Clay


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Clay

	Original Author Healthocrates Staff
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Synonyms

Akipula, aluminium silicate, anhydrous aluminum silicates, askipula, beidellitic montmorillonite, benditos, bioelectrical minerals, chalk, cipula, clay dirt, clay dust, clay lozenges, clay suspension products, clay tablets, colloidal minerals, colloidal trace minerals, fossil farina, humic shale, Indian healing clay, kaolin, kipula, mountain meal, NovaSil, panito del senor, plant-derived liquid minerals, Terra sigillata , tirra san ta, white clay, white mud.

Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Uses based on scientific evidence	Grade^*
Fecal incontinence associated with psychiatric disorders (encopresis): clay modeling therapy in children There is not enough scientific research to support a recommendation for play with modeling clay as an effective therapeutic intervention in children with constipation and encopresis.	C
Functional gastrointestinal disorders There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend the medicinal use of clay by mouth in patients with gastrointestinal disorders. Some clay preparations have been found to be similar to Kaolin® and Kaopectate®, which are used to treat gastrointestinal disturbances including diarrhea. However, overall, there are significant potential risks that accompany the use of clay, including intestinal blockage and injury as well as lead poisoning.	C
Mercuric chloride poisoning Clay lozenges have been used historically in the treatment of mercuric chloride poisoning, and were officially mentioned in several European pharmacopoeias, including the Royal College, until the middle 19thCentury. However, there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend the use of clay by mouth for poisoning at this time, as there is risk of clay itself containing contaminants.	C
Protection from aflatoxins Aflatoxins are toxic substances from the fungus Aspergillis flavus . This fungus infects peanuts, and ingestion of aflatoxins from peanuts and cereals (primarily in warm and humid regions) has been associated with liver cancers in humans and multiple cancers in animals. Phyllosilicate clay has been shown to adhere to aflatoxins in laboratory study, and HSACS clay in animal diets may diminish or block exposure to aflatoxins. However, the risks of chronic clay exposure likely do not justify the potential benefit.	C

*Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.

Grading rationale

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Acidosis, animal bites, cancer, constipation, detoxification, diarrhea, dysentery, eye disorders, fevers, heart disorders, hemopurification, menstruation difficulties, nutrition, plague, poisoning, skin fairness, smoking, stomach disorders, syphilis, vomiting, vomiting/nausea during pregnancy, water purification, weight loss.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend safe use of clay.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is not enough scientific evidence to recommend safe use of clay in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

There are no reports of allergy to clay in the available scientific literature. However, in theory, allergy/hypersensitivity to clay, clay products, or constituents of clay may occur.

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EditText of this page (last edited February 15, 2008)