Nowadays, it seems like we have largely forgotten that our ancestors once used healing clays as part of their nutrition, well being, and lifestyle. Bentonite clay, in particular, doesn’t usually appear on dietary recommendations, or isn’t included in homemade recipes. However, its benefits are plentiful.
Bentonite clay is clay that consists of aged volcanic ash. It is odorless, with mostly grey/cream colors, and has a soft, very fine consistency. It has a high concentration of minerals including silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium, but the way it works is mainly due to electricity. Bentonite clay produces an electrical charge when it comes in contact with water. This negative charge attracts positive-charged toxins and chemicals, and, like a magnetic sponge, it holds onto impurities before carrying them out of the body in our waste.
While this clay can be used externally, you can also ingest it to reap its many benefits. However you use it, you’ll find how to use it as a natural remedy below:
Important: Do not mix bentonite clay in a metal bowl or with a metal utensil. This can destroy its negative charge.
As An Oral Rinse
Bentonite caly can be easily used as an alkalizing and toxin-removing mouth rinse by simply mixing it with water. Also, just like activated charcoal, it can be used to help whiten teeth naturally. Try this by mixing ½ teaspoon of clay in ¼ cup of water, shake well, and rinse for one to two minutes before spitting it out.
As A Face Mask
Clays, such as bentonite, make for great natural masks, especially for oily skin, clogged pores, and acne. Simply mix one tablespoon of bentonite clay with one tablespoon of water and apply to your face for 15 minutes. This mask can help reduce scar appearance, draw out toxins, and regenerate skin tissue.
For Drawing Out Harmful Bacteria And Viruses
You can do this easily by drinking ½-1 teaspoon of bentonite clay with a glass of water. Due to the negative charge in bentonite clay, it acts as a magnet for toxins, bacteria, and pathogens that are positively charged. Eventually, as the digestive system does its job, both the clay and the toxins stuck to it are eliminated from the body. Researchers have also found that bentonite clay can relieve nausea, acid reflux, and diarrhea.
To Heal Poison Ivy, Dermatitis, And Wounds
Try applying a thick layer of clay on the skin before applying damp gauze over it. With the same effects as the aforementioned face mask, when it is combined with water and left to dry on the skin, the clay is able to bind to bacteria and toxins, reducing the outbreak of blemishes or allergic reactions. Bentonite clay also has the ability to act as an antibiotic treatment when applied topically on skin infections.
As Baby Powder
Plain bentonite clay can make for a very soothing baby powder alternative to use when there is infection or redness. It can also be mixed with water to turn into a mask that can be applied to help speed up recovery in this area.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
