Clay Baths, Packs or Poultices and Edible Clay
Clay is a term used to describe an 'earthy, mud-like sediment composed of very fine particles of minerals pliable when moist and hard when dry or fired.' It is Earth and retains the planet's electromagnetic energy. It is a purifier like fire, water, and air, even though it is dirt! There are thousands of different kinds of clays, all different in their mineral content created by their geological location and weathering that has occurred. Some clays are suitable for eating (bentonite), ideal for industrial use, and used to bathe in or apply to the body.
Clay's impact on the body has been known for thousands of years and used worldwide for healing purposes. Rich in minerals, clay provides two services: it pulls toxins out of the body, it takes away, and it re-mineralizes, as supplements do, it gives. Some clays can provide both, while other clays are more powerful in one way or the other.
Clay Baths pull toxins such as heavy metals and chemicals through our largest organ, the skin! Clay's natural pulling power occurs when its negative ions seek the positive ions found in toxins and either adsorb or absorb them into the clay. Spas around the world use clay based on this premise in a variety of different body treatments to detoxify, reduce cellulite, increase circulation, and reinvigorate the skin. Bathing in clay is a very simple yet highly effective and relatively inexpensive alternative to detoxifying the body.
Eating clay has also been done for centuries for various reasons. Usually, when introduced to eating clay, people imagine taking a hunk of clay and chewing on it. Thankfully, this is not how it is done! Most health food stores carry clay in powder or liquid form. It is mixed with a glass of water for drinking and, in most cases, doesn't taste like much. Eating clay can benefit many disorders, such as diarrhea, parasites, ulcers, allergies, anemia, and acne, as listed in 'The Clay Cure' by Ran Knishinsky. He tells us,
"Clay can be taken to charge the immune system during an ongoing disease, and it can also be taken as a preventative to help ward off any potential ailments. Ideally, clay should be taken to build immunity so that if you are exposed to a contagious illness or if you are approaching a time of lowered resistance, your defense system is prepared. Clay contains the minerals and energy that the defense mechanism needs; it improves bowel function and detoxifies the body of pollutants."
Again, depending on the clay's content, it can provide the body with essential minerals. How much clay to eat and how often is determined by individual needs and goals. One teaspoon mixed with water once or twice daily is an excellent guideline for long-term use, or follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Clay Poultices and Packs are another effective remedy for a localized body part. Clay creates a powerful drainage action and attracts harmful toxins from the body part to which the clay is applied. Used on bug bites, bee stings, headaches, burns, and more, it pulls the poisons or toxins out and helps the body heal quicker. A guiding principle to remember is to use a cold clay application to refresh a feverish, angry, or congested body part and a warm/hot application for strengthening or revitalizing.
Which Clay?
There are hundreds of clays and many different colors. It is important to find the one most suited to the ailment or temperament of the person, finding 'sympathy' with nature.
"Clay is alive. There are kindred links between clay and living beings, whether plant, animal, or man. The same clay can produce marvelous results in one person and seem inoperative in another." If a particular clay is ineffective, it is that clay, not all clays. Local clay collected where you live is more likely to act in 'sympathy.' (Abehsera, Michel, The Healing Clay, 1979, Swan House, NY)
The more clay is exposed to sun and rainwater, the more active it will become – absorbing and storing its energy. It will reconstitute that energy and give it out.
Prepare the Body:
It is a good idea to precede clay (or any) detox with internal clay detox (see information about edible clay) and a diet high in vegetables.
What you need:
Piece of cloth folded in 2 or 4 – larger than the part being treated or a "chuck."
Spreader that is neither metal nor plastic – ie, wooden spoon or knife
Appropriate bandage:
- ace bandage
-flannel or other warm fabric if application is on kidneys, liver, abdomen, or lungs
- a sticky bandage if the area is very small
- or a 'T' bandage if the application is perineal or rectal
Water (distilled best)
Gauze (if hairy)
Determine the Temperature and TIME-APPROPRIATE
The season and the climate are important in determining the temperature of the poultice; i.e., a cold poultice in the winter can be unbearable!!
Guiding principle:
Refresh feverish, angry, or congested part with cold
For Strengthening or revitalizing, use warm/hot
Warm or hot application examples
Blocked gall bladder reacts to hot application
Affliction of bladder
or Ovaries
Cold clay application examples
Put on a feverish or naturally warm organ
Lower abdomen for improperly digested food
Congested liver
(No abdominal poultice when menstruating)
2 hours after eating for a cold poultice,
1 hour for warm/ hot poultice.
Remove both 1-hour before eating.
Preparing the Poultice:
It is best to prepare the night before or earlier to have a supply ready.
Pour clay into a glass or ceramic bowl – never metal or plastic.
Let clay soak up water – do not stir – The result is a smooth, homogeneous paste.
OR fill a blender with 6 cups of water (warm or cold), then add 1 cup of clay and blend. Let sit for 30-60 min.
Spread an even layer of clay- thickness is variable – ¼ to 3" according to need, onto the body.
The more clay, the more pulling power.
Place directly on the body unless the area is hairy, then apply gauze between. You can even push in a little to be sure it is well attached.
Cover with cloth or "chuck."
If working with warm clay, cover it with a heating pad.
How Long and How Often?
The duration and sequence of application depend on the case being treated, the extent of the ailment, the patient's temperament, his/her reactions to clay on the surface to be treated, and other variables.
Applications can last from 1 hour to all night.
When treating a deep organ, leave the poultice for two hours minimum and up to 3-4 hours, spaced well before and after meals.
One poultice a day is adequate to avoid fatigue or excessive reactions.
What does it do?
Clay creates a powerful drainage action and attracts all the negative radiation.
All the toxins in the body will be attracted to the body part the clay is applied to.
It is possible to experience a slight flaring up or worsening reaction, but this indicates that the clay is doing its job!
The clay will dry and detach itself when its action is finished.
If it does not detach easily, pour water between the clay and the skin.
Stop if experiencing:
Nervousness
Itching
Burning sensation
Cooling
Pain
Nausea
Weakness
Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Recommence with whatever amount of clay can be tolerated.
It is more likely you will experience a calming effect.