Insect Bites and Bee Stings

Wet "clean" clay placed on insect bites and stings is an old "home remedy" that was used in the USA South as well as elsewhere. As Susun Weed explained, "Mud is the oldest and simplest poultice."

This poultice was likewise deemed soothing for abrasions, skin irritations, infections, bruises, and sprains, and acne.

"Clays can eliminate excess grease and toxins from skin, and hence are very effective against dermatological diseases such as boils, acne, ulcers, abscess, and seborrhoea."
Carretaro MI, Gomes CSF, Tateo F. "Clays and human health." Bergaya F, Theng BKG, Lagaly G, editors. Handbook of Clay Science, Developments in Clay Science. Vol. 1. 2006. p. 722

In order to treat summertime bites and stings, a person would quickly make a thick paste of clay by moistening it with spring water. Then, this mud can be applied as a poultice directly to the sting as soon as possible. Once the paste dried, it would be rinsed gently with warm water.

Healing or medicinal clay has long been used to draw toxins out of the body--a concept that fits well with hoodoo practice.

Of course, mud--even "clean" looking mud--scooped out of the ground might be contaminated by fungal spores or animal matter. Powdered medicinal clay, such as "Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay" (Bentonite green clay), can be stored in dry powdered form along with one's jars of other "home remedy" mixes.

Aztec Secret Health & Beauty LTD, Indian Healing Clay , accessed 9/12/11.

Bergaya F, Theng BKG, Lagaly G, editors. Handbook of Clay Science, Developments in Clay Science. Vol. 1. 2006.

Susun S Weed, Ease Those Bug Bites with Easy Herbs, 2000, accessed 9/13/11.

Roots and Stuff: Bentonite green clay (Aluminum phyllosilicate)
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