VARIOUS DIETS AND TREATMENTS – THE MEDICINAL VALUE OF CLAY

Posted: April 9th, 2009 | Author: admin | Filed under: Herbal | No Comments »

From time immemorial clay has been used to cure many ailments. Yet this old remedy has often been rejected by those who could have benefited from it. Nevertheless, clay has never been totally forgotten and today it is once more finding favour. Among other things, it is particularly recommended as a treatment for tumours where external application is possible.

Also, there is an interesting account in the Bible of how Christ used clay to cure a blind man (John 9:11). Even though it may have been a symbolic act, we should not lose sight of the fact that earth or clay was used and that the Teacher of Nazareth surely knew of the healing elements of nature and respected them.

People who live closer to nature in less developed parts of the world treat many illnesses with clay, and veterinary surgeons make use of it too. Beauty specialists recommend it for face packs and athletes use it for strains and sprains. Clay applications have proved their worth for centuries. A combination of clay and herbs is especially recommended. Instead of using simple herb poultices, the herbal properties are combined with those of clay. Usually the clay is mixed into a paste, to which the hot herbal infusion is added to form a poultice. The poultice is then applied to the affected part of the body and the double action of the clay and herbs results in a more potent effect.

If you want to get the best out of a treatment with clay, you must be certain that you understand how it works. There are those who use clay where linseed or fenugreek seed should be applied, and this is quite wrong. For instance, clay should not be placed on a boil to collect the pus and draw it to a head. Hot linseed or fenugreek compresses will do this job far better, for the action of clay disperses, it never draws together or gathers.

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