Eating Dirt

Have you ever eaten dirt?  Although you may be unaware, the answer is likely yes.  Perhaps you have inadvertently eaten particles of unwashed produce or consumed Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate, which contain clays.  Geophagy is the word to describe the consumption of clay.  This practice has been used to aid in child birth, male virility and various other cultural beliefs.  My father remembered as a child that a black woman he knew commonly ate clay as a remedy for intestinal issues.  This was part of the African culture.  My favorite earth mined substance is diatomaceous earth (DM). 

DM is the fossilized remains of hard-shelled algae known as a diatom.  This multi use silica abrasive has been used in toothpaste, in scrubs, deodorizers, facial masks, and as an insecticide.  DM can absorb six times its weight in water and is used in cat litter boxes. 

As an insecticide, it absorbs lipids or fats from the waxy outer layer of insects causing dehydration.  It is an effective, non-toxic substance that can be used as a dust for fleas or cockroaches. It can be taken by animals or humans internally for intestinal parasites.  For dogs you can make cornmeal biscuits with DM.   Wet DM for horses and mix in their feed.  And for humans, mix a tablespoonful in juice and drink.  The only precaution is not to breathe the dust because it causes silicosis, a respiratory disorder.

Silica is also an important mineral that is vital for skin, hair, and nails and for the recalcification of bones.  You will find it in any quality calcium/mineral supplement or hair, skin, and nail formulas.  It is commonly listed as horsetail, an herb which contains silica.  Silica may also interfere with the body’s retention of aluminum. 

The Homeopathic Materia Medica for Silica terra (Flint) is useful among other things “for soreness in the feet from the instep to the sole”.  I can offer a personal testimony for its effectiveness.  

Natural Skin Care

It seems that we live in a world where appearance is everything.  Sometimes permanent opinions are formed with the first visual impression.  It is so important that some will sacrifice health for their perception of beauty.  While some are more concerned than others, we would all like to be healthy in our physical presentation.  The skin is the largest organ of the body.  It functions as a protective barrier and is part of our immune system.  It provides sensation to temperature and pressure, it helps with temperature regulation, and it is water resistant.

Many products focus on improving skin quality with lotions and potions.  Ironically, many cosmetic products are toxic.  It is well known that the sun is important for vitamin D, but we have all seen individuals that get too much sun, either directly or in tanning beds.  These individuals also know that too much will damage their skin. 

Over-washing with antibacterial soaps removes too much natural oil from the skin.  Is it really necessary to wash every part of the body with soap every day?  Unless you are particularly dirty from some activity, try rinsing and using soap only in areas that need attention.  The same thing is true with hair that we over-wash and condition.  Some cultures oil skin and hair after bathing.  Light oiling of hair is good for you and actually makes it look healthier.  

While external care and hygiene is important, the overall picture of skin, hair and nails is the result of what happens inside the body.  Good hydration is important to healthy skin.  The quality of the foods we eat is vital, especially good fats.  The skin is actually a reflection of the intestinal health inside the body.  Ever noticed when teens eat the wrong foods that their acne will get worse?  Quality appearance of skin, hair and nails is nutrient dependent.  These nutrients include vitamins, minerals and fats.  Improve your diet and product choices for healthier skin. 

Product Choices

Nutraplenish GI (vitamin)

Gaia Hair Skin and Nail Support (herbal)

Bronson Skin Hair and Nails (vitamin)

Fish Oil and Flax Oil

Gaia Antioxidant Supreme (herbal)

Natural Creations Antioxidant Complex(Vitamin)

Dr Bronner's Castile Soap

Aura Cacia Body Oils