Bentonite Clay 101 & 12 Uses to Try

Bentonite Clay 101 & 12 Uses to Try 

Bentonite Clay 101
Bentonite Clay 101

As we become more in touch with herbal and traditional remedies, we remember that cultures throughout history have used bentonite clay and other clays to help the body get rid of toxins and other uses. Humans aren’t the only ones who use clay; we know that animals eat dirt and clay to help get poisons out of their body or to help during illnesses. 

So, are you curious about bentonite clay and how to use bentonite clay in your medicine cabinet? Let’s take a look at what you need to know. 

What Is Bentonite Clay? 

Bentonite clay is made of aged volcanic ash called “Montmorillonite,” and a majority of bentonite clay comes from Fort Benton, Montana where there is a considerable deposit. This clay is odorless with a grey/cream color and a soft, fine consistency. 

It’s a popular pick for many reasons, but in particular, bentonite clay doesn’t stain, and it’s the ideal choice for beauty and natural remedies. Bentonite clay has high levels of minerals like calcium, silica, magnesium, sodium, iron, and more. At the same time, we know that this clay also absorbs and removes toxins, heavy metals, and chemicals. 

Bentonite Clay
Bentonite Clay /shutterstock

The Benefits of Bentonite Clay

So why bentonite clay? We know that it has high levels of minerals, but that goes for any clay. 

The difference is that bentonite clay can produce an electrical charge when hydrated. So, when the clay comes in contact with toxins, heavy metals, or chemicals, the clay absorbs the toxin and releases its minerals for your body to use. At the same time, bentonite gets oxygen to its cells by pulling excess hydrogen and replacing with oxygen. 

People report successfully using bentonite clay to treat a variety of issues, such as:

  • Acid reflux
  • Constipation
  • Allergy & skin issues
  • Vomiting & diarrhea
  • Detoxification
  • Oral health preparations
  • Skin wounds 

Sound awesome? There’s more.

A study from Arizona State University shows that bentonite can be used to fight against MRSA, as well as other problematic and dangerous bacteria like E.Coli, Salmonella, and more. 

12 Uses for Bentonite Clay
12 Uses for Bentonite Clay

Are you ready to start using bentonite clay in your everyday life? Here are some ways you can use this healing clay. 

  • Skin Irritation 

Anytime that you have skin irritation, you can apply a bentonite clay. Leave it on the irritation until it dries, then wash it off. Bentonite clay paste is great for eczema, psoriasis, and chickenpox. 

  • Armpit Detox

If you want to detox your armpits, mix bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. It helps to pull out all of the toxins and chemicals trapped in your armpits from harmful deodorants. 

  • Skin Poultice for Burns & Bug Bites

If you have a bug bite, burn, or cut, create a poultice by applying a thick layer of clay on the skin and applying wet gauze or cloth over the top. You can wrap the area with a bandage, leaving the poultice on the skin, and change it every 2 hours. 

Doing this also makes a fantastic anti-inch cream. If you’re using it for anti-itch cream, you don’t need to cover it up. Instead, let ti dry until it flakes off and rinses off the residue with water. 

Face Mask
Face Mask /shutterstock
  • Face Mask

Did you know that you can create many beauty products from bentonite clay? It can bind with and remove toxins. You can make a simple clay face mask by mixing bentonite with water, creating a paste. Apply to your face and leave it on for 20 minutes. Wash it off with warm water. It leaves your skin feeling amazing. 

  • Detox Bath

If you need a detox bath, add a ¼ cup of bentonite clay to your bathwater. Not only does it pull toxins from your body, but it also softens your skin. 

  • Oral Health

If you make tooth powder, you can add bentonite clay to that, and you can also use it mixed with water as a toxin-removing mouth rinse. Just add a ½ teaspoon of clay to ¼ cup water and shake well. Rinse with water after you use this mouth rinse. 

  • Homemade Diaper Rash Cream 

Mommypotamus created a diaper rash cream with bentonite clay. The cream also uses coconut oil, shea butter, and a few essential oils that you could omit if you wanted. It’s the perfect combination to soothe skin while detoxifying as well. Give her homemade diaper rash a try. 

  • Morning Sickness

Whether you have morning sickness or digestive problems, bentonite clay can help. Take a ½ teaspoon of bentonite clay in water during pregnancy to keep morning sickness at bay. It helps with nausea. Be sure to speak to your OBGYN or midwife first to be sure they approve of this natural treatment for morning sickness. 

 

  • Homemade Baby Powder

Instead of using regular baby powder, you can use bentonite clay instead. Apply this clay to any area on the skin of babies that is irritated, red, or needs to be soothed. It’s gentle and naturally cleansing, perfect for babies. 

  • Mastitis

Mastitis is miserable, and you can use bentonite clay to help treat mastitis. Create a poultice or mask from clay ad water, applying to the area externally. Repeat every hour as needed until the infection is gone. 

Homemade Lotion
Homemade Lotion /
  • Homemade Calamine Lotion

Calamine lotion can be used for skin irritations, poison ivy, poison sumac, and more. You do need some other items to create this homemade calamine lotion by helloglow.co, such as zinc oxide and iron oxide, but it’s worth it. It’s a practical and easy recipe to create. 

  • Homemade Shampoo

If you want to add some volume to your hair, mix 2-3 tablespoons of bentonite clay powder with equal amounts of filtered water or apple cider vinegar. Then, apply this mixture to damp hair and leave it to sit for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly afterward. 

Give Bentonite Clay a Try

Bentonite clay has been around for ages, and we finally understand all of the properties that make it a fantastic addition to your medicine cabinet. It can be used for everything from baby rashes to homemade calamine lotion to everything else. It’s a truly versatile item that you will want to keep with you at all times. You never know when you might need it.