Bentonite clay is used in spa settings to rejuvenate your skin and help clear up acne. Applied as a mask, its detoxification properties are believed to leave your skin healthy. Bentonite clay is also used in natural pain relief, providing an alternative to physician-prescribed narcotic pain medications. Always consult your physician before using bentonite clay to ease pain as this is a natural remedy and may interfere with some medications.
History
Ancient civilizations are attributed with clay use to heal a variety of ailments. According to Jessica Morgan of Morgan Botanicals, the earliest recorded use of bentonite clay was in Mesopotamia. Ancient Native Americans and Aborigines were known to use bentonite and other types of clay in their medicinal practices. Animals are also known to be drawn to clay as part of their daily diet and for wound healing and pain relief, states Morgan.
Global use
With history showing use in Egypt, Greece and South America as well as many other countries, it is no surprise that bentonite clay is still in use today. According to Ellen Hodgson Brown, author of "Healing Joint Pain Naturally," lotions formulated with bentonite clay are available in the United States, Italy and Mexico.
Usage
Bentonite clay has been used orally and topically for a variety of ailments. For pain relief, both Morgan and "Marie Claire" magazine state that topical application is best. This is because bentonite clay acts as a sponge, soaking up toxins that cause pain. Morgan states that users of bentonite clay for pain relief applied the clay to the pain site for 72 hours and noticed significant relief within that time despite the stiffness experienced within the first 24 hours.
Considerations
Bentonite clay sounds like a strong alternative to conventional medicine, however it has not been thoroughly evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. Use of bentonite clay should be approved of and observed by your doctor.
References
- Local Harvest: Eat The Clay: Bentonite
- Marie Claire: Girl's Guide to Detoxing
- "Healing Joint Pain Naturally: Safe and Effective Ways to Treat Arthritis"; Ellen Hodgson Brown: 2001
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