Welcome to Eytons' Earth: Tecopia Essentia

French Green Illite Clay

Tecopia Essentia - Using the Raw French Illite Clay

available from www.greenclays.com

This amazing non-swelling, marine sedimentary clay, imported from France, makes an excellent skin care clay, as well as an excellent internal use mineral supplement. Many people believe that our green desert clay makes the best facial and skin care clay, followed closely by our red desert clay. However, illite is equal to, perhaps even superior to either clay, mainly because it is less drying to the skin.

This clay has far less sorption (pulling power) than our other clays. However, due to its particle shape and characterists, we call it "The Grappler" because of how it "grabs" toxins/substances on contact. The illite particle size is smaller than a typical smecite, which has both advantages and disadvantages.

Because of all of this, green illite doesn't make the best poultice clay (but it does make a good compress clay), nor does it make a very good bath clay. However, it is most likely the best "contact clay" on the planet.

Since this type of clay (mica) doesn't adsorb water readily, it also dries very quickly. By combining this clay with something like our green desert clay, a truly miraculous and masterful topical use clay can be created.

This clay was one of two clays used by Buruli Busters in Africa to treat Burli Ulcerations (Buruli Ulcers). French illite was used first to address the mycoplasma infection and debride the wound. Then, a clay similiar (montmorillonite/smectite) to our green desert clay was used to finish the healing process.

French green illite has a very earthy taste, texture and smell. It is probably one of the top three tasting edible earths used for dietary supplementation. While this type of clay is not as effective at colon cleansing than smectites, any edible clay can be greatly improved by simply mixing a small amount of illite water to any edible clay or clay blend.

Like micronized zeolites, micas work completely differently than smectites in and on the body, although as a clay, it shares the same general properties as smectites. The differences are in the particle size, shape and other characteristics.

Preparing a Clay Magma/Gel || External Use || Clay Baths || Internal Use || Technical Info

How to Prepare a Clay Gel or Magma

To create a clay gel or paste, also known as clay magma, combine about one part water to one part clay. Once the clay is completely hydrated, slowly mix in more clay in order to achieve the desired texture and consistency.

Once the illite starts to hydrate, it is relatively easy to mix it into a smooth paste. It does not hydrate to a gel-like consistency like smectite does

For external applications, a mineral-rich, chemical-free water works the best. If high quality natural water is not available, one can be made by mixing one-quarter to one teaspoonful of Inland Sea Therapeutic Sea Mineral Blend into ½ to one gallon of water. Or, an individual can mix the same amount of premium quality sea salt into the water.

We recommend transferring the clay to a completely inert container, such as a ceramic or glass container, once it is hydrated. However, the clay can safely be stored for shorter periods of time (less than a month) in extremely clean plastic containers with air tight lids without any noticeable, obvious effect, provided that the clay is stored in a controlled climate without major temperature fluctuations.

Some people may elect to continue to store hydrated clay in plastic. While there is not likely any actual harm that will be caused by doing so, we have demonstrated that over time, wet clay does start to sorpt the plastic into the clay. If stored as such, please only use the clay externally.

For an exceptional external-use skin care clay, thoroughly mix any amount of illite gel into our bulk green desert calcium bentonite/monrmorillonite clay gel. For best results, use 1/4 - 1/2 illite by volume.

Using Clay Externally

To use clay for externally, including for compresses, poultices, clay packs and cosmetics, first prepare a clay gel or magma.

Minimize hydrated clay contact with metal alloys, and avoid contact with any chemicals. Ideally, mix and store in a sealable glass or ceramic jar. For best results, cover the open container with cheese cloth and set the clay in direct sunlight for one or two hours prior to use (with a bit of extra water to avoid drying out the clay).

To make a compress or for clay wraps, add water to the clay magma until the desired consistency is achieved. Thoroughly soak a clean, white dressing in the clay. Alternately, completely baste one side of a clean, white dressing with clay. Use as desired directly on the body.

To use as a poultice or pack, apply the clay magma onto a clean dressing aobut 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick. With this clay, unlike our bulk green desert clay, clay does not have to be applied any thicker; to do so is simply a waste of clay. Apply to the body as needed. Generally, each clay pack should be applied for at least 20 minutes. Discontinue use if abnormal discomfort is experienced. Gently clean area treated after the clay has been removed.

Further Research links (general information on using clay):

Clay Packs – How to make and use a clay pack.

Clay Compresses – How to make and use a clay compress.

How to use Clay Externally –Mastering Clay Use Externally.

Clay Detox Baths

We do not recommend using illite for detox baths.

Suggested Internal Clay Supplement Use

One single dose : Add one teaspoonful to of dry clay to one eight ounce glass of water. For children ½ dose is fine (½ tablespoonful).

Drink the clay water once to three times daily. Clay is most effective on an empty stomach, but it is not necessary to use it only on an empty stomach.

If clay use results in constipation, reduce usage to the following schedule: Take once daily for three days, stop use for four days, take the clay once daily for four days, pause for three days. Repeat as often as desired, and consider researching digestive restoration programs and/or colon cleansing programs (when clay use results in constipation, it means that the digestive system is very sluggish and improvement is needed).

For individuals with food sensitivities, use a small amount of clay with every meal.

Very large amounts of clay water may be consumed on a daily basis for short periods of time without any known harmful effects (3-4 weeks), but internal clay use should not exceed 15% of the total diet as a part of one’s daily dietary intake, unless directed to do so by a an experienced and qualified natural healthcare consultant.

These are only recommendations and users should be aware that there are many different ideas on how to best use clay internally.

We believe that this clay works better internally when combined with other edible clays. One may use up to equal portions of this clay with any other clay or clay blend supplement.

Further Research:

Primitive Use of Clay – An article on the primitive use of clays.

Hydrated Sodium Bentonite – Dr. Howard E. Lind’s study on clay vs. digestive disorders.

Clay Use and Digestion – A dissertation on using clays internally.

Use of Clay Internally – Article on clays used internally.

Further Notes

It is always beneficial to allow clay to fully hydrate before using the clay. Many naturopaths also believe that it is beneficial to allow hydrated clay to sit in the sun for 30 minutes to an hour, prior to use. Both of these suggestions are good ideas, but neither is actually required. Clay may be used immediately upon hydration when necessary. In emergency situations, clay can be force-mixed for use within minutes.

Article: Clay Chemistry

Very graphic pdf article: Buruli Busters and Clay Therapy

Other Technical Research Documents

Clay Certificate of Analysis - Clay Certificate of Analysis