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Each of these multi-colored minerals is a XNUMX% natural remedy that has a cleansing and antiseptic effect, as well as … the ability to accumulate energy and information.
The ancient Egyptians used clay compresses to heal wounds, and Hippocrates praised its anti-inflammatory properties. And for cosmetic purposes, clay has been used since ancient times. Today, this mineral is of great interest in connection with the study of the process of the origin of life on Earth. The study of one of the types of clay – montmorillonite – showed that it is able to form inside itself membrane, liquid-filled sacs, which, like primitive cells, are capable of growth and division*. According to Leslie Orgel, a specialist in the origin of life from the Institute of Biological Sciences. Salk (USA), clay has the ability to accumulate and transmit information. Its interaction with RNA chains involved in the regeneration of genetic information is currently being studied.
All-consuming effect
Among the numerous properties of clay is the amazing ability of the sorbent. Moreover, this mineral is characterized by both absorption and adsorption. The first is characteristic of many substances with a porous structure – this is the ability to absorb water, fat or gas. Clay can absorb an amount of matter eight times its own weight. This makes it an indispensable component of a variety of products for oily skin, shampoos, matting face products. Like a blotter, the clay absorbs excess oil while remaining completely neutral to the skin. Another property of clays is adsorption, the ability to attract and bind toxins. This property is used to create cosmetic masks for deep skin cleansing, as well as some enterosorbents.
Whitening Clay + Lemon Mask
Improves skin tone, lightens pigment spots
- Mix 1 tbsp. l. white clay powder with 2 tbsp. l. curdled milk or kefir.
- Add the juice of half a lemon.
- Apply to the face in a thick layer, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
When taken orally, such preparations, clay neutralizes bacteria, toxins, absorbs acids of organic origin, antibiotics and other drugs. “Clay removes the remnants of medicines from the body well. Sometimes it is prescribed after taking antibiotics, the dermatologist explains. Elena Fuflygina. “In the treatment of skin diseases, clay is used in the form of powders or applications; its anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effect is important here.” Due to their absorbent properties, clay preparations can reduce the effectiveness of medicines, so it is not recommended to use them together with painkillers and other medicines.
Another amazing quality of clay is the ability to absorb unpleasant odors. Try placing two tablespoons of powdered green clay on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator (the clay should be changed every week).
Read more:
- What does the acne map say about health?
earth color
The three most common types of clay are illite, montmorillonite, and kaolin. The color of the clay depends on the chemical composition and the place where the clay was formed.
Illit is a green or bluish clay with a high absorbent capacity. Illit promotes the resorption of hemorrhages and is used in the form of applications to relieve muscle and joint pain. Traditional medicine recommends using this clay for rheumatism and arthritis, for example, in the form of rubbing with clay water. To do this, a small amount of clay powder is diluted in warm water (it is not recommended to use metal utensils). Another application is associated with the ability of clay to act on biologically active points: in this case, clay applications are placed on the projection of a diseased organ.
Montmorillonite – usually yellow, pink or red clay, has high adsorbent properties. It is the basic ingredient in cosmetic preparations. “Due to its mineral composition, clay can be used in body shaping products, such as anti-cellulite body wraps. It promotes the removal of toxins from the connective tissue and remineralization of the skin,” explains Elena Fuflygina.
Kaolin, a white or china clay, is used to soften skin and improve complexion, or in combination with montmorillonite in absorbent and mattifying products. It is added to preparations for problem skin, masks for deep cleansing, sometimes it is part of the powder.
Calming maskClay + honey
Great for after sunbathing
- Mix 1 tbsp. l. clay, 3 tbsp. l. liquid honey and 2 tbsp. l. natural yogurt until an emulsion is obtained.
- Apply to the face in a thick layer, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
The energy of colors
The energy properties of colored clay are used in Feng Shui color therapy. It is based on the ancient Chinese idea of the harmony of the male and female principles of yin and yang: according to it, various elements, colors, seasons and organs of our body are in a subtle relationship with each other. Problems of a physiological nature (bad complexion, circulatory disorders) reflect an excess or lack of one or another energy in the body.
The five colors represent the five elements: Water, Fire, Wood, Earth and Metal. This knowledge is used, for example, in therapy using cosmetic clay masks of different colors. “Each area on the face is associated with the work of certain internal organs and belongs to one of the elements,” says Svetlana Dean, specialist in oriental cosmetology and reflexology. – The forehead area is associated with the element of Fire, which is responsible for cardiovascular activity, we apply red clay to it – by the way, it is very rich in iron, which affects the level of hemoglobin in the blood. The lower eyelids and chin are associated with the element of Water and the kidneys – black clay is superimposed here, which, as a rule, is mined near the sea. The temples and the area between the eyebrows are associated with the gallbladder and liver, they are under the auspices of the elements of Wood and green. The upper part of the cheeks is “responsible” for the stomach and spleen – skin problems (for example, acne on the cheeks) indicate problems with the gastrointestinal tract. This zone is ruled by the element of Earth and the color yellow. We apply white clay to the nose and lower part of the cheeks – it normalizes the functioning of the respiratory organs, which are patronized by Metal. Thus, each type of clay “strengthens” the corresponding element and harmonizes the work of internal organs.” This principle has been adopted by spa professionals: for example, blue clay is often used to improve the circulation of fluids and relieve swelling in the legs.
*Philip Cohen, Newscientist.com, October 23, 2003.