During the detoxing programmes I will be asking you to use one particularly wonderful tool to help get rid of toxins. In fact, not only does it remove toxins but also helps to alkalinize our bodies and generally balances our bodies.
Clay, like us, is a part of the earth. Like us, it is connected with the elements of Water, Sun and Air. This connection runs even deeper than it seems. Scientists have proven that the energy of clay and the energy of the human cell produce similar, if not identical, wavelengths.
Imagine if you are walking barefoot on the earth. Ten to one you will be smiling at the thought. That’s no acciendent! When we touch the body of our planet we, in turn are restoring our ancient connection with it. Incidentally, walking barefoot has been proven to be highly beneficial for our health (but choose you spot with care, away from dog walkers!). In Russia, we have made earth into a cult – “Mother – Raw Earth”. There is a very old custom that when you travel on a long journey, you take a scoop of the earth form where you live with you. The belief is that it will cure you from any sorrow or nostalgia.
In Russia, clay is used very widely in households. All our kitchenware has traditionally been made of clay, and water is kept in specially made clay containers. Water keeps cold and fresh in these for a very long time, thanks to the anti-bacterial properties of clay. From ancient times, it has been known that herds of cows will choose to drink water mixed with clay, even if there is clean water nearby.
We’re not the only ones to have found the marvelous properties of clay. The ancient Egyptians used clay for mummyfication. Which points to the anti-bacterial properties of the clay. The French army, in 1914-1918, added clay to mustard, to help dysentery. Clay was used widely in the first and second world wars.
Now the wonders of clay are being rediscovered and the use of clay in healing modalities is known as Pelotherapy. Scientists are still discovering the wonders of clay and have yet to explain totally its many incredible effects. However, we do know a few for certain.
While antibiotics kill not only pathogens but also good bacteria, clay eliminates only unhealthy microbes and their toxins. In northern parts of Russia where people eat very oily food in the wintertime, they drink clay water to bind the fat and save their arteries; they call it “the earthy cocktail’. On a esoteric level, clay has very concentrated magnetisms of Sun, Air and Water energy.
Radium is the main radioactive element found (in miniscule amounts) in clay. It is a very rare element and possesses a great power. The more you keep clay in sunlight, the higher the percentage of radium in it. It prevents the growth of tumours, pushing out everything that is rotten and fermented in our cells. Its natural (and safe) radiation kills all harmful micro-organisms, bacteria and viruses.
Clay is very rich in minerals too. Blue clay has more minerals in it than fruit or vegetables. It regulates the growth and development of the cells in the body, almost attuning it into the right and healthy vibrations. I say almost, because even clay can’t do everything on its own – you have to help it too.
Clay is alkaline. If our body shifts too much towards acidity, it can lead to illness. Clay helps to restore the PH balance of the body and some research shows it stabilises our electromagnetic system. Clay is capable of absorbing and binding toxins and poisons in our digestive system before they can become absorbed into our blood.
As clay travels down our body, it acts as a potent purifier, almost like a vacuum cleaner. It not only purifies the body, but also helps to restore our normal energy balance.
There are many different types of clay and you may well come across blue clay, white clay, green clay. You will also come across names such as Bentonite, Montmorillonite, Kaolin. I like blue clay above all, but these clays are wonderful for helping to cleanse the body.
Always consult your doctor before taking clay. Although it is usually very safe, in certain cases (such as hypertension or constipation) it should be used only under medical supervision. Also, make sure you never inhale clay particles.
Clay can be used in many ways – it is wonderful in compresses, poultices or packs for headaches, eczema, acne, bruises, sprains and bacterial infections. You can add clay to baths or use it in massage or face masks for deep cleansing and skin rejuvenation. However, the most potent use is to take clay internally.
Inside the body, clay has the power to do the following:
- Detox the digestive system – clay pulls pollution from the body. It can also eliminate unhealthy bacteria and parasites from the digestive tract.
- Support the immune system
- Fight free radicals that cause cells damage and ageing.
- Support and detox the liver.
- Alkalinise the body.
Because of its wonderful benefits, clay is an essential part of the cleansing programmes. However, there is nothing to stop you taking it as part of a general healthy eating plan too. I suggest, if you are using it this way, that you take it once a day (before breakfast) for three months, and then take a break.
You can either make up clay water in advance, or prepare it just before drinking – it’s totally up to you.
- pour one litre of cold mineral water or spring water into a glass or clay container (don’t use metal). Add four tablespoons of clay. Don’t stir.
- Put the container in a sunny place – a windowsill is ideal – for three to four hours.
- Before drinking, stir thoroughly with a plastic spoon (don’t use metal). Drink two glasses a day, taking small sips. Keep each sip in you mouth for a few seconds. It doesn’t taste unpleasant - though the texture is a little strange. Ideally drink your clay in the morning straight after waking. If this isn’t possible, have it before a light meal (either lunch or evening meal)
- You can keep this water in a sunny place until you have finished it.
Add one teaspoon of clay to a glass of cold water. You can add a little honey if you like (but not sugar). You can also add the clay to a cold glass of peppermint tea.
! Never heat up clay water, as it will lose its healing properties. Only drink it cold or at room temperature.
*In the first week of your cleanse. I recommend you should use the in-advance method (i.e do not stir the water before use)
This actually works better than a straight water fast, because it helps to eliminate wastes, old or dead cells while building new tissues with the easily accessible nutrients from the juices. The more drastic water fast is more intense, often resulting in more sickness and less energy, than fasting with fruit and vegetable juices. Paavo Airola, one of the pioneers of fasting in America, states in his book "How to Get Well" that "systematic undereating and periodic fasting are the two most important health and longevity factors."
I recommend fresh, organic juices. Also when juicing, always make sure to use clean filtered water or mineral water as you do not want chlorine to be a part of your diet.
