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Green Clay (French Green Clay, Montmorillinite)
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Green clay has been revered throughout the centuries for its beauty and health benefits. Today, as people become more aware of the dangerous ingredients in many cosmetics, they are returning to natural beauty remedies from days gone by – French green clay is one of those remedies.
French green clay is a highly absorbent mineral-rich clay. It is made up of decomposed plant matter, iron oxides (which provides its natural green color), and several healing minerals including magnesium, potassium, silica, calcium, selenium, aluminum, titanium, sodium, phosphorus, copper and zinc.
Alternative medicine practitioners believe this composition makes French green clay particularly beneficial as a therapeutic treatment for a variety of health concerns, and it is one of the most popular clays used in Pelotherapy.
French green clay has historically been used as a beauty treatment and is a common ingredient in many current-day commercial face masks. French green clay is beneficial in removing impurities and tightening the pores, toning the skin, exfoliating dead skin cells and reducing inflammation in acne. It can also be used as a full-body treatment to soften dry, rough skin.
French green clay works by absorbing impurities such as oils and toxins from the skin. Its mineral-dense properties promote healthy blood flow to skin cells, freshening and toning the skin. French green clay is a great option for teenagers or adults who have problem, or acne-prone skin. The clay is gentle; yet deeply cleans pores, leading to less outbreaks and clearer skin. Instead of each component in French green clay combining to provide one overall result, they stand alone and each one offers a specific benefit. This makes French green clay a better option than other types of green clay on the market.
According the the Arizona State University report, the researchers have found French green clay effective in inhibiting Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Mycobacterium marinum, bacterial pathogens that cause serious and sometimes drug-resistant skin infections.
French green clay is beneficial in detoxing the body of toxins which alternative medicine practitioners believe cause many physical symptoms such as food allergies, headaches, digestive problems, and general fatigue or lethargy. French green clay is believed to have a natural negative electrical charge which attracts positively charged toxins from the bloodstream and tissue cells through the intestine and out of the body as waste.
High quality French green clay is mined from quarries in France. The clay is harvested from the center of a quarry to ensure a pure product, and then exposed to sunlight to remove moisture. It is then dried until it becomes an extremely fine powder.
How To Use French Green Clay
Spas throughout the world use French green clay in expensive body wraps and facials, but it can easily be used at home. The type of skin problem you wish to address will determine how you use the clay. To make a mask for overall skin health, you simply add the clay to a small amount of spring water. People with dry skin can add olive oil, papaya, or avocado to the clay to moisturize and nourish skin. Those with sensitive skin can add the clay to a small amount of chamomile tea to calm the skin. A combination of French green clay and aloe vera gel is a wonderful treatment for teenage breakouts. Once you’ve determined the type of mask that is best for you, apply the mask to the entire face or a specific problem area, leave on 10 -15 minutes (until dry), and rinse.
French Green Clay Tips
•Always use wooden or plastic utensils when mixing or applying green clay – metal utensils may react negatively with the product.
•Use French green clay sparingly at first (once or twice a week), until you know how your skin responds.
•French green clay can help relive insect bites and stings – combine the clay with spring water to make a paste and apply to the affected area.
•Try adding a small amount of French green clay to your bath to soothe eczema, or sunburned skin.
Disclaimer: The information presented
herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not
been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or
prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements,
it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
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