Clay: know 6 types of treatment

When people ask me: “what is clay used for?”, I usually answer: “I am researching what it is not used for”.

Clay, despite being something simple, is very rich and can be used in plasters and cold or hot masks, internally or externally on the body.

Clay therapy is a natural technique that works like a mother’s hand: it relieves and treats many imbalances, such as pain and scarring in general, bruxism, constipation and aesthetic problems, among others.

In addition, in some cases, clay is an excellent alternative to synthetic remedies, which always have contraindications and end up persisting in our bodies or in nature, often because they are not biodegradable.

But it is worth emphasizing that the treatment is complementary and does not replace medical evaluation. Always talk to your professional before starting an alternative therapy.

What is clay?

Clay is a granule that is no longer rock, it is its microparticles. Because of this, it can return to its original state in the absence of water (dehydration), or undergoing geological compaction, and so on.

A curious fact is that rocks give rise to semi-precious or precious stones. Therefore, clays are so similar to the function of these stones, in terms of energy cleaning and, at the same time, energy.

A clay poultice not only serves purpose on the physical level, but works on more subtle levels as well.

Some cases of clay treatment

I once heard from a midwife that she used clay treatment to interfere with the position of the fetus in the womb.

Another interesting case was that of a well-known psychologist. Her one-year-old daughter had reflux and had already tried everything to resolve the issue, which interfered with her eating, sleeping and mood.

Women in her family indicated clay in the treatment and she started to apply a plaster of purple clay on the child’s abdomen every day, for about 1 hour, right after the girl had gone to sleep.

A while later, the reflux was completely cured. The mother commented that the girl began to sleep and eat well, she returned to being a happy child.

Clay can also be applied in cases of bruxism and even cancer, as a complementary treatment. There are also cases of application in pets to calm pain, gastrointestinal disorders and allergies.

Clays can have different colors

The structure of clay looks like sandwiches, which contain trace elements (also called microminerals) in their layers. This substance is present in us, living beings, but in low concentrations.

Trace elements are fundamental for the formation of vital enzymes responsible for specific biochemical processes, such as our digestion, growth and healing.

Each type of clay has different amounts of specific trace elements. Some of them are: Titanium, Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, Aluminum, Calcium, Potassium, Nickel, Manganese and Lithium.

See below a short list of some trace elements found in clays and their functions:

Copper: neutralizes free radicals, maintains the skin’s defense systems and acts in the formation of collagen and elastin, responsible for sustaining the skin.

It promotes the absorption of iron, which is essential for red blood cells, connective tissue, nerve fibers and skin pigmentation.

Selenium: fights free radicals. It also acts in energy production and is a potent antioxidant.
Silicon: contributes to the formation of collagen and elastin.
Zinc: reduces fine lines, normalizing the surface of the skin.

It also acts in wound healing, immune reaction and DNA synthesis, the latter essential to promote growth and reproduction capacity.

Magnesium: works in synergy with zinc to energize and tone the skin.
Manganese: participates in collagen metabolism and neutralizes free radicals.
Iron: increases blood circulation, stimulates the production of hemoglobin, transports and stores oxygen. Component of enzymes, bone and tendon production.

The combination of certain trace elements gives rise to different colors of clays. Therefore, each has a different function.

It is worth emphasizing that the real colored clays They are like that because of their composition.

However, poor quality products can be dyedwith the use of dyes, which decreases the quality of the formulation.

With time and experience, it is possible to identify when the clay is of good origin by its texture, granulometry and result.

But, until that happens, the ideal is to ask the company that packs the product: how the clay is extracted and how it is decontaminated. Those that are decontaminated with gamma rays have their therapeutic power reduced. Avoid them.

Meanings of different clay colors

Attention: Do not use metal utensils when preparing mixtures. So you preserve the properties of clay.

White

It is the most neutral clay, bactericidal, analgesic and healing.

As it has a PH very close to that of the skin, it whitens and helps to remove excess oil from this body organ, without drying it out.

The highest concentration is aluminum and magnesium. It has no restrictions.

Forms of use: mix the white clay mask with a little mineral water, so that it is pasty and homogeneous. Apply to clean skin a layer of half a centimeter, for about 15 minutes, twice a week. Rinse with plenty of water.

black

It is the one with the highest concentration of organic matter, which explains its plasticity and the oil that appears on its surface.

Like white clay, it is a wildcard in several treatments, such as insomnia and bruxism, and has no contraindications for external use.

It also has anti-stress and anti-inflammatory properties.

Forms of use: mix the black clay relaxing mask with floral lavender water, so that it becomes pasty and homogeneous.

Apply a layer of half a centimeter to the skin, for about 15 minutes, before going to bed, to avoid bruxism or insomnia. Rinse with plenty of water.

red

This clay is rich in iron oxide, copper and silicon.

It is the most powerful in terms of tensor effect: application of the mask results in lifting and prevents skin aging.

As it accelerates metabolism and stimulates local circulation, it is common – when removing the mask or plaster – for red welts to remain on the skin.

Contrary to what many think, this is not the result of an allergy, but of the microcirculation of the skin that has been activated. Anyway, its use is not indicated on sensitive skin.

Forms of use: mix the red clay firming mask with natural grape juice, so that it is pasty and homogeneous.

Apply a layer of half a centimeter to the skin, for about 15 minutes, 1 to 2 times a week, to reduce wrinkles and make it more radiant, or as a treatment for sagging. Rinse with plenty of water.

pink

It is a mixture of red and pink clay, therefore, it combines the characteristics and properties of both.

It is ideal for treating sensitive skin, preventing aging, without being as stimulating as red clay.

Forms of use: mix the pink clay revitalizing mask with hibiscus tea, so that it is pasty and homogeneous. Apply a half-centimeter layer to the skin weekly for about 15 minutes to maintain lush skin.

purple

Rich in magnesium, it acts on collagen synthesis and improves tone, texture and firmness, revitalizing tired skin.

Powerful, it is the most suitable clay for sensitive skin, as it soothes this region, even when it is suffering from the allergic effect of another product or ingredient.

Forms of use: mix the calming mask of purple clay with mineral water, so that it is pasty and homogeneous.

Apply a layer of half a centimeter to the irritated place. In case of rashes, apply the mixture only around.

Keep for 15 minutes and remove carefully, rehydrating the mask with a brush with water, to make it easier to remove with the spatula.

Golden

It is rich in copper and silicon, has an immediate tightening effect, as the trace elements in this product act on collagen, lighten and brighten the skin.

Forms of use: mix the golden clay post-sun treatment mask with chamomile tea, so that it is pasty and homogeneous.

Apply a layer of half a centimeter to the skin, for about 15 minutes. Use twice a week for treatment or once a week for maintenance.

So, now it’s time to put your hand in the clay and experience all the wonders it can do for you.

know more

If you want to consume all kinds of hygiene and beauty products more consciously, check out this “Guide to Consuming Healthy Cosmetics for People and the Planet”.

Here you can watch a fun video, in which Flora Maria, 8 years old, interviews her mother, clay therapist Vanessa Suany.