For a long time, I’ve wanted to write about edible pottery. My first ever bentonite “clay shake” was 10 years ago. It was at a Sanctuary in Koh Phangan, Thailand. I was working in Hong Kong then and decided to go on a detox/cleanse of 7 days on a small island of Koh Samui. The cleanse included 4 detoxifying clay shakes per day. They were bentonite Clay mixed with psyllium Husk and watermelon Juice. Although it sounds horrible and can be difficult to get used to, I feel like I’m a different person after the 7-day cleanse. It felt so good that I returned three years later to do it again.
History and Uses of Bentonite Clay
Many people find it difficult to imagine eating clay and may view it as a health fad. Clay has been used for its healing properties for hundreds of years. A famous Greek physician and philosopher used clay as a therapeutic tool first reported its use in the 2nd Century AD. The healing powers of clay are mentioned in the Bible. Over the centuries, the Aztecs, Greeks, and Romans have praised clay’s benefits for their health. German doctors used clay therapy during the First World War to treat food poisoning, diarrhea, dysentery, wound infection, and food poisoning.
What’s Bentonite Clay?
Montmorillonite clay is also known as montmorillonite. It’s a smectite clay from volcanic ash deposits from millions of years ago. Australian Healing Clay states that ‘good quality bentonite has high drawing power and absorbent qualities, has a fine, velveteen feel, and is odorless, and non-staining. Bentonite Clay is versatile and can be used internally or externally. It’s well-respected for its ability to absorb and eliminate toxins.
What is the secret to it?
Clay particles are believed to have a negative electric charge. However, many toxins and impurities have a positive charge. Ran Knishinsky (author of The Clay Cure) stated, “when bentonite is taken internally, the positively charged toxic substances are attracted to the negatively charged edges” of clay minerals. This exchange reaction causes the clay to swap its ions with the other substance. It holds the toxin in suspension until the body can remove both. This process is known as adsorption.
Why Eat Bentonite Clay
- Excellent detoxifier (absorbs heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, environmental pollutants etc.)
- Balances bacteria in your digestive tract
- The bowel is cleansed
- Energy levels are increased (emotionally and physically).
- Clears skin
- Stimulates immune system
- It speeds up diarrhea and vomiting recovery
How do you take Bentonite Clay
A Clay Shake
Mix 1 teaspoon bentonite Clay with one glass of water. Clay’s effectiveness can be reduced if you use a container or cup made of metal. Clay should be taken with food or within one hour. Clay can be taken with psyllium-husk. It is also recommended that you drink lots of water to prevent constipation due to its high absorption. My cleanse consisted of bentonite clay, watermelon juice, and a small amount of psyllium Husk.
Clay Toothpaste – You can buy clay toothpaste (we recommend Earthpaste) or make your own. This recipe here I thought looked great. You can find 100% pure peppermint oil and Tea Tree oil here.
Clay Masks – Bentonite Clay Masks are great for restoring and cleansing the skin. They are exfoliants and have antiseptic and anti-fungal properties. This makes them great for treating acne. This facial is very affordable and contains only natural ingredients.
Mix a few tablespoons of bentonite with enough water to make a paste. This is the basic clay mask recipe. This recipe can be modified to include different oils, such as almond, coconut, or apricot oils, and even pure essential oils. Mix the ingredients in a bowl. Apply it to your face and let it dry for 15 to 20 minutes.
Exfoliation mask: Add 1 tablespoon of bentonite to a glass bowl (be careful not to use metal), 2 tablespoons of ground oats, 2-3 teaspoons of water, and 3 drops of tea tree oil. Leave it on for about 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse off.
Detoxifying mask: Combine 2 tablespoons bentonite, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 2 teaspoons, honey. Leave on for about 15 to 20 minutes, then rinse off. This mask is ideal for deep skin cleansing, as it can remove age spots and dark circles beneath the eyes.
Make Me Radiant Mask: I love Spirulina, and this is my favorite! Mix 1 tablespoon of bentonite, 1 teaspoon of Spirulina, and 2 – 3 tablespoons of water in a bowl. Leave it on your face for about 15 to 20 minutes. Blue-green algae with excellent antioxidant properties Spirulina is one of the most nutritious foods you’ll find. Learn more about the benefits of algae in my article.
Clay Poultice –Clay poultices can also be used to great effect. Clay’s ability to remove toxins can be applied topically to wounds to draw out infection, heal (internal or external), and treat burns and stings. Make a clay poultice by mixing 2 parts water with 1 part clay. It is best to use clay to water. To keep the clay in place, spread it onto a gauze cloth. It should be left on for between 20 and 60 minutes.