Review (5/5): French green clay: a miracle substance with multiple health benefits?
Green clay was first quarried in southern France, where producers had a global monopoly until identical deposits were discovered in North America and in China. The green color is a combination of ferrous oxides and decomposed kelp and other algae. Other ingredients identified include calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, dolomite, phosphorus, zinc, aluminum (yes, and it has health benefits!), silicon, copper, selenium, cobalt and a rare mineral called ‘montmorillonite’.
Whereas green clay has been used for decades as a cosmetic treatment, especially on the face, its application for internal use by natural health practitioners is less well known. The way you take it is: sprinkle a level teaspoonful in a glass of water, stir it in and leave it around 8 hours to sit (overnight, for example), before drinking it half an hour before food.
The clay absorbs free toxins in the gut, binds with them and passes them out of the body in regular bowel movements. It attracts molecules and pathogenic organisms like a magnet by a process called ‘adsorbency’ (NOT absorbency). By this method the clay eradicates fungi like candida, all kinds of bacteria, parasites, viruses, chemical residues – especially heavy metals - and other toxic materials.
It’s commonly claimed that green clay should never be mixed using a metal spoon, or stored in a metal container. Wooden, ceramic or glass spoons and containers should be used. The belief that the clay loses its adsorbent qualities through prolonged contact with metal has some scientific basis, because it has been found to be highly effective in removing heavy metals in non-organic environments. However, if you’re just using a metal teaspoon to spoon the clay into a glass and stir it for a few seconds, that should be fine. There is also a counter-indication for people on prescription medicines like anti-hypertension drugs; because of the clay’s adsorbency its presence in the gut may interfere with the body’s abilities to absorb these medicines as intended. Best consult your doctor or medical herbalist about this.