Fuller’s Earth: Categories and Uses
Fuller’s earth is mineral-rich clay and chiefly comprised of aluminum-magnesium silicate. This clay is also known as Multani mitti or mud from the Multan region. It is one of the most treasured beauty products of India. Seventy-four percent of this clay is found in Rajasthan.
Approximately seven thousand years ago, fuller’s earth was utilized for cleansing woolen garments. Fulling was the term used for the method of cleaning and thickening of clothes. The person involved in this business was designated, Fuller.
The word clay is associated with mud. The moment we talk about clay we think of mud. However, clay is not mud but is cosmetic clay used for beauty enhancement. They are a powerhouse of advantages of magnesium, iron, calcium, silica, etc.
Does clay, indicate mud?
These cosmetic clays arrive from decayed plant elements or volcanic ashes. They have multiple uses like therapeutic, medicinal, or skincare. They can be used to treat allergies, sunburns, or skin ailments.
Categories of clays for skincare
There are five types of popular clays recognized for
their various beauty and skin benefits. Some of them are as follows – Bentonite clay, French Green Clay (USA, India), Kaolin Clay, Rhassoul Clay (USA, India), and Fuller’s earth.
Fuller’s earth is an oil absorber. Bentonite clay (USA, India) tightens the skin. French Green clay is excellent in removing toxins and impurities. Kaolin Clay (USA, India) is available in different colors and has benefits as per the color of the clay. Rhassoul Clay removes blackheads and increases the quantity and glow of the tresses.
Manifold information about fuller’s earth.
If you desire to experience the benefits of this magical clay for the beauty of your skin and hair go through the countless advantages of fuller’s earth.
Besides being used as a face pack, fuller earth can be used for skin, hair, etc. It suits every skin type. For nourishment of dry skin add paste of almond and milk to this clay and for oily skin simply add rose water to it. It can cure pimples also. If you add tomato juice, turmeric, and sandalwood and apply it to the face for ten minutes it reduces redness. To get rid of the marks add neem paste, clove paste, camphor, and rose water and use it weekly.
Why go in for costly body wash when fuller earth can do wonders?
This affordable and natural body wash gives soft and supple skin. To fuller earth, you have to add a cup of oatmeal and neem powder, a spoonful of turmeric, one-fourth cup of sandalwood powder, and chickpea powder and mix with milk. Use it daily and see the healthy glow on your skin.
What about using it as a hair wash?
Can you believe Fuller’s Earth/Multani mitti removes all dirt from your hair without washing away the natural moisturizers and acts as a mild conditioner? Replace your shampoo with it to see the wonders. If you wash your hair with Fuller’s Earth/Multani mitti and curd, you can get rid of split ends as well.
Health benefits of Fuller’s Earth
Besides beauty, it has health benefits too. For your tired limbs, simply apply the mixture to your limbs. It will improve blood circulation in your body and will make you feel better in no time. You can use fuller earth for either hot or cold compresses. Just mix it with either cold or hot water.
Use Fuller’s Earth as stain remover
Multani mitti works as stain remover also. Just apply it to the stains like grease, oil, and even blood on your clothes. Wet the stained area and rub Fuller’s Earth/Multani mitti on it until the stain vanishes.
Advantages of this wonderful clay, for the scalp and hair
Fuller’s earth is an oil absorber, so absorbs the excess oil. It reduces flaky itchy dandruff and encourages hair growth. It treats split ends. This clay works well as a shampoo and helps rectify hair-related problems.
How can we use fuller’s earth for the wellness of our hair?
Fuller’s earth essentially removes eczema and other dreadful scalp conditions.
It provides life to lifeless locks and manages to improve damaged and dull hair with a minimal cost range. It helps in hair straightening, smoothening, strengthening, etc.
There are multiple ways of utilizing it. Some of the methods of using fuller’s earth are as follows –
1- Use it as a head wash or a shampoo.[Reference]
We need
- Powdered fuller’s earth – four tbsp
- Lemon – one
- Curd – three tbsp
- Water – as required
Method
- Mix all the ingredients with the juice of one lemon. Utilize the water to liquidize the mixture as per need.
- Apply from root to tip.
- This head wash will not give lather.
- Wash off with cold water.
2- Use it as a hair pack
We need
Fuller’s earth – the quantity depends on the length of the hair.
Homemade curd – Should be of the same quantity as Multani mitti.
Water – can add little water
Method
- Mix the ingredients and apply from roots to tip.
- Leave it for twenty minutes.
- Wash it off.
- Apply oil the next day or the same night, and let it be overnight.
- Shampoo your tresses the next day.
3- Use it for hair straightening and smoothening
We need
- Fuller’s earth – Four tsp
- Egg – One/ Banana – Half
- Aloe vera gel – Two tsp
- Olive oil – Two tsp
Method
- Prepare a mixture.
- Apply this concoction, and leave it for an hour.
- Wash with plain water.
- Use it twice a week.
How can we use fuller’s earth for the wellness of our face?
Fuller’s earth is a bleaching agent and has oodles of advantages for the skin. It is one of the most used and most popular ingredients of beauty packs. In our traditional beauty recipes, we observe a high usage of this sedimentary clay. It works remarkably well for decreasing wrinkles. Excellent for skin lightening. Manages to reduce pimples, blemishes, and pigmentation. It also helps in exfoliating oil from the skin.
As face packs
The recipes of face packs are different and are based on the type of skin.
(Mixed together all the ingredients and apply the pack once a week).
For Oily Skin
- Rosewater – Two tbsp
- Fuller’s earth – Two tbsp
- Tomato Juice – One Tbsp (Tomato juice controls oil).
For Dry Skin
- Multani mitti – One tsp
- Sandalwood powder – One tsp
- Milk – Use the required amount for mixing the above ingredients to a smooth paste. (Milk adds moisture to the skin).
For Matured skin
- Fuller’s earth – One tsp
- Curd – One tsp (contains Lactobacillales acid helps in reducing wrinkles)
- Chickpea powder/Besan – One tsp
- Water – add water if required
For Sensitive skin
- Fuller’s earth – Half tsp
- Sandlewood powder – One and a half tsp
- Aloe vera gel – Prepare a paste with the help of aloe vera gel.
For Glowing skin
- Fuller’s earth – One tsp
- Rice flour – One tsp
- Honey – One tsp
- Rosewater – Prepare a paste with the help of rose water
To treat Pimple’s/Acne
- Fuller’s earth – One tsp
- Turmeric powder – One forth tsp
- Honey – One tbsp
- Aloe vera gel – One tbsp
For skin tightening and brightening
- Fuller’s earth – One tbsp
- Honey – One tbsp
- Banana pulp – One tbsp
- Lemon juice – One tbsp
For sunburned skin
- Fuller’s earth – One tbsp
- Potato juice – One tbsp
For clean and spotless skin
Skin hydrating pack
- Cucumber juice – One tbsp
- Lemon juice – One tbsp
- Fuller’s earth – One tbsp
Hyperpigmentation fairness pack
- Kaolin powder – One tbsp
- Liquorice/mulethi powder – One tsp (USA, India)
- Fuller’s earth – One tbsp
- Sandalwood powder – Half tsp
- Yeast powder – One-fourth tsp. (Used in baking)
Method
Mix all the powders and store them in an air-tight container. The quantity generally stays for a month.
Usage
Take half tsp of the prepared powder. Dilute it to a thin consistency with lukewarm water. Leave it for ten to approximately thirty minutes. Let it get fermented. Apply this thin paste to the face and neck. Wash it off with tap water after the pack dries. Apply a good moisturizer after removing the pack.
As a soap or body wash
This clay is known for its benefits for the skin. It not only enhances its quality but makes it fair. We can prepare fuller’s earth soap and enjoy its goodness.
The recipe for preparing this exclusive soap with a soap base is as follows –
Ingredients
- Transparent soap base – One (cut it into small cubes) (USA, India)
- Fuller’s earth powder – Two tsp
- Aloe Vera gel – One tsp
- Coconut oil – Half tsp
- Vitamin E Oil Capsule – one
- Silicone mold (USA, India)
- Rubbing alcohol / Deodorant (USA, India)
Method
Mix all the ingredients (besides the soap base). In a double boiler melt the soap base. Add the mixed concoction into this melted soap base. Stir well. Transfer this mixture into a silicone mold (select the shape as per your choice). Spray rubbing alcohol/deodorant upon the soap mixture. This will help to release the bubbles and will give a smooth texture to the soap. Leave it for two hours for the soap to set. Demold and use.
The recipe for preparing this exclusive soap without a soap base is as follows –
Ingredients
- Fuller’s earth powder – Four Tbsp (USA, India)
- Rosewater – One cup
- Sandalwood powder – One Tbsp
- Turmeric powder – Half Tsp
- Glycerine – Two Tbsp
- Vitamin E Capsule – One / Almond oil – One Tsp
- Greased container of your choice (Can use a steel or a paper bowl )
Method
Mix Multani mitti and rose water to a fine paste. Add other components to this mixture. Prepare a tight dough and dab it on the greased container. Cover and store it in a refrigerator till it stiffens. The soap is ready. As we have not used any soap base so after use store the soap in the fridge or can make a tiny portion which can be used for a week.
Conclusion
We now have multiple methods wherein we can use this majestic beauty clay to beautify ourselves in various forms as per our usage and need.
Do try and post your feedback, suggestions, views, or any questions. I will be more than happy to answer your valuable comments.
Always consult a professional for a medical verdict if required. If any side effect erupts then discontinue applying the product.