In modern times, we have largely forgotten many traditional remedies. We know the health benefits of essential oils, but other ancient remedies may be less well-known and seem strange. Bentonite clay is one of these natural remedies that is not widely known but is very effective.
Nature provides natural remedies all around us. Animals instinctively eat dirt and clay to remove toxins from their bodies or eat them during times of illness or pain. Bentonite clay, inspired by nature, can be a good choice for detoxification.
Bentonite (and other healing clays) have become increasingly popular over the past decade. It has many detoxifying properties, both internally and externally. Because of its healing properties, bentonite is a worthy addition to your natural medicine cabinet.
What is Bentonite Clay?
Bentonite clay is composed of old volcanic ash. Its name comes from the largest deposit of bentonite clay, located in Fort Benton, Wyoming. It is also known as “montmorillonite clay” after the Montmorillon region of France where it was first discovered.
It is an odorless, gray-cream color with a nearly smooth, very fine consistency. Unlike other clays, it does not stain and is easy to use in beauty and natural remedy recipes.
Healing clays like bentonite have high mineral concentrations. These include silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium. These adsorb and remove toxins, heavy metals, and impurities, making bentonite an excellent natural remedy.
Where is bentonite clay found?
Seventy percent of the world’s bentonite comes from Wyoming, but it is also found in Montana, California, Arizona, and Colorado. It is also found internationally in Italy, Germany, Greece, Japan, and other countries.
Is bentonite clay safe for humans?
Yes, bentonite is considered safe for human use. However, you should buy a reputable food grade brand, especially if you plan to use it internally. Some supplement brands contain heavy metals and are banned by the FDA. I like this brand.
Benefits of Bentonite Clay
The benefits of bentonite are numerous. It offers amazing health benefits, from digestive issues to detoxification and skin irritation. However, it also has many benefits for your wellness routine. From cleansing the skin to relieving acne, it is a great tool to include in your skincare recipes.
The benefits of bentonite are:
- Relieves digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, constipation, bloating, and gas.
- Helps with skin and allergy problems such as acne and dermatitis.
- Provides minerals to the body
- Recovery from vomiting and diarrhea
- decoding
- Oral Health Support
In his book Nutrition and physical deteriorationDr. Weston A. Price reported that clay was regularly eaten by many indigenous cultures. Often they carried dried clay balls in their bags. When eating, they dissolved small amounts of clay in water to prevent possible poisoning.
Bentonite Clay for Detox
Bentonite clay is unique because when hydrated, it creates an “electrical charge.” When wet, its electrical components change, creating a negative charge that binds to the positive charge of many toxins.
When it comes into contact with toxins, chemicals or heavy metals, the clay absorbs the toxins and releases minerals that the body can use. Bentonite also helps oxygenate cells by attracting excess hydrogen so that the cells can replace it with oxygen instead.
Bentonite clay is a great option for natural detoxification because it binds to toxins and draws them out.
What toxins does bentonite clay remove?
Bentonite can remove heavy metals because it binds to toxins and removes them from the body. These include metals such as lead, copper, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic. It has also been found to remove T-2 addiction (toxic mycotoxin) Aflatoxin (carcinogenic chemicals) Toxic pesticidesand Toxins in food. This article A summary of research on the various detoxifying abilities of bentonite.
It can also help eliminate toxins such as MRSA and other bacteria. According to a study by Arizona State University, bentonite clay Very effective at killing MRSASalmonella, E. coli, etc. The promising thing is that depending on how the clay kills the infection, MRSA or other bacteria may not be able to develop resistance to it like antibiotics.
Uses of bentonite clay
Bentonite is a must-have in my natural medicine cabinet. I have used it internally and externally on myself and my children to help with a variety of issues. It is inexpensive and can be used in many home remedies.
It is a common ingredient in detox and cleansing products because of its detoxifying properties. When used internally, it has an alkalizing effect on the body and may help balance gut bacteria.
For skin and allergy use
Bentonite is a great choice for skin problems because it is highly absorbent and can remove toxins. It can be used on insect bites or stings, cuts, itching, burns, or blemishes. I make a paste with bentonite and water and leave it on until it dries and then wash it off. It is especially effective for soothing itching caused by eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, etc. For those with acne, it helps to remove excess sebum, leaving the skin clearer.
For more serious skin problems, I use a poultice. I apply a thick layer of clay to my skin and place a wet gauze or cloth over it. I wrap the area and leave it on, changing it every two hours. I even use it for allergic reactions to poison ivy.
When switching to a natural deodorant, it helps to detox your armpits. You can read more about this here. I use a mixture of bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar for this detox. I also use it to detox my hair!
If your baby has diaper eczema, bentonite clay makes a soothing baby powder. You can also make a clay “mask” to help promote healing in the area.
When I had mastitis, I made a poultice or mask with bentonite clay and water and applied it to my skin. I applied it externally to the affected area. I repeated it every hour as needed until the infection went away. I also applied it internally during the infection.
For beauty and skin care purposes
Bentonite is a very common clay used in DIY beauty and skin care products. It is an excellent ingredient in cleansers, face masks, mud masks, soaps, and detox baths due to its ability to bind and remove impurities. It also helps remove dead skin cells, clear clogged pores, and deeply cleanse pores.
For smooth, healthy skin, make a bentonite clay mask by mixing bentonite and water. Leave on for 20 minutes and then wash off with warm water. Do this once or twice a week. Bentonite clay powder mixed with apple cider vinegar also makes a great balancing face mask.
For cleansing, I add clay to my homemade soaps to give them a silky feel. I also make this facial cleansing bar. Bentonite clay soap is great for oily skin types and acne.
When I do a detox bath, I often add 1/4 cup of bentonite clay to the water. This makes for a relaxing bath that softens the skin. If you don’t have time for a full bath, do a detox foot bath instead.
Use Oral Health
I use bentonite clay in my remineralizing toothpaste recipes because of its excellent ability to bind heavy metals and toxins and provide minerals. It can also be used alone for brushing. It has no taste and is relatively bland in texture.
Don’t have time to make it yourself? We use it too This clay based toothpaste When traveling, the kids love the taste, and it’s great for maintaining an oral health routine at home too!
I also mix bentonite with water for an alkalizing and detoxifying mouthwash. I mix 1/2 teaspoon of clay with 1/4 cup of water in a small jar with a plastic lid and shake well. Then I rinse with water for 1-2 minutes and repeat until I have used all of it.
Internal use
Bentonite is good for digestive issues including IBS symptoms, nausea, constipation, and acid reflux. In the early stages of pregnancy, I dissolved 1/2 teaspoon of bentonite clay in water to help with nausea. I felt better. My midwife said it was okay, but talk to your healthcare provider before using it during pregnancy.
For internal cleansing, I usually drink 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in a glass of water daily. It helps to remove toxins from the body. I have noticed improved digestion and more energy. I have also noticed that my nails and hair grow faster. Make sure any clay you take internally is labeled as safe for internal use. This is what we use.
I have not personally tried it, but I have read that bentonite and other healing clays are used internally to reduce radiation exposure, as an alternative cancer treatment, and for MRSA infections. It is also said to help with parasite removal, but I have not tried that either.
If your pet is vomiting or showing signs of illness, give bentonite. Dissolve it in water or mix it with water and give it orally with a dropper. I have seen this help pets recover more quickly from otherwise serious illnesses.
Bentonite Clay Precautions
As with any natural remedy, there are some precautions to follow when using bentonite clay.
Metal reduces the effectiveness, so avoid contact with metal. This includes bowls or mixing tools. I shake in a glass bottle with a plastic lid or use a plastic whisk to mix.
If taken internally, for best results, do not take within 1 hour of a meal. Also, do not take within 2 hours of taking medications or supplements, as this may reduce their effectiveness.
Bentonite and Lead
As mentioned earlier, you should buy bentonite from a reliable, quality source, as there are concerns that it may contain lead. Bentonite is a naturally occurring substance in the earth, and like everything that comes from the earth (including vegetables!), it contains a variety of trace elements. You can read my full thoughts on this here.
Bentonite contains trace amounts of non-absorbable lead, but you should buy a brand that does not have high lead content. For this reason, the FDA has banned several brands. For example: 2016 FDA Study A Guthrie, Oklahoma-based company is warning consumers not to buy a product called “Best Bentonite Clay” because of elevated lead levels.
Of course, I always recommend doing your own research, especially when it comes to controversial topics like lead exposure. From what I’ve found, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using it externally or internally for my family. However, if you have any medical conditions, always consult your doctor before using it.
Final Thoughts on Bentonite Clay
The benefits of this healing clay are extensive and truly amazing. From skin care to digestive issues and detoxification, the list of things it can help with is long. And because it’s inexpensive, I highly recommend adding this ancient natural remedy to your wellness routine and natural medicine cabinet.
This article has been medically reviewed. Dr. Marija SnyderFunctional Therapist. As always, this is not personal medical advice and you should consult your physician.
Have you ever used bentonite clay or other healing clays? What did you use them for? Did it work for you? Share below!
