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
- Skin & Wound Healing – Supports healing of cuts, scrapes, and infections.
- Leg & Joint Care – Applied as a poultice for tendon and ligament injuries.
- Hoof Health – Used for hoof packing to draw out abscesses and maintain hoof integrity.
- Detoxification & Digestive Health – Internally, helps bind toxins and reduce digestive upset.
- 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
- Digestive Health – Supports detoxification and reduces diarrhea.
- Skin & Coat Care – Applied topically for hot spots, wounds, and rashes.
- Flea & Tick Prevention – Dusting with clay can deter pests.
- 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)