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.

pH balanced hair care for the no poo method

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:

no poo methods that are not baking soda and apple cider vinegar

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.

DIY toothpaste to get rid of sensitive teeth

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.

11 ways to naturally relieve constipation quickly

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.