Here’s How to Use Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay is a mineral-rich, fine, soft-textured, and natural powder from ancient volcanic ash. When mixed with water, the clay forms a paste that has been used for various purposes, including beauty and medicinal. Here’s How to Use Bentonite Clay!

Traditionally, bentonite clay was used for different reasons, including getting rid of toxins from the skin, treating acne and other skin infections, managing diarrhea, and treating gas.

Today bentonite clay is present in different beauty products such as shampoos, face masks, lotion, toothpaste, and dietary supplements.

Keep reading to learn more about its benefits and how to use bentonite clay to achieve its different benefits.

See also What Is Activated Charcoal Good For?  and What Are The Health Benefits Of Glutathione?

How Does Bentonite Clay Work

Scientists believe that bentonite works by attracting and absorbing harmful particles of dirt, excessive oils, and toxins.

When taken internally, bentonite sweeps throughout the body, getting rid of pathogens and any cellular waste and toxins before they get to their area of processing, like the liver and the kidneys. This helps reduce toxic load, causing your organs to work more effectively.

It also helps absorb toxins before they accumulate in the colon, which allows you to absorb more nutrients. And since bentonite cannot be absorbed, it gets eliminated in the feces together with the toxins.

Bentonite clay also attracts hydrogen, which causes the cell to take up more oxygen, thus more energy and efficiency.

What are The Benefits of Bentonite Clay?

1.   Removing toxins from the body

You are constantly being exposed to toxins from the food you eat to your surrounding environment. Luckily, bentonite clay has been extensively studied for its ability to absorb and eliminate toxins out of the body.

For instance, research shows that bentonite may bind to aflatoxins, a common contaminant in improperly stored foods, especially cereals like maize.

Acute exposure to aflatoxins can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and acute convulsions, while chronic exposure can result in immunotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, leading to liver cancer.

How to use

• Mix a tsp of bentonite clay with a glass of purified water and drink once a day.

2.   It promotes skin health

Your skin is constantly being exposed to toxins from the environment and from the skin products you use. Applying bentonite clay may help detoxify and keep it healthy.

The absorbent power of bentonite may help manage oily skin and treat acne. It can balance oil production and alleviate redness due to inflammation caused by acne.

When mixed with water and applied as a face mask, bentonite can also get rid of toxins on the skin surface and within the pores, which can help minimize breakouts and heal skin infections like contact dermatitis.

How to use

• Mix 2tbsps of bentonite clay with water or rose water to make a thick consistency
• Apply to the face and let it sit for 20 minutes
• Rinse it out with warm water and follow with a moisturizer.

3.   It may improve digestive health

By eliminating toxins and other harmful substances from the gut, bentonite clay may help promote digestion and absorption of nutrients.

Bentonite clay is also effective in getting rid of viruses that cause diarrhea, like the rotavirus.

How to use

• For diarrhea, mix a tsp of bentonite clay in a glass of water and drink once daily.

4.   May help treat nappy rash

Nappy rash is a common skin condition in infancy and childhood. It occurs when the area covered by the nappy is irritated from prolonged exposure to a wet or dirty nappy.

In one study, topical application of bentonite paste was effective in treating diaper rash. In the study, 93 percent of the infants’ rash had improved within 6 hours, and by the third day, 90 percent of the total infants were completely healed.

How to use

• Mix bentonite clay with water to form a thick consistency.
• You can also use oil such as coconut oil, zinc oxide cream, or shea butter.
• Apply it directly to the baby’s rashes
• Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes to ensure it’s completely dry, then rinse it out with warm water.

5.   Protection against sun exposure

According to research, mineral-based sunscreens containing bentonite clay may absorb more UV light than other commercially available sunscreens.

6.   It may lower cholesterol

High cholesterol increases your risk of stroke, heart attacks, and heart disease. However, the absorbent and binding nature of bentonite will help eliminate cholesterol in the stool.

However, bentonite clay should not replace your medical treatment for high cholesterol or any associated risk factor. And in case you’re on medication, talk to your doctor before taking bentonite.

How to use

• Add one tsp of bentonite clay into a glass of water and drink once a day.

Side Effects and Risk Factors

Bentonite has not shown any serious side effects, especially when used externally. However, since bentonite is a natural product obtained from the earth’s surface, it’s prone to collect contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, among others.

And since FDA does not regulate bentonite clay or its products, it may be difficult to tell if a particular brand is safe or not.

Nevertheless, that shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying the benefits. Always go for a reputable dealer and look for a product labeled safe for internal use.

Also, remember to drink plenty of water to help clear out the clay and prevent any chances of constipation.

If taking any medications, consider taking bentonite at least 2 hours before or after the medication to prevent any interaction,  as the clay can bind to some of the drug molecules, thus preventing their effectiveness.

Final Thoughts

Bentonite clay is a fine powder obtained from volcano ashes. It’s an ancient remedy for different conditions, such as those affecting the skin and the digestive system.

It can absorb toxins from the body, improve skin conditions, promote digestive health, lower cholesterol, treat nappy rash, and protect against harmful UV rays.

It’s generally safe to use bentonite clay but always go for reputable dealers. And in case of internal use, ensure it has been labeled “edible” or “safe to consume.”

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