Bentonite clay is back in vogue, but this time it’s being promoted specifically for use in detox baths. As we face more toxins every day, many people want simple DIY methods for detoxing. Bentonite clay baths can help support our natural detoxification pathways. There’s also the added benefit of soft, clear skin.
Here’s what you need to know about bentonite clay baths:
What is bentonite clay?
Bentonite clay is a group of minerals that are formed from old volcanic ash. It is also called montmorillonite clay. Over time, when the ash is exposed to water, it becomes bentonite clay. There are two types: sodium bentonite and calcium bentonite.
Sodium bentonite clay is known for its swelling properties. It can absorb large amounts of water and expand to several times its volume. For this reason, it is often used in industrial applications, including landscaping and cat litter. It is also used to improve soil quality and as a livestock feed additive.
Calcium bentonite clay has a low swelling capacity. It is a clay used as a healing clay for both internal and external use. You can see calcium bentonite in the ingredient list of face masks and bath salts.
What are the benefits of bentonite clay for your skin?
Bentonite clay is useful for detoxification because it can attract and hold particles to its surface. The particles are also negatively charged, meaning they can attract positively charged substances such as toxins, pathogens, and heavy metals. Here are some known uses for bentonite clay in detox baths and skin care.
- Removes dust and impurities. The fine particles of clay penetrate deep into pores and draw out dirt, dead skin cells, and other impurities, helping to maintain clear skin.
- Oil Absorption: Bentonite clay is also beneficial for those with oily or acne-prone skin as it absorbs excess oil from the skin. This helps prevent clogged pores and reduces shine.
- Anti-inflammatory: Bentonite clay has anti-inflammatory properties. It can soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and calm conditions like eczema.
Bentonite clay is generally considered safe for topical use, but a patch test is recommended to check for allergic reactions.
Why take a bentonite detox bath?
Soaking in a warm bath infused with bentonite can help combat more than just everyday exposure to pollutants. It can help eliminate metal toxicity, bacterial and viral infections, and parasites. The minerals in bentonite clay nourish the skin, promoting cell regeneration and repair. It can also reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being.
How can bentonite help with detoxification?
Here are some specifics on how bentonite clay can help with detoxification:
Heavy metal
We are exposed to toxic metals every day through our food, water, and environment. Bentonite clay baths are known for their ability to detoxify the body by drawing out toxins and heavy metals through the skin. They can also help detoxify lead, mercury, aluminum, cadmium, arsenic, and copper.
Bentonite has the ability to attract and hold heavy metals and other impurities in place. Like many substances, bentonite clay does contain a small amount of lead, but I am not concerned about it for the following reasons:
infection
Bentonite clay also absorbs and eliminates pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bentonite clay baths can help detoxify:
- E. coli: Bentonite clay has been shown to bind with E. coli, a common cause of food poisoning.
- Staphylococcus aureus: Bentonite can also adsorb Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria known to cause serious skin infections. It can even lead to antibiotic-resistant strains such as MRSA.
- Salmonella: Bentonite clay can bind with salmonella bacteria, a major cause of food poisoning.
- Rotavirus: Bentonite clay can also help bind viruses. It may help absorb rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhea in children.
- Norovirus: Bentonite can also adsorb norovirus, another virus that causes gastroenteritis.
- Giardia: Giardia lamblia is also susceptible to the binding effects of bentonite clay. Giardia is a parasite that causes the intestinal infection Giardiasis.
- nematode: Certain parasitic insects or their eggs may be adsorbed to bentonite clay, but the evidence at this point is more anecdotal.
mold toxin
Bentonite clay is also known to bind and remove fungal toxins such as aflatoxins. Aflatoxins are produced by certain fungi, including: Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasite. The adsorption properties of bentonite clay may help draw mycotoxins out of the body through the skin. Hot baths may also promote sweating, further helping to remove mycotoxins through sweat.
Who would want to consider a bentonite clay detox bath?
Bentonite clay detox baths can be beneficial for a variety of issues beyond general detoxification. Here are some reasons why you might want to try a bentonite clay detox bath:
- Insect bites: If you’ve been battling mosquitoes all summer and are still scratching at your bites, try a bentonite bath! It’s known to soothe irritation and reduce itchiness. I even include it in my homemade anti-itch cream.
- Poisonous macho: Bentonite clay can help relieve symptoms of venomous snakebite, such as itching, redness, and swelling. Soak in a bentonite bath for 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse with cool water after soaking and pat your skin dry.
- Sunburn: Bentonite’s anti-inflammatory and soothing properties make it a great treatment for sunburned skin. Just soak in lukewarm water and let the burn heal.
- Rough and hard feet: Do you feel like your feet are a little rough or hard? A bentonite bath (or foot bath) may help. The clay can soften the skin and draw out the buildup of dead skin cells.
- Skin condition: Bentonite clay is known to relieve symptoms of certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. It likely does so by reducing inflammation and providing minerals for healing.
- Athletes and physically active people: Athletes and those who engage in intense physical activity can use bentonite clay baths to aid recovery. They help reduce muscle soreness and draw out toxins.
Here’s how to prepare a bentonite clay detox bath:
How to Take a Bentonite Detox Bath
Add 1-2 cups of bentonite clay powder to a bathtub filled with warm (not hot) water and soak for 20-30 minutes. This can help detoxify and soften the skin all over your body. Drink a glass of water before and after your bath to stay hydrated. Detox baths can be dehydrating.
Other ingredients can be added to enhance its healing properties. Some examples include:
- Epsom salt: Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) can help relax muscles, reduce cramps, and ease muscle pain. Epsom salt also supports detoxification by helping the body’s natural elimination processes. For added benefits, measure out 1-2 cups of Epsom salt and add it to your bentonite clay bath water.
- Sea salt or Himalayan salt: Adding sea salt or Himalayan salt to your bentonite bath is another option. These natural salts contain a variety of minerals, including magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium. Your skin will absorb the minerals while you bathe, supporting your overall health and well-being.
- Baking soda: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is another natural compound that supports detoxification. It is alkalizing, neutralizing acids and promoting a balanced body pH.
Add essential oils
Adding a few drops of essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, tea tree or eucalyptus will enhance your senses. These oils have also been studied for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties. They also support the respiratory system, further promoting detoxification through the lungs.
To avoid skin irritation, dilute all essential oils in a carrier oil first! Stronger oils like peppermint and eucalyptus work well in foot baths, but may be too strong for more sensitive skin.
Bentonite Bath Tips
When mixing other ingredients into bentonite clay, always use non-metallic tools and containers. Metallic materials can change the natural charge of the clay, thus reducing its effectiveness.
After bathing with bentonite clay, apply a natural moisturizer. Sometimes bentonite clay can dry out the skin. Bentonite clay can leave a residue, but it is not as hard to clean as you might think. Simply rinse and clean the tub after use to prevent buildup.
Final Thoughts
Bentonite clay can help absorb and remove pathogens, heavy metals, and other toxins. When used in the bath, it can be a great form of self-care. You can easily elevate your home spa experience. A warm clay bath can be an inexpensive home luxury and can help reduce stress and tension.
Be sure to moisturize with natural lotion or coconut oil.
Have you tried a bentonite detox bath? Did you add anything to it? Did you notice any positive effects? Share them below!
