People have been using aged volcano ash for thousands of years for its healing benefits.  The amazing detoxing abilities of this  powerful “healing clay” is  loaded with minerals including calcium, copper, magnesium, silica, sodium, iron, and potassium. Along with having nearly 70 trace elements. Bentonite clay is almost a nutrient-dense, all natural multivitamin and it can be used internally along with externally. Bentonite clay has been a staple in my home for years and I keep it stored in herbal cabinet along with my medicine chest.  I’ve used it both internally and externally for many different reason. The name comes from the largest known deposit of Bentonite Clay located in Fort Benton, Wyoming.

The best things in life are the simplest.

The Many Uses for Bentonite Clay

Bentonite clay can be used internally for:

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• boosts immunity
• Stomach ache
• boosts probiotics
• To help speed recovery from vomiting, diarrhea and food poisoning
• Relieves digestive issues like acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn,  bloating, gas, etc. (Kaolin clay was common ingredient in medicines like Maalox and Rolaids for years)
• (Detoxification) Pulls out harmful toxins from the body.
• Helps to balance the bodies Ph levels (Bentonite clay is very alkalizing)
• boosts energy
• Fights inflammation
• To help provide minerals for the body
• Improves your oral hygiene

Bentonite clay can be used externally for:

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• Bruises
• Improves skin and allergy issues
• Bee stings
• Externally for all types of skin problems and to speed healing
• Bug bites
• Pulls toxins out of the body
• Burns
• Cuts and scraps
• Hair care
• Skin care

 

How to use Bentonite Clay  

Bentonite clay is very sensitive to metal. Don’t allow it to come into contact with it or it will lose its healing properties.  I will mix my clay with water in a glass jar with a plastic lid either by shaking well or using a plastic whisk. If you take it internally, do not take within an hour of food for best results and do not take within 2 hours of medications or supplements as it might reduce the effectiveness. Check with your doctor before using if you have any medical condition.

1. Shampoo

Mix 2-3 tablespoons of clay powder with an equal amount of filtered water or apple cider vinegar. Apply the clay mixture to your moistened hair, leave it on for five minutes and then rinse thoroughly.  You can also rinse out the clay hair mask with an apple cider vinegar rinse to help avoid drying.

Combine Bentonite Clay and equal parts Apple Cider Vinegar( and/ or ) Aloe Vera Juice, and a few drops of essential oils of your choice ( I like to add lavender, sweet orange, and rosemary). Mix to the consistency of batter

2. Blemish reducing facial mask

Bentonite clay tightens and tones the skin, and its absorbing properties can draw out impurities from deep within. To make a facial mask, mix 2-3 tablespoons of clay powder with equal amounts water or apple cider vinegar or witch hazel.

Evenly apply the thick layer to the face, and allow it to dry for about 10-15 minutes. It will  feel tight and slightly tingly. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. For best results, use once or twice a week.

3. Pamper yourself with a detox bath

Bentonite Clay Mask

1/4 cup of Bentonite Clay to a bath for a relaxing detox bath that softens skin.
Similar to masks used at the spa, a clay mask made from Bentonite draws excess oils and debris to the surface of your skin, boosts circulation to tighten the skin and stimulate blood flow, and whisks away dead skin cells that can clog pores. Mix Bentonite Clay with water to make a paste, apply to the face, and allow to dry for 20 minutes. Wash off gently and pat dry. If any spots of clay are left on your skin after rinsing, rub gently with a wash cloth.

4. Deodorant for sensitive skin

Bentonite helps to absorb moisture from your underarms and eliminate body odor without causing irritation. Try this DIY natural deodorant solid that’s incredibly easy to make.

DIY Natural Deodorant Solid Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp organic coconut oil
• 1 tbsp fair-trade shea butter
• 1 tbsp organic beeswax
• 1 tbsp baking soda (if you are sensitive to baking soda, omit and use an extra tbsp of (click here to order)
• 2 tbsp arrowroot powder
• 1.5 tbsp (click here to order)
• 2 drops Lemongrass essential oil
• 2 drops Citronella essential oil
• 2 drops Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) essential oil

About the Ingredients

• Coconut oil helps this deodorant to glide on easily.
• Shea butter is derived from the nuts of the shea tree, grown in Africa. It’s incredibly moisturizing and can help to protect skin from dryness.
• Baking soda helps to absorb moisture and odors naturally.
• Beeswax is moisturizing and helps to keep this natural deodorant in a solid form that makes it easy to travel.
• Arrowroot powder is made from the roots of the arrowroot plant, which is native to South America. It helps to keep skin dry and wick away moisture.
• Bentonite clay helps to absorb moisture from your underarms and eliminate body odor without causing irritation. Learn more about the health uses for bentonite clay.

Directions

1. In a double boiler, add coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax. Bring to a boil on medium heat and stir until beeswax and shea butter are in liquid form.
2. Remove from heat, then add baking soda, bentonite clay, arrowroot powder, and essential oils. Mix well.
3. Pour liquid mixture into a silicone muffin mold or a 5 oz. container, such an empty deodorant container.
4. Let cool down to solidify for about 2-3 hours. The beeswax will help to keep it in solid form to use as a traditional deodorant.
5. If using a silicone mold, pop out the DIY natural deodorant solids and store in a reusable container or bag to use at home or on the go.

Makes about 3 deodorant bars.

5. Remineralize your teeth

Did you know that your teeth are living and spongy. The foods we eat, the commercial toothpastes, medications and chemicals from drinks all can suck out the minerals from the teeth causing weakened enamel  and leaving us more susceptible to decay and breakdown. I was on a new mission to keep my teeth healthy by using the absolute necessary  and needed trace minerals to maintain the upmost dental health plus find a solution that wasn’t abrasive,  while gently polishing them , and detoxifies while it refreshes. Is there such a thing? I did know that my long history with Mr. Store bought toothpaste were over. Bentonite clay does its work drawing toxins out of the mouth, it leaves behind minerals that are nourishing for the teeth. Try my  homemade toothpaste.

Homemade Tooth Powder Recipe

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons Bentonite clay 
• 2 teaspoons baking soda 
• 1 ½ teaspoons finely ground unrefined sea salt
• ½ teaspoons clove powder
• 1 teaspoon ground Ceylon cinnamon
• 5-10 drops of  peppermint essential oil
• ¾ teaspoons activated charcoal –

Directions

Using a stainless steel or plastic spoon, mix all ingredients in a clean glass jar. To use, add a little to a wet toothbrush and brush as normal.

Natural Peppermint Toothpaste

1/2 cup coconut oil

3 Tablespoons of baking soda

15 drops of peppermint food grade essential oil

Melt to soften the coconut oil. Mix in other ingredients and stir well. Place your mixture into small glass jar. Allow it to cool completely. When ready to use just dip toothbrush in and scrape small amount onto bristles.

All Natural Tooth Powder For Organic Teeth Whitening – The Dirt (6 Month Jar 50g)

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6. Heal burns and cuts

Mix the clay and water until it becomes has a  paste consistency, next  apply it to the burn or cut. Wrap it in plastic wrap or wet gauze after applying. Change the bandages and paste every two hours as needed.

7. Reverse digestive distress

Mix 1-2 teaspoons of clay into a full glass of water, let it soak for at least 30 minutes, and then drink.

8. Combat illness and poisoning

Clay is said to draw out pathogenic viruses, herbicides and pesticides, heavy metals and radioactive substances. To draw out these toxins, drink 1 teaspoon of bentonite clay powder mixed with 16 oz’s of  water .

9. Make an anti-itch cream

Bentonite clay can be used on skin issues such as insect bites or chicken pox. Mix a small amount of clay powder and water into a paste, and apply to the bothered area. Let dry, and leave it on skin until it dries. Gently rinse off any residue with water.

10. Baby Powder

Antimicrobial Clay Balm

I got the recipe here

The detoxification properties speaks for themselves and studies are now confirming the wisdom in this powerful clay. its use. It has been shown to be effective against candida – the primary cause of yeast rashes – as well as a variety of bacteria, including MRSA. (Source)  Plain Bentonite Clay makes a very soothing baby powder for use when there is infection or redness. It can also be made into a clay “mask” to help speed recovery in this area.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup shea butter (I prefer to use raw organic shea because conventional shea may be extracted with harsh solvents such as hexane.
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (Extra virgin has demonstrated the strongest antimicrobial properties, but expeller-pressed will work fine as well.
• 1/4 cup bentonite clay
• 7 drops lavender essential oil, optional. Can substitute tea tree if yeast/bacteria is suspected.*
• 7 drops chamomile essential oil, optional. Can substitute tea tree if yeast/bacteria is suspected.

To Make

1. In a double boiler, gently melt shea butter over low heat. When almost melted, stir in coconut oil and continue to heat until fully melted.

2. Remove from heat and allow mixture to return to a semi-solid state. Place mixture in fridge if you’d like to speed this process up. Add non-nano zinc or bentonite clay and optional essential oils (if desired). Mix thoroughly.

Baby Powder

Note for cloth diapering mamas: This powder is compatible with cloth dipes.

Ingredients

•  1⁄2 cup bentonite clay powder
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder, optional. Makes the texture more fine.

* Like cornstarch, arrowroot powder is a starch and can help feed yeast. Since it’s not the primary ingredient in this recipe I don’t know that it would cause a problem for yeast-based rashes, but if you suspect yeast you may want to omit it.

How To Use

Powder lightly at every diaper change when a rash is active.

*Special Notes

Powders of any kind are not recommended for children under three months because they can inhale particles into their very sensitive lungs. Use only in older babies.

11. Internal cleansing for pets

For pets that are sick, vomiting or showing signs of illness, you can add Bentonite to their water or mix and give orally with a dropper or syringe without the needle. I have seen several cases where this helped pets recover quickly from what could otherwise have been serious illnesses. Please google for the correct dosage per weight of the dog and always check with your veterinarian before changing your dogs diet.

12. Ph Balancing

Bentonite Clay Powder so indispensable is its ability to elevate your body’s pH. The Bentonite will absorb some of the hydrogen from your cells, enabling them to fill that space with the oxygen you so dearly need. Headaches, allergic reactions, fatigue, sinus infection and many other health ailments are the result of toxin buildup in the body’s organs. To cleanse your internal organs, you can add a couple teaspoons of clay powder to a smoothie or your favorite food. Be sure to stay hydrated or take it with fiber to help it pass through your digestive system quickly.

Precautions

Make sure you purchase food grade bentonite clay and not sodium bentonite clay. I once made the mistake of purchasing a brand that was perfect for masks and detox baths but not for internal use. Yes, I called the poison control center.

There are two main types of Bentonite clay:

1. Sodium Bentonite, when activated by water, can swell up to six times its size and has a electromagnetic properties. This makes it very absorbent and helpful for drawing out toxins.

2. Calcium Bentonite particles are smaller compared to Sodium Bentonite, which makes it more effective for remineralizing than drawing toxins out of the skin. These small particles can pass through the colon wall into the bloodstream where it gets rid of toxins and leaves minerals behind.

Also bentonite clay may not be appropriate for consumption for children and pregnant women due to it could contains trace amounts of lead .

Don’t allow the clay to come into contact with anything medal or it will be stripped of its powerful healing benefits.

Keep in mind that clay may be an irritant to the lungs for some people, so individuals should avoid inhaling it.

*The FDA is warning consumers to not purchase “Bentonite Me Baby” by Alikay Naturals because of a potential lead poisoning risk, as this product apparently has unsafe levels of lead.

Side Effects

The clay pulls water away form your colon as it passes through your intestine. For this reason you can experience constipation with Bentonite clay when  you  first start  using it. Make  sure  you  are  drinking  plenty of  water. Also,  listen  to  your  body. Once  you start  introducing the clay  to  your body you can  experience heavy  detox  symptoms. Cut  your  dosein  half if  you getting headaches. The clay can absorb medications. Make sure to not consume 2  hours  before  or after  medications ,and  wait  an  hour after taking bentonite clay  to eat.

Please always  consult your doctor before you start  any new health regimen.

Audrey Childers  is a cook and the blogger behind Thehypothyroidismchick.com. After recovering from her own struggle with both Celiac and Hashimoto’s disease, adrenal fatigue, and multiple vitamin deficiencies, Audrey started to write about her experience to share with others and help them realize they are not alone in their struggles. She is a  Nutritional Therapy Practitioner , and is the author of A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty, Reset your Thyroid, Hypothyroidism Clarity,  A survivors cookbook guide to kicking hypothyroidism booty: the slow cooker way and  Hypothyroidism: The Beginners Guide: How to stop surviving and start thriving , a guide and recipe books for the hypothyroidism protocol. Audrey has  found her path to better health with the hypothyroidism Protocol. Now it’s her mission to share that approach with nourishing recipes, practical resources, and community connections. This blog may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this copyright statement.

I want to thank you  for reading my latest blog.  Please let me know if you need any support with it. 

Otherwise, are we friends on Facebook yet?  If not let’s do that now, healing Hypothyroidism.   I like to connect on a more personal level there and often; offer social media only products that can only be accessed on my page and share daily updates along with recipes. Remember sharing is caring. Please share and post a comment to this blog! I would love to hear from you. Sign up for my blogs @ thehypothyroidismchick.com .  You can also  Follow me on instagram @ Thyroidismchick or Follow me on twitter @Thyroidismchick.

Health and Happiness,

References:

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2. Cusumano V, Rossano F, Merendino RA, Arena A, Costa GB, ancuso G, Baroni A, Losi E. Immunobiological activities of mould products: functional impairment of human monocytes exposed to aflatoxin B1. Research in Microbiology. 1996 June:147(5):385-91.
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15.  

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