Did you know that aside from having a healing spring, the town of Asturias also produces its very own therapeutic clay? You read that right. It is said that a type of clay, found in a barangay in Asturias, is considered ‘miraculous’ for its various medical and cosmetic uses.
Asturias Therapeutic Clay
The Asturias Therapeutic Clay, more popularly known as the Malabago Therapeutic Clay is a type of clay that can be found at the base of a century-old Malabago Tree in the town of Asturias. Now considered one of the town’s most important tourist attractions, the tree is located inside the Malabago Beach and Wellness Resort in Barangay Daan Lungsod.
According to the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office, the clay is actually bentonite clay which indeed has numerous benefits and uses. It is said that the clay is proven to relieve stress and improve skin health. In addition, medicalnewstoday.com indicated that bentonite clay can treat oily skin and acne, aid in weight loss, relieve constipation, lower cholesterol, and even remove toxins from the body.
At first glance, the Malabago Beach and Wellness Resort looks exactly like any normal resort in the area.
If you look closely, however, you will see that it is so much more than a resort. The resort actually has a special facility for massages and other services using the therapeutic clay.
Pride of Malabago
Resort owner Mrs. Rita Mendoza proudly poses with the Asturias therapeutic clay.
A closer look at the clay. They are placed in small tubs and are available for purchase at the resort.
According to the owner, they collected the clay from the base of this century-old Malabago tree.
Mrs. Mendoza gamely applied the clay on whoever was interested. She even used her very own supply.
This is vlogger and social media personality Cykaniki. According to her, the clay feels so cool and soothing when applied to her face.
Mrs. Mendoza also let Cykaniki use this pad covered with wet clay around her neck. She said that it helps relieve stress.
Based on my research, bentonite clay comes from old volcanic ash. Considering that there is one very prominent volcano in the vicinity, I think it is safe to say that this was caused by Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Oriental.
EXTRA:
After exploring the resort, I noticed that Asturias has numerous springs even along the shoreline. I also noticed springs in barangay Tubigagmanok and other areas close to Tuburan. Those two holes on the beach, for example, are springs.
Quick Trivia: The owner of Palicte Beach Resort told men that Barangay Tubigagmanok was given that unique name because chickens would go to the beach to drink water during low tide. Wondering why the chickens would drink seawater, the locals decided to investigate and found out that there were numerous fresh-water springs in the area.
So, there you have it. Please stick around because I have more Asturias posts coming very soon!
