Bentonite clay comes from volcanic ash that has naturally occurring minerals and an electric charge. This electric charge attracts and draws out toxins, metals, & other impurities, resulting in an effective, gentle, & healing detox. Bentonite clay is a powerful, natural substance that can provide numerous benefits.
I use bentonite clay in my skin & hair care as well as orally to support gut health & digestive function. Using it in my personal care routine leaves my skin & hair smooth, soft, & shiny.
Bentonite clay masks are my favorite for my hair & face and I see immediate, dramatic results after a clay mask.
Health Benefits of Bentonite Clay
Some of the health benefits of bentonite clay include:
Detoxification:
- Bentonite clay has a naturally occuring electric charge which can help to detoxify your body by attracting and absorbing toxins, metals, & other harmful substances.
- This article highlights multiple studies that show the detox effects of bentonite clay including studies that showed that pigs, sheep, & fish that supplemented with bentonite clay had reduced lead, copper, & other metals in their blood, brain, liver, bones, kidnies, & hair.
Balance pH levels:
- Since the clay has an alkaline electric charge, it will aid in balancing the body's pH levels and reducing acidity.
- Not only is balancing pH levels good for gut health, it's also great for your skin & hair. Learn about pH balanced hair care here.
Skin and hair health:
- When applied topically, bentonite clay can help unclog pores, remove impurities & toxins, and promote healthy, glowing skin & hair.
- This article highlights multiple studies that show benefits to skin & hair including beneficial results when using bentonite clay on poison ivy, dermatitis, and diaper rashes.
- The article also cites a study that using bentonite clay on sheep resulted in increased wool growth.
- Learn how I use bentonite clay in my natural hair care here:
Oral health:
- Bentonite clay can be used as a natural toothpaste to help whiten your teeth, freshen your breath, remineralize teeth, and promote healthy gums. Get my toothpaste recipe here.
Digestive support:
- Bentonite clay is known to soothe digestive issues like constipation, diarrhea, and bloating by binding to and removing toxins in the digestive tract.
- This article cites multiple studies that show that bentonite clay is beneficial to use for diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, cramps, bloating, and constipation.
- Get more tips on how to naturally support digestion and relieve constipation here.
Immune system support:
- Bentonite clay is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron which can help support your immune system and promote overall health & wellness.
Bentonite Clay Uses
Bentonite clay is very versatile and has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of purposes, including detoxifying the body, promoting healthy digestion, and supporting overall skin health.
Here are are my favorite ways to use bentonite clay:
Note: Never use metal utensils or dishware with bentonite clay. The metal will react with the electric charge of the clay and decrease the effectiveness.
Oral Supplement:
- Add about 1 teaspoon of bentonite clay to 8 oz of water 1-2 times per day. This will aid in flushing out toxins and support digestion.
- Be sure you are drinking clean, filtered water. I use a Berkey Filter. Use code tcmberkey.
- Bentonite clay is effective at absorbing impurities, but it also absorbs moisture. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- For a cleansing supplement with bentonite clay in it, I use this one. It has bentonite clay, diatomaceous earth, and essential oils that support digestive health and cleansing. It is extremely effective.
Toothpaste & Tooth Powder:
- Sprinkle a little bentonite clay on your toothpaste when you brush your teeth.
- Or make a DIY toothpaste with bentonite clay. Get my recipe here.
Skin Soothing
- Use bentonite clay to spot treat skin irritations and bug bites. Make a paste with equal parts clay and water and apply to the affected area.
Face & Hair Mask (My favorite way to use bentonite clay!)
- This is my favorite way to use bentonite clay!
- Mask Recipe: (Remember: Don't use any metal utensils or dishware with bentonite clay)
- Mix equal parts bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar (learn about the benefits of apple cider vinegar here).
- If I am making enough for a mask for my hair and my face, I use about 1/4 cup of each.
- Optional: add essential oils. My favorite essential oils to add are (learn how to get the best deals on essential oils here):
- Purification (my favorite essential oil)
- Lavender
- Frankincense
- Copaiba
- Tea Tree
- You can use any skin & hair friendly essential oils you like
- Apply generously to your skin and hair. Let sit for 20 minutes and rinse.
- The clay will harden as it sits. It will crack as you move your face.
- You will feel a tingly sensation because of the electric charge of the clay. This is normal.
- After you rinse, your face might be a little red from the tingly sensation. Don't worry! It will go away and you'll be left with soft, glowing skin.
- Mix equal parts bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar (learn about the benefits of apple cider vinegar here).
- Mask Recipe: (Remember: Don't use any metal utensils or dishware with bentonite clay)