Ingredient spotlight: Fuller’s Earth (multani mitti)

What is Fuller’s Earth?

Fuller’s Earth (also known as multani mitti, or mud of Multan, in India), are clay minerals with amazing physical properties which allow them to completely absorb oil, grease and other wastes and impurities from whatever it comes in contact with. While named in India after the city of Multan (now part of Pakistan), which was a famous historical source of the clay, it is in fact found naturally occurring in many parts of the world. In ancient Ayurvedic texts such as the Harita Samhita, Fuller’s Earth was known as sītā mṛttikā, or white clay. With its amazing physical properties, the clay naturally has many uses to humanity, ranging from fulling wool, cleaning cloth & stone, decontamination of surfaces and even treating poison (!), and among these uses it also stands out as a key ingredient in Ayurvedic health and beauty care for the face, skin and hair, as well as in mṛttikā cikitsā, or Ayurvedic Mud Therapy.

Beneficial Properties in Ayurveda

In Ayurvedic skin care, Fuller’s Earth is a great cleanser and exfoliator, removing dead skin cells, dirt and excess oil (sebum) at the surface, while at the same time unclogging the pores of the skin and drawing out waste and impurities from underneath the surface. After application, the skin and pores are tightened and skin tone is restored. The absorbent action of the clay also induces circulation in the capillaries close to the skin. It is thus very helpful in treating mild forms of acne and pimples and improving the skin’s tone, luster and complexion. Fuller’s Earth also often contains many minerals in trace amounts which are nourishing to the skin. While universally helpful to all body types, it is especially so for kapha body types, which are more prone to having oily skin and its accompanying issues.

These same properties also make it useful in Ayurvedic hair care, where it can cleanse the hair and scalp of excess oils (sebum) and debris, which together serve as a breeding ground for bacteria and lead to bad smell, dandruff and itchiness of the scalp.

While extremely effective on its own, in Ayurvedic health and beauty care it is often mixed with other clays, liquids (like rose water, honey or milk) and Ayurvedic herbs (commonly Turmeric, Sandalwood and/or triphala) into herbal mud formulas to enhance its properties or to target more specific issues and conditions. These are then usually used as face masks, scrubs, packs or poultices.

While simple home remedies (like Fuller’s Earth and rose water) can be very effective (check out 5 Ways to Use Multani Mitti for Glowing Skin), the more advanced formulas prepared by Ayurvedic specialists containing synergistic herbs are generally superior.

Auromere Products containing Fuller’s Earth

Auromere Ayurvedic Mud Bath and Mask is a high-quality tri-doshic mud formula balancing to all body types, containing Fuller’s Earth mixed with three other types of clay mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic texts: black, yellow and red. It is additionally formulated with 12 special Ayurvedic herbs all noted for their purifying and rejuvenating effects on the skin and soft tissues, including the three triphala fruits amalaki, bibhitaki and haritaki, among others.

This general-use Ayurvedic formula is also rich in skin-nourishing minerals like Calcium, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Potassium, Selenium and other trace minerals. The clays are sustainably sourced from highland lakes and rivers in Northern India. It is a great formula for taking advantage of the beneficial properties of Fuller’s Earth and is very effective when used as a face mask, mud pack, or body scrub.

Auromere Ayurvedic Face Wash is an amazingly potent blend of Fuller’s Earth and red clay with 13 Ayurvedic herbs (also including the three triphala fruits) which is abundantly rich in antioxidants, minerals and micro-nutrients.

It can be used as a naturally exfoliating, deep-cleansing daily polish that is yet gentle enough for use on delicate facial skin. Unclogging the pores and clearing away dead skin cells and excess oils, it leaves the skin feeling silky soft, wonderfully fresh, and invigorated.

It may be used together with Auromere Ayurvedic Wrinkle Serum for a complete and rejuvenating facial skin care protocol.

***With all best wishes to your health and wellness from Auromere***