Evidence supporting the use of: Clay
For the health condition: Nausea and Vomiting

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Clay, particularly in the form of substances like bentonite or kaolin, has been traditionally used in various cultures to address digestive complaints, including nausea and vomiting. Historical use is especially noted in systems such as traditional African and Native American medicine, where the ingestion of certain types of clay—referred to as "geophagy"—was believed to help with gastrointestinal distress, morning sickness during pregnancy, and food poisoning. The rationale was often based on clay's ability to bind toxins and irritants in the gut, thereby offering symptomatic relief.

However, scientific validation for the use of clay to treat nausea and vomiting is limited and mostly anecdotal. Some studies have explored kaolin's adsorptive properties and its inclusion in over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications, but direct evidence supporting its efficacy for nausea and vomiting is weak. There are also safety concerns with clay ingestion, such as the risk of heavy metal contamination and interference with nutrient absorption.

In summary, the use of clay for nausea and vomiting is primarily rooted in traditional practice, with minimal scientific evidence to robustly support its use for these symptoms.

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