Healing Earth: Effects, Uses & Risks

Healing clay is a dry powder that is prepared with water and used to fight disease. Alternatively, healing clay is available as a poultice and mask.

What is healing clay?

Thanks to its natural composition, healing clay binds excess acids from food within a short time. In the history of mankind, healing clay is a well-known treatment method. According to experts, it was extracted from holes in the ground and caves as early as 4500 BC. The remedy achieved a breakthrough under the Egyptians and later under the Romans. Today, healing clay continues to be used for the medication of various diseases. The powder is formed from loess deposits. Loess is a sedimentary rock that was formed from other rocks during the Ice Age itself. For processing, the deposits are ground and sieved. The finished powder consisting of small particles is then available. However, the processing is not yet complete. Before this, the healing clay is dried at temperatures of up to 130 degrees. This ensures that germs are completely destroyed. Without chemical additives, the powder is now packaged and sold as a finished treatment for various diseases.

Medical use and effect

Proponents of the treatment method see its effectiveness as the result of three success factors. On the one hand, healing clay is composed of natural components. Minerals and trace elements play an important role. This is complemented by superior acid binding. Thanks to its natural composition, the powder binds excess acids from food within a short time. In contrast to comparable active ingredients, this is not accompanied by any devastating side effects. Finally, healing clay has a special binding capacity. This can be attributed to the high degree of fineness of the powder. It is accompanied by a large surface area and has the property of binding other substances. Like a sponge, the healing clay binds cholesterol, fats and harmful substances from food. In the form of a powder, it can be used for external and internal treatment. In addition, there are wraps and compresses for external use. One of the most important applications is the relief of skin complaints. Studies have shown that healing clay has a special deep-acting effect against acne and skin impurities. Besides, it can be used as a remedy for joint pain. In this case, it is recommended to use wraps and compresses, rounded off by a massage treatment. In addition, healing clay can be drunk diluted with water. Among the areas of application is the treatment of various digestive disorders. This applies especially to heartburn, acid-related stomach complaints and diarrhea. In addition, metabolic bacteria and toxic waste products are bound in the stomach. Furthermore, the general well-being should be increased. Last, healing clay is also used in cosmetic skin and beauty care.

Forms, types and components

Depending on the mining area, the composition of healing clay can differ. Basically, the powder consists of natural minerals, silicate and calcite. In addition, there are three-layer clay minerals, feldspar and dolomite. In addition, the healing clay contains many components that are found in the earth’s crust. Calcium, iron and potassium should be mentioned as examples. Furthermore, magnesium and sodium also play an important role. Depending on the content of the trace elements copper, manganese and nickel, the color of the powder may differ slightly. When applied externally, the components are absorbed and processed by the skin in small quantities. If healing clay is drunk, on the other hand, the body manages to absorb larger quantities and compensate for possible deficiencies. This could be observed especially with calcium, potassium and magnesium. Usually healing clay is available as a powder in the pharmacy or drugstore. Two to three tablespoons are mixed with water daily and drunk as a porridge. An alternative form is the mask for the treatment of skin diseases. Within 20 to 30 minutes, the mask dries up completely. Wraps and compresses are finally applied while lying down. After no more than an hour, the effect sets in and lasts up to several days.

Risks and side effects

In the effect, healing clay is often underestimated. However, due to the binding capacity, it is possible that there is an interaction with the active ingredients of other drugs.Therefore, healing clay should not be taken without a doctor’s permission in case of an existing disease. It may be possible to use the remedies with a time delay. In addition, it should be noted that the high silicon content leads to increased urinary stone formation. This may result in chronic interstitial nephritis if used over a long period of time. In addition, experts claim that the aluminum compounds contained in the product may have a negative effect on health. Side effects, on the other hand, do not occur with external application. One exception is the drying effect of masks. Although this effect is desirable in acne, it can cause problems in other skin diseases. In case of doubt, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. Furthermore, a mask should not be applied more than three times a week.