All About Clay
The use of medicinal clay in folk medicine goes back to prehistoric times. The first recorded use of medicinal clay goes back to ancient Mesopotamia. Indigenous peoples around the world still widely use clay.
Today, a wide variety of clays are used for healing medicinal purposes. CLAYS are a fantastic medium for hydrosols and essential oils. They can be applied as compresses, facial masks, baths, skin and wound care, as well as used internally.
Clays are distinguished by their color, which is also the indicator for their structure and activity.
Green French Clay is best reserved for overactive, oily skin types. It is a strong absorbent and is used primarily for drainage, where it reduces swelling, and in topical compresses for sore joints, muscles and arthritis. Green clay is also effective for purifying and detoxing treatments.
Red Clay is also known as Rhassoul Clay. It has been used for centuries in spa applications, such as the body wraps used in Turkish bath houses. The red color resulting from its high iron content, deep cleansing, soothes rough skin and is recommended for aging skin.
Pink Kaolin Clay is perfect for general cosmetic use, offering a combination of gentleness and deep cleansing. Note: Red and Pink masks will appear to leave a light red stain behind as you first rinse them off; do not be alarmed, as it does fade almost immediately.
White Kaolin Clay is very useful for skin repair, cleansing, and toning, it is also gentle enough for sensitive and dry skin. A very mild clay that is good as a thickening agent and does not draw oils from the skin.
Fullers Earth Clay is well known for its ability to "soak up" oils, making this one of the best clays for those who have extra oily skin types. In addition, this clay is often used in facial "bleaching" masks as it holds a natural skin lightening effect that comes from its components of mineral. This is a good choice for those that have blemishes, light age spotting, or prone to acne.
Facial Mask
• 2 teaspoons clay of your choice. • 3 teaspoons hydrosol of your choice. Hydrosol Recommendations: German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) OR Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum). • 1-2 drops essential oil.
Essential Oil Recommendations: Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens) OR Helichrysum (Helichrysum italicum).
Mix the ingredients together in a glass bowl. Apply a thin layer of the clay mask on your face. You can also apply it to your neck and upper chest.
Since clays are only active when wet, you can determine the intensity of activity by varying the thickness. To reduce the intensity of action, shorten the duration of treatment or decrease the thickness of the clay. To increase the intensity of action, apply a thicker layer of clay or lengthen the duration. Most masks are between 1/16 and 1/4-inch-thick, but even a very fine layer of clay can be effective. Clay poultices, on the other hand, which are used on smaller areas for healing underlying tissues and organs, are usually 1 inch thick.