absorbent, it has been used around the home, in factories and in many other places. Here below is an example or two.
Deodorising foot treatments:
Make a paste using mineral or spring water. Add a drop or two of tea tree oil into the mix if you want to, and then apply it to the feet. Cover the feet loosely with plastic wrap and sit still of 10 to 15 minutes. Then rinse off with cool water and apply a foot cream of your preference.
Deodorising smelly areas in your home
French Green Clay is able to absorb an unpleasant odour from a specific area – for example in your refrigerator. Place a few teaspoons of clay into a small ceramic or glass bowl and place the bowl into the refrigerator or near the smelly site. The clay will slowly absorb the bad smell so be sure to throw the clay away after you have used it.
Reminder: The descriptions and recommendations given on this website are for educational purposes only and do not replace any professional diagnosis or treatment. It is the responsibility of each individual person to do what is safe for their own respective health conditions.
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SOURCES
– https://www.via-les-herbes.com/green-clay-benefits/
– https://wellnessmama.com/59694/lead-in-bentonite-clay/
– https://selfhacked.com/blog/bentonite-clay/
– https://draxe.com/10-bentonite-clay-benefits-uses/
Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.
© 2016 Slawomir Gromadzki – All Rights Reserved