Benefits and Uses for Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay has got to be one of the coolest clays around.
When you look at clay, it's easy to think it's just a type of mud; but this clay is special.
Bentonite clay comes from volcanic ash and is a grayish-cream color. If it's pure white it may not be Bentonite, or be overly processed. Bentonite clay is also called Montmorillonite, and is one of the most effective and powerful healing clays.
But here is the awesome part:
Once combined with water, Bentonite clay swells and is able to absorb toxins.
Mountain Rose Herbs puts it this way:
“Bentonite is very unusual in the fact that once it becomes hydrated, the electrical and molecular components of the clay rapidly change and produce an electrical charge. Bentonite is a swelling clay. When it becomes mixed with water it rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge.”
How is Bentonite Clay Useful in Natural Skincare?
When it comes to natural skincare, Bentonite clay is useful in helping remove excess oil, toxins, and build up on the skin.
Make a face mask.
This is especially helpful in treating skin that has a lot of extra oil.
How to Make a Bentonite Clay Face mask:
Mix 1-2 teaspoons of powdered Bentonite clay with 1-2 teaspoons of water until a paste forms. Spread over face, avoiding the eyes. Leave to dry (about 15 minutes). Wash off with warm water. Follow with face oil or lotion.
Be sure to mix the mask with non-metal utensils and they can react with the clay, making it less effective.
Treat Blemishes
If you have a few pimples, make a paste with bentonite clay and dab over the affected area. Leave to dry. Wash off with warm water.
What skin-type is Bentonite Clay suitable for?
Bentonite clay has a somewhat narrow window of suitability. It is not suitable for dry, damaged skin, mature, or sensitive skin, as it is too harsh. But, it works very well on normal and oily skin.
If you have sensitive skin, you may prefer to try French Green Clay.
Other Uses for Bentonite Clay:
Take a Detox Bath
Bentonite clay makes a great detox bath. Add 1/4 – 1/2 cup Bentonite clay to a tub of warm water. This will soften th skin while providing a mild detox.
Make a detoxifying foot bath
Stir 1/4 cup clay in a pot of hot water large enough to fit both feet. Soak feet for 20-30 minutes
Make a poultice to treat insect bites, bee stings, cuts, and rashes
Make a poultice by adding just enough water to make a thick paste of clay. Add the paste to the affected area. Wrap with gauze or a bandage. Leave for 2-4 hours. Wash off with warm water.
This video from Redmond Clay shows exactly how to make the poultice:
Bentonite Clay may also be used internally to treat a myriad of conditions
According to Redmond Clay (a company that sells Bentonite clay):
“People have used bentonite clay when suffering from occasional diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, stomachache, acid indigestion, acid reflux, and other digestive problems.”
It is recommended (from various sources) that 1/2-1 tsp of Bentonite clay powder be mixed with a glass of water to aid in detoxification and digestion. (This is something I have not tried, so I you will want to do more research before attempting.)
If you don't want to drink clay-water, you can buy Bentonite clay in capsules
Where to buy Bentonite Clay
Bentonite Clay is available in powder for from Mountain Rose Herbs and Redmond Clay (on Amazon).
Redmond Clay also offers pre-hydrated clay, which is very handy, actually. Keep a tube in your purse for treating cuts, scrapes, and bites.
Don't forget to use non-metallic utensils when mixing Bentonite clay!
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