Day #7 - The 45 Minute Refresh

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Bentonite Clay

In a recent post I talked about Aztec Secret Indian Healing Bentonite Clay and its detoxing affects. I first used it for a body wrap and immediately noticed how it tightened my skin. Upon further researched I found several recipes for different types of facials using the clay. I tried the 45 minute application using the original and seemingly one of the more popular and simple recipes, Father Kneipp's Apple Cider Vinegar recipe. That's it, that's all. I figured I would try staying forever young by dipping my face into clay and seeing what happens. So far, I still have the same ole' face BUT I look 2 days younger. Success!

Brief History

Clays have been used for centuries to beautify and refresh when used as a facial mask.
Cleopatra used clay from the Nile river and the Arabian desert over 1800 years ago, as part of her beauty ritual.
German and Roman spas have been using clay packs and treatments in the spas they built 4,000 years ago. Many of these spas still exist and use clay even today.
Pliney the Elder devoted an entire chapter of his Natural History" to the many uses of clay for pimples, black heads and skin tightening.
Many famous naturopaths, such as Kuhn, Just and Kneipp have contributed to the revival of the uses of clay through their natural treatments for arthritis and skin ailments.
The use of clay with apple cider vinegar can be dated back to the southern French priest of the16th century, Kneipp, and his natural treatments using clay packs and poultices.
Throughout history the use of clay, specifically green clay or bentonite, is well documented.
AZTEC SECRET INDIAN HEALING CLAY is bentonite clay from Death Valley, California, where it is sun- dried for up to six months in temperatures that sometimes reach 134 degrees. http://www.aztec-secret.com

List of Recipes


1. Father Kneipp's Original Recipe

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with apple cider vinegar (raw, organic is best) in a bowl. You should use glass, plastic or wooden bowls and spoons - no metal! Apply to face and/or body and allow to dry up to 45 minutes. Rinse well with warm water only.

2. Antioxidant Mask

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with brewed GREEN TEA and 500 mg. of Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (open up a capsule). Apply to skin, allow to dry and rinse. *Green Tea is currently being studied for its antioxidant, antibacterial, and cancer killing properties.

3. Foot Facial

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with brewed Pau d'Arco Tea and 5 drops of Tea Tree Oil. Apply to feet, especially in between the toes, let dry 30 minutes and rinse well in warm water.

4. Honey Mask

Mix equal parts Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with apple cider vinegar, add1 tablespoon raw honey. Apply to skin, allow to dry10 minutes and rinse with warm water. This mask is similar to a mask used by Cleopatra in her beauty ritual.

5. Sensitive Skin

Mix equal parts Clay with distilled water, 1 tsp Kukui Nut oil and 5 drops of lavender essential oil. Apply to skin and let dry 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water. On fair skin people, the face might turn slightly pink.

Sun Burn: Add an additional cup of distilled water to mixture and use the liquid to ease the sting of sunburn. Omit the lavender oil.

6. Mask/Scrub

Mix equal parts Clay with apple cider vinegar. Add 2 tbsp of uncooked oatmeal to mixture (you may need to add a little more vinegar or water). Apply to skin and let dry 10-15 minutes. Rub off face using circular motion. Rinse off with warm water.

7. Energy Bath

Add 1/2 cup of Clay to bath water. Soak for 15-20 minutes. This is truly a revitalizing experience that excites and awakens your cells.

8. Refreshing Facial

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with distilled water, 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon minced cucumber (remove peel). Apply to skin and allow 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

9. Honey Mask

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with apple cider vinegar. Add 1 teaspoon raw honey. Apply to skin, allow to dry 20 minutes and rinse with warm water. This mask is similar to a mask used by Cleopatra in her beauty ritual.

10. Relaxing Mask

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with air equal mixture of apple cider vinegar and distilled water (example: 2 tbsp clay, with 1 tbsp vinegar and tbsp water). Add 5 t0 10 drops of your favorite aromatherapy, relaxation or calming blended oil to the mixture. Apply to face, allow to dry while relaxing in the tub for 10l minutes or more, rinse well with warm water.

11. Problem Skin Mask

Mix equal parts of Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with apple cider vinegar and 5 drops of tea tree Oil. Apply to skin and allow to dry 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse well with warm water and apply Tea Tree Oil directly to blemish.

12. Body Pack

Mix one pound Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay with one pint of apple cider vinegar add water to thin. Apply a thin coat of the mixture to the body and allow to dry 15-20 minutes. Rinse well in the shower. One pound will do 2 people--HAVE FUN!

14. Insect Bites & Bee Stings

Make a thick paste of clay and distilled water, re-apply as needed. Also good for abrasions, skin irritations, bruises, sprains, diaper rash, acne, and fungus.

NOTE: For bad acne or bad complexion, the first few applications will make it worse as it is drawing  http://www.herbalhut.com

PROS: It definitely leaves your skin feeling very clean, fresh and tight. 

CONS: The apple cider vinegar recipe isn't a pleasant smell and you will smell like the rec room at a senior citizen facility. It dries very quickly, flakes and it was a wee-bit itchy at first. Still worth it.  

Slowy mix your measured liquid ingredient forming a nice even consistency.


Stay refreshed, Peeps!