Clays are used to reduce inflammation in injuries and to reduce the pain of osteoarthritis and to alleviate stomach ulcers. 

There are three types of clays classified according to their use:

• White clay: for internal use.
  
• Red clay: for use on joints.
  
• Green clay: for use on skin.

To treat inflamed areas and reduce swelling, you would use red clay, whether in poultices or baths (total or partial) at a cold temperature.

To alleviate pain in areas without inflammation, contractures or osteoarthritis, the red clay is used at a hot temperature in one of the aforementioned applications.  That is to say, in poultices or baths.

To improve eczema, green clay is used at room temperature.