The use of natural remedies such as clay supplements has become a popular way to support the health of pets such as cats and dogs, and also larger animals such as horses. Here’s a look at the specific benefits of clay for pets. 

What are clay supplements?

Clay supplements are derived from mineral-rich clays such as bentonite and zeolite. These clays have been used for centuries as both an external cosmetic treatment for skin and hair, and as a dietary supplement to soothe the digestion and detoxify the internal organs. 

How can clay supplements support my pet?

Improved digestion 

Animals will naturally eat clay when they are feeling unwell, because it is rich in vitamins and nutrients, and has specific healing qualities. For example, Montmorillonite clay has binding properties that can help dogs and cats that are suffering from loose stools and diarrhoea. It contains no artificial additives or chemicals that could further upset your pet. 

Wound healing

Montmorillonite clay also has natural detoxifying and soothing properties, and can be used to make a poultice to support the healing of wounds and injuries. 

Improved skin and coat

Kaolinite clays that are rich in silica may help to improve the condition of the skin and coat of your pet. They can also help to eliminate toxins that contribute to allergies and skin conditions. 

Protection against parasites

Diatomaceous earth can be used as a natural dewormer to remove internal parasites without using harsh chemicals that your pet may not be able to tolerate well. 

Always consult a vet before starting treatment 

Clays are meant to be used as a health supplement rather than to replace medical treatment that is prescribed by a vet. If your pet has skin or digestive issues, always seek veterinary advice, and ask if a clay supplement is suitable for your pet. 

The festive season is a time of joy and celebration, but unfortunately our skin can pay the price for indulgence and late nights. The rich food, alcohol, sleep loss and heavy party makeup can add up to clogged pores, dry patches, and dullness. Here’s how to make use of the healing properties of clay to breathe some life back into your complexion!

Common post-holiday skin issues

Dehydrated skin: we tend to spend more time indoors during the winter in heated environments, which draws moisture from the skin. The outside air is drier and colder, and biting winds can dry out skin quickly and redden the complexion. Increased consumption of alcohol and salty or sugary foods can also contribute to dehydration. 

Less sleep: extra social events and parties mean that we lose precious beauty sleep. The skin carries out the majority of repair and renewal activity during the night, so disrupted sleep can mean that dead skin cells build up on the surface and blemishes take longer to heal. The skin may look dull, with puffiness around the eyes and cheeks. 

Cosmetic overload: You may step up your beauty routine at this time of year, applying more products and wearing more makeup than usual to look great for parties and photographs. However, this can lead to clogged pores and breakouts of spots and acne.

How natural clay treatments can come to the rescue

Natural clay has been used for centuries as a cosmetic treatment to gently cleanse the skin and hair, rebalance natural oils and restore moisture without causing irritation. Kaolin clay is particularly popular for a deep-cleansing face mask, because it is gentle and suitable for all skin types, but also highly effective.

How to detox with a kaolin mask

Kaolin clay is very fine-textured, so it can first be used as a mild exfoliant to gently remove dead skin cells without any harshness, revealing the soft glowing skin underneath. 

It also has excellent absorbent properties, and will soak up excess oil without upsetting the natural moisture balance of the skin. This makes it an ideal product for a face mask. You can simply mix it with a little rosewater or spring water to make a paste, or add some honey or natural yoghurt if you want a slightly higher level of hydration and softness.

When mixing the paste, use non-metalic utensils and containers, because metal will interfere with the ionic charge of the clay that gives it special absorbent properties. Apply a thin layer of the paste to your face, and leave it for ten or 20 minutes, or until it is almost dry but not completely. 

Rinse off with lukewarm water and carefully pat your skin dry. Finish off with a moisturiser or serum to lock in hydration. Look for natural ingredients that won’’t counteract the benefits of natural clay, such as hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or if your skin is very dry, shea butter. 

As the winter months approach, horse owners will be bracing themselves for the more challenging conditions of colder weather, short days, and poached up fields. It’s a time of adjustment when you and your horse will need to get used to a new routine. Here are some tips to help your horse remain happy and healthy this winter. 

Introduce dietary changes gradually

It may be the case that your horse is making the transition from full turnout at grass to being stabled at night. This will involve feeding them extra hay and hard feed, which can upset their digestive system or even lead to colic, a potentially fatal disorder of the digestive tract. 

To avoid undue stress on their digestion, introduce changes gradually by feeding smaller amounts and do not make a sudden switch from round the clock grass turnout to full time stabling. For extra support, consider adding a feed supplement such as Zeolite clay, which is a natural volcanic mineral. 

The clay has a unique structure that enables it to bind with toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, helping to flush out harmful substances that may build up in an indoor environment. This reduces the risk of digestive problems and eases the general stress on your horses’ body during the autumn and winter.  

It also enhances the absorption of essential nutrients, ensuring that your horse is well supported and able to maintain his condition and energy levels. 

Prepare grazing pastures

If your horse will be turned out some or all of the time, it’s important that you take measures to avoid the fields becoming too poached up and muddy. This not only deprives your horse of natural grazing opportunities, but can also cause mud fever, a skin condition that is characterised by broken and damaged skin and can lead to infection and lameness.

Put some preventative measures in place to avoid overgrazing and excessive bogginess. Ideally, the fields should be surrounded by drainage ditches to divert rainwater away from the pasture. If you have enough land, use a rotational grazing system so that a section of the pasture has time to rest and recover.

Invest in yard maintenance

The harsher weather will also take its toll on the yard, so take some proactive steps to make sure everything is in good working order and get any repair work sorted out before the frost and ice starts to bite. Check roofs for broken or missing tiles, and clean out gutters and drains. 

Check that all the lighting systems are working; it might be worth having them inspected by an electrician if there is anything you are unsure about, because electrical faults are a serious fire hazard on a yard. 

Check your kit

Air off winter rugs, saddle cloths, and other seasonal gear, and check them over for any signs of wear and tear. If your horse has gained or lost weight over the summer, ensure that their winter rugs still fit them comfortably and are secure. 

Natural tooth powders and mineral toothpastes have been growing in popularity over recent years, as a natural, gentle yet effective way to take care of your oral health. Here’s a look at the benefits of switching to mineral toothpastes or powders. 

Chemical free cleaning

Conventional toothpastes usually contain harsh artificial ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), which can cause skin irritation, particularly for people with sensitive skin. They also often contain artificial sweeteners and flavourings that are linked to various health risks over long term use. 

Natural mineral tooth powders and pastes have only pure ingredients such as clay, baking soda and herb extracts. These are much gentler and safer to use than regular oral care products, and are available in a range of pleasant natural flavours such as sweet fennel tooth powder. 

An eco-friendly and sustainable choice

Natural tooth powders are often available in recyclable packaging such as glass pots, minimising the plastic waste of conventional packaging that is non-recyclable or ends up being exported to countries with highly questionable recycling practices. 

Many of the ingredients of natural tooth products are renewable or sustainable, or have a lower carbon footprint during manufacturing than conventional products. 

Many varieties of tooth powder are also suitable for vegans, because they contain no animal products and have not been tested on animals. This means that you will have peace of mind that you are using a cruelty-free product. 

Gentle but effective cleaning powers

Many people assume that alternatives to high street brands for oral care will be less effective, but this is not the case. They make use of the natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties of plants, essential oils, and minerals such as organic montmorillonite clay and kaolin. These help to prevent the formation of tartar and plaques with regular use. 

Furthermore, the fine powders have a natural abrasive effect that removes stains while maintaining the condition of the enamel, helping you to achieve a bright sparkling smile. 

A healthier mouth pH balance

Conventional oral care products can sometimes strip helpful bacteria from the mouth alongside the unhelpful kind, particularly mouthwashes. Natural tooth powders encourage a balanced pH level with ingredients that neutralise acids such as baking soda. This can minimise the risk of developing cavities and promote fresher breath. 

Protecting tooth enamel

Enamel is the protective hard outer coating on our teeth that protects the softer inner layers of dentin and pulp, and helps to prevent decay. However, over time, acids, dental plaque, and bacteria can erode enamel and leave teeth vulnerable to infection, erosion, and cavities. 

Natural tooth powders often contain ingredients such as calcium and magnesium, which help to remineralize the enamel and contribute to strong teeth and a healthy mouth. 

Most people are probably aware that natural clays can be used for skincare, but they may be unsure about which products would be best for them, how to use them, and what results to expect. Here we address some of the most commonly asked questions about cosmetic clays to help you get the most out of your product.

What are clays composed of?

Clays extracted from the ground and are primarily composed of silica, iron oxide, and a range of other minerals. Some types of clay may also contain plant matter, which is responsible for the green colour of green clay. 

The unique properties of clay have a cleansing and detoxification effect on the skin, and have been used as a health and beauty treatments since ancient times. 

How do I choose the right type of clay for my skin type?

There are various types of clay, and each one can help to address specific issues. Montmorillonite clay is one of the most popular types, and it can be used to cleanse and rejuvenate mature skin. If you have sensitive skin, white kaolin clay is a mild and gentle clay that can even be used on young children. It can soothe irritated skin and improve its texture. 

Green clay  is often used to address oily skin that is prone to acne and breakouts. It deeply cleanses the skin and can help to reduce the production of sebum and bacteria that cause spots. It can also be used to reduce pore size and tone the skin, helping your complexion to look more youthful and even in texture. 

Red clay is rich in iron oxide, which gives it its distinctive red colour. It is noted for its effectiveness in drawing toxins from the skin, and it can have antibacterial and anti-ageing effects. If you want to deeply cleanse your skin and correct a dull and tired complexion, then this may be the right clay for you. 

Bentonite clay is another popular detoxifying clay that can be used to treat acne-prone skin and achieve a smoother and more youthful complexion. It can also be used as a bath soak, a poultice, a foot detox, or a hair rinse. 

How do I use clay as a mask?

Clays are usually purchased in the form of a finely milled powder and mixed with fluid to form a paste, which can be applied on to the face or other area of skin, or massaged into the hair. You can use water, rose water, or even apple cider vinegar to mix with one or two tablespoons of clay powder to form a thick smooth paste. 

Use a wooden spoon rather than a metal one to preserve the ionic charge of the clay. Apply the paste in an even layer to your skin, and leave it for ten to 15 minutes. However, do not let it fully dry out as this can make your skin feel tight afterwards. Rise the clay off with lukewarm water, pat your skin gently dry and apply a moisturiser.