DiseasesClay to drink — mud that cleanses the intestines, or a dangerous trend?
Sources: 9 · Article: 14 553 characters
It is applied to the skin for acne, inflammation, swelling, bites, and wounds that are slow to heal, among other things.
- Clay taken by mouth coats the mucous membranes and absorbs various substances; in a larger dose, it has an antidiarrheal effect.
- In the past, clay was combined with other ingredients in pills used for various ailments.
What the authors write
Henryk Różański
Taken by mouth, clay coats the mucous membranes, absorbs various substances, and soothes irritation.
„When taken by mouth, clay covers the surface of the mucous membranes with a thin layer and absorbs many substances (bacterial toxins, acids, viruses, bacteria, mycotoxins), soothing and protecting irritated mucous membranes. In a larger dose, clay has an antidiarrheal effect and inhibits inflammation of the digestive tract.”Glinka podana doustnie pokrywa powierzchnię błon śluzowych cienka warstwą, absorbuje wiele składników (jady bakteryjne, kwasy, wirusy, bakterie, mikotoksyny), łagodzi podrażnienie śluzówek, osłania. W większej dawce glinka działa przeciwbiegunkowo i hamuje nieżyt przewodu pokarmowego.
Henryk Różański
A larger dose of clay has an antidiarrheal effect and inhibits inflammation of the digestive tract; it was used for diarrhea, excess stomach acid, and irritation of the stomach and intestines.
„In a larger dose, clay has an antidiarrheal effect and inhibits inflammation of the digestive tract. For this reason, clay has long been used in medicine to treat digestive complaints that cause diarrhea, excess stomach acid, and irritation of the stomach and intestines.”W większej dawce glinka działa przeciwbiegunkowo i hamuje nieżyt przewodu pokarmowego. Dlatego od dawna glinka jest stosowana w medycynie w leczeniu niedyspozycji układu pokarmowego, objawiających się biegunką, nadkwasotą, podrażnieniem żołądka i jelit.
Henryk Różański
For skin application, clay is used as a suspension, paste, powder, cream, or ointment; it has drying, anti-seborrheic, corrective, and anti-inflammatory effects.
„Clay applied to the skin as a suspension, paste, powder, cream, or ointment has drying, anti-seborrheic, corrective, and anti-inflammatory effects. Clay moistened with herbal decoctions and infusions (e.g. arnica, calendula, sweet flag, melilot) and applied to the skin as a paste (masks or wrapped, warming compresses) helps reduce swelling, firm the skin, and counter excess oil and acne. It relieves symptoms caused by arthropod bites and stings, reduces swelling caused by injuries, and speeds the resolution of swelling around joints, bruises, and vascular purpura.”Glinka stosowana na skórę w formie zawiesiny, pasty, pudru, kremu i maści działa osuszająco, przeciwłojotokowo, korekcyjnie i przeciwzapalnie. Glinka zwilżona odwarami i naparami z ziół (np. arnika, nagietek, tatarak, nostrzyk) i naniesiona na skórę w formie papki (maseczki, okłady zawijane rozgrzewające) działają przeciwobrzękowo, pojędrniająco, przeciwłojotokowo, przeciwtrądzikowo, usuwają objawy ukąszenia i ugryzienia stawonogów, łagodzą obrzęk wywołany kontuzją, przyśpieszają ustepowanie obrzęków okołostawowych, krwiaków i plamic naczyniowych.
Henryk Różański
Clay pastes are used on swelling, the effects of bites and stings, injuries, bruises, and skin conditions such as acne and hives.
„Clay moistened with herbal decoctions and infusions (e.g. arnica, calendula, sweet flag, melilot) and applied to the skin as a paste (masks or wrapped, warming compresses) helps reduce swelling, firm the skin, and counter excess oil and acne. It relieves symptoms caused by arthropod bites and stings, reduces swelling caused by injuries, and speeds the resolution of swelling around joints, bruises, and vascular purpura.”Glinka zwilżona odwarami i naparami z ziół (np. arnika, nagietek, tatarak, nostrzyk) i naniesiona na skórę w formie papki (maseczki, okłady zawijane rozgrzewające) działają przeciwobrzękowo, pojędrniająco, przeciwłojotokowo, przeciwtrądzikowo, usuwają objawy ukąszenia i ugryzienia stawonogów, łagodzą obrzęk wywołany kontuzją, przyśpieszają ustepowanie obrzęków okołostawowych, krwiaków i plamic naczyniowych.
Henryk Różański
A clay mask may soothe skin rashes and allergy symptoms, while clay in cosmetics blocks UV rays.
„A clay mask may clear skin rashes and allergic skin symptoms (hives). Clay blocks UV rays (in powders, creams, and emulsions).
Clay mixed with activated charcoal (of plant or animal origin) was used to treat wounds that were slow to heal or oozing, burns, and ulcers.”Glinka w postaci maseczki może usunąć wypryski i objawy alergiczne (pokrzywka) skóry. Glinka zatrzymuje promienie UV (pudry, kremy, emulsje).
Glinka wymieszana z węglem aktywnym (drzewnym, zwierzęcym) stosowano do leczenia trudno gojących się i sączących ran, oparzeń, owrzodzeń.
Henryk Różański
Clay mixed with activated charcoal was used on wounds that were slow to heal or oozing, burns, and ulcers.
„Clay mixed with activated charcoal (of plant or animal origin) was used to treat wounds that were slow to heal or oozing, burns, and ulcers. In traditional medicine, additional antiseptic substances were added to clay: thymol, eugenol, phenol, and formaldehyde. This gave the preparation not only absorbent properties but also properties that countered putrefaction and helped disinfect.”Glinka wymieszana z węglem aktywnym (drzewnym, zwierzęcym) stosowano do leczenia trudno gojących się i sączących ran, oparzeń, owrzodzeń. W dawnej medycynie do glinki dodawano dodatkowe substancje antyseptyczne: tymol, eugenol, fenol, formaldehyd, dzięki czemu preparat nabierał właściwości nie tylko absorbujących, ale i przeciwgnilnych, a zarazem odkażających.
Henryk Różański
In the 18th and 19th centuries, clay was an ingredient in pills combined with other substances and used for conditions including neuralgia, tabes dorsalis, epilepsy, stomach ulcers, syphilis, and paralysis.
„In the 18th and 19th centuries, pills made with white clay were popular, for example:
Rp. Pills with clay and silver nitrate
Argenti nitrici 1.0 (silver nitrate)
Argillae 10.0 (white clay)
Aq. destill. q.s. ut. f. pilul. Nr 100.
(Work together with distilled water as needed, divide into 100 equal portions, and shape into pills: 100 pieces.)”W XVIII i XIX wieku popularne były pigułki na glince białej, np.
Rp. Pigułki z glinką i azotanem srebra Argenti nitrici 1,0 (azotan srebra) Argillae 10,0 (glinka biała) Aq. destill. q.s. ut. f. pilul. Nr 100. (odpowiednio wyrobić z wodą dest., podzielić na 100 równych porcji i ukształtować pigułki: 100 sztuk.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 5 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 647.
External peloid packs are used mainly for musculoskeletal conditions. Clinical experiences described in the research suggest that they may reduce pain and improve joint function and quality of life.
Aim of the study: The use of peloids as heat-providing therapeutic systems dates back to antiquity. Such systems consist of a liquid phase and an organic or inorganic solid phase.
Results: In conclusion, the peloids of the medical spas studied are used as thermotherapeutic agents in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, especially in knee osteoarthritis and to a lesser extent in back pain and psoriatic arthropathy. The clinical experience in these centers shows that the main effects of the application of their peloids are the reduction of pain, an increase in the joint's functional capacity and an improvement in the quality of life. As thermotherapeutic agents, all the peloids of the me-dical spas studied and the pastes (raw materials with distilled water) examined showed a heat flow rate of up to four times lower than that shown by the same amount of water. The raw materials studied can be used as solid phases for the preparation of peloids with mineral waters.
Money for the studyuniversity or foundation · research group UCM-911757 (Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Medical Hydrology)
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studyother
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Nanoclays have been studied as drug carriers that may delay or target drug release and improve solubility.
Aim of the study: Safe, therapeutically effective, and patient-compliant drug delivery systems are needed to design novel tools and strategies to combat the deadliest of diseases such as cancer, SARS, H7N9 avian influenza, and dengue infection. The major challenges in drug delivery are cytotoxicity, poor biodistribution, insufficient functionality, ineffective drug incorporation in delivery devices, and subsequent drug release.
Results: Montmorillonite has proven non-toxic through hematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses in rat. Montmorillonite can also act as a potent detoxifier. Halloysite nanotubes can bind synthetic and biological components such as chitosan, gelatin, and alginate innate nanocarriers for the improved loading and controlled release of drugs, proteins, and DNA. The peculiar properties of clay nanoparticles lead to promising applications in drug delivery, gene delivery, tissue engineering, cancer and stem cell isolation, and bioimaging.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · National Natural Science Foundation of China
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Natural clay minerals are being studied for their antimicrobial effects, but the abstract presents them as possible future treatments.
Aim of the study: The dearth of new antibiotics and escalating emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria have created a global healthcare crisis and highlight the drastic need for novel antimicrobial agents. Complementary and alternative strategies including the investigation of ancient medicinals could address this problem.
Results: The dearth of new antibiotics and escalating emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria have created a global healthcare crisis and highlight the drastic need for novel antimicrobial agents. Complementary and alternative strategies including the investigation of ancient medicinals could address this problem. Natural clay minerals with a long history of medicinal and biomedical applications have become an interest due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Such untapped natural sources may provide new therapeutic agents in the battle against infectious diseases in the post-antibiotic era.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Tally fund, Mitacs (UBC) Accelerate student fellowship, National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a preclinical study, a gel made from synthetic nanoclay kept VEGF at the site of application and increased blood vessel formation.
Aim of the study: The retention and sustained activity of therapeutic proteins at delivery sites are goals of regenerative medicine. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has significant potential in promoting the growth and regeneration of blood vessels but is intrinsically labile.
Results: In this study, we used a type of synthetic clay, called Laponite™, to preserve a molecule, named VEGF, that stimulates the growth of blood vessels. Previously, we have been able to bind VEGF to the surface of clays, but the clay is not effective when injected or applied as a gel. Herein, we show that we can mix VEGF with the clay and that it strongly stimulates blood vessel growth. We speculate that this would be a useful material for skin wound healing.
Money for the studycompany together with others · Grundy Educational Trust, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, British Skin Foundation
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studyanimal study
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review describes montmorillonite clay as a potential aid for gut and skin health, including in diarrhea and radiation-induced enteritis.
Aim of the study: Calcium montmorillonite (CMM) clay, a naturally occurring mineral-rich volcanic clay has garnered scientific attention for its detoxification properties, gastrointestinal (GI) support, skin benefits, and potential metabolic modulation. Recent advances in pharmaceutical-grade formulation and mechanistic understanding have renewed clinical interest in CMM as a low-risk, non-systemic adjunct in modern medical practice.
Results: Recent advances in pharmaceutical-grade formulation and mechanistic understanding have renewed clinical interest in CMM as a low-risk, non-systemic adjunct in modern medical practice. General practitioners and surgeons may find it particularly useful as a safe adjunct in gut health, topical recovery, and inflammatory modulation. With supporting data from preclinical and clinical research, including studies on aflatoxin binding, microbiome modulation, and treatment of radiation enteritis and pediatric diarrhea, CMM represents a promising natural therapeutic mineral for integration into modern health protocols. This narrative review summarizes the biological properties, clinical safety, indications, and emerging efficacy data surrounding CMM, with a focus on potential perioperative and wellness applications.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?yes — the authors reported it
Did a manufacturer help with the study?YES
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Pharmaconutrition and Immunonutrition: These involve the use of specific nutritional substrates that modulate immune and inflammatory pathways, administered at doses exceeding physiological levels to achieve therapeutic effects Orthomolecular Medicine: Orthomolecular medicine aims to restore and maintain health through the administration of adequate amounts of substances that are normally present and needed in the body. Critical Illness Management: This involves delivering adequate nutrients and energy to critically ill patients to maintain metabolic functions and limit complications related to underfeeding.”Pharmaconutrition and Immunonutrition: These involve the use of specific nutritional substrates that modulate immune and inflammatory pathways, administered at doses exceeding physiological levels to achieve therapeutic effects Orthomolecular Medicine: Orthomolecular medicine aims to restore and maintain health through the administration of adequate amounts of substances that are normally present and needed in the body. Critical Illness Management: This involves delivering adequate nutrients and energy to critically ill patients to maintain metabolic functions and limit complications related to underfeeding.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Therapeutic Window Engineering in I OM Systems Medicine If clinical outcome depends on the balance between Disease Pressure and Host Capacity, therapy should modify both. Conventional medicine primarily reduces Disease Pressure through disease-specific interventions. Cancer therapy provides a clear example in which disease-directed treatment may improve disease control while simultaneously reducing physiological reserve, thereby limiting the therapeutic window [6]. The Disease-Host Dual-System Framework expands this objective by simultaneously preserving or increasing Host Capacity.”Therapeutic Window Engineering in I OM Systems Medicine If clinical outcome depends on the balance between Disease Pressure and Host Capacity, therapy should modify both. Conventional medicine primarily reduces Disease Pressure through disease-specific interventions. Cancer therapy provides a clear example in which disease-directed treatment may improve disease control while simultaneously reducing physiological reserve, thereby limiting the therapeutic window [6]. The Disease-Host Dual-System Framework expands this objective by simultaneously preserving or increasing Host Capacity.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Clay Gorton and Kelly Jarvis, The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1999 Oct;22(8):530-3, DOI: 10.1016/s0161-4754(99)70005-9 Description [32]: This is a "prospective controlled study of students in a technical training facility" investigating vitamin C's usage and efficacy for "preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections".”Clay Gorton and Kelly Jarvis, The effectiveness of vitamin C in preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 1999 Oct;22(8):530-3, DOI: 10.1016/s0161-4754(99)70005-9 Description [32]: This is a "prospective controlled study of students in a technical training facility" investigating vitamin C's usage and efficacy for "preventing and relieving the symptoms of virus-induced respiratory infections".
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