In the annals of natural medicine, healing earth is highly regarded for the treatments of burns, wounds, skin disorders, intestinal problems and joint inflammation. In addition, it supplies the body with a number of minerals and trace elements. The health effects of healing earth were first reported by Emmanuel Felke(1856-1926), a natural healer who was also known as "the clay pastor". According to Felke, the fine grained clay known as loess, found in ice-age deposits, is the soil that is best suited to therapeutic purposes. To make healing earth, the loess clay is further ground up and sifted; the finer the powder, the easier it is for the body's cells to use. Depending on the nature of ailment, healing earth can be taken internally or applied externally.
Choosing the right type of healing earth
Healing earth is available in various forms, including very fine, fine and coarse powders, as well as healing-earth capsules. The very fine powder 9often called "ultrafine") and the capsules are recommended for internal use because the body can best absorb the nutrients in the clay when it is very finely ground. Fine powder is used externally in face masks and compresses. The coarse powder is often added to warm baths.
Therapeutic effect
Healing earth has antiseptic and antibiotic effects. When applied externally, it cools, cleanses and promotes the healing of wounds and skin inflammations. When taken internally, it eases gastrointestinal problems and supplies minerals and trace elements. Plus, it helps stimulate cell metabolism and enhances blood flow to the cells.
Components
A range of minerals and trace elements, including silica, Calcium, potassium, copper, sodium, iron, magnesium, fluoride, manganese and zinc are in the naturally clean clay that is processed into healing earth. The powders and capsules contain no chemical additives.
For dandruff
Healing earth removes excess oils from the hair and scalp and promotes scalp circulation. Mix 3 tablespoon of healing earth with 1 quart of water. Massage it into the scalp; rinse after a few minutes. Use daily for one week.
For mouth and throat inflammation
For sore throat, toothache or inflammation of the lining of the mouth or gums, add 2 teaspoons of healing earth to 1 cup of warm chamomile tea. Rinse or gargle with this up to eight times a day. The microscopic particles of healing earth absorb the germs while the chamomile tea alleviates inflammation.
For skin problems
Poor complexion and acne will benefit from a cleaning face mask made with healing earth. Combine 1-2 tablespoon of healing earth with enough freshly squeezed orange juice to make a creamy paste. Apply directly to the face and allow it to dry. Rinse with lukewarm water after approximately 10 minutes.
Take care : Be sure allow 1-2 hours between taking healing earth and any over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Healing earth could possibly interfere with the body's absorption of the medications and impair effectiveness.
Used for joint and muscle inflammation, skin disorders, heartburn and other gastrointestinal problems, colds and sore throat.
Method of administration
Cold compresses
Cold compresses are good for phelebits, burns, insect bites, sunburn, itching and sprains. Mix fine healing earth and cold water to make a thick paste. Spread the mixture onto stripe of wet linen cloth. You can spread the paste up to ½ inch thick. Place the coated strips on the affected area and cover with a dry cloth for 1-2 hours.
Warm compresses
Warm compresses have a soothing effect on muscle stiffness, menstrual cramps and back pain. To make the compresses follow the procedure for cold compresses (above), but use water that is hot to the touch.
Baths
Healing-earth baths promote circulation and alleviate skin problems, muscle aches and joint diseases. Add 2-3 lbs. of coarse healing earth to a full bath, varying the amount according to the size of the tub and the quantity of water used. After the bath, rinse and dry off vigorously.
Internal use
The ultrafine powder or capsules can be used to reduce gastric acid, calm heartburn and alleviate diarrhea. Take 1-2 capsules or 1 tsp. of powder dissolved in ½ cup of water 2-3 times a day on an empty stomach.
