45 Scopus citations

Abstract

The practice of eating clay for gastrointestinal ailments and applying clay topically as bandaids for skin infections is as old as mankind. Bentonites in particular have been used in traditional medicines, where their function has been established empirically. With modern techniques for nanoscale investigations, we are now exploring the interactions of clay minerals and human pathogens to learn the lessons that Mother Nature has used for healing. The vast surface area and chemical variability of hydrothermally altered bentonites may provide a natural pharmacy of antibacterial agents.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)99-104
Number of pages6
JournalElements
Volume5
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2009

Keywords

  • Antibacterial
  • Geophagy
  • Healing clay
  • Health
  • Microbiology
  • Pelotherapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geochemistry and Petrology
  • Earth and Planetary Sciences (miscellaneous)

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