This page is a bit of a long read but very much worth it! Read it and learn!
I loved doing this page. Why? Because I get to read it again! This is exciting stuff!
I find the information about this particular clay fascinating!
I have tried many, all of them even!
The information and statistics that go with this clay are very exciting!
When one of my daughters was younger, she had problem skin, my guess was eczema. She had it for a long time. Sure, she could cover it somewhat with makeup, but she wanted it gone!
I told her everything to try and she tried it. Nothing worked.
I didn’t need to tell her that what goes on in the inside, shows up on the outside, she’s my daughter, she knows that. She was already eating pretty healthy too. We always did homemade probiotics, found in the kefirs and cabbage. So she upped the amounts of all those things and still, the skin problem persisted.
She decided to start drinking this clay, everyday.
She drank it for 4 days and her skin problem completely went away!!
Wow!!! I was amazed! After only 4 days! That was enough for me! I decided to commit to drinking it myself, everyday too!
California Desert Calcium Montmorillonite is also called Ionic Colloidal Clay. This is the clay I use.
“The eating of clay has been observed in native peoples and animals in all parts of the world since antiquity. Early writers described the widespread use of kanwa ( earth from a lick near Lake Chad ) for animals and humans in Nigeria. Long journeys were made to this lick to obtain a tribal supply of this earth, and it was then issued as rations to cattle and humans…” Eaton Earth
Dr. Weston Price & Primitive Use of Clay
Dietary studies of descendants of the Incas of long ago, reveal clay eating as a common practice. When their ancestral mountain empire was ravaged, the last of the Inca’s rulers escaped deep into the Andean mountains. They took with them supplies of clay, which were valued even above the treasures of the empire. They were transported by human carriers to the secret city.
The ransom for prisoners was often paid for by edible clays rather than silver, in that same period. Studies of some Indian people who are most surely descendants of the ancient Incas, reveal they existed largely on a vegetable diet. These vegetables were dipped in an aqueous suspension of clay. This dietetic procedure of very ancient origin is universal among these Indians today.
Dr. Weston Price, a researcher studying primitive races of the high andes, Central Africa, and also the Aborigines of Australia, asked for the privilege of seeing what the natives carried in their knapsacks. Without exception, each one contained a ball of clay, a little of which would be dissolved in water. Their morsels of food would be dipped in their mixture before being eaten. This practice is carried on today and is undoubtedly one reason the people of these cultures experience physical stamina and endurance.
As the explorers came to the New World, they observed the American Indian using various clays. Some of these uses were: The face mask of a proud warrior, the painted body of a ceremonial dancer, or a cool clay pack on an exhausted messenger. Al contained special clays usually gathered locally. However, those for eating were highly treasured and to secure a supply, the natives often traveled long distances. The use of clay was introduced to the pioneers through the skills of the native Indian women, who on occasion were taken as wives by the white men. However, the gathering of the clay had traditionally been done by the men of the tribe, thus substitutions began to occur in the white villages. Slowly the effectiveness of this healing art was lost.
Clay was used in sacred ceremony by the American native. In these rituals, they reverently acknowledged the intimacy they felt with mother earth and all nature. In deep reverence they partook of the sacred clays, believing the clay and water that flowed from the breast of mother earth was to nurture their spirits, as they believed the flow of a mother’s milk was given to feed the spirit of the infant.
By Indian tradition, the tribal father sought visions to guide his people. While solemn ceremony, he might perceive spirits petitioning birth into his clan. Lengthy preparation including clay ceremonies would then follow. Tribesmen would leave the village together for several weeks to go through purification.
The tribesman’s knowledge of plant life and clays used to predetermine male offspring was held in reverent secrecy. Observation of the moon as well as instinct directed the time for their return and the completion of conception ceremonies. The participating women prepared for the sacred rites at the moon lodge.
Upon the birth of their infants they would return to the lodge for further ceremony. As the moon rose in her full majesty, sacred clays were place upon the infant as a symbol of protection from lurking spirits.
Should a maiden of the tribe be violated by a vagabond, she would go to the village outskirts in solitude to heal her spirit and restore her virginity. She used food and clays daily that had been blessed by the spiritual father, as she shamelessly sought her purification.
Heat lodges were a common practice of most tribes. Some sweats lasted a few hours at the day’s end. Other sweats were held deep in the heart of a mountain in caves and could last several days. Clays were traditionally used at both. The lengthy sweats were attended only by men and involved the extensive use of clay. Skilled medicine men of the tribe presided at these sites as the tribal fathers awaited spiritual vision.
Seasonal migration of the Indians would take them to sites of warm clay pools. The complete submersion of their bodies in clay held significant ceremonial purpose. It also served to cleanse and heal their bodies. As it was tribal custom never to be without the edible clays, supplies were dried to be carried on the homeward journey.
The use of clay by the American Indian was held in each tribe’s tradition; it was shared only among the tribesmen. The seeking of clay took them to specific places, especially where the bubbling mud had brought sedimentary deposits to the surface in active or extinct hydro-thermal activity. On rare occasions, clay would be pastel blue, green, or pink. However, most were grey or reddish in color.
This was due to extensive mineral concentrations, especially iron left by the continuous evaporation of water in bubbling mud. The hydrolysis and fragmentation of clay minerals in the heat and steam of a hydrothermally active site, is much more complete than in the sedimentation stage. The clay minerals may otherwise be only mildly transformed in various other ways.
Climatic effects do give rise to different types of clay minerals. Modern scientific research enables us to determine the geographic zone wherein the initiation of the clay minerals’ evolution began and what benefits it may have to the human body.
– Nutrition and Physical Degeneration
Weston A. Price, MS D.D.S.
A Miracle of Life
Calcium Montmorillonite
by Dr Simon Cohen
Far removed from prominent view, exists an age old substance in nature, known as “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay.” There are only a limited number of “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” deposits around the world. The first site was discovered in Montmorillon, France in the 1800’s, hence the name, Montmorillonite. For centuries Native American healers used it internally and externally in the treatment of a variety of illnesses. In years past sailing vessels departing from France were known to store clay on board for the treatment of dysentery as well as other ailments. Animals, domestic and wild alike, instinctually drawn to clay deposits have been observed licking the clay as part of their everyday diet, and rolling in it to obtain relief from injuries.
A recognized detoxifying agent, nutrient and bactericidal “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” is in the smectite group of clays. Only those clays within the smectite group have the ability to absorb. Its power as a detoxifying substance comes from its inherent ability to adsorb and absorb. Its unique ability to grow and change (adsorb) is the reason for its classification and recognition as a “Living Clay”. While there is more than one Montmorillonite, the red “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” of the smectite group remains a favorite for human use. Clay, which has been hydro-thermally altered and seasoned in the arid desert is rich in content. The color of clay is determined by the mixture and ratio of elements contained within it. Hydro-thermal exposures over long periods of time affect the clay in two important aspects; it becomes negatively charged and crystallized. As a result of the crystallization process the clay is reduced into small particles that make it easy for the body to assimilate. The negative charges on the clay give it the ability to adsorb or attract positively charged toxic matter, which is then absorbed into the clay and dispelled from the body as waste.
In addition to the role it plays as a potent detoxifier, “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” has also been used extensively in the treatment of pain, open wounds, colitis, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, intestinal problems, acne, anemia, and a variety of other health issues.
“Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” is reported to contain no less than 67 minerals. This impressive assortment of minerals includes calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and silica as well as trace elements, those appearing in very tiny amounts. The mineral content being extremely high sets the stage for replenishing dietary deficiencies. Today more than ever before, diets are lacking essential trace minerals and micronutrients. Without the basic minerals, life cannot exist; without trace minerals, major deficiencies may develop. Lack of either will make it impossible for the body to maintain good health and function properly. In clay the minerals occur in natural proportion to one another encouraging their absorption in the intestinal tract. Natural “Calcium Montmorillonite” restores minerals in the tissues where they are needed. Furthermore, minerals are the carriers of the electrical potential in the cells which enable the hormones, vitamins, and enzymes to function properly.
As mentioned above “Living Clay” is known to have been used historically as an effective antibacterial in the treatment of dysentery, and as a means of decontaminating water. Presently it is being used internationally to clarify and balance small and large bodies of water. This is so because “Living Clay”particles are smaller than many bacteria; when bacteria encounter an environment abundant in clay it becomes surrounded by the clay, and imbedded in it. The immediate result is that the bacteria are unable to receive nourishment and cannot survive.
The dominant approach in health care today is from the viewpoint that considers the notion of parts. The diagnosis of illness is often arrived at by looking for a specific disease by relying on symptoms surfacing in an apparently localized part or parts of the body. Once identified a specific medication for a specific problem is applied. Only recently has medical science begun once again, to explore the idea that health problems surface as a result of disease in the whole system, not just one or more of the
parts. The immune system intimately affects each organ on a fundamental level, which spans the boundaries of all the body’s vital functions. This is critical to understanding the cause of chronic and degenerative disease. The body’s vital systems are dependent on each other. The presence of disease in any system impacts all systems. A lifestyle without substantial nutrition, sufficient rest, a proper balance of stress, and numerous other factors can weaken the immune system. Malfunction of the immune system leads to infectious disease. It is unrealistic to treat parts, and expect a whole result.
Because of its inherent healing properties, clay has long been recognized as a subject worthy of study. It is included as such, in many educational institutions today, which teach pharmacology, herbology, and nutrition. “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” is currently being utilized in hospitals outside of the United States where it has already proven its effectiveness. In recent years clay has become a topic of discussion in numerous publications. Recently more information has become available outlining the important role “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” can play in the recovery and maintenance of health. It has also been receiving significant recognition by the health care community, as a proven and much overlooked natural alternative remedy in the prevention and cure of disease.
Recent exposure has spurred the interest of people around the world, prompting them to seek out reliable high quality resources for clay. This well deserved notoriety is serving to educate the public about this natural healing agent, as a true “Miracle of Life”.
While “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” is a powerful nutrient and detoxifier it is important to recognize that it is a part of a total health care system. Healing benefits may result from internal and/or external clay applications. The clay may be ingested, applied as a poultice, and/or used in a bath. An appropriate lifestyle and the proper guidance of a health care practitioner are essential to one’s well being. Determining the most beneficial and appropriate application of “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay” is best discussed with someone familiar with its properties.
Natural medicines serve as catalysts triggering our bodies built in healing mechanisms as they work to restore health. I was prompted to write this article because of my personal experience with the far reaching healing powers of natural “Calcium Montmorillonite Clay”. My hope is that the information provided here will encourage others to consult with their respective health practitioners, in considering its use as a part of their daily health regime.
Are you excited yet? I love this stuff!
“Earth-eating, or geophagy, is a well-documented phenomenon.
In the animal world, parrots seek out particular clays and deer lick hollows into patches of soil, traveling long distances to reach these tasty spots.
Cattle will chew on clods of particular earths; in South Africa, cattle will often be found meditatively licking away at termite nests, hollowing out polished scoops in any weak spots.
Termite nests are rich in trace elements, as these “white ants”
carry up fragments from as much as a hundred feet down.”
The Magazine of the California Academy of Science
Bentonite clay molecules carry a negative electrical charge while toxins, bacteria, viruses, parasites and other impurities carry a positive charge. When the clay is taken into the human body, the positively charged toxins are attracted to the negatively charged surfaces of the clay molecule. The clay molecule acts like a magnet, attracting and holding the toxins and impurities to its surface, and removing them when the clay is removed or expelled.
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Studies show that the use of volcanic ash clay internally goes back to the Indians of the high Andes mountains, tribes in Central Africa and the aborigines of Australia. Taken internally, it supports the intestinal system in the elimination of toxins. The application of clay has achieved miraculous healing of Buruli Ulcer – mycobacterium ulcerans which is similar to leprosy and tuberculosis mycobacterium or flesh eating disease.
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Taken from Our Earth Cure
by Raymond Dextreit
“I started taking in June 2005. I read an article in “California Wild” magazine, the Winter 2005 issue, titled Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud. The magazine is published by The California Academy of Sciences.
I was quite impressed with the history of our ancestors, and the history of animals who instinctively crave clay, which “cleanses” our bodies of some of the junk type foods that we all ingest, including animals that may eat semi-toxic plants.
The article stated that clay was the best substance to rebuild the bone loss suffered by our first astronauts. I have Osteoporsis, therefore I started taking your clay.
Results of my bone density will not be known until May 2007. However, to my surprise, I have not had a cold or the flu since I started taking Clay. For the first time in my adult life (I am now 67 years old), I have not had my once or twice yearly cold, sinus infection, or respiratory problems. My wife had several bad colds the winter of 2005 – 2006, and I did not get sick!
I have never taken any other “alternative” health product. Clay definitely works for me. I quit taking Clay for several days in the spring of 2006, and I started to develop breathing problems and a sore throat. I went back to the Clay, and I am healthy again!”
Dextreit writes that that clay stimulates the deficient organ and helps the restoration of the failing function. Clay is a powerful agent of stimulation, transformation and transmission.
Clay contains highly active ingredients, able to induce cellular rebuilding and to hasten all organic processes.
He also says that clay acts with wisdom – it goes to the unhealthy spot.
Used internally, whether absorbed orally, anally or vaginally, clay goes to the place where harm is, there it lodges, perhaps for several days, until finally it draws out the pus, black blood, etc. with its evacuation.
Calcium montmorillonite and other types of clays attracts and neutralizes poisons in the intestinal tract.
It can eliminate food allergies, food poisoning, mucus colitis, spastic colitis,viral infections, stomach flu, and parasites (parasites are unable to reproduce in the presence of clay).
There is virtually no digestive disease that clay will not treat. It enriches and balances blood. It adsorbs radiation (think cell phones, microwaves, x-rays, TVs and irradiated food, for starters).
It has been used for alcoholism, arthritis, cataracts, diabetic neuropathy, pain treatment, open wounds, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, stomach ulcers, animal and poisonous insect bites, acne, anemia, in fact, the list of uses is too long for this article.
It was used during the Balkan war of 1910 to reduce mortality from cholera among the soldiers from sixty to three percent.
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Our California Desert Clay is a special and very pure form of Calcium Bentonite Clay, also known as Calcium Montmorillonite.
Anyone excited about this yet??
You can bathe in this too!
If you are just starting out with it for bathing in, I would start out with about 1/2 lb and build yourself up. It’s a very pleasant bath.
I have been taking clay baths for many years.
In the autistic and holistic world I used to be emmeshed in, because of my son, the holistic drs would check these kids, via hair analysis and/or urinalysis, to see what heavy metals they have. They keep track, once they start these baths, to see if these levels are coming down and they have found, that they are. Pretty cool.