Clinoptilolite: Topical application
Many people are already familiar with clinoptilolite for internal use to support detoxification. However, the fine mineral powder can also be used directly on the skin in the form of a home-made paste – especially to support weeping and inflammatory skin problems.
Internal effect
Clinoptilolite is a collective term for minerals from the zeolite group. Due to their frequent occurrence in volcanic regions, they are also known as volcanic earth. As a finely ground (micronised) powder, clinoptilolite can be used to support detoxification processes. The volcanic earth passes through the gastrointestinal tract and can bind various harmful substances such as heavy metals, toxins or metabolic waste products in a similar way to a sponge.
External application
Clinoptilolite can also be applied topically. When applied to inflamed skin in the form of a paste, it adsorbs moisture and deprives microorganisms such as bacteria or skin fungi of an important basis for life. This allows it to develop an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.
It also binds histamine. Histamine is an endogenous messenger substance that is released in the skin during inflammatory processes, injuries, irritations or allergic reactions and leads to redness, swelling and itching. Clinoptilolite can also bind excess sebum and wound secretions.
This makes clinoptilolite a promising agent for the topical treatment of various skin problems. It is important to note that it should not be used on very dry skin.
Note: The skin has a strong connection with the intestines, liver and immune system, which is why an additional intestinal cleanse makes sense for many skin diseases. This means supporting the skin from the inside and outside.
Clinoptilolite can be used topically for the following skin problems:
- Psoriasis (psoriasis)
- Neurodermatitis (atopic eczema)
- Acne
- Skin fungus
- Oozing eczema
- Herpes zoster (gürelrosis) as concomitant treatment
- Sore body folds
- Seborrhoea (excessive sebum production)
- Small, superficial oozing wounds
Possible applications
Paste
Preparation / Application:
- 1-2 teaspoons of clinoptilolite powder (caution: do not inhale)
- 1-2 teaspoons of water or hydrosol (e.g. camomile, lavender, sage, roses)
- Mix to a paste
- Apply a thin layer to the affected area of skin that has been cleansed with water or hydrosol (caution: avoid contact with eyes)
- Leave on for 10-20 minutes (do not allow to dry completely)
- Rinse with plenty of water
- Followed by moisturising care
- Repeat 2-3 times per week
The application of a clinoptilolite paste is well suited for small to medium-sized piles. Depending on whether you want the paste to be thinner or thicker, the amount of water/hydrolate can be adjusted accordingly.
Washing solution
If larger areas of skin are affected, a washing solution is more suitable. This is prepared by dissolving about 1-2 tablespoons of powder in a bowl of warm water. The affected areas of skin are doused or bathed with the solution and then rinsed thoroughly.
Dry
The powder can also be used in dry form to absorb even more moisture if the skin is very weeping.
Subsequent care
Suitable skin care after treatment with clinoptilolite is very important as the skin has been dehydrated. Skin care products that are based on a natural, lecithin-based emulsifier system and also contain almond oil, jojoba oil, mango butter, α-bisabolol and D-panthenol are recommended, for example.
Suitable clinoptilolite products
It is important to use a high-quality food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade product for topical application, just as for internal use. Such a preparation contains micronised (finely ground) clinoptilolite in the optimum particle size.
Is clinoptilolite also suitable for wounds?
Unfortunately, there is not yet much experience with this. However, the effects of the powder speak in favour of treating smaller, superficial, weeping and slightly infected wounds. However, the treatment should be in the hands of people with experience in wound care (e.g. carers).
In the case of chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers, ulcera cruris or decubiti and in patients with a weakened immune system, particular caution is required and I would advise against it!