“In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous” – Aristotle

Essential oils certainly fit the above description as we hope you will agree after reading this article.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy has been described as the science and art of using the scent of flowers, plants, herbs, and spices to revitalize and heal the mind and body. In this system of healing, the volatile substances of aromatic plants are considered to be their concentrated essence and to contain their healing properties.

Though called oils, these aromatic healing oils are neither oily nor greasy. They are obtained from the flowers, fruits, leaves, bark, wood, and roots of the plants, which are collected during different times and seasons. Their scent and purity can depend on the weather and time of picking. Obviously, oil obtained from plants grown in a natural environment will be better in quality and purity than those grown in a polluted environment where the pollutants could affect the oil and even cause harm.

Background and History of Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is deeply rooted in the ancient civilizations of India, China and Egypt, as well as in Greece and Rome.

Even today, in the traditional Indian therapeutic system of Ayurveda, massages with different oils are used for detoxification and the healing of a variety of ills. These treatments are highly effective and popular, and have spread to other parts of the world.

Reference to the use of essential oils in Egypt for medicinal, cosmetic, and embalming purposes go back to 4500 B.C. and possibly earlier. Ancient hieroglyphics depict Egyptians burning oils to the gods, frankincense to the sun, and myrrh to the moon. Cleopatra, who is said to have known of the various properties of these oils, bathed in jasmine scented water and had her floors strewn with a carpet of rose petals. Since the oils of both these flowers are aphrodisiacs, poor old Mark Antony didn’t stand a chance!

In China the Yellow Emperor’s “Classic of Internal Medicine” written in about 2650 B.C. contains references to oil therapy, which probably goes back much further in time.

Gradually the knowledge of precious oils spread to Arabia, Greece, and Rome, where they were much valued for their perfumes and used in festive rituals. In the eleventh century A.D., the Persian physician, Avicenna, in his work “The Canon of Medicine” also refers to the healing properties of these oils.

The Crusaders brought the oils back to Europe during the Middle Ages where they helped mask the odor of “the great unwashed” among other uses!

Doctors treating plague victims in Europe wore masks filled with spices, including cloves and cinnamon, which modern research has shown to be antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal. Virtually the entire town of Bucklersbury in England was spared from the plague and historians believe this is because it was the center of the European lavender trade. In Athens, Hippocrates dealt with the plague by fumigating the whole city with the aromatic essences of plant oils!

In the 1920s, Rene Maurice Gattefosse showed that essential oils were able to penetrate the skin and reach the inner organs via the blood and lymph systems. His examination of the antimicrobial effects of the oils led to the development of the modern system of aromatherapy.

Since then, the oils have been well researched for their therapeutic effects, including those on the nervous system, in France, Italy and other parts of Europe with very positive results. Dr. Jean Valnet, who was very influenced by Gattefosse, used the oils as an antiseptic in the treatment of wounds. As the oils have been shown to have a remarkable effect on mental and nervous symptoms, he also used them effectively on mentally disturbed patients. In 1964 he published what is now considered the classic textbook on the subject – “The Practice of Aromatherapy.” This work led to aromatherapy being pharmacologically recognized in France and Switzerland.

How are Essential Oils Obtained?

Among the methods of extracting essential oils, the common one is by distillation where steam is passed over the leaves or flowers in a vacuum or under pressure to vaporize the oils. The steam then cools and condenses the oils, which separate from the water for easy collection.

Higher quality oils such as rose and jasmine are treated by a process known as enfleurage in which they are spread on a tray lined with oil and left till the oil is saturated with the perfume. This can take between 6 to 72 hours. The process is then repeated and the aromatic substance is separated from the oil with a solvent before being purified. This method produces a superior quality and more costly oil.

Pressing involves simple pressure by hand or machine and is often used for citrus fruits where the oil is squeezed from the rind.

The Properties of Different Oils

Different oils possess different properties some being natural antiseptics and others natural antibiotics, antivirals, anti-inflammatory, diuretics, anti-spasmodic, and expectorants. Some stimulate while others act as sedatives.

The natural chemicals extracted by distillation include alcohols, aldehydes, cetones, sequesterpenes, terpenes, esters, and ethers, and it is these substances that have the therapeutic qualities.

How do Essential Oils Work?

Like so many other traditional natural therapies, essential oils work on balancing mind and body by relaxing both, increasing vitality, improving circulation, naturally boosting the immune system, and contributing to a “feeling good” state of mind.

It is believed that some oils have a special affinity for a particular organ and that cellular intelligence takes the appropriate oil to where it is needed. Any excess oil is eliminated from the system through excretory channels. The oils remain in the body for a number of hours and set up a healing process that can last for several days.

The oils work in two ways. Through our sense of smell they immediately affect the autonomic nervous system and the hormonal system which govern our emotions and heart rate, stress reaction, and memory. So, different oils can bring about changes in our state of mind and therefore in our reaction to stress.

The other way in which the oils work is by entering the body and the blood stream through the lungs, in the case of inhalation, and through the skin as result of bathing, compresses, and massage. Blood circulation transports the oils to all the organs, which benefit from their therapeutic effects.

Recent Medical Findings on Essential Oils

According to Dr. Friedmann (1995), essential oils help relieve migraine headaches and mental fatigue; reduce arthritic pain and inflammation; clean the gallbladder; heal burns, cuts, and infected wounds; release liver toxins; and clear up acne among other benefits. Some oils alleviate insomnia and anxiety; lower cholesterol naturally; and relieve PMS symptoms.

In an article in Advances, a publication of the Fetzer Institute, Keith Black (MD), well known in the field of oncology, writes about the chemo-preventative activity of limonene (a moncyclic monoterpene found in the essential oils of citrus fruits, spices, and herbs). This helps in hepatic detoxification of carcinogens and increased carcinogenic excretion. Limonene may also block tumor promotion and progression and promote the complete regression of mammary carcinomas by the induction of programmed death of cancer cells (apoptosis).

Ongoing studies in the U.K. are researching the promising possibilities of limonene in lemon oil in the treatment of advanced cancer. In fact, new emerging evidence points to significant anti-tumor and possibly anti-cancer properties of essential oils.

Frankincense oil has an ancient history of medicinal use. A study in Biomed Central Journal of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (March 2009) concludes that frankincense oil can distinguish cancerous from normal bladder cells and suppresses cancer cell viability, even inducing bladder cancer cell death. It could therefore be used as an alternative bladder cancer treatment.

Sweet linalool is an aromatic found in many floral and sweeter spice essential oils. Linalool from the oil of coriander was found in study to completely eradicate the Hep G2 liver cancer cell line when used in very low concentrations.

A number of studies point to sandalwood oil preventing tumor development and some European studies have shown that it significantly reduces the formation of skin cancer tumors. It has also been shown to significantly reduce tumor development in skin exposed to UVB radiation.

Thyme and oregano oils help protect human DNA strands from breaking when exposed to extreme oxidative stress. They also qualify as potential anti-cancer agents as DNA damage, by contributing to an abnormal cell life cycle, is a leading cause of cancer development.

Other spice essential oils that have been shown to have anti-cancer effects include ginger, turmeric, basil, garlic, and sage.

The oils have a positive effect on the immune system on a chemical level by boosting the efficiency of white blood cells and removing microbes from the body.

Further investigations will probably lead to more exciting discoveries of the healing potential of essential oils in the near future.

Some Popular Uses of Essential Oils

Some of the popular uses of essential oils are given below.

• Basil: has uplifting effects on depression and relieves headaches and migraines (not for pregnant women).
• Black pepper: stimulates circulation and is good for muscular aches and pains.
• Clove: a topical natural analgesic especially used for tooth ache.
• Eucalyptus: this is often used in combination with Peppermint and provides relief in colds and flu when inhaled in steam.
• Geranium: an antiseptic and diuretic.
• Jasmine and Rose: these are aphrodisiacs and mood enhancers as Cleopatra demonstrated!
• Lavender: a natural antiseptic and very effective in healing cuts and burns. It also calms and relaxes, helps with insomnia, soothes headaches and migraines, and is an anti-inflammatory.
• Tea Tree: has antimicrobial effects and is used topically. It is also an anti-fungal as is Thyme.
• Yarrow: use to reduce joint inflammation and relieve cold and influenza symptoms.
• Chamomile: inactivates toxins produced by bacteria.
• Lemon Balm, Eucalyptus, Ravensara Aromatica, and Niaouli: these are all antivirals.
• Anise and Carraway: have powerful digestive properties.
• Juniper: a well known diuretic.
• Citronella, Cinnamon and Geranium: these are all insect repellants.
• Lemon Balm, Valerian, Lavender and Citrus: have sedative properties.

Cautions and Contra-indications when Using Essential Oils

Because the oils are very concentrated and extremely potent, there are some cautions and contra-indications for their usage. We are listing some of these here, but you should always consult a trained professional aromatherapist and your physician before using the oils, especially if you are suffering from any serious medical conditions.

• Essential oils are contra-indicated if you are undergoing chemotherapy as they could reduce the cyto-toxic effects of the treatment. However, they can be used as an effective part of any cancer-preventative program.
• Because they are highly concentrated, the oils must be diluted in a carrier oil when applied topically.
• Chemical allergies can be caused by pesticides to which the plants may have been exposed. Adulterated oils can also cause problems depending on the adulterating substance used, so it is very important to get your oils from a reputed organization that sells pure organic oils.
• Though essential oils can also be used therapeutically on pets, some of them are toxic for animals, particularly cats. It is therefore advisable to ascertain which oils can be used on animals and which cannot.
• A child hormone specialist at Cambridge University noted that some of the oils, especially lavender and tea tree, can mimic estrogens so careful choices have to be made.
• Several oils are contra-indicated for pregnant and lactating women. An aromatherapist could advise you on which these are.
• Essential oils should never be ingested. Some oils such as eucalyptus can cause severe poisoning, and those of sage, hyssop, thuja, and cedar can cause liver damage and seizures. For this reason, all oils should be kept out of the reach of children and animals.
• Some oils can have negative interactions with conventional drugs. The topical use of methylsalicylate heavy oils such as sweet birch and wintergreen could cause hemorrhaging in users taking the anti-coagulant warfarin.

Consultations with both an aromatherapist and your physician should safeguard against any possible harmful effects and enable you to enjoy the healing effects of these wonderful oils.

How to Store Essential Oils

Essential oils should be stored in dark colored glass bottles to filter out ultraviolet light, and should never be left exposed to sunlight as this accelerates the process of oxidation. One should choose a cool dark place to keep them away from both heat and children. They can be refrigerated but the temperature settings should be between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius.

And so, as we have shown, essential oils are very potent healers and can become your lifelong friends on a fragrant healing journey. Bon voyage!

Please Note: To learn more about our recommended sources of fine quality, pure, and powerfully acting therapeutic oils – both single oils and pre-combined formulations for specific physical, mental, and emotional conditions -  please see our page on Healing Essential Oils.

References

• The Ananda Apothecary. Essential Oils and Cancer: A Review of Published Scientific Studies. Accessed at http://www.anandaapothecary.com/aromatherapy-essential-oils-news/2009/08/essential-oils-and-cancer-review-of.html.
• Close, Jacquelyn R.A. Quote from Science and Medicine. Accessed at http://www.essentials4health.biz/resources/sci_quotes.shtml
• Hopkins, Cathy. 1991. The Joy of Aromatherapy: Sensual Remedies for Everyday Ailments. London, U.K.: Angus and Robertson
• Miller, Light. 1999. Ayurvedic Remedies for the Whole Family. Twin Lakes, U.S.A.: Lotus Press.
• Nature Helps. Therapeutic Properties of the Essential Oils. Accessed at http://www.nature-helps.com/infopage/engels/properties.htm
• Quinessence Aromatherapy. Storage of Essential Oils. Accessed at http://www.quinessence.com/essential_oil_storage_methods.htm
• Wikipedia. Aromatherapy. Accessed at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aromatherapy

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is only intended to educate and inform our readers. It is in no way intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose or treat any disease. If you have a health problem, you should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any substances for medicinal purposes.

Ever since Raymond Dextreit, a well known French naturopath, famous for his book “Our Earth Our Cure” came into our lives almost 30 years ago, we were instinctively and almost immediately persuaded to use healing clay. We ordered French Green Clay from Cattier, a French firm, and added it to our repertoire of healing remedies.

Since then, in our family, a finger with a minor cut  is dipped into a glass of drinking water and then into a jar of green clay and left to dry under a loose band-aid. It heals in no time at all. As a teenager, Radi dabbed a paste of hydrated clay on her occasional acne eruptions overnight and in a few days they had disappeared without a trace. Similarly, her symptoms of a stomach ulcer disappeared after a week of drinking clay water.

An abandoned pet dog who comes to us regularly for feeding arrived one day minus three-quarters of one ear, bleeding badly and with the whole mess exuding a foul odor. Obviously in pain, he wouldn’t let us touch the ear so Mithu sprinkled dry clay from a slight height on his ear while he was drinking water. This clay sprinkling for a week or so left our friend “Choco” with a healed, pink quarter ear, which seems to function fine.

We do not recommend this casual way of using clay to our readers and suggest that they consult a health practitioner or read the relevant books on how to use clay.

To date, we have used French Green Clay but now we hope to try some of the other clays that we have learnt about in the course of our research. In this article, we will discuss the general properties of clay and describe the main and commonly used therapeutic varieties. Further along in this article, we will provide a summary of some of the well known healing clays and their origins.

The History of Clay Use:

The use of clay for both healing and ritualistic purposes goes far back into antiquity. Recorded history tells us that the Ancient Egyptians used it both medicinally and for embalming their Mummies as clay’s moisture absorbing properties preserved these bodies for thousands of years, that is, until we interfered with the process in recent times.

Dietary studies of the descendants of the Incas point to clay eating as a common practice. It was also used by the predecessors of the Aztecs and other South American civilizations for healing purposes.

The Aborigines of Australia and some tribes in Africa are also known to have used clay medicinally and perhaps also for ceremonial purposes. Native American populations used a variety of clays for healing and body purification and also for spiritual ceremonies. They called clay Eee Wah Kee or “mud that heals.”

In India, Multani Mitthi or “Indian Fullers Earth” was and still is used in clay baths for body purification though whether this or any other varieties of clay were ingested, we do not know.

The Essenes, the authors of the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, were aware of the potent healing properties of clay and used it to treat a variety of health conditions.

The Hunzas, a tribe living in the mountainous regions of Pakistan, are known to be an extremely healthy and long lived people. Apart from their active and healthy lifestyles and diet, the clay particles naturally deposited in their local water supplies and consumed over lifetimes might very well have contributed to their longevity.

Healers of antiquity commonly used clay. Dioscorides, the Greek, attributed great potency to the vital properties of clay, and both Galem (also Greek) and the Arab, Avicena, praised its healing qualities. The Roman naturalist, Pliny the Elder, devoted a whole chapter of his Natural History to clay.

More recently, the well known German naturopaths, Kneipp, Kuhn, Just, Felke, and others of the last century have contributed to clay’s revival in natural treatments.

Last but not least, animals, domestic and wild, instinctively lick or eat clay, or even roll in it, to eliminate poisons, rectify mineral deficiencies, or get relief from injuries. Apart from mammals, birds and reptiles use clay too. Some vets today are using it for treating infections and injuries suffered by their patients.

General Properties and Uses of Clay:

Clays come in many colors and hues depending on their sources and mineral content, and their healing properties may vary accordingly. While the trace elements and mineral salts in clays partly account for their healing properties, clay is thought to act as a catalyst rather than the actual healing agent.

Raymond Dextreit describes clay as a living substance that acts intelligently. Where a chemical product being a dead substance acts blindly and destroys all bacteria, good or bad, useful or harmful, clay treats the whole system, selectively honing in on toxins and eliminating harmful bacteria.

Clay particles carry a negative electrical charge while toxins in the body carry a positive charge. With the usage of clay, whether internally or externally, the positively charged ions of various toxins are attracted to the negatively charged surface of the clay particle and an exchange of ions takes place. In this process, the toxins are bound and held onto until they can be eliminated.

Dextreit goes on to tell us that clay’s active powers may be due to its being a powerful agent of stimulation, transformation, and transmission of energy given the fact that its particles contain a considerable amount of energy drawn from the powerful magnetic entity that is our planet Earth. Extraordinary energy resources, normally dormant in the organism, are awakened by clay.

Research into modern uses of high quality healing clays has indicated that it can be effectively used to treat skin ailments, stomach disorders and infections of the intestinal tract, food allergies and poisoning, viral infections, mucus colitis, and to eliminate parasites.

According to Dextreit, clay heals ulcers and is an effective wound healer because it draws out toxins and helps in tissue and cell regeneration. It can even regenerate fractured bones and vertebrae. Together with lemons, it can act on capillaries, dissolving crystals and flakes.

Clay has also been used to heal stomach ulcers, alleviate arthritis, and help in the treatment of various conditions such as hemorrhoids, open wounds, anemia, and acne among other ills. Because clay contains both types of dietary iron – ferrous and ferric – in an easily assimilated form, it can help treat anemia. It alleviates allergic discomfort by neutralizing allergens. It also relieves heartburn and indigestion by absorbing excess stomach acids.

Trace minerals are needed by the body to maintain healthy functioning. The minerals in clay occur in natural proportion to one another and are therefore more easily absorbed by the intestinal tract. Minerals, being the carriers of the electrical potential in cells, enable vitamins, enzymes, and hormones to function efficiently.

Clays possesses anti-bacterial properties and these properties in certain clays have even healed Buruli Ulcer, a flesh-eating bacterial disease that occurs in Central and Western Africa. In an article entitled “The Value of Bentonite for Diarrhea” which appeared in the Medical Annals – District of Columbia (Vol. 20, No. 6, June 1961), doctors described the effects of using hydrated Bentonite clay for the treatment of diarrhea caused by bacterial and viral infections, food allergies, spastic colitis, and food poisoning. They concluded that in 97 percent of the studied cases, liquid bentonite significantly relieved abdominal cramps, headaches, nausea and weakness and that it proved to be a potent adsorbent aid in detoxification.

Another interesting property of clay is its ability to absorb radiation. It has been used by Russian scientists to protect themselves when working with nuclear materials. For this reason, it was also used in Chernobyl as protection against the effects of harmful radiation after the nuclear meltdown there.

Commonly Used Therapeutic Clays:

Bentonite:

Bentonite, a sedimentary clay composed of ancient volcanic ash, is one of the most widely used varieties of healing clays. It includes Sodium Bentonite, Calcium Bentonite, and Magnesium Bentonite, which share some basic properties while having others peculiarly their own.

When hydrated and taken orally, Bentonite helps to detoxify the digestive system, eliminate internal parasites, and neutralize bacterial toxicity. It is a rich mineral supplement and an effective immune system booster through its ability to stimulate the body’s elimination processes and aid in liver detoxification and healthy function. It also increases the T-cell count and fights free radicals. Moreover, it can neutralize heavy metal toxicity, including poisoning due to mercury.

French Green Clay (a.k.a. Illite or Sea Clay):

This clay belongs to a sub-category of clay minerals known as Illite clays. It has been commonly used in Europe, especially France, as a healing clay used both internally and externally. However, in America it is not so well known and is generally used for cosmetic purposes.

Deposits of this variety of green clay have been found in China, India, the U.S. and some European countries but they are all included under the umbrella term “French Green Clay” since the French version was the first to become widely known.

Mined from ancient sea beds, this clay has a characteristic green color, which comes from a combination of iron oxides and decomposed plant matter, mostly seaweed and other algae. Components of French Green Clay include: dolomite, magnesium, calcium, potassium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, aluminium, silica, copper, selenium, cobalt, and montmorillonite.

Dextreit informs us that French Green Clay has enormous absorbent powers that draw out toxins from the body when used internally and externally. Its properties encompass the healing of the various ills noted earlier under general properties of clay, and these are very eloquently described by Dextreit in his book. It is also a very efficient deodorizer, absorbing foul odors on contact.

Red Desert Clay:

This clay is a very pure and rare variety of Calcium Montmorillonite which is found in underground dry-desert deposits and is therefore preserved in its pristine form. It contains around 67 minerals, including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, manganese, and silica, as well as small amounts of trace elements. It can be used internally and externally and its high mineral content replenishes dietary deficiencies and enhances enzyme production, which helps the body to function efficiently.

The benefits of Red Desert Clay have been researched and documented by scientists at leading universities and it has been used as a detoxifier for intestinal problems as well as for treating a variety of conditions such as wounds, pain, stomach ulcers, anemia, and other health problems.

Pascalite Clay:

Pascalite is a rare cream colored calcium bentonite formed millions of years ago through volcanic action. Large deposits of this clay have been found in Wyoming, U.S.A. It contains a large number of minerals vital to life and is a very potent healing clay that can be used internally and externally for a variety of conditions. Apart from being a valuable nutritional supplement, when hydrated it has proved to be an effective natural pain reliever and anesthetic when applied in paste form to afflicted areas.

Being a calcium bentonite, Pascalite is also good for the bones and makes an effective tooth powder. Daily supplementation with calcium bentonite can even reverse osteoporosis.

A Summary Classification of Commonly Used Therapeutic and Cosmetic Clays:

French Green Clay: there are many varieties typically described as montmorillonite clays. Sources for this clay are China, parts of Europe, and India.

Sodium Bentonite: this widely used clay ranges in color from light grey to off white. It is commonly sourced from Wyoming, U.S.A. It can be used both internally and externally, and has all the potent healing properties of therapeutic clay.

Pascalite (a trade name of a calcium bentonite): this was first identified by a trapper named John Pascal. It is a cream colored clay sourced from Wyoming, U.S.A.

Red Desert Clay: this is a rich mineral clay from California long used by Native Americans.

Rhassoul Clay: this clay is mined from ancient deposits found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Its other names are “Red Moroccan Clay” and “Oxide Clay.” It is a very mineral rich clay commonly used in spas across the world.

Jordan Clay: this red clay from the Kingdom of Jordan is known for its antibiotic and antimicrobial activity.

Redmond Clay: this is a whitish bentonite clay from Utah, U.S.A., which has a variety of internal and external uses ranging from detoxification to the treatment of digestive disorders, burns and bites.

Fullers Earth: this clay is used industrially as well as therapeutically. The Indian “Multani Mitthi” (Indian Fullers Earth) seems to belong to this category.

Kaolin Clay: this clay is also known as “White Cosmetic Clay”, “China Clay”, and “Ceramic Clay” and is found in many parts of the world.

Fango Mud: this clay is sourced in Peru and is generally used in cosmetic products.

Precautions When Using Clay Therapeutically:

Raymond Dextreit tell us that clay does not adapt itself to the presence of pharmaceutical drugs or even homeopathic ones. It should not therefore be combined with other types of medical treatment.

Dextreit also recommends a ten day purification treatment such as ingesting herbal tea, raw fruits, vegetables and juices to reduce the amount of toxins in the body prior to beginning clay treatment. This is because clay has a very powerful effect on the system. Clay treatment should then be accompanied by a healthy diet and a lot of liquids should be drunk between meals.

Clay for external and internal use should be hydrated in enamel, earthenware, porcelain, wood, or glass containers and mixed with wooden spoons. It should never come into contact with metal (aluminium, copper, iron, stainless steel etc.) or plastic materials. However, dry clay can be stored in plastic containers.

Natural clays are more effective than the processed clays for healing and it is possible that the FDA Grade B variety might be too processed to be a potent healer.

Clay should not be taken by high blood pressure patients without proper medical supervision as it can cause a temporary small spike in blood pressure. More generally, clay treatments should be done under the supervision of a healthcare practitioner.

Clay should not be used by those with clinically diagnosed iron intolerance (a very rare condition) without having a laboratory analysis done of the clay being used or undergoing blood sample monitoring during use.

Clay should be stored in non-metal containers in a cool dark place.

Please Note: For those of our readers who are interesting in using clay for healing and/or skin care, please visit our page on Therapeutic and Cosmetic Clays for information and to order some of the most powerful and effective clays available.

And finally, we would love to hear about your experiences if you have used specific clays for healing or cosmetic purposes so as to add to our knowledge of the properties of different clays. Please do post your comments on our website.

Key Reference Sources:

• Dextreit, Raymond. 1974. Our Earth Our Cure. New York: Swan House Publishing.
• Eytons’ Earth. Healing Clays of the World. (http://www.eytonsearth.org).
• Frey, Rebecca J. French Green Clay. (http://answers.com/topic/french-green-clay).
• Ask Dr. Hull. Why is French Green Clay an Important Part of the Detox Program? (http://www.janethull.com/askdrhull/article.php?id=109).
• Shirley’s Wellness Cafe: Holistic Health Care for People and Animals. Our Earth, Our Cure – Clay Therapy, Healing Clay – Healing Earth. (http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com)
• Wikipedia Encyclopedia. Medicinal Clay. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Healing_clay)

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website is only intended to educate and inform our readers. It is in no way intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose or treat any disease. If you have a health problem, you should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking any substances for medicinal purposes.