The use of clay for medicinal and cosmetic purposes dates back to a long time ago, the first traces, in fact, date back to ancient Mesopotamia while in Egypt the pharaohs used clay as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic agent. There are different types and colors of clays based on the minerals they contain, some better known, such as kaolin or green clay, others less known and studied but not less beneficial, as is the case with the blue clay, about which we will talk in this post.
Blue clay, origin and properties
The blue clay, or rapan, is traditionally obtained from the land around Lake Yesterup in Siberia and is considered a remedy with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, regenerating and absorbent properties. Therefore, this clay can be used in case of muscles pain, for example after intense physical activity, joint pain, but also in case of oily skin, acne and dandruff since it acts by removing the excess of sebum, toxins and pollution, by regenerating and purifying the skin (Williams et al, Int Geol Rev, 2010). However, blue clay is not unique to Siberia and today there are several places of production. Among all the blue clays you can find, there is one in particular to which science is paying a lot of attention, it is the blue clay of the Oregon Cascades blue clay. This clay, in fact, has shown a strong and powerful antibacterial action able to counteract the strongest pathogenic bacteria, even those resistant to antibiotics (Morrison et al, Sci Rep, 2016 - Caflish et al, Int J Antimicrob Agents, 2018).
Blue clay, uses in medicine and cosmetics
The blue clay can therefore be used to prepare compresses on aching muscles and joints or face and hair masks. Mix the clay with as much water as you need to make a cream and apply on the part to be treated. In case of muscle or joint pain it is recommended to keep the application for an hour, then rinse. For face masks instead 10 minutes are enough. While for the well-being of the scalp and to fight dandruff you can fill a glass with water, add a teaspoon of blue clay, mix and leave to rest for a few hours, then use only the water for scalp massages, let it act 10 minutes then go on with normal shampoo. Then, blue clay also has another use. In fact, since it also absorbs bad odors, it can be added to the foot bath, one or two tablespoons are enough.
Blue clay, warnings
The blue clay is therefore a beneficial and versatile product. However, there are some recommendations. First of all, as with all clays, given the absorbent power, do not use either metal bowls or spoons in contact with this clay. Then, this clay is good for mature, oily and acne-prone skin but avoid it in the case of very delicate and sensitive skin, in these cases white or pink clay is more suitable.
