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Multani Mitti: Uses, Benefits & More!

By Dr Siddharth Gupta +2 more

Introduction:

Multani mitti is a popu lar natural skincare product likely to be seen in almost every Indian home. The place of origin of Multani mitti is Multan is Pakistan; thus it is called as multani mitti and has been imported to India for many years. It resembles clay in appearance but is much more skin-friendly. It’s high in minerals and water, and it comes in various colours, including brown and green. It has no odour or flavour. “Fuller’s Earth” is the English name for this clay.1  

Chemical Composition of Multani Mitti

Multani mitti comprises of hydrated aluminium silicates, magnesium chloride, and calcium bentonite and has a composition similar to bentonite clay.2  

multani mitti benefits

Did You Know?

  • Fuller’s earth has oil-absorbing properties, making it effective in treating oily skin and acne. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Fuller’s earth has been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues like diarrhoea and indigestion. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Fuller’s earth has been used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Multani Mitti is believed to have antimicrobial properties and can be used to treat minor skin infections. source: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Properties of Multani Mitti

Multani mitti may also be known to have many beneficial properties.2

  • It may show anti-acne property  
  • It may have anti-inflammatory property  
  • It may demonstrate astringent activity    
  • It may have absorbent property    
  • It may exhibit antimicrobial property    
  • It may show skin brightening property  

Did you know that Multani mitti, also known as Fuller’s earth, is not just a natural clay but also used in cosmetic products? Its unique properties make it effective in softening and smoothening the skin, while promoting improved blood circulation.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Potential Uses of Multani Mitti

Multani mitti is a beneficial herb for many common ailments. 

1. Potential Uses of Multani Mitti for Skin

Multani mitti can help tone the skin. As a result, wrinkles, loose skin, and other signs of ageing can be slowed down, if not reversed. Multani mitti may achieve this by increasing skin elasticity and making it more robust. It may be cooling herb with a skin-soothing effect.

Multani mitti is an excellent remedy for skin bothered by hot temperatures and sunburns. This cooling effect occurs quickly and lasts for a long time. Multani mitti may often be used to improve the complexion. It may also have some effecr on scars. It may help with suntan and pigmentation.2,4    However, such effects need to be ascertained by further research.

Also Read: 16 Home Remedies for Glowing Skin

  • Multani Mitti for Pimples and Acne

Multani mitti may be an effective home remedy for pimples or acne, as well as marks left by healed acne. This clay may be used daily to keep the skin clean and healthy.5 Multani mitti’s may exhibit absorbent properties aid to eliminate excess oil from the skin and prevent pimples. This might also have a cleansing effect and helps to remove debris and pollution particles from the skin.

Due to its astringent and antibacterial properties, multani mitti can be applied to the skin and blended with rose water to help treat acne.2,3,4    You must consult a doctor before using it.

Also Read: 5 Home Remedies for Clear Skin

In my experience, I have come across studies suggesting that Multani mitti, also known as Fuller’s earth, may have potential in managing paraquat (a toxic chemical) poisoning. It is believed that Multani mitti helps in binding and detoxifying paraquat, reducing its harmful effects on the body.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

2. Potential Uses of Multani Mitti as an Antiseptic 

Multani mitti particles adhere to bacteria and other microorganisms and may act against them. As a result, Multani mitti may be an effective antimicrobial. It may be used as a bandage for wounds to prevent them from being infected.

Multani mitti was utilised by Native Americans to potentially benefit in both internal and external injuries. It was also used in World War II as a cooling pack for wounds to help them heal faster and prevent sepsis.2,4  

Though there are studies that show the potential uses of multani mitti in various conditions, but these are insufficient and there is a need of further studies to establish the true extent of benefits of multani mitti on human health.  

Also Read: Jatamansi – Uses, Benefits & Precautions

How to use Multani Mitti?

Multani mitti can be used in various forms;5, 

  • Multani mitti with water 
  • Multani mitti with milk 
  • Multani mitti with glycerin 
  • Multani mitti with rose water 
  • Multani mitti with coconut oil or olive oil 
  • Multani mitti with lemon juice and honey face pack  
  • Multani mitti face pack 
  • Multani mitti with papaya 
  • Multani mitti soap 
  • Multani mitti body wash 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.  

Fun Fact: Multani mitti gets its name from a town called Multan. In the West, it is called Fuller’s earth because it was traditionally used to clean wool by rubbing it on the fabric and then washing it off to remove dirt and grease, making the wool appear fuller and fluffier.

Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

Side Effects of Multani Mitti

Multani mitti may be helpful for several skin and hair conditions without any side effects, and people have long believed in its natural characteristics.3  However, every herb may act differently for everyone you must consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions with multani mitti.

Also Read: Chirata – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

Interactions With Other Drugs

Multani mitti might interact with unknown drugs. Therefore, you should consult a doctor before using multani mitti for its potential health benefits.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What is multani mitti? 

It is also called Fuller’s Earth, is clay with cleansing benefits for the skin and hair. It is naturally absorbent characteristics allow it to remove oil from hair while yet being gentle on the skin. It can be used to clean and condition hair as a hair mask.1  However, more research is required to prove these effects, thus consult an ayurvedic physician before using multani mitti.

What is multani mitti made of?

Multani mitti is now synthetically made and is mainly constituted of silica, iron oxides, lime, magnesia, and water, in varying amounts and is categorised as sedimentary clay.2 

How to use multani mitti? 

Make a smooth paste with multani mitti, enough rose water, and lemon juice. Please put it on your face and keep it there for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water thoroughly. For optimal results, use the pack once every few days for clearer skin.5  Kindly refer to your doctor for advice.

Can we use multani mitti daily? 

Yes, a multani mitti pack can be applied every other day for oily skin. Instead of lemon juice, rose water can be used.2 

How to use the multani mitti for the face? 

Combine multani mitti with adequate rose water and lemon juice to make a smooth paste. It should be applied to the face and left on for a few minutes. Rinse well with cold water. For optimal results, use the pack once every few days.5  Your ayurvedic doctor will prescribe you the correct form and dosage for use for your condition.

Does multani mitti whiten skin? 

Multani mitti also aids in skin tone evenness. It has a slight bleaching action that aids in the reduction of blemishes and dark spots.5   However, more research is required to prove these effects.

Does multani mitti remove dark spots? 

Yes, multani mitti removes dark spots. It is a type of clay with several skin benefits. It removes dark circles, blemishes, pigmentation, wrinkles and oil build-up in the skin.5  Further, studies are needed to provide scientific evidence to prove this effect.

Can we mix turmeric with multani mitti? 

Yes, you can mix turmeric with multani mitti. In a mixing basin, combine multani mitti, a pinch of turmeric powder, and sandalwood powder. Make a smooth paste using lemon juice (add milk depending upon the skin type). Apply this face pack to the face and leave it on for a few minutes until it dries.5 

What is the use of multani mitti? 

Multani mitti is a natural cleanser with various skin benefits, including oil reduction, acne treatment, skin tone levelling, and brightening.1 

Does multani mitti remove sun tan? 

Yes, multani mitti removes suntan. Combine multani mitti, aloe vera gel, and a few drops of rose water in a bowl. This combination should be applied to sun-kissed areas. Set aside for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water thoroughly. 5  However, please consult a dermatologist for skin problems and do not self-medicate.

Does multani mitti expire?

Although raw multani mitti has no defined expiration date, it should be stored in a clean, dry environment. The ones that come in commercial packs, on the other hand, must be checked on a regular basis. 2

Can we use multani mitti daily for oily skin? 

Yes, you can use a multani mitti pack for oily skin. No need to use lemon juice; rose water can be used instead. For oily skin, use a scrub twice or three times a week after cleansing with face wash or soap in the morning.5  However, more research is required to prove these effects.

Which is better, multani mitti or besan? 

Use a multani mitti pack daily if your skin is greasy. For oily skin, besan is also more effective. It also has a sanitising effect and aids in the removal of tan.5  Further analysis to draw this comparison is needed.

Is multani mitti suitable for pigmentation? 

Yes, multani mitti is suitable for skin pigmentation. Multani mitti can help with sun tanning and pigmentation. Multani mitti’s exfoliating and bleaching properties work together to minimise tan marks and eliminate pigmentation, making the skin appear brighter.5  However, please consult a doctor before using such a remedy.

Also Read: Amaltas – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

References:

  1. Ansari SK, Hasan A, Parray SA, et al. Gile Multani (Solum fullonum): An Unani drug of mineral source. Int J Adv Pharmacy Med Bioallied Sci. 2016 (2016): 1-4. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/319261260_Gile_Multani_Solum_fullonum_An_Unani_drug_of_mineral_source/link/59a0797baca2726b90114ef6/download
  1. Charles L. Parsons. Fuller’s Earth. Deptt of Interior, Bureau of mines. First edition, Washington, Govt printing press, 1913; p. 6- 12. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336868352_Short_Communication_Multani_Mitti-Is_it_more_than_a_placebo/link/5db7a37e4585151435cddb76/download

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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