Archive: Drinking Clay Helps to
Restore Normal Sleep Patterns
Date: March, 2007
From: Ruth Parker & Cano Graham
Format: Email and Personal Visit
To: Eytons' Earth Research
Modifications: Format
There were two things said to me that “got
me thinking” and made me decide to try the
clay on a challenge I had.
I repeatedly heard Cano
say, “The clay goes
to the biggest need in your body.” And then
I gave Cano’s book and some samples
of clay to my friend, Jan Mason, and she later told
me how the clay had calmed her and greatly reduced
her severe PMS symptoms. Her story was very impressive.
I
have always had sleeping problems for as long as
I can remember. I am guessing that it has been at
least 25 years that sleeping has really been a problem,
and I have taken sleeping pills since that time.
I have tried every over the counter sleeping pill,
and alternated between them so I wouldn’t
get hooked on a certain one. But over the years I
had narrowed it down to blue gel Unisoms, also the
tiny light blue Unisom pill, and Benadryl. I also
had taken pain pills for a long time to help me sleep,
and had even taken Ambien. I liked Ambien at first,
and then it began to make me feel like I was drunk
every morning when I woke up. Once I was so dizzy
tht I
fell and hurt myself, so I stopped taking Ambien.
I would skip nights taking the pills, so they would
work more effectively when I went back to them. Those
nights I would be awake until at least 3:00-4:00
am, or I would sleep a couple hours and then stay
awake the rest of the night. Many days I had to cancel
appointments, lunches and other things planned, as
I did not trust myself to drive safely when I had
so little sleep. When I did get to sleep, I slept
until late morning or noon if it was possible. Otherwise,
I was just tired all day. Having this sleeping pattern,
I had very little normal day time and never wanted
anyone to know how bad it was. This was my pattern
since the 1980’s for sure.
As I continued to think
about what Cano said the clay did, and to think about
what my friend Jan had told me, I came to the conclusion
that if it calmed her mind, it could calm mine. My
biggest issue
with sleeping was that I could not shut my mind off.
I
tried all the suggestions I read about or heard
about and they never worked for me, or only partly
worked.
I kept a CD player right by my bed and every evening
I played sleep CD’s.- I bought everyone I
could find online or in bookstores. They helped
some, but never really did the trick. I drank warm
milk,
I read until I was sleepy, and then sometimes I
still could not sleep. I made sure my bed was comfortable
and perfect for me. Sometimes eating cereal and
milk in wee hours of the morning worked, but not
always.
So I began drinking the clay, then going
right to bed, shutting off the light, and seeing
what would happen. I would not do this until I
was truly sleepy and ready for bed. I started this
in
February and
for the first two nights I did this, it worked! I
was amazed. Then a lot of things were happening and
going on in my mind, and I was afraid I wouldn’t
sleep so I went back to the pills again. I was just
afraid to trust it, and couldn’t believe it
was really going to help me.
On Sunday night February
18th, I started drinking the clay again at bedtime.
For the next 12 nights
I did this, and I slept wonderfully all 12 nights.
At
first, I only slept 5 hours but as time went on, my sleep time became longer.
Then
once again because of things on my mind that I did
not believe would let the clay work, I got back on
pills again. I did this about a week, but then
the pills didn’t work either.
So, I went back to the clay last week and
now for almost a week, I have drank the clay water and slept
like a baby. And the best part is that once again
I dream! Taking the pills, I never dreamed. It
is healthy to dream. I am now sleeping at least 7
hours
each night, and I never wake up at all. Now I am
waking up around 7:00-7:30 am, and suddenly I have
more
DAY TIME and I am getting more done and have
more energy. The longer I take the clay, the more
energy I have, because I am getting –finally-the
rest that I need and getting it in a natural, safe
and healing way.
I know the clay works for me. I accept this and
know I will now stay with the clay on a permanent
basis. I like feeling good and having more energy.
Yea!
Ruth Parker
March 21, 2007
Top

Some Notes on Internal Healing
Clay Use
It is amazing how closely sleep patterns
are associated with the body's digestion and elimination
systems. When the body experiences a toxic burden,
sleep is often disturbed. A chronic toxic burden,
such as may be associated with prolonged use of drugs
(
medically prescribed or otherwise ), can very easily
lead to an apparent permanent sleep disorder.
In some cases,
such as the case with Ruth, clay can provide extremely
rapid relief.
Clay action, as it passes through
the stomach:
 |
The
Stomach Lining
|
-
Reduces or eliminates disorders
such as Acid Reflux
-
Coats the stomach wall lining,
helping to heal ulcerations
- Nuetralizes
any
over-acidity which currently exists in
the stomach ( almost instantly )
- Sorpts toxic substances and carries
them through the digestive tract
- Readily restores the stomach to a state of natural
equilibrium
Clay action, as it passes through the small intestine:
-
 |
The
Microvilli
of the small intestine
|
Helps eliminate
any unnatural bacterial
populations
resulting
in part from excess mucus production ( and carbohydrate
mal adsorption )
-
Temporarily coats the lining
of the small intestine which promotes the healing
of any damaged tissue and may result in the reduction
of excess mucus production
- Negatively charged clay particles most likely
adhere to damaged tissue surfaces for longer
periods
of time, protecting these tissues and allowing
them to begin to heal
- Nuetralizes and transports toxic substances
- Acts as a catalyst stimulating enzyme production
and results in increased nutrient uptake
Clay action, as it passes through the colon:
 |
Healthy
Colon Lining
|
-
Helps to regulate bacterial
populations
- Acts homeostatically ( reducing total population
counts allowing a renaturalization of healthy bacterial
balance )
-
Reduces bowel inflammation due to ulcerations
or irritation
- Sorpts and adsorbs toxic substances
Clay's action on the digestive system
is by far more pronounced when clay is ingested on an empty
stomach. This means that one ingests clay two hours after
eating. For maximum effect, considering severe gastro-intestinal
illness of any kind, clay can be ingested as often as two
hours after each and every meal. However, while the clay will have passed
through the stomach and mostly through the small intestine
before the next meal reaches the small intestine, in some
cases, the clay will begin to build up in the colon ( only
because nearly
everyone's
colon
is at least partially unhealthy ). In a healthy digestive
system, consumed food should only stay in the body for a
period of 12 to 24 hours. However, many people have a sluggish
bowel. In effect, the clay is
working overtime in the colon, and as it sorpts and adsorbs,
moisture is first absorbed into the clay, and then-- as
time passes in the colon-- the moisture is eliminated, causing
the clay to become more and more dense, which may result
in temporary constipation with those individuals who have
sluggish bowels. If a colon is perfectly healthy, then no
constipation
will
occur from clay use, no matter how much clay is consumed. Therefore, in cases where constipation occurs,
different, individualized strategies must be utilized, based
upon a case by case analysis.
Swelling sodium bentonites ( requiring at least
3-5 parts water to one part clay to completely hydrate )
are more effective at colon cleansing than other types of
edible
clay.
Because
they are more effective, they are also more likely to externalize
the symptom of constipation. Therefore, different types of clay may require different usage strategies, depending upon each individual. The three clay blend developed @ greenclays.com is an excellent product to use, as it harnesses the beneficial properties of a "high yield" sodium bentonite, combining it with a true healing grade therapeutic clay and then a pH neutral calcium bentonite river clay.
It should also be noted that Gandhi, among
others, have successfully used clay poultices over the lower
abdominal area to relieve constipation.
More complex colon
cleansing programs often address-- and thus eliminate--
the concern of constipation.
Combining clay with psyllium works very well for many people.
For others,
psyllium is not very well tolerated; a quality activated
charcoal may be used in its place. Dr. Schultze's colon
cleansing program, when done correctly, can reverse constipation
issues
and
strengthen
the bowel
muscles. By utilizing herbs and clay, one can restore the
bowel to fully funtional. Colon cleansing should be continually
pursued until one eliminates once per day for every meal
eaten.
If basic colon cleansing strategies prove to
be non-effective, then there are underlying health issues
that need to be addressed. We recommend the program outlined
by
Dr.
Joseph Brasco, M.D., and Jordan S. Rubin, N.M.D., known as
the Guts and Glory Program ( "Restoring Your Digestive
Health",
Kensington Publishing Corp. ).
Individuals may also elect to do sea salt
and vitamin C flushes to naturally reduce the occurence
of constipation: http://www.lymephotos.com/printableprotocol.html - We
recommend using natural sea salt products in place of sodium
chloride. If one chooses to attempt
this protocol, it is wise to start slowly. However, long
term users of natural internal clays should be pleasantly
surprised when none of the "grueling" symptoms described
by sufferers of pathogenic parasitic infections occur.
As an example, one may start with 1/4 tablespoonful
of Vitamin C ( 1 - 1.5 grams ) and 1/4 tablespoonful of salt
in 8 ounces of water, once daily. Then one may move up to
twice, then three times daily. Starting the flush very slowly
will allow individuals to hydrate the
colon
slowly
and avoid
diahhrea.
Top  Clay as a Natural Homeostatic Substance One individual starts taking clay, and doesn't
sleep for three days ( a temporary, self-correcting effect
). Another individual takes the same clay and experiences
relief
from
a sleep disorder.
A
third
person
takes the clay and experiences no change with sleep patterns. Why? Clay is a true homeostatic substance. Homeostasis is the property of an open system,
especially living organisms, to regulate its internal environment
to maintain a stable, constant condition, by means of multiple
dynamic equilibrium adjustments, controlled by interrelated
regulation mechanisms. The term was coined in 1932 by Walter
Bradford Cannon from the Greek homoios (same, like, resembling)
and stasis (to stand, posture). Homeostasis is the ability or tendency of an
organism or cell to maintain internal equilibrium by
adjusting its
physiological
processes. Clay, as a homeostatic substance, enduces changes
in the body's physiological processes which ideally result
in a normalization of metabolic function. This is why, for example, individuals with
severe digestive disorders have learned by experience to
take clay on an empty stomach to experience relief, while
individuals
with
food
intolerances
have learned to take clay at the same time any meal is consumed
in order to experience relief. Clay action with the human body is completely
dependent upon the conditions present with the individual.
While it can take years of experience to learn how clay works
in this fashion, the good news is that use of a quality clay
never causes any true harm.
Clay Used Internally - The Voices
of Experience "In my experience I have
found with me that taking the clay powder mixed with water gives
almost no
effect to stop my food allergies. I had drank sodium bentonite
in water for a couple of weeks with no noticeable effect.
One day I licked a small amount of the clay off the palm of my
hand
and within seconds to minutes my major allergy
symptoms - heart irregularities included - were greatly
reduced if not gone altogether.
"A friend of mine had had
a complete colon blockage and had to have emergency surgery.
Months later she was still in a lot of pain much of the
time. One day she was at my place when the pain really
began. I offered her some clay powder (sodium bentonite,
food grade) which she decided to try. A couple minutes
later, after we had continued our previous conversation,
she suddenly said, "it's gone". I asked what
was gone and she responded that the pain was gone. Needless
to say she began using clay on a regular basis. She, however,
seemed to get even more relief for her digestive track
problems
by drinking clay dissolved in water even though
for me it hadn't seemed to help much if any.
"I usually tell people what I and others have experienced
with clay but tell them also I don't know just how it might
affect them. For me the sodium bentonite seems to be best
but as others have mentioned different clays seem to have
various effects on a variety of people."
- Olive, from the Eytons' Earth Email Group,
March 2007
By reading personal accounts, clay use internally might
begin to sound complicated. However, using clay is a
matter of uncommon sense, and with experience, everything truly
begins to make sense.
One individual emphatically tells people, "Always take clay
on an empty stomach. By empty stomach, I mean no less than two
hours after eating."
Another states, "Clay should always be taken with food. That's
the only time it really works for me."
Another states, "Never take clay with food, as it will interfere
with the adsorption of nutrients."
Below, I'm going to outline a general usage guide.
It is by no means definative. One cannot hurt oneself by ingesting
a quality clay. One can only adjust the usage to get the best
possible benefit from its use.
Individuals with Food Intolerances
Individuals who have difficulties consuming foods,
but have no other accute serious gastro-intestinal disturbances,
should always consume clay with meals. Some
individuals will find that drinking a little bit ( a few ounces
) of clay
water will completely elleviate symptoms. Others ( like Olive
) may find that the body requires a more concentrated clay (
like taking clay powder straight, or consuming a few tablespoonfuls
of dense
clay
gel
or magma ).
Private studies done by French Homeopaths, utilizing
Kirlean photography, demonstrated that when concentrated clay
is placed
on the tongue or in the mouth, there is an immediate
detox reaction that can be measured by using Kirlean photography
on the feet. The studies were done by taking before and after
images.
If one accepts this as true scientific evidence,
then it stands to reason that the body recognizes the ingestion
of clay, and the body's metabolism and
immune system start to respond instantly.
It should be understood that intolerances
cause abnormal and unnecessary reactions
in the body. Food intolerances, as apposed to true medically
diagnosed food allergies, can be corrected.
But, one may ask, won't taking clay with food interfere
with the adsorption of nutrients?
Here I must pause, and apologize for the long-winded
dialog.
Above, I mention the homeostatic properties of
clay. Some clay proponents place most-- if not all-- of their
emphasis on the trace minerals found in clays and upon clay's
physical properties,
such as their ability to sorpt contaminants and cleanse the body.
However, those with decades of clay experience
all end up reaching the same ultimate realization: The clay's
physical action upon and with the body is secondary. Clay's true
power lies in its ability to act as a catalyst that causes changes
in the body's functions.
I encourage readers to view all of the documents
in our bentonite clay minerals section,
which includes documents that demonstrate how much clay would
have to be consumed to interfere with nutrition, and several
documents and studies that show the different actions of clay
under different circumstances.
To illustrate the principle of the homeostatic
action of clay:
Animals with cesnium poisoning lost weight when
clay was added to their feed while healthy animals gained muscle
mass and experienced improved growth when clay was added to their
food supply. These are two completely opposite reactions based
on the health and needs of the animals being treated. In both
cases taking clay internally has been demonstrated to help the
body achieve a state of healthy equilibrium.
Generally
speaking, clay use has been shown to improve nutrient uptake. Individuals with Gastro-intestinal and Bowel Related
Syndromes
While individuals with food intolerances ( problems
with the stomach and small intestine ) find that clay should
be taken with food, individuals with lower intestinal and toxicity
difficulties have found that the exact opposite works.
Clay should be taken two hours apart from a meal,
when possible. As Jordan Rubin so wisely recommends in his
landmark book "Restoring your Digestive Health", one can work
up to taking clay in this manner as much as four times each day.
I would go a step further and state, provided that
constipation does not occur with clay use, one can take as much
clay water or super-hydrated magma as necessary in this two hour
window, until no diarrhea is present AND one's refuse has absolutely
no smell.
If constipation
is an issue, please see our psyllium
and bentonite detox cleanse document. If severe
ulcerations or medically documented blockages exist in the colon,
however, one would want to apply caution, and start off using
clay water
very
conservatively.
Some individuals have been very vocal in stating
their belief that the use of clay internally has resulted in
the colon
being completely "gummed up" with clay use. Having independently
researched clay use for 15 years, I would almost state that this
is physically impossible. I state "almost" because it is barely
in the realm of possibility that a clay could combine with an
oil and, given enough time and under the wrong circumstances,
putrefy. However, even if this were to occur, the cells on the
colon wall
are constantly
dying
and
being
replaced.
Therefore, even if large amounts of clay were to somehow adhere
to the wall of the colon, the tissue that the clay adhered to
would
all eventually
slough
off, and the clay would be eliminated.
Luckily, a simply colonoscopy could be done in
such a situation that would answer this question definatively.
To date, a colonoscopy has NEVER shown that clay acts in such
a manner.
I suspect that what is occuring in these cases,
is that the muscles of the colon, due to dietary habits and lack
of excercise, have become increasingly weakened and sluggish.
This always results in a sensation that feels like the large
intestine is packed.
In these types of situations, full colon cleanses
and dietary modifications have been desingned to successfully
restore bowel function.
Individuals with constipation problems may also
consider acquiring Homozon, an activated oxygen
product. Or, in order to heal the bowels, individuals should strongly consider making fermented cabbage juice, and using a balanced herbal formula designed to strengthen and tone bowels, such as organic triphala . If the bowels are irritated and bloated, then one should also consider a high quality organic boswellia .
Food Poisoning and Food Contamination
Individuals who have experience using healing clays
internally rarely have a need to worry about food poisoning or
food contamination. Clay taken internally at the very onset of
symptoms or awareness of the contamination has always-- in our
experience--
provided a complete cure-- within reason!
If one-- or one's pet-- displays symptoms of food
poisoning or food contamination, then clay water should be given
immediately. How much? As much as the body will tolerate.
If
vomiting ensues, re-administer clay over and over. If vomiting
occurs-- especially before clay use-- obviously immediate medical
attention is required. Continue to administer the clay while
waiting for medical attention. In any case, one should always
seek medical attention if one has been poisoned. The point I'd
like to make is that clay can be used while waiting for an ambulance
or while driving to the hospital.
In cases of extreme contamination, where vomiting
and/or severe diahhrea occur, it is important to realize that
the body needs to be hydrated with balanced electrolytes. In
severe cases, this must be done via IV. Clay mixed with water
does not make the best rehydrating fluid in such situations.
One may utilize a balanced electrolyte orally ( a product such
as Pedialyte ) along with clay, if necessary.
One should continue to administer clay at very
regular intervals ( again, as much as the body can tolerate )
until the body's hunger response is restored.
Recovery is dependant upon the level of contamination,
and how quickly the clay is given from the time the contaminant
has been ingested.
Medical hospital staff can do a world of good in
situations to support organs and keep the body functioning. However,
it is important to realize that a medical staff cannot usually
administer something into the body which literally removes toxic
substances.
In some cases, MD's can adminster drugs which nuetralize
toxic compounds. In other cases, they cannot, so it is important
that an individual or family member identify the toxin and do
research on the allopathic treatments that are available.
In many cases, the palliative care is very simply:
Plug and pray. Our attitude is that the MDs should plug to their
heart's content, but there is no practical reason-- barring unconsciousness--
that one cannot also "Plug and clay". I say this because
there
are
far
too many
situations
where the medical care being administered is simply titration
with fluids via IV. The medical staff then just waits to see
if the body recovers or dies. Rather than just waiting for the
body's organs to shut down during the first precious hours of
illness, one can adminster clay.
Activated charcoal is often used in cases of poisoning.
Clay and activated charcoal are very compatible and complimentary,
as both are active colloids when hydrated. However, avoid the
use of psyllium and other non soluble fiber in food poisoning
cases.
Drinking Clay and the Use of Prescription
Drugs
In other sections of our website, we share
the time-honored natural medicine tradition of obstaining
from the use of clays in cases where an individual is using
life-sustaining prescription
medications. While it is true that there has never been a
report of ill effects caused by the internal use of clay
interfering with the action of medications, we still must
state that clay does not like synthetic drugs or
manmade compounds that the body recognizes as foreign substances.
However, more and more people are taking prescription
drugs; many such individuals may still be able to benefit
from the internal use of clay. Careful
consideration and care should be used
when an
individual
elects to use
clay
internally
while also taking critical prescription medications. Preferably,
the body should be monitored by an MD in such cases. Internal
clay use, in such situations, should always be used according
to a regular schedule. Based on the experience of more and more individuals
utilizing clay while on prescription medications, we can
offer some general guidance: Take clay no less than two hours after taking
a prescription medication ( ideally, three hours ). Check
with the prescribing MD or look up the drug information on
the web to determine the actual adsorption time and, where
available,
the metabolic action time frame ( the time it takes for a
medication to metabolize ) of the drugs one is taking. Schedule
your clay use accordingly. Generally, medications that need to be taken
on an empty stomach adsorb quickly into the system. These
same medications require that nothing else be taken orally
for a specific time frame. Clay taken too early can result
in the medication not being adsorbed into the body via the
small intestine.
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