We have forgotten in modern times that ancient cultures used bentonite and healing clays to provide nutrients and help the body rid itself of toxins.
When we follow nature’s lead, many animals instinctively eat dirt or clay to remove poisons or to ease their distress or illness.
Healing clays, like bentonite, have recently gained in popularity as a means of detoxification both internally and externally.
What is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is a volcanic ash that has been aged. It’s also called “Montmorillonite,” and it gets its name from Fort Benton in Montana, which has the largest deposit of bentonite.
The clay is a grey/cream color with a very fine, almost soft consistency. It is easier to use in natural remedies and beauty recipes than other clays.
Healing clays, like bentonite, contain a large concentration of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and iron. It absorbs and eliminates toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals.
Bentonite is used in many detoxification and cleansing products. Poultices and mud packs are common external uses. Detox baths and skin care products also use bentonite clay.
It is even used internally by some (including me). When taken properly, it has an alkalizing effect on the body.
Bentonite Clay Benefits & How It Works
Bentonite is unique because it can produce an electrical charge when hydrated. When it comes into contact with liquid, its electrical components are changed. It now carries a negative charge that bonds to the positive heads in many toxic substances.
The clay absorbs toxins, chemicals, and heavy metals, releasing their minerals to the body. Bentonite helps to get oxygen into cells by removing excess hydrogen.
Bentonite Clay is a great way to treat:
- Digestive disturbances like acid reflux, constipation, bloating, gas, etc. For years, kaolin clay was a common ingredient in medications like Maalox or Rolaids.
- Helping with Skin and allergies
- Minerals for the body
- Recovery from diarrhea and vomiting
- Detoxification
- Oral health preparations
- Externally to treat all skin conditions and speed up healing
In his book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, Dr. Weston A Price reported that many native cultures, including those of the Andes Cen, tribal Africa, and Australia, consumed clays. They would often carry dried clay balls in their bags and mix a small amount of water to eat with. This was done to avoid poisoning by any toxins.
A study by Arizona State University found that bentonite was highly effective in killing MRSA, Salmonella, E. Coli, and other bacteria. As research in this field continues, it is encouraging to know that based on how the clay kills infection, MRSA and other bacteria may not develop resistance.
Bentonite Clay: How to Use it
Bentonite and other clays are essentials in my herbal cabinet and medicine cabinet. I have used them both internally and externally on my children, husband, and myself for various ailments. It is a natural remedy that I ordered from here.
- For the Skin, I apply a paste made of bentonite and water to any irritations on my Skin, such as blemishes or insect bites. I also use it externally for skin itchiness, burns, and cuts. I let it dry and then wash it off. It is especially effective for Skin that itches from eczema or other conditions like chicken pox, psoriasis, and shingles.
- Armpit Detox: I use a mixture of bentonite and apple cider vinegar for my armpits. You can read more about it in this post.
- Skin Poultice for Bug Bites/Burns/Cuts/Stings: For more severe issues, I create a poultice by putting a thick layer of clay on the Skin and applying a wet gauze or cloth over it. I wrap the affected area in a cloth and apply the poultice. It is then changed every two hours. This treatment works on poison ivy as well.
- Face Masque: Bentonite clay is used in many beauty products because of its ability to remove impurities and toxins. To get smooth, healthy Skin, I mix bentonite with water to make a mask. After 20 minutes, I wash it off with warm tap water. This is something I do once or twice per week. A face mask that balances the Skin is made by mixing Bentonite Clay Powder with Apple Cider Vinegar.
- Clay Soap: Add clay to my homemade soap for a silky feeling. Bentonite soap is perfect for acne and oily Skin.
- Detox Bath: I add about 1/4 cup of bentonite to bath water when I want a detox bath. It softens the Skin.
- Oral Health: I use bentonite in my Recipe for Remineralizing Tooth Powder because of its excellent ability to bind heavy metals, toxins, and minerals. It is also a great alternative to toothpaste.
- Oral Rinse for Whitening and Remineralizing Teeth: I also use bentonite in water to alkalize and remove toxins from my mouth. Mix 1/2 teaspoon clay with 1/4 cup of water in a small plastic jar and shake it well. After a 1-2 minute rinse, I repeat the process until all of it is used.
- Mastitis I have created a poultice of bentonite and water that I applied externally. Repeat as necessary every hour until the infection is gone. I also take vitamin C along with fish oils.
- Baby Powder: Bentonite clay can be used to make a soothing baby powder that is great for redness or infection. You can make it into a “mask” of clay to speed up recovery.
- Digestive problems or morning sickness: I took 1/2 teaspoon of bentonite in water to combat morning sickness during early pregnancy. It helped me with nausea and made me feel better. My doctor/midwife told me this was okay. Consult your doctor before using this product during pregnancy.
- To cleanse the internal organs, I take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in a cup of water most days. Combine in a glass container with a lid made of plastic and shake well. It has improved my digestion, and I feel more energetic. Since I started adding this to my diet and gelatin, my hair and nails have grown faster. Be sure to check the label of any clay that is taken internally. We use.
- For Animals: If your pet is sick, vomiting, or showing signs, you can give it bentonite in their water or mix it orally, using a dropper, syringe, or other device without a needle. I’ve seen this work in several cases to help pets recover from serious illnesses.
- Other uses: Although I haven’t needed to use bentonite or other healing clays for these reasons, I’ve read about cases where they were used to reduce radiation exposure and alternative cancer treatments. They also helped with MRSA infections. Although I haven’t personally tried it, bentonite is said to help remove parasites.