Green clay

Green clay is an exceptional natural ingredient with remarkable absorbing, remineralizing and purifying properties. Known and used since Antiquity, this fine powder has been a trusted ally in both internal and external herbal treatments.

The mineral composition of green clay - a natural cocktail of essential trace elements

Although green clay is not intended for traditional food consumption, it is valued in herbal therapies for its rich mineral and trace element content. Its therapeutic properties derive from a unique formula formed naturally in nutrient-rich volcanic soils. Here is the typical composition for 100g of dried green clay:

• Silicon: about 35% - supports healthy skin, bones and joints
• Magnesium: ~20% - contributes to muscle relaxation and nervous balance
• Calcium: ~10% - good for teeth and bones
• Potassium: trace - essential for cell function
• Phosphorus: trace - important for cell regeneration
• Zinc: trace - contributes to immunity and skin regeneration
• Iron: trace - helps oxygenate cells
• Copper: trace - natural antioxidant, supports collagen production
• Aluminum, manganese, sodium: in varying amounts, with synergistic effects in detoxification
• pH: alkaline - helps balance acidity in the body

Compared to other clays:

• Green clay: contains even more iron and magnesium, but has strong astringent effects, so is suitable for oily or acne-prone skin
• Pink clay: a natural blend of white and red clays, contains silica (~55-60%) and iron (~5-8%) - ideal for sensitive, irritated, reddened or couperose skin; gently cleanses and revitalizes without drying
• White clay (Kaolin): higher in silica (>65%) and lower in iron (<1%) - ideal for extremely sensitive skin, but less detoxifying
• Red clay (Illlite): richer in iron (10-15%) and more active in detoxification, but can be irritating to sensitive skin
• Blue clay: rich in trace elements such as zinc, iodine and selenium, with antiseptic and regenerating properties - excellent for problem skin (acne, eczema, infections)
• Yellow clay: contains silica (~50-60%) and iron oxide (~6-15%) - has revitalizing, detoxifying and regenerating properties; ideal for mature, dull or tired skin, but also for internal use in gentle detoxification treatments
• Moroccan clay (Rhassoul): contains a lot of magnesium (20-25%) and silica (~60%) - highly effective in cleansing the skin and scalp, ideal for combination skin or oily hair

Therapeutic benefits of green clay 🌟

1. Powerful detoxifier - removes heavy metals and toxins from the body.
2. Treats acne - dries pimples, cleanses pores and reduces inflammation.
3. Heals wounds and cuts - speeds cell regeneration.
4. Soothes joint pain - through poultices applied topically.
5. Fights bloating and reflux - internally as clay water.
6. Normalizes sebum secretion - effective in oily skin and scalp masks.
7. Remineralizes the body - natural source of essential minerals.
8. Helps eczema and dermatitis - soothes itching and inflammation.
9. Treats mouth ulcers - gargle with clay water.
10. Stimulates blood circulation - applied as a paste to affected areas.

Contraindications and possible side effects ⚠️

1. Not recommended for pregnant women - without medical advice.
2. May cause constipation - if consumed in excess.
3. Interacts with medicines - internal administration should be taken 2-3hrs after other treatments.
4. May cause skin irritation - if not rinsed well or if poor quality clay is used.
5. Not recommended for people intolerant to heavy metals.

How to use green clay in herbal therapies 🧪

• Clay water (for digestive detoxification): put a teaspoon of clay in a glass of water, leave overnight and drink only the clear part in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Poultice for rheumatic pains: Mix green clay with lukewarm water until a thick paste is obtained. Apply to the painful area, cover with gauze and leave for 2 hours.
• Mask for acne and oily skin: 2 tablespoons green clay + 1 tablespoon water + 2 drops of tea tree essential oil. Apply to face for 10-15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
• Gargle with clay water: For mouth ulcers or oral infections - gargle with clay water in the morning and evening.
• Treatment for oily hair: Green clay mask applied to the hair roots regulates sebum and adds volume.
• Detoxifying bath: Add 5 tablespoons of green clay to a tub of warm water and sit for 20-30 minutes. Relaxes muscles and purifies the skin.

Did you know. Amazing things about green clay 🤔

• 🧴 Cleopatra used green clay in her beauty rituals to cleanse the skin and maintain its natural glow.
• 🌋 It is formed by the erosion of volcanic rock, a process that can take millions of years.
• It has impressive absorbency: it can hold toxins and impurities up to 10 times its own weight.
• 🧂 It is extremely rich in essential minerals, and is used in traditional remedies around the world.
• ⚗️ It is considered a natural antibiotic due to its antibacterial and antifungal effects.
• 🌱 In Ayurvedic medicine, it is used to balance vital energies (dosha).
• 🧴 It is commonly used in luxury cosmetic masks for oily and acne-prone skin.
• 🧼 Neutralizes unpleasant odors - excellent in deodorants and natural hygiene products.
• 🧘 Has an alkaline pH, ideal for balancing acidity in the body.
• 🦠 Used in treatments for food poisoning or gastrointestinal infections.
• 🌍 In many cultures it is considered 'healing earth' with sacred properties.
• 🩹 It is applied to wounds and stings to reduce inflammation and speed healing.
• 🧴 It is present in spas and therapeutic baths around the world, including Romania.
• ⚠️ Do not mix with metal utensils - these can reduce the therapeutic effectiveness of clay.
• 🧊 It is ideal for cold compresses for joint pain and sprains.
• 👶 Can be used externally in natural baby treatments (irritations, dermatitis).
• 🍷 It is used to purify wines and essential oils.
• 🐶 It is applied in veterinary treatments for skin conditions in animals.
• 🧤 It is found in traditional grandparents' recipes for rheumatic pains.
• ⚗️ It is studied for cell regenerative properties in modern alternative medicine.