So, my last post was about a bentonite clay treatment, which consisted of bentonite clay, Rhassoul clay and coconut milk. I just wanted to post the benefits of each ingredient to show why they are so good.

Bentonite Clay

Bentonite, also referred to as Montmorillonite, is one of the most effective and powerful healing clays which has been used for centuries for both internal and external maladies. It is a sedimentary clay from volcanic ash.

Once combined with water, bentonite has an enormous surface area that stretches open like a highly porous sponge. The toxins are drawn into these spaces and then eliminated.

“Clay has a negative electrical attraction for particles that are positively charged.  Most of the toxic poisons are positively charged.
These toxins are irresistibly drawn towards the clay. The very minuteness of the particles of Bentonite gives a large surface area in proportion to the volume used, thus enabling it to pick up many times its weight in positively charged particles.”
Source:
Robert T. Martin, Ph.D.
Mineralogist at Massachusetts’s Institute of Technology – an authority on Bentonite.

“Bentonite can absorb pathogenic viruses, aflatoxin (a mold), and pesticides and herbicides including Paraquat and Roundup. The clay is eventually eliminated from the body with the toxins bound to its multiple surfaces.”
Source:
The Canadian Journal of Microbiology (31 [1985], 50-53)

Bentonite contains over 70 natural occurring trace minerals like:
Silica- 61.4% (required for strong healthy hair growth and skin tissue regeneration)
Aluminium- 18.1%
Iron- 3.5%
Sodium- 2.3%
Magnesium- 1.7%
Calcium- 0.04%
Titanium- 0.02%
Potassium- 0.01%
Moisture- 7.8%
pH – 8.3 – 9.1

Bentonite has a high percentage of naturally occurring Silica & Iron than most other naturally occurring clays.
Silica & Iron deficiency may lead to:
• Skin becoming loose and dehydrated
• Lack lustre hair
• Poor bone development
• Brittle nails

Effective & powerful when taken:
• Externally as a poultice, naturally curly Afro hair mask, face and body mud pack, sprinkled in the bath, and/or to reduce swelling.
• Internally as a supplement for those with mineral deficiencies.

Hair Care Benefits:
After you Shampoo
One single treatment of Bentonite Clay will remove build-up from your scalp leaving naturally curly and Afro hair clean and clear.
As a shampoo replacement
Bentonite Clay may also be used like a shampoo trapping and removing dirt, debris, build up and other particles from your hair and scalp.

Rhassoul Clay

Rhassoul is a spa quality mineral-rich clay from Morocco. It’s quite different from other cleansing clays, being exceptionally gentle and beneficial even for dry hair and sensitive skin and scalp conditions

It’s extraordinary ability to absorb water and form a gel-like consistency makes rhassoul more effective than other clays for cleansing skin and hair and enhancing the hair’s texture and volume. Indeed, if you dream of big hair, rhassoul may well please you!

Rhassoul contains high levels of skin-healing silica, potassium and magnesium. Clinical studies have been conducted by two research laboratories in the USA (International Research Services Inc. and Structure Probe Inc.) to evaluate the effects on the skin of using rhassoul clay masks.
Even a single application of rhassoul results in measurable improvement to the skin:

• Reduces dryness (79%)
• Reduces flakiness (41%)
• Improves skin clarity (68%)
• Improves skin elasticity/firmness (24%)
• Improves skin texture (106%)

This silky brown clay has the following main advantages:

• Completely non-irritating to skin and scalp
• Cleans skin and hair without removing all of its protective sebum
• Removes surface oil and oil from inside and around comedones (blackheads and whiteheads)
• Leaves hair soft and shiny and enhances its volume
• Gradually reduces the need for frequent hair washing
• Removes dandruff and eases problems of excessively oily hair

Unlike most other clays used in face and body packs, rhassoul will not dry out the skin and hair and is even suitable for sensitive skin.
IMPORTANT: When seeking spa quality mineral clays, please don’t confuse rhassoul with cheap Moroccan red clay. This exerts a strong ‘drawing’ action and is totally unsuitable for sensitive and dry skin. Indeed, Moroccan red clay is useful only as an occasional deep cleansing treatment for oily skin. Rhassoul, on the other hand, is suitable for all skin and hair types and is gentle enough for daily use.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk contains proteins, which strengthen hair and can help to minimize breakage. It also has properties which protect hair and scalp from UV rays. It is a rich source of vitamins A and E, potassium and calcium

• Using coconut milk for improving hair growth is another simple home remedy for hair loss that some claim to offer results. Apply all over your scalp with fingers and give your scalp a deep massage so that the coconut milk reaches the roots of your hair.
• It serves to nourish the hair and promote the growth of new hair. In addition, it keeps the existing hair in a healthy condition. It gives your hair shine, softness, and promotes hair growth!
• It is good for the health of your skin and hair. It is widely used as a base in many cosmetic applications and products like hair oil and skin moisturizers. It is an excellent hydrant.
• It is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help the body to hold against ageing, sagging of the skin, poor vision and low bone density.
• Presence of lauric acid in coconut milk renders anti fungal, anti bacterial and anti viral properties to it. The effect is that it is excellent when it comes to fighting infections.
• It is good for the heart too. The lauric acid present in it, helps to unclog the arteries.
• In spite of the fact that coconut milk contains saturated fats, it helps in weight loss too. The fat consists of short chain and medium chain fatty acids as a result the body converts it into energy and does not store the same as fat.
• In addition to all of the above, it also aids in digestion and is also used as a laxative.