Medicinal Clay
Therapeutic Uses, Clinical Studies, Sources
U.S. and Canada

Minerals have been used for medicinal purposes, both topically and internally, for millennia. Clay minerals have been used for the treatment of wounds, skin afflictions, stomach and intestinal problems, malaria, for cleansing, as anti-inflammatories, cicatrizers, and more (Carretero 2002). The adsorptive and absorptive properties of natural clays, with their fine particle size and high cation exchange capacity, make them useful in a range of industrial (Eisenhour and Brown 2008; Gates et al. 2008), pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. They are effective absorbers of secretions and toxins, exhibiting bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties (Williams et al. 2009; Haydel et al. 2008).

Geophagy, "the deliberate consumption of earth for medicinal or spiritual healing", eliminates intermediaries in the food chain and enables direct access to the smorgasbord of elements contained in bentonites and other ingested clays (Williams et al. 2009). While there is no single explanation for geophagy in animals or humans, there is good evidence to support the hypotheses that it is used for "detoxification, or at least enhancement of the palatability, of foodstuffs containing undesirable components; alleviation of gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea; mineral supplementation, particularly Fe and Ca; and as an antacid to relieve excess acidity in the digestive tract" (Wilson 2003). Beneficial health effects may result from small particle size, large surface area, particle shape, surface charge, abundance of macro- and trace-nutrient elements, variable sorption properties, and abundance of admixed carbonates and oxyhydroxides (Williams et al. 2009).

Clays vary greatly in composition. "Edible earth" may be monominerallic or polyminerallic mixtures of smectite, illite, and kaolinite in a quartz sand matrix, and will likely affect people idiosyncratically, depending on the different physical properties of the clay and the quantities of elements extracted by reactions in the stomach and intestine (Ferrell 2008). Given these factors, it is important to choose your edible clay with care.

There are many suppliers of edible clays. LL Magnetic Clay Baths specializes in bentonite clay detoxifying baths, but also offers an edible earth formulation. For more information on edible clay, see Eating Clay: Lessons on Medicine from Worldwide Cultures. Edible Earth is a superior formulation of natural calcium bentonite and montmorillonite clays, designed for the general cleansing, detoxification, and revitalization of the entire digestive tract, in addition to supplying a rich spectrum of 57 bioavailable ionic minerals. Edible Earth incorporates the finest healing clays, chosen from pristine subsurface sources for their purity and broad health benefits to the user. Edible Earth draws its detoxifying ability from the favorable action that calcium bentonite and montmorillonite clay has upon the GI tract through its absorption and adsorption of various toxins, pathogens, metabolic wastes, and heavy metals. What are the Benefits of Edible Earth? Soothes and Purifies the Digestive Tract Remineralizes Cells and Tissues Promotes Bacterial Balance in the Colon Assists in Heavy Metal and Chemical Detoxification Augments Digestive Efficiency Supports Nutrient Assimilation in the Gut Alkalizes the Body Product Details Ingredients: Calcium bentonite, calcium montmorillonite Excipient Free, Non-Irradiated Preservative Free, Allergen Free Net Wt: 2.05lb / 931g Servings per container: 207 Suggested Usage For general health maintenance, mix (1) one heaping teaspoon of Edible Earth in an 8 oz glass of spring water or juice and drink once daily.  Dosage for small children is 1/2 teaspoon per 50lbs of bodyweight.  Edible Earth is best taken on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning or late evening, or at least 2 hours between meals.  Adequate intake of fresh water is vital due to the absorptive nature of this product.  Do not store or mix Edible Earth in metal.  Keep container closed and in a dry place when not in use.  Edible Earth does not expire. Do not take Edible Earth with medications and/or dietary supplements, as it may bind with other substances, possibly reducing their effectiveness.  Please consult your physician if you if you are taking any prescription medication. Not All Clay Was Created Equal Shaped and formed over the life of our planet, clay is the complex result of volcanic activity, weather, mineralization, and a variety of other geologic factors. Clay deposits run along veins in the earth, and much like humans, each vein of clay has its own “fingerprint” that makes it individually unique in its therapeutic potential. Edible Earth is a synergistic blend of the finest healing clays in North America, to produce the highest quality clay supplement available. Edible Earth is “alive” and always handled with the utmost respect for the natural energy and vitality instilled by mother earth. Supplement Facts Element Amount per serving % DV* Calcium (Ca) 253mg 25% Iron (Fe) 165mg 916% Potassium (K) 134mg 4% Zinc (Zn) 432mcg 3% Magnesium (Mg) 342mg 85% Chromium (Cr) 256mcg 213% Sodium (Na) 50mg 2% Selenium (Se) 8mcg 11% Manganese (Mn) 2mg 100% Copper (Cu) 92mcg 5% Phosphorous (P) 5mg 1% *Percent Daily Values (%DV) based on a 2000 calorie diet. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or mitigate any disease. If you are pregnant, suffering from any medical condition, or are taking medication, consult a healthcare practitioner before use.

The "Body Burden"
and Detoxification

Smectite bentonite clays in particular have a high cation exchange capacity, meaning that they drawn positive ions to them, adsorbing and absorbing toxins, binding them. They have exceptionally strong drawing power, and are thought to be especially effective in pulling toxins, including heavy metals, from the body. Topical applications (see, e.g., Rodrigo), foot- and whole-body-baths are used to remediate a range of health problems by reducing the body burden.

The term "body burden" refers to the aggregate of the synthetic chemical pollutants, heavy metals, and other potentially toxic substances stored in the body at a particular time, resulting from exposure. Body burdens can result from long-term storage (e.g., lipophilic polychlorinated biphenyls stored in adipose tissue; heavy metals stored in bone) or short-term storage (e.g., carbon monoxide [carboxyhaemoglobin] in the blood), but of increasing concern are the long-term consequences of the industrial chemicals building up in our bodies, affecting people of all ages, from fetuses to the elderly (EPA; EWG). We explore these issues on other pages of this site (see Autism & Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and Pollution in People: Toxic and Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals in Plastics and Everyday Products).

The Human Toxome Project (HTP), an initiative of the Environmental Working Group, is attempting to define the human toxome — the scope of industrial pollution in humanity. HTP scientists use cutting edge biomonitoring techniques to test for industrial chemicals like bisphenol A and perchlorate — chemicals in pollution or ingredients found in everyday consumer products. Here are some of their findings, by age: in utero/newborn; teen; adult; and senior.

Heavy Metals, Toxic Metals,
and Other Pollutants

The terms "heavy metal" and "toxic metal" are overlapping, but there is a difference: "heavy" refers to atomic weight, while "toxic" refers to physiological effect. Not all heavy metals are toxic; in trace amounts, some are essential for human health but become toxic in larger amounts, building up in and disrupting normal function in physiological systems. Toxic metals are elements which have no known biological role or which present in a form that compromises normal function — e.g., the Cr+3 ion is a trace element essential in the maintenance of blood sugar levels, but Cr+6 is a known human lung carcinogen (Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program).

Heavy Metal Toxicity:
In small quantities, certain heavy metals are nutritionally essential for a healthy life. Some of these are referred to as the trace elements (e.g., iron, copper, manganese, and zinc). [...] Heavy metals become toxic when they are not metabolized by the body and accumulate in the soft tissues. Heavy metals may enter the human body through food, water, air, or absorption through the skin when they come in contact with humans in agriculture and in manufacturing, pharmaceutical, industrial, or residential settings. [...]

There are 35 metals that concern us because of occupational or residential exposure; 23 of these are the heavy elements or "heavy metals": antimony, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, copper, gallium, gold, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, platinum, silver, tellurium, thallium, tin, uranium, vanadium, and zinc (Glanze 1996). Interestingly, small amounts of these elements are common in our environment and diet and are actually necessary for good health, but large amounts of any of them may cause acute or chronic toxicity (poisoning). Heavy metal toxicity can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function, lower energy levels, and damage to blood composition, lungs, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs. Long-term exposure may result in slowly progressing physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that mimic Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. Allergies are not uncommon and repeated long-term contact with some metals or their compounds may even cause cancer (International Occupational Safety and Health Information Centre 1999). For some heavy metals, toxic levels can be just above the background concentrations naturally found in nature. [...]

Toxic Nation: A Report on Pollution in Canadians (2005):
Heavy metals in our environment include lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium; some occur naturally, but most come from human-made sources. Most exposures to arsenic come from wood that is pressure treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA), which is found in playgrounds, fences, decks and other constructions. Manufacturers of CCA-treated wood voluntarily agreed to stop producing it for consumer use by the end of 2003; however, CCA-treated wood is still available in stores until existing stock is sold. Exposures to lead come from lead paint and emissions from industrial facilities such as metal smelters. Coal-fired power plants are the major source of mercury, which is also found in batteries, fluorescent light tubes, thermometers and related equipment. The major sources of cadmium are pigments and cigarette smoking; emissions also come from industrial sources such as lead and copper smelting and municipal waste incineration. The most common source of exposure to metals is food.

As a group, heavy metals are known to cause cancer and reproductive and developmental disorders. Many heavy metals are also suspected hormone disruptors and respiratory toxins. [...]

For in-depth information on the toxicity of heavy metals and synthetic chemicals, with fact sheets for each element, see the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

References

• Carretero MI. Clay minerals and their beneficial effects upon human health. A review.
  Applied Clay Science 21(2002)155–163
• Eisenhour DD, Brown RK. Bentonite and Its Impact on Modern Life.
  Elements April 2009(5):83–88
• Ferrell RE Jr. Medicinal Clay and Spiritual Healing.
  Clays and Clay Minerals 2008(56)6:751–760
• Gates WP, Bouazza A, Churchman GJ. Bentonite Clay Keeps Pollutants at Bay.
  Elements April 2009(5):105–110
• Glanze WD. Mosby Medical Encyclopedia, Revised Edition 1996. St. Louis, MO: C.V. Mosby.
• Haydel1 SE, Remenih CM, Williams LB. Broad-spectrum in vitro antibacterial activities of clay minerals against antibiotic-susceptible and antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.
  Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (2008) 61, 353–361
• Williams LB, Haydel SE, Ferrell RE Jr. Bentonite, Bandaids, and Borborygmi.
  Elements April 2009(5):99–104
• Wilson MJ. Clay Minerological and Related Characteristics of Geophagic Materials. Journal of Chemical Ecology, July 2003(29)7:1525-1547

Clay Baths

LL's Natural Detox Clay Bath

Clay baths are available from various outlets online. Sources and ingredients differ, from the untreated and commercially unadulterated, to those with "added herbs, spices, and special ingredients to enhance the detoxification of the body of various dangerous environmental poisons" (LL Magnetic Clay Baths FAQ). The company produces several different baths, designed to address different conditions.

LL Magnetic Clay Baths may be purchased online in the United States. Customers in Canada may purchase them from Lifetimehealth.ca, operated by ProMedics Nutraceutical Ltd., the sole Canadian distributor, located in Vancouver, B.C.

We are particularly impressed with the product lines of two companies, Mountain Rose Herbs (two of several MRH clay products are listed below), and EvenBetterNow (see also EBN® Detoxifying Clay Baths detail and video in the left sidebar).

EBN® Detoxifying Clay Baths (5 lb. Jar)	Bio-Chelat™ Heavy Metal Chelator*	Kids Clear™ Detox Clay Baths (2.5 lb jar)	Kids Chelat™ Heavy Metal Chelator*
* EBN® reports that clinical studies in Germany have proven the safety and effectiveness of both chelators for children and adults in lowering the toxic load of heavy metals like mercury, lead, arsenic, aluminum, copper and cadmium. The children's formula is the same as Bio-Chelat™ heavy metal chelator, but includes added trace minerals. These products work well on their own or in tandem with EBN® Detoxifying Bentonite Clay Baths.

Eytons' Earth provides very useful information on medicinal clays; they specialize in researching green healing clay for use in Pelotherapy, hydrotherapy, natural medicine and healing applications. Visitors can download a free eBook entitled Upon a Clay Tablet: The Definitive Guide to Healing with Homeostatic Clay, by Jason R. Eaton. Their sales site is Fine Quality Clays, Wholesale Green Clay - Calcium Montmorillonite / Bentonite - Bulk - Natural Blends, offers a range of products for internal and external use.

Tecopia Essentia: 3 Clay Edible Blend

Healing clays have traditionally been used for internal detoxification (digestive system and liver), trauma injuries, skin conditions, organ and elimination system stimulation, and localized immune system stimulation and support. Our website details how to use healing clay, as well as documents a wealth of information on a wide variety of highly specialized topics.

Green clays such as Illite, Bentonite and Montmorillonite have been used by mankind as a part of natural medicine for tens of thousands of years. Today, the art of healing with the earth is formally known as Pelotherapy, and healing clays are used around the world in hydrotherapy, balneology, natural medicine and alternative medicine.

Natural healing clay:
Bentonite: Green healing clay (smectite) with a high PH level. Quality of therapeutic clays vary according to the deposit, and mineral content is quite varied between different sources. Different forms of bentonite may have different properties, such as sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, and magnesium bentonite. Clays with more than 2% sodium content, even when high in other minerals, usually utilize the sodium as the dominant anion, and thus respond like a sodium bentonite. [...] Read More

Perry Arledge ("Perry A~"), author of Living Clay: Nature’s Own Miracle Cure), promotes the use of Calcium Bentonite Clay. In a 2008 article entitled Criteria for Selecting a Quality Healing Clay, she writes that

[...] all clays are different, making it complicated to understand the many differences in clay families. They differ in composition of minerals, colors, textures, swelling capacity, taste, odor, grittiness and purity. [...]

The clean, pure, all natural Calcium Bentonites are highly regarded for their healing properties. Popular for internal as well as external uses, they are more widely known for detoxing, cleansing, and drawing out impurities. In addition, Calcium Bentonite Clay's high pH levels balance acidity. When taken as a preventative, a high quality Calcium Bentonite will capture and remove newly ingested toxins on a daily basis. Used as an internal cleanser, it aids the colon's ability to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients; thus giving the body more energy. Used externally, clay's electromagnetic ionic charge increases blood flow, circulation, lymphatic stimulation, and speeds cellular rejuvenation and repair. [...]

Detox Clay Powder: All Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay

The Living Clay® website presents information sheets, a Chemical Analysis, an MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), and a Quality Control Report (16.04.10), for this form of calcium bentonite clay. Information of this sort is important in determining whether a specific clay is appropriate for your needs.

Living Clay® is an all natural calcium dominant Bentonite clay with Montmorillonite properties from the Smectite family of clays. Unlike other clays, Smectites are regarded for their exceptionally superior ability to both absorb and adsorb. Characterized by its expandable properties, Living Clay® is considered a green swelling clay recognized for its effectiveness in drawing out impurities and toxins. [...]

Source: Bentonite Clay Profile
Mountain Rose Herbs, Eugene, OR (Accessed 25.04.10)

Origin Wyoming/USA Extraction 100% naturally occurring and naturally quarry mined Shelf life Indefinite (4-5 years recommended) Other Common Names Sodium Bentonite, Sodium Montmorillonite, Wyoming Bentonite Notes The line of Bentonite clay offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is quarry mined from naturally occurring deposits and is untreated. The variety being offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is a "Sodium Bentonite", and is NSF certified and manufactured to ANSI/NSF 60 standards.	Specifications Color Light gray to off-white Odor Flat Mesh Size US #200 Mesh Mineral Content Silica 61.4% Aluminum 18.1% Iron 3.5% Sodium 2.3% Magnesium 1.7% Calcium 0.04% Titanium 0.02% Potassium 0.01% Moisture 7.8% pH 8.3 - 9.1
Bentonite Clay, one of the edible clays offered by Mountain Rose Herbs, comes from naturally occurring volcanic ash sediments in the US. This clay is traditionally used as an internal supplement to assist in mineral deficiencies, and to help bind toxins making them more soluble. Because of its naturally soft nature it also makes an invigorating skin and facemask. Suitable for food use. Choose from 3 sizes: 1lb Bentonite Clay: $7.50 5lb Bentonite Clay: $30.00 50lb Bentonite Clay: $59.00 What is it? Bentonite, also referred to as Montmorillonite, is one of the most effective and powerful healing clays used to treat both internal and external maladies. Bentonite can be used externally as a clay poultice, mud pack or in the bath and, in skin care recipes. Internally it can be added to water or glazed upon food to help those with sensitive palates. A good quality Bentonite should be a grey/cream color and anything bordering "pure white" is suspect. It has a very fine, velveteen feel and is odorless and non-staining. The type of bentonite offered by Mountain Rose herbs is a Sodium Bentonite. How does it work? Bentonite is very unusual in the fact that once it becomes hydrated, the electrical and molecular components of the clay rapidly change and produce an "electrical charge". Its highest power lies in the ability to absorb toxins, impurities, heavy metals and other internal contaminants. Bentonite clay's structure assists it in attracting and soaking up poisons on its exterior wall and then slowly draw them into the interior center of the clay where it is held in a sort of repository. To state it another way... "Bentonite is a swelling clay. When it becomes mixed with water it rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge. From here the toxins are drawn into the sponge through electrical attraction and once there, they are bound. Where does it come from? Bentonite clay is sedimentary clay composed of weathered and aged volcanic ash. The largest and most active deposits come from Wyoming and Montana. (Mountain Rose Herbs stocks a Wyoming variety). How is it manufactured? Bentonite is usually quarry mined from deposits that can range anywhere from 100 feet to several thousand feet. This depends on the health and vitality of the land it is processed from and how far a producer will go to find the right clay with the proper characteristics and consistency. From here it is mined from the earth and brought out into the sun to remove excess water and moisture and, to make it easier to work with. After the initial drying begins the final transformation. It gets processed (ground) with huge hydraulic crushers and it then goes through the final process of micronization, or "fine granulating". This is usually done with the assistance of sophisticated and expensive granulators. Upon completion of this final process it gets inspected by a quality control team and is sent off for consumer use.
Source: French Green Clay (aka- Sea Clay) Mountain Rose Herbs, Eugene, OR (Accessed 25.04.10) Origin France Extraction Quarry mined and processed rock and mineral content Shelf life Indefinite (4-5 years recommended) Notes The line of French Green clay offered by Mountain Rose Herbs is quarry mined from naturally occurring deposits and is untreated, with a beautiful light green color and soft texture. Specifications Color Light green with soft gray hue Odor Flat Mesh Size US #80 Mesh Bulk Density (gm/20ml) 6.6 Extraneous Matter 0.01% Heavy metals (mg/kg) < 3 PPM Max. E Coli Tested Negative Salmonella Tested Negative Coliform < 10 CFU/G Moisture Content 0.14% Bacterial Plate Count (Aerobic) < 1000 CFU/G Yeast & Mold < 1000 CFU/G Total Ash 79.8 pH 7.75 The French Green Clay offered by Mountain Rose Herbs has enormous absorbent powers due to the constitution of its micro molecules. It literally "drinks" oils, toxic substances, and impurities from your skin. Its toning action stimulates the skin by bringing fresh blood to damaged skin cells, revitalizing the complexion, and tightening pores. French Green Clay is marvelous for helping to clear problem skin. Use it daily on trouble spots, or weekly as part of a complete facial treatment. Mined from bedrock quarries in France, it is completely natural, unscented and fragrance free. Choose from 3 sizes: 1lb French Green Clay: $10.75 5lb French Green Clay: $45.00 55lb French Green Clay: #340.00 What is it? French Green Clay also sometimes traded as Sea Clay is by far one of the most majestic, most effective, and most commonly used mineral skin clays found throughout our global community. French Green Clay (AKA Illite Clay or Sea Clay) contains a cornucopia of valuable elements, which include montmorillonite, several (up to 9) important mineral oxides, magnesium, calcium, potassium, dolomite, silica, manganese, phosporous, silicon, copper, and selenium. Green clay owes its coloration to 2 very important factors, which ultimately decide a good quality clay from a poor quality clay. They are, iron oxides, and decomposed plant matter…..Yes, that is correct, decomposed plant matter. The natural green tones found in this luxurious clay are from the very cycles of life this earth uses to regenerate itself. When purchasing French Green Clay it is of utmost importance that it is truly green, or off green in color. French Green clay cannot be be white or gray in color ever. How does it work? Unlike other clays where key elements work in symbiosis off of each other, French Green contains several elements which act as their own "body". In French Green Clay, each element is responsible for working the outer epidermis (skin) in its own way and in dispensing their biological constituents as best as possible. Here is an analogy… Lets say any other clay has 20 workers, but out of all the 20 workers they only work to the potential of 1 worker, very unproductive indeed. But now, lets look at French Green Clay with its 20 workers. This marvelous clay will work to the potential of 20 workers, not just 1. The highly micronized, and often fragile molecular state of French Green Clay allows for far greater absorption of impurities, dust, oil, contaminants, and make up then other clays, and when seeking treatment for the skin, health professionals will always choose French Green over the other varieties. Where does it come from? Well contrary to popular belief, not all French Green Clay comes from France. While Mountain Rose Herbs stocks a beautiful imported clay from France, we have seen several French Green varities from Wyoming, Montana, China and some European countries. Here's what happened... At one time the French Quarries controlled the production for the little market they knew as "Green Clay", and enjoyed this un-hampered success. Because this was going on for so long, the worlds market decided to coin the term "French Green Clay" because all of the green colored facial clays were coming from this country. After a surge in worldwide popularity and booming financial prospects, several other quarries realized they had deposits very similar to that of some of the major French exporters. So, needless to say many other players have come onto the field for a little bit of the French Green action, and regardless of where it comes from, it appears as if the world will still refer to it as "French" Green Clay. How is it manufactured? French Green Clay is quarry mined from deposits that can range anywhere from 100 feet to several thousand feet. This depends on the health and vitality of the land it is on and how far a producer will have to go to find the right clay with the right color and consistency. From here it is mined an brought out into the sun to remove excess water and moisture and to make it easier to work with. Now begins the final transformation ... it gets heavily processed (ground) with huge hydraulic crushers and then micronized (finely pulverized) with more micro managed, fine mesh equipment. After it is processed, it is laid out in the sun one more time to dry in hopes of removing the final amounts of moisture.