True French green clay (called argile verte in French) is not strictly produced just in France, but also occurs in other countries such as America and China. It so happens that the French have been using this type of clay for many therapeutical reasons for so long, that the name has stuck. Basically, the volcanic ash that forms the clay is colored with the residue of decayed vegetable matter. French Green Clay extremely fine, produces a sticky mud when mixed with water and exhibits interesting qualities of a various nature. For one thing, the molecules become electrically charged and tend to pull other molecules towards them. This phenomenon is used to help ease certain ailments and also to enhance beauty.
The green face packs so often seen are in fact French green clay in origin. The thin layer of clay draws impurities (and moisture) out of the skin, and so deep cleansing it. This shouldn't be carried out too often, as the natural oils moisturing the skin can become depleted, causing dry itchiness. In fact, this 'magnetic' drawing power is quite remarkable and can be used to extract thorns, splinters and even pieces of metal! When used in this way, a poultice is made of hot clay (take care that it's not too hot!) and applied copiously to the area needing treatment. The whole area is then wrapped in a bandage, so it can breathe, and left in place overnight. The next morning, the clay may be cracked and dry, but will have done it's job. French Green Clay is easy to remove, and the residue will readily wash away leaving healed skin.
In the same way, this magical clay can reduce swellings due to stings and bites, and also due to muscle strain or bangs and knocks. It's easy to see how the clay can draw out sting toxins due to the nature of it's molecular action, but the healing properties relating to swellings is not fully understood. Scientists think that it may be due to the magnetic field inherent in the earth and it's interaction with magnetism within our living organism.
Another lesser known application is to take the clay mixture internally, in which case it is mixed with an amount of water so that it is very diluted. In this usage, it helps to settle an upset stomach and ease other minor ailments. It's possible that the natural minerals inherent in French green clay also have a positive effect on health when taken internally. Of course, modern production methods ensure that clay than can be taken orally is of the highest quality and certified safe.
