Introduction:  

Multani Mitti is a popular 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 

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

Therapeutic uses of multani mitti: 

Multani mitti can be used to treat several skin and hair conditions without any side effects, and people have long believed in its natural characteristics.³ 

Multani mitti is also known to have many medicinal properties.² These include-^– 

• Anti-acne property 
• Anti-inflammatory property 
• Astringent property  
• Absorbent property  
• Antimicrobial property  
• Skin brightening property 

Benefits of Multani Mitti: 

Multani mitti is a beneficial herb for many common ailments. 

Benefits 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 achieves this by increasing skin elasticity and making it more robust.
• It is a 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 is often used to improve the complexion.
• It is useful to erase scars.
• It also helps to prevent suntan and pigmentation.^2,4  

Also Read: 16 Home Remedies for Glowing Skin

Benefits of Multani Mitti for Pimples and Acne: 

• Multani mitti is an effective home remedy for pimples or acne, as well as marks left by healed acne.
• This clay should be used daily to keep the skin clean and healthy.⁵
• Multani mitti’s absorbent properties aid to eliminate excess oil from the skin and prevent pimples.
• This also has 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  

Also Read: 5 Home Remedies for Clear Skin

Benefits of Multani Mitti as an Antiseptic: 

• Multani mitti particles adhere to bacteria and other microorganisms, killing them. As a result, Multani mitti is an effective antimicrobial.
• It has long been used as a bandage for wounds to prevent them from being infected.
• Multani mitti was utilised by Native Americans to treat 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 

Also Read: Jatamansi – Uses, Benefits & Precautions

How to use Multani Mitti? 

Multani mitti can be used in various forms;^5, 

1. Multani mitti with water 
2. Multani mitti with milk 
3. Multani mitti with glycerin 
4. Multani mitti with rose water 
5. Multani mitti with coconut oil or olive oil 
6. Multani mitti with lemon juice and honey face pack  
7. Multani mitti face pack 
8. Multani mitti with papaya 
9. Multani mitti soap 
10. Multani mitti body wash 

Your doctor will prescribe you the appropriate form based on your individual needs. 

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

Frequently Asked Questions:  

1) 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 

2) 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 

3) 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 

4) 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 

5) 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 

6) 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 

7) 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 

8) 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 

9) 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 

10) 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 

11) 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 

12) 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 

13) 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 

14) 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 

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

References: 

1. Kokate CK, Purohit AP, Gokhale SB. Pharmacognosy. Vol. I & II. 45th ed. Nirali Prakashan, Pune, 2010, p. 12.4  

2. 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

3. 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

4. National Library of Medicine. Fuller’s Earth – Medical Counter measures Database  https://chemm.hhs.gov/countermeasure_fullersearth.htm). U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. [Internet] 

5. Somwanshi S. B, Kudale K. S, Dolas RT, et al. Formulation and evaluation of cosmetic herbal Face pack for glowing skin. Int J Res Ayu Phar. 2017; 8(3): 199-203. Available from: file:///C:/Users/Dell/Downloads/1887_pdf.pdf 

Disclaimer:

The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

Also Read: Sesame Seeds – Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & Precautions

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