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First Aid Naturally

© Traute Klein, biogardener

Most Valuable Item

As I sat down at my computer to write about my natural first aid kit, I felt something crawling on my neck. Without thinking, I caught it with my left hand and squooshed it. Instantly a sharp sting paralyzed my middle finger. I had been stung by a bee. Don't ask me how the bee got into the house. I only know that it was there. That poor insect gave her life to give me a chance to test out my most powerful poison remedy once more just in time to tell you about it. I dashed out into the backyard where a pail of pure clay stands ready for use. All I needed was a few pinches of clay dissolved in water and part of a plastic bag to wrap the wet clay around my finger, and in two minutes the pain was gone. I am even typing with that bulky finger.

The Magic of Wet Clay

I learned about the miraculous powers of wet clay almost half a century ago from a missionary who lived among the native Indians on the shores of Lake Winnipeg. Wet clay is the natives' magic cure for poison ivy, a plant which is found in abundance in Manitoba. This remedy is found almost everywhere in the province and is free for the digging. Wet clay applied to the skin will draw out all traces of the poison. If covered with plastic, it can be left on overnight. If used soon after exposure to the poison, as in the case of my bee sting, one application will do the trick. Wet clay also turns a sunburn into a tan and will draw the poison out of infections. There are other remedies that are often more convenient, but their effect is not quite as powerful. I have seen wet clay work on poison ivy poisonings quickly and completely more often than I can count. I am in a habit of wearing thongs all summer long and have walked through poison ivy many times while picking raspberries. I have always been able to get rid of the watery blisters in a few hours. I cover my feet with wet clay, stick them into plastic bags and cover them with socks. In the morning, every trace of the blisters is gone. When I am away from home, I carry an old cream jar with wet clay in my purse or knapsack. It is the most valuable part of my first aid kit. If clay is not found where you live, you can get a handful from a potter.

The copyright of the article First Aid Naturally in Natural Health is owned by Traute Klein, biogardener. Permission to republish First Aid Naturally in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.