Clay various

Clays (Commonly Used Types and Their Properties)

Introduction

Clay has been used medicinally, cosmetically, and therapeutically for centuries, valued for its detoxifying, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. In equine and canine care, clays are widely used for skin health, digestive health, and joint support.

Common types of clay include:

  • Bentonite Clay (Montmorillonite)
  • Kaolin Clay (China Clay)
  • French Green Clay (Illite or Montmorillonite-based)
  • Red Clay (Rich in iron oxides)
  • Fuller's Earth (A type of Bentonite with strong absorbent properties)

Constituents & Properties

Clay Type Key Constituents Primary Actions
Bentonite Clay Montmorillonite, silica, calcium, magnesium Detoxifying, absorbs toxins, digestive support
Kaolin Clay Kaolinite, silica, aluminum, magnesium Gentle on the skin, anti-inflammatory, absorbs excess moisture
French Green Clay Montmorillonite, silica, magnesium, calcium Skin healing, draws out impurities, promotes circulation
Red Clay Iron oxides, silica, aluminum, magnesium Stimulates blood flow, used in mud treatments
Fuller's Earth Magnesium aluminum silicate Strongly absorbent, excellent for oily skin, deep cleansing

Equine Use of Clays

Benefits for Horses

  1. Skin & Wound Healing – Supports healing of cuts, scrapes, and infections.
  2. Leg & Joint Care – Applied as a poultice for tendon and ligament injuries.
  3. Hoof Health – Used for hoof packing to draw out abscesses and maintain hoof integrity.
  4. Detoxification & Digestive Health – Internally, helps bind toxins and reduce digestive upset.
  5. Insect Bite & Itch Relief – Applied to relieve irritation and swelling from bites.

Administration for Horses

  • External Use (Poultice or Paste):
    • Mix clay with water or apple cider vinegar and apply as a mud pack.
    • Leave for several hours, then rinse off.
  • Hoof Packing:
    • Combine with Epsom salt or herbal extracts for hoof support.
  • Internal Use (Bentonite Clay Only):

⚠ Precautions

  • Avoid prolonged internal use – Some clays bind beneficial minerals as well as toxins.
  • Do not apply to open or deep wounds without veterinary supervision.

Canine Use of Clays

Benefits for Dogs

  1. Digestive Health – Supports detoxification and reduces diarrhea.
  2. Skin & Coat Care – Applied topically for hot spots, wounds, and rashes.
  3. Flea & Tick Prevention – Dusting with clay can deter pests.
  4. Paw & Pad Care – Helps soothe sore or cracked pads.

Administration for Dogs

  • External Use (Clay Paste):
    • Mix with water, aloe vera, or herbal infusions and apply to affected skin areas.
  • Dusting Powder (Kaolin or Bentonite Clay):
    • Lightly dust onto coat to reduce moisture and deter fleas.
  • Internal Use (Bentonite Clay Only):
    .

⚠ Precautions

  • Ensure clay is food-grade for internal use.
  • Avoid inhalation of fine clay powders.
  • Do not apply to infected wounds without veterinary consultation.

UK & Isle of Man Folklore of Clay Use

Folklore & Traditional Uses

  • Healing Earth – Ancient British and Manx traditions viewed clay as a gift from the earth for healing wounds.
  • Druidic Practices – Used in rituals to purify and cleanse the body.
  • Sacred to the Land Spirits – Some believed clay from certain riverbeds held magical properties.
  • Protection Against Evil – Clay was applied to doorways to ward off malevolent spirits.
  • Horse & Livestock Care – Manx farmers applied clay to their horses' legs after long journeys to prevent swelling and injury.

Hooves

Detox

Digestion

Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) Cleavers (Galium aparine)