Healing clay

History·Characteristics·Treatment·Indications & target group·Contraindications·Conclusion·FAQ·Sources

History: Where does healing clay come from?

Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine have known about the beneficial and health-promoting effects of healing earth treatments for thousands of years. In Europe, treatments with nutrient-rich earth were known and appreciated in ancient Greece and by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, healing clay was traded under the names "Bolus Armenicus" or "Terra sigillata", although these were different types of clay, not the mixture known today as healing clay. It was rediscovered in the 19th century by the well-known naturopathic pioneer Sebastian Kneipp. Adolf Just, the founder of the Luvos Healing Earth Society, is regarded as the pioneer of the modern use and marketing of healing earth.

Characteristics: What makes healing clay special?

The mineral-rich powder consists of iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc, fluorine, copper and silicon in the form of silica. The main components are the clay minerals kaolinite, illite and montmorillonite, supplemented by quartz and mica, which have a high binding capacity for pollutants, liquids and acids.

Silica in particular supports the skin's own production of collagen, which gives the skin elasticity. Internal healing clay treatment strengthens the gastrointestinal tract and supplies the body with valuable minerals and trace elements. Healing earth is classified as a traditional medicine and can help to alleviate various complaints. In addition, healing clay is used in naturopathy as a medicine to support the natural function of the stomach. Many treatments prefer to take healing clay in powder form for targeted support.

Treatment: How to use healing clay?

Infographic on the treatment of healing clay

Internal treatments:

Internally, healing clay is mainly used for heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea, as it binds excess stomach acid and has a calming effect on the gastrointestinal tract. For this purpose, one to two teaspoons of healing clay powder are stirred into half a glass of still water and drunk slowly, ideally before meals. Alternatively, it can also be taken in capsule form, which is particularly suitable for people on the go or for those who want to avoid the earthy taste of the powder. Sufficient fluid intake should always be ensured during internal treatment to prevent constipation.

External treatment:

Externally, healing clay is used as a mask, scrub or poultice to care for oily, blemished or inflamed skin. For this purpose, healing clay powder is mixed with water or herbal tea to form a spreadable paste (approximately one part healing clay to two parts liquid) and applied evenly to the skin. After about 15 to 20 minutes, as soon as the mask has dried, it is washed off with lukewarm water. Poultices with healing clay can also be treated for muscle and joint complaints or inflamed areas of skin to soothe the skin and reduce swelling.

Indications & target group: How and for whom does healing clay work?

Healing clay contains numerous minerals and trace elements that not only care for the skin, but also regulate sebum production and reduce inflammation. When used for internal treatments, it supplies the body with valuable minerals that can help to strengthen blood vessels, bones and the immune system. Healing clay is suitable for people with the following complaints or to support their concerns:

Sensitive stomach
Heartburn or a feeling of fullness
Irritable bowel syndrome or occasional diarrhea
Support digestion naturally
Regulating the acid-alkaline balance
Oily, blemished or inflamed skin
Gentle intestinal cleansing
Naturopathic support for digestive complaints and skin problems

Healing clay can support digestion and help to alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, according to a study led by Marjan Mokhtare, which was published in the journal "Biomedical Research and Therapy" in 2018. Although studies are still limited, healing clay is often used in practice as a supportive treatment.

What are the side effects of healing clay?

Allergies and intolerances can occur with external healing earth treatments. When used internally, constipation can be a side effect. Sufficient drinking is therefore recommended as part of a mineral water therapy. It should also be avoided if you have an intestinal blockage. As the fine healing clay dust is respirable, inhalation of the powder should be avoided at all costs. If side effects persist, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.

Conclusion

The most important facts about healing clay at a glance

1. Healing clay is a purely natural product that can be treated internally or externally.
2. According to a study, taking healing clay powder can even alleviate irritable bowel syndrome.
3. Healing clay has a soothing effect on the skin and cleanses deep into the pores.
4. The minerals and trace elements that are supplied to the body as part of a healing clay treatment can also improve skin elasticity.
5. When treated internally, healing clay can neutralize excess stomach acid, bind harmful substances, bile acids and cholesterol and support digestion.
6. Healing clay is available as a medicine from pharmacies and can alleviate complaints such as heartburn, stomach problems and diarrhea.

FAQ - Further questions about healing clay

When should you not use healing clay?

Children under the age of twelve and people with liver insufficiency should avoid it. Healing clay should also not be taken if you have an intestinal blockage.

Is mud good for the skin?

Healing mud and healing clay contain many minerals that have a purifying and detoxifying effect on the body. The gentle peeling effect and the heat stimulate the skin's blood circulation and refine the complexion.
Healing mud can have an anti-inflammatory effect, especially on oily or blemished skin.

What is healing clay good for?

A healing clay treatment strengthens the skin, bones, gastrointestinal tract and immune system. It can be used to help with heartburn, bloating, flatulence, acne and inflammatory skin conditions and as a poultice for joint complaints. Healing clay is also recommended in pharmacies for stomach complaints and diarrhea.

What are the benefits of healing clay?

Healing clay treatments have been used since ancient times as a remedy for beautiful skin. When dissolved in water and drunk, healing clay supplies the body with valuable minerals such as silica, which strengthens the skin and bones. It can also help to bind cholesterol, bile acids and harmful substances in the intestines and have a detoxifying effect.

How long can you take healing clay?

It is recommended not to take healing clay for longer than 21 days. If symptoms recur, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted before taking the product again.

How long does it take for healing clay to take effect?

The effect of healing clay can vary depending on the area of application: For stomach complaints, heartburn or bloating, it can often provide relief within minutes, while skin treatments or digestive problems usually require several days of regular treatment.

Is healing clay anti-inflammatory?

Yes, healing clay has an anti-inflammatory effect as it binds excess sebum, bacteria and pollutants, which can reduce inflammation on the skin.

In what form can healing clay be treated?

Healing clay can be drunk as a powder dissolved in water, taken in capsule form or treated externally as a mask, peeling or poultice. Various pharmaceutical forms of healing clay are available in pharmacies.