March 8, 2016
Imagine King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba, Cleopatra, King Herod, Napoleon, and Beethoven all slathered in mud. According to some proponents of mud therapy, these dignified pillars of history weren’t afraid to get a little down and dirty.
Like many modern, most trusted naturopathic body treatments, mud baths have ancient roots—and there are good reasons why this health trend never really dies. Soaking in mud rich in minerals like magnesium, sodium, and sulfur (not just any damp dirt found at the local park after a storm) is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects, helping to ease muscle tension and joint pain. The way mud dries on the surface of the skin and traps in heat can also facilitate this process. Not to mention, it’s seriously relaxing—as long as you can get into the fact that you’re covered in gunk.
But most people don’t live with the Dead Sea or hot springs full of volcanic ash in their backyard. And heading to a posh day spa just to get muddy isn’t the most budget-friendly option. No problem—making your own “mud bath” in the comfort of your bathroom is pretty simple.
The secret ingredient: bentonite clay. Used topically, it’s capable of drawing out impurities from the body—toxins, viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria, all positively charged, are attracted to the negatively charged clay, which magnetize and remove them. So “bathing” with bentonite clay essentially means getting a full-body skin detox—and since it contains naturally occurring minerals, it provides some of the aforementioned benefits of a mud bath. Plus it’ll leave your skin glowing.
Ready to have a spa moment at home? Here’s how.
Want to learn more ways to use bentonite clay? Watch this video!
Video credits
Produced and Directed by: Liza Glucoft
Director of Photography: Naeem Munaf
Editor: Stephanie Provence
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