Our soil provides the nutrients that make plant life possible, and not only supports plant life, it also supports all animals and humans. Sometimes we think of dirt as “dirty,” but ordinary dirt and water are effective cleaning agents, and sometimes even more effective than soap. Taking this a bit further, there are several naturopathic treatments that depend on the use of the soil, in the form of clay and mud. Let’s take a look at how clay and mud packs can be used to treat a variety of human foods.
The value of clay packages is multiple. Clay compresses cool the affected area much more than an ordinary cold pack, thus reducing the temperature. They also absorb toxins when applied to a boil or weeping wound. In addition, the clay also helps by drawing out the pus and cleaning the wound. Clay also helps reduce swelling and can be used to relieve tension in muscles and calm overstimulated nerves.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, clay helps relieve localized pain and is effective in treating fever, constipation, diarrhea, gastric/duodenal/intestinal ulcers, bleeding from the uterus, hemorrhoids, fissures, appendicitis , stomach pain and irregular menstruation. . Of course, it is excellent for all kinds of skin problems.
The clay is generally used in the form of a paste, to be applied directly as an ointment or in the form of a package. Clay paste is usually applied to the abdomen or other regions of the body that show symptoms of the disorder. In many cases, it can be applied to the whole body, or a mud bath can be taken, in which the whole body, except the head, is buried in clay of suitable consistency. And even the face will be covered with mud.
Clay of any color can be used, as long as it does not contain any harmful materials or chemicals. It is best to collect the clay in a location reasonably free from contamination, at least 3 feet below the surface of the ground. If the clay is very viscous (sticky), a little fine sand should be mixed with it, even up to 50%. Coarse materials such as pebbles and sticks should be removed, if necessary, through a sieve. Before using the clay, it must be dried in the sun. After that, it must be crushed or ground into powder.
When preparing the clay for a paste or package, add enough water to make it the consistency of butter or soft dough. It should be able to adhere, and certainly not be so thin that it slides off the skin. Spread it on the affected part, with a thickness appropriate to the weather and the time you want to maintain. The longer you want to keep it on, the thicker it needs to be. Or it can be spread on a piece of fine muslin or cheesecloth. If it extends over the abdomen, it should be 6 inches (15 cm) long by 3 inches (7.5 cm) wide. If the clay is applied to the eyes or hair area, then a cloth is essential.
If the clay paste or package is left uncovered, it has a cooling effect. For maximum cooling effect, it should be changed frequently. But if it is covered well with a thick cotton or woolen cloth, a warm effect usually develops. If therefore it is intended to cool the piece or lower the temperature of the body, the clay must be left uncovered. But if a warming effect is desired, it must be covered.
Typically, the clay will be removed after about 30 minutes to an hour. If necessary, clay can be reapplied. In any case, at most, if the mud begins to crack within 3 hours of drying, or if the pack becomes rancid, then it should be removed. When clay has been used for its cooling effect, the part to which it has been applied should first be cleaned with a cloth and then brought to normal temperature by rubbing dry with the palms of the hands. If it has been used to warm a part of the body, that part should be wiped clean with a cloth wrung out in cold water.
In case of serious illness, the mud compress can be applied three times a day. In the case of an ulcer, the mud should be heated well to sterilize it.
Some natural doctors prescribe the constipation patient to swallow 5 to 10 grams of clean clay mixed with water daily. This should be done on an empty stomach.
In summary we can say that clay or mud is one of the most fundamental natural healing elements in our world. It is used to cure hundreds of different types of ailments, most of which cannot even be mentioned here due to lack of space. Although it is a superior healer, although its effects are priceless, it is free!
Therefore, never underestimate the power of earth and clay when it comes to healing our bodies. Consult a naturopathic doctor or natural healer for more information.