10 Uses for Bentonite Clay at Home – Health Benefits of Bentonite Clay

From detox baths to deodorant, bentonite clay has so many everyday health benefits. Check out the 10 uses for bentonite clay at home.

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Ingredients for Bentonite Clay at Home

Did you know there’s more to clay than just facial masks?

Healing clays have been used for thousands of years for a number of different health issues – from indigestion to insect bites. Bentonite clay is a type of healing clay that is completely natural (usually formed by volcanic ash) and extracted for use.

How Bentonite Clay Works

Bentonite clay is compromised mostly of negative ions. Toxins and heavy metals in the body are made of positive ions. Bentonite clay works like a magnet that bonds to toxins and helps to eliminate it out of the body.

There are two main types of bentonite clay:

1. Sodium Bentonite, when activated by water, can swell up to six times its size and has a electromagnetic properties. This makes it very absorbent and helpful for drawing out toxins.

2. Calcium Bentonite particles are smaller compared to Sodium Bentonite, which makes it more effective for remineralizing than drawing toxins out of the skin. These small particles can pass through the colon wall into the bloodstream where it gets rid of toxins and leaves minerals behind.

It is possible for bentonite clay to have a mix of both sodium and calcium.

Uses For Bentonite Clay – Drinking Benefits

Bentonite clay paste can be used as a natural mouthwash. Its binding properties can easily remove unwanted substances around the teeth and gums. And when ingested, bentonite clay can also help to maintain healthy bacteria in the digestive tract, and strengthen the immune system.

Uses for Bentonite Clay – Different Types of Skin

As a general rule, oily and acne-prone types can use the mask more often, while those with dry or sensitive skin should use more sparingly.

More Uses for Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay can be used internally for (be sure to get bentonite clay that can be used internally):

  • Stomach ache
  • Indigestion
  • Acid reflux
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn
  • pH balance (bentonite clay is very alkalizing)

Bentonite clay can be used externally for:

  • Bruises
  • Bee stings
  • Bug bites
  • Burns
  • Cuts and scraps
  • Hair care
  • Skin care

10 Uses for Bentonite Clay at Home

There are a number of health benefits and uses for bentonite clay

1. Use bentonite clay to make your own shampoo

For soft, voluminous hair, mix 2-3 tablespoons of bentonite clay with an equal amount of filtered water or apple cider vinegar. Apply the clay mixture to damp hair, leave it on for five minutes and then rinse thoroughly. If you mix the clay with water, I recommend following the washing with an apple cider vinegar rinse to avoid drying.

2. Make a facial mask with bentonite clay

Bentonite clay tightens and tones the skin, and its absorbing properties can draw out impurities from deep within. To make a facial mask, mix 2-3 tablespoons of clay powder with equal amounts water or apple cider vinegar. Follow up with this DIY facial serum and homemade facial oil moisturizer.

Apply the mixture in a thick but even layer to the face, and allow it to dry for about 10-15 minutes. It should feel tight and slightly tingly. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. For best results, use once or twice a week.

3. Use bentonite clay to take a detox bath

Add 1-2 cups of bentonite clay to your bath water, and soak for about 20 minutes. This will draw toxins out of your skin. Because of its electromagnetic properties, clumps of clay may stick to a particular area of the body where toxins have surfaced. If any spots of clay are left on your skin after rinsing, rub gently with a wash cloth.

4. Make a deodorant for sensitive skin

Bentonite clay helps to absorb moisture from your underarms and eliminate body odor without causing irritation. Try this DIY natural deodorant solid that’s incredibly easy to make.

5. Use bentonite clay to remineralize your teeth

After bentonite clay does its work drawing toxins out of the mouth, it leaves behind minerals that are nourishing for the teeth. Try this homemade squeezable toothpaste by Homemade Mommy to remineralize your teeth.

6. Soothe burns and cuts

Mix clay and water until it has a paste-like consistency, and apply it to the burn or cut. Wrap it in plastic wrap or wet gauze after applying to keep the paste from drying. Change the bandages and paste every two hours as needed.

7. Get digestive relief

Mix 1-2 teaspoons of bentonite clay into a full glass of water, let it soak for at least 30 minutes, and then drink.

Caution: Don’t use more than the recommended amount of clay, as a thick, muddy mixture can cause constipation. It’s recommended to follow your clay water with a glass of plain water to keep the clay from settling.

8. Help with viruses and food poisoning

Bentonite clay helps to draw out pathogenic viruses, herbicides and pesticides, and heavy metals. To draw out these toxins, consume 1/2 to 1 tsp of bentonite clay powder mixed with water. Please consult with you doctor or seek medical attention as needed.

9. Make an anti-itch cream

Bentonite clay can be used on skin ailments such as insect bites. Mix a small amount of clay powder and water into a paste, and apply to the affected area. Let dry, and leave it on skin until it flakes off. Rinse off any residue with water.

10. Add to your favorite recipe for a cleanse

Headaches, allergic reactions, fatigue, sinus infection and other health issues are often the result of toxin buildup in the body’s organs. To cleanse your internal organs, you can add 1-2 tsp of bentonite clay powder to a smoothie or your favorite food. Be sure to stay hydrated or take it with fiber to help it pass through your digestive system quickly.

What are your favorite ways to use bentonite clay?

Top Tips for Using Bentonite Clay

  • Be sure to choose a form of clay that the manufacturer has labeled as edible.
  • Make sure you have a good moisturizer handy after you wash away the clay.
  • If diarrhea does not subside after treatment with Bentonite, a person should continue to drink plenty of fluids, try more common approaches to treating diarrhea, and contact their doctor.
  • If uses Bentonite Clay for a cleanse, be sure to stay hydrated or take it with fiber to help it pass through your digestive system quickly.

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Have you tried these natural remedies for bentonite clay? Don’t forget to comment below to let me know how you like it. You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

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Sources
1. Betonite Clay
2. Wikipedia Bentonite Clay
3. Redmond Clay

Photo credit: Bigstockphoto.com / Annaok

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16 Comments

  1. Please how does bentonite clay taste when ingested? I am currently using one that have some taste compare to the first one I used that was tasteless. This one is grey in color but I am scared to ingest it further.

    1. It should be fairly tasteless. I use the liquid one that’s a bit gray and don’t find it has a strong flavor. But do what you are comfortable with and make sure the brand you get can be used internally.