Clay

Clay, or loam, is a mineral mixture in which aluminosilicates predominate. To the eye it is a homogeneous, shapeless mass, but in truth it is made of countless tiny particles in the form of grains or flakes. Because of the large specific surface of these particles, clay has an extraordinary power of absorption. It binds harmful substances in the organism.

People have always used it, from the very beginning of their existence: for vessels, for simple dwellings, even for mummification (Egypt). For the preservation of health it was recommended by Dioscorides of ancient Greece, the Arab Avicenna, Galen and Kneipp. In the First World War soldiers were given 200 g of powdered clay as part of their compulsory kit, and if they used it according to the instructions, they did not get dysentery.

There are several kinds of clay: white, grey, red and green. In their action they are very similar. They differ only in the greater content of particular minerals (for example, red has more iron). In Slovenia there are many deposits practically all over the country: Barje, Komenda, Liboje, Križevci, Račje selo, Šentjernej, Prekmurje.

We use clay externally and internally.

External use of clay

Into a vessel, which should not be of metal, put as much clay as you need. Then prepare water, or a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar to 2 parts water), and add it to the vessel with the clay. The ratio of clay to prepared liquid should be 70 % clay and 30 % liquid. Leave it all to stand for 1 hour so that the liquid soaks in.

The cold compress is now ready to be applied with a wooden spatula, 0.5 cm thick, to the affected place. The mixture for a compress is applied only to healthy and undamaged skin!

If we need a warm compress, which is usually used on the abdomen, we place the prepared clay over a hot water bath or another source of heat to warm it suitably, and then apply it to the affected place.

Once on the skin, a cold or warm compress is fixed in place with gauze and a bandage, and the fixed compress is then covered with woollen cloth.

Leave the compress on the affected place for 1 to 2 hours. A warm compress is left on the affected place until it cools, that is 3 to 4 hours. For chronic trouble the compress can also be left on overnight.

After use the clay must be thrown away, since clay that has been used is not suitable for reuse. Wraps that will be used again can be washed and dried and prepared for reuse.

Therapy with clay for lasting conditions takes 8 to 10 days. For a satisfactory effect in long-standing conditions, repeated courses with a few days' breaks are recommended.

When treating with clay we recommend drinking tea blends to improve the metabolism, to add minerals and to ease pain. The blend for rheumatic trouble contains nettle, meadowsweet, birch, dandelion, willow bark, lemon balm and lavender.

Internal use of clay

Taking clay helps with many diseases.

The drink is prepared as follows:

Clay water with clay is taken once a day. Stir 1 small teaspoon of powdered clay into 1 decilitre of water, using a wooden spoon and not a metal one. Leave to stand overnight. In the morning on an empty stomach drink only the clay water, and throw away the sediment. The course should last three weeks, followed by a break of at least one week. After the break the course can be repeated if necessary.

In chronic constipation and high blood pressure we advise against taking clay water, or suggest that you talk to an expert about taking it.

You will find more information on its use in the book "Glina zdravi: moč žive zemlje". Or you can call the monastery company Sitik, where all the clay preparations can also be had.

Buy clay products:

Powdered Clay

Clay Poultice

Clay for Compresses

Pure Powdered Clay

Pure Powdered Clay (in glass)

Published: 26 March 2022

Clay products:

Powdered Clay

Clay Poultice

Clay for Compresses

Pure Clay for Eating (plastic packaging)

Pure Clay for Eating (glass packaging)