Clay shows up in face masks, detox drinks, and even as an ingredient some people consume for its supposed health benefits. At first, it might seem a bit strange but the more you hear, the more you start to wonder: is there something to it?

 

People have used this humble ingredient for centuries to soothe the skin, treat wounds, and support the body’s natural healing process. Even Scripture mentions it (John 9:6-7).

 

So, whether you're someone who loves natural remedies or you’re just curious, this article will walk you through how clay may support detox, digestion, wound healing, skin care, and more.

 

What Is Clay And Why Is It More Beneficial Than You Might Think?

Clay is a soft, fine-grained natural material that forms when volcanic ash or rocks like feldspar  break down over time through exposure to water and weather. It is rich in minerals such as silica, magnesium, calcium, and iron, and is mostly made up of tiny particles called aluminum silicates, including kaolinite, montmorillonite, and bentonite.

 

Long before it became trendy, clay was used around the world for its healing properties. From ancient poultices to modern health products, clay has played a quiet but powerful part in natural medicine, especially in the following areas:

 

1. Detoxification and Internal Cleansing

Think of clay as nature’s gentle detox helper. It works a bit like a water filter, drawing in and holding onto toxins so your body can flush them out. Whether you use it on your skin in a mud bath or poultice, or take a purified, food-grade version internally, clay supports your body’s natural way of staying clean without being harsh or overwhelming.

 

Certain types of clay, especially bentonite and montmorillonite, have a unique structure with a natural negative charge that gives them the ability to attract and bind positively charged substances such as bacteria, toxins, and heavy metals. Bentonite clay, in particular, is known for its effectiveness to stick to and act as an adsorbent (a substance that attracts and holds toxins on its surface), helping remove harmful compounds like mycotoxins,¹ lead, cadmium, and other impurities

 

A recent 2023 study on wastewater treatment showed that bentonite clay could remove up to 95% of heavy metals like lead, arsenic, zinc, iron and cadmium.² It’s a powerful example of just how strong its binding ability really is. Inside the body, food-grade clay may help soothe the digestive system by absorbing toxins, acids, and other gut irritants. Some animal research also suggests that when combined with natural ingredients like turmeric, flaxseed, and grape seed, clay might support healthy cholesterol levels and heart function in people with high cholesterol.³

 

However it is important to mention that clay isn’t a substitute for a healthy, well-balanced plant-based diet, but a gentle support to help your body detox in a natural way!

 

2. Wound Healing and Antimicrobial Properties

Although bandages and antibiotic creams are common tools for wound care, clay has also been used to support healing. Today, research confirms that certain types of clay naturally destroy harmful bacteria and can aid the body’s healing process.⁴ Let’s explore how clay is so effective and how you can use the right type for your needs. 

 

It Stops Bleeding And Repairs Skin

Kaolin and montmorillonite clay have an amazing ability to speed up blood clotting by drawing moisture from the blood, thickening it, and activating the body’s natural clotting response. When applied to a cut or wound, they help form a protective seal that quickly slows or stops the bleeding. This encourages thrombocytes (blood-clotting cells) to form a seal over the wound while the clay creates a protective barrier during early healing. These mineral-based treatments come in powders, hydrogels, nanofibers, and sponges for different types of injuries.

 

Clay also supports later healing by keeping the area moist yet breathable, creating an ideal environment for tissue repair. Research has shown that certain clays, like French green clay and Kisameet clay, can stimulate fibroblast growth,⁵ the very cells responsible for rebuilding damaged skin. In addition, clays have been found to support collagen production,⁶ a key protein your body uses to restore skin structure and strength. By supporting cell renewal and delivering helpful minerals, clay gives your body what it needs to heal itself.

 

 

 

 

It Helps Kill Germs Naturally

Certain clays are naturally rich in minerals like zinc, iron, copper, and magnesium, the elements known for their strong antibacterial and antifungal properties. These clays work by damaging bacterial cell walls or binding harmful microbes, drawing them in so they can’t spread. As a result, clay offers a natural way to reduce the risk of infection without relying on harsh chemicals or man-made antibiotics.⁷

 

Studies continue to highlight clay’s ability to fight off harmful microbes in a gentle yet effective way. Whether you use it at home or in clinical settings, it’s helpful for treating everyday issues like minor wounds, rashes, and fungal infections. Even in dental care, clay is used as a gentle product to clean the teeth, reduce acidity, remove bacteria, and support enamel (the hard outer layer of your teeth) with minerals like calcium and magnesium. Some of the most beneficial clays for this include:

 

• Kisameet Clay: shown to kill even drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA
• Blue Clay: effective against bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus
• French Green Clay: absorbs bacteria, calms inflammation, and prevents infection

 

It Helps Medicine Work Better

Clay doesn't disappoint in advanced treatments either. Certain clays can hold moisture and medicinal ingredients, releasing them gradually right where they’re needed. This slow release helps keep the wound clean, moist, and supported throughout the healing process, making it especially valuable for chronic wounds or long-term care.⁸ Some of the best clays for this purpose include:

 

• Halloysite Clay:  used in hospital-grade bandages to release medication over time
• Bentonite Clay: can be combined with herbs or oils for DIY healing pastes

 

 

3. A Natural Ally for Skin, Hair and Body

Of all the things clay is known for, its beauty and body- care benefits may be the most familiar, and for a good reason.

 

You’ve probably used clay without even knowing it. Even if you’ve never scooped it from a jar, there’s a good chance clay is already part of your daily routine. It’s often included in everyday products like deodorants, baby powders, foot powders, face primers, and dry shampoo, helping you stay fresh and clean. Its natural ability to absorb moisture, reduce odor, fight bacteria, and soothe irritated skin makes it a popular choice in personal care.⁹

 

Best known for its role in face masks, clay can work wonders in soaking up excess oil, unclogging pores, and gently exfoliating dead skin, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed. Whether you’re dealing with breakouts, irritation, or rough patches, clay helps bring relief to the skin.¹⁰ For those who are dealing with eczema or psoriasis, the natural minerals in clay like zinc, magnesium, and silica can help soothe inflammation and calm redness without stripping your skin’s natural oils. It’s uniquely effective, offering powerful detox benefits while remaining gentle enough for sensitive skin.

And if you're dealing with dandruff, oiliness, or a sensitive scalp, clay might be just what your hair needs. As a natural remedy for scalp and hair health, it can be used as a cleanser or mask to draw out buildup from styling products and calm irritation or itchiness. By improving circulation and creating a cleaner, healthier scalp environment, clay may even support stronger, more vibrant hair growth.¹¹  

 

 

Image via Unsplash.

 

 

4. Anti-inflammatory Effects

 

These days, inflammation plays a big role in many of the aches, pains, and health issues people face. That’s where natural pain relief options like clay can be surprisingly helpful. It gently draws out irritants and calms the body’s response, which can ease both what you see on the surface and what’s going on underneath. When it’s applied to a wound, clay supports the skin as it heals and helps quiet inflammation at the same time. This great combination helps reduce pain, swelling, and redness,¹² which is part of why clay has remained a trusted natural remedy through the ages.

 

5. Mineral Supplementation

One of the lesser-known yet powerful benefits of natural, food-grade clay is its impressive mineral content. Due to modern farming practices and the depletion of nutrients in our soil, along with the overconsumption of processed foods, many of us are low on essential minerals without even realizing it. Stress and digestive issues, often caused by unnatural lifestyles, can make it even harder for our bodies to absorb what they need. That’s where clay can help. While it’s not meant to replace a healthy diet, it can gently support the body by helping to fill in some of the missing pieces, straight from the earth. Think of it as a mineral boost from the earth itself. Here are some of the most common minerals found in clay:

 

• Calcium – Supports strong bones and nerve function
• Magnesium – Aids muscle function, sleep, and stress regulation
• Phosphorus – Maintains bone and teeth strength
• Silicon – Promotes collagen production and joint health
• Dolomite – Natural source of calcium and magnesium
• Iron – Essential for red blood cell production and energy levels
• Copper – Works with iron for red blood cell formation and antioxidant defense
• Cobalt – Key component of vitamin B12, supports metabolism and nerve health
• Potassium – Helps regulate heartbeat, fluid levels, and nerve signals
• Zinc – Supports immune health, skin regeneration, and wound healing
• Selenium – A powerful antioxidant that supports thyroid and immune health
• Manganese – Assists in enzyme function, metabolism, and protection against oxidative stress

 

However, it’s important to note that not all clays are safe for internal use. Only purified, food-grade clays that have been tested for contaminants like lead or arsenic should ever be consumed. And because clay can also bind to nutrients, it should be taken on an empty stomach, well away from meals or medications. And if you have sensitive skin, be sure to do a patch test before full application.

 

How to Use Healing Clays at Home

 

Here are simple, effective recipes you can easily follow for skin and body: 

 

1. Poultice or Paste

• Mix: Bentonite clay + water (to creamy peanut butter consistency)
• Apply: Directly on minor wounds, bug bites, or rashes
• Let sit: 15–30 mins, then rinse and reapply as needed

 

2. Clay Compress

• Spread: Wet clay on clean cloth or gauze
• Cover: Skin irritations, sore muscles, joints
• Leave on: 30–60 mins for anti-inflammatory and mineral absorption

 

3. Emergency Clotting

• Use: Kaolin-based medical-grade powder or pad
• Apply: Directly apply firm pressure to bleeding cuts to aid clotting (clay may help activate the clotting process and form a seal).

 

4. Detox Face Mask

• Mix: 1 tsp bentonite clay + 1 tsp witch hazel or rosewater (+ optional lavender)
• Apply: 10–15 mins, rinse with warm water, moisturize

 

5. Calming Mask for Sensitive Skin

• Mix: 1 tsp clay + 1 tsp aloe vera juice (+ optional chamomile hydrosol)
• Apply: 10 mins on clean skin, rinse gently

 

6. Spot Treatment for Acne

• Mix: 1 tsp clay + ½ tsp diluted lemon juice or cooled green tea + optional tea tree oil
• Dab: On blemishes, let dry, rinse after 20 mins

 

7. Hair Detox Mask

• Combine: 2 tbsp clay + 2 tbsp aloe juice or green tea + optional 1 tsp olive oil
• Apply: To wet hair, cover, wait 10–20 mins, rinse, shampoo/condition

 

8. Clay Body Wrap

• Blend: ½ cup clay + ½ cup green tea + 1 tbsp olive or coconut oil
• Apply: To body, wrap, leave 20–30 mins, rinse

 

Healing from the Ground Up

Clay is more than just a wellness trend and its healing potential truly runs deep. It's a quiet witness to the wisdom of our Creator, rich with minerals, healing properties, and a purpose that goes back to the beginning of our Earth's history. In a world full of synthetic shortcuts and chemical quick fixes, maybe it’s time we return to the natural remedies God placed in creation.

 

From the very beginning, God formed man from the dust of the ground (Genesis 2:7), shaping us with intention from the very earth beneath our feet. A Biblical author even describes Jesus Himself using clay, earth mixed with His touch, to restore sight to the blind (John 9:6). God created the earth not only to sustain us but to help heal us. 

 

Let the ground that formed us also help restore us. As one Christian author wisely noted: “There are many ways of practicing the healing art; but there is only one way that Heaven approves. God’s remedies are the simple agencies of nature: pure air, sunshine, temperance, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, and trust in divine power.”¹³

 

For more gentle, nature-based healing options, be sure to check out our article on natural remedies or watch our in depth series on true body and mind restoration.