Bentonite clay is a volcanic ash clay that has been used for centuries for a wide range of healing purposes. Bentonite clay can be used both internally and externally for a variety of uses. It’s rich in minerals, has a soft, fine texture, has no odor, and will not stain clothes or objects. What’s really interesting about bentonite clay is, when you add it to water, the clay becomes activated, producing an electrical charge that attracts toxins and heavy metals. Once the toxins are drawn into the clay, they are bound to it, and can be safely eliminated from the body. When choosing a brand of bentonite clay, be sure to use a high-quality, pure clay, especially for internal use, to avoid contamination or high acidity. Genuine bentonite clay should be gray or tan, not white. We recommend Sonne’s bentonite clay.

How to Use Bentonite Clay

Although we sell Sonne’s #7 Bentonite Clay Detoxificant, which is already in water, many bentonite clays on the market are a dry powder.  For most external uses and all internal uses, you need to hydrate dry clay powder first. Mix the dry bentonite clay with water and give it some time to absorb the water. The fully hydrated clay will have a smooth consistency. Remove the stirring spoon while you let it sit (or use a wooden spoon), as contact with metal can negate the clay’s electric charge. Once hydrated, the bentonite clay acts like a sponge to toxins, quickly absorbing them. For this reason, the best way to mix and store hydrated clay is in glass or wood, not plastic, to avoid absorbing toxins from plastics.

Bentonite Clay for General Health

When taken as a daily supplement, bentonite clay offers numerous benefits.

• Provides trace minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium
• Alkalizes the body
• Boosts the immune system
• Oxygenates cells
• Promotes beneficial bacteria in the digestive system

With the Sonne’s bentonite clay, shke well then add a tablespoon of bentonite clay to a full glass of water. Take the bentonite clay on an empty stomach or separate from a meal (i.e. an hour before eating). Consuming bentonite clay at the same time as other supplements or medications could reduce their effectiveness, so take it at least two hours before or after any medications or supplements.

Detox with Bentonite Clay

Sonne’s #7 Bentonite Clay is a key component of the 21 Day Detox. The bentonite clay detoxes the body of heavy metals and other toxins. The 21 Day Detox plan explains how to use the clay internally for detoxification. Bentonite clay also works externally at pulling out toxins. Soak in a warm bentonite clay detox bath, or spread some hydrated clay on your feet to detox those hard-working tootsies.

Treating Common Ailments Naturally with Bentonite Clay

Use internally for a variety of conditions including:

• Acid reflux, gas, and bloating
• Nausea, morning sickness, or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Parasites
• Food poisoning (including E. coli)
• Infections such as mastitis and even MRSA

Bentonite clay is a natural laxative and thus can remedy constipation, but too much or improper use can also cause constipation. Make sure to use only fully hydrated clay, drink plenty of water, and consider using a magnesium supplement to keep things moving while toxins and hardened colon buildup are being eliminated from the body.

Externally, bentonite clay is a perfect natural remedy for common injuries and conditions. My favorite use for bentonite clay is for treating mosquito bites. Make a little paste with bentonite clay powder and water, and spread it on the bite. The itch is relieved almost instantly, and redness and swelling quickly disappear as well. Alternatively, you can mix the bentonite clay with witch hazel instead of water, since witch hazel also helps to soothe and draw out toxins. Keep a small glass jar or dish of hydrated clay in your natural first aid kit. This paste is also excellent for:

• Soothing other insect bites and stings, rashes, itchy skin, poison ivy, or chicken pox
• Relieving skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
• Healing wounds or burns and preventing infection

The clay paste makes a great diaper cream, as well, or the dry clay may be used in place of baby powder for redness and diaper rashes.

Using Bentonite Clay Around the House

The uses for bentonite clay are endless! Use it to purify tap water for drinking and bathing; the clay removes some of the fluoride and chlorine. Make your own clay fruit and veggie wash. Since bentonite clay is so absorbent, it can be used to clean up oil spills in the garage or grease spots on the stove. And for your furry friends, bentonite clay can eliminate pet parasites. Sprinkle some in your cat’s litterbox to absorb moisture and reduce odor. Spread a light layer on pet bedding or carpets (and later vacuum it up) to deodorize, or put a small cloth bag of clay in your refrigerator or behind your trash can to draw out offensive odors. Add some to your homemade laundry detergent. Put a pouch of bentonite clay in storage boxes to ensure your scrapbooks and filed documents aren’t damaged by high humidity. You can even use bentonite clay in your garden to enrich the soil. So many possibilities in one little jar of bentonite clay!

By Ali Wetherbee