The 7 Benefits I See From Using Bentonite Clay + How I Use It

What do you think of when you think of clay? You squish it through your fingers and sculpt, right? Or maybe you’ve received a luxurious clay mask at an exclusive spa. Well, a jar of bentonite clay is considerably cheaper and packs all the same benefits— and it’s accessible from your local health store! Harvested from volcanic ash deposits in Fort Benton, Wyoming, it’s been a potent, cost-effective way of detoxing our bodies for centuries.

How Do I Use It?

You don’t think of using clay inside and out, but you can use bentonite clay that way. Its mineral-dense detoxing properties extract the bad stuff, whether it’s lathered on your skin or stirred into your water.

Topical Usage

You can apply bentonite clay directly onto your skin as a healing facial mask. Mix it with water, then just rub it onto you face or other problem areas affected by eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis. Bentonite clay also improves the symptoms of troublesome rashes from poison ivy and other skin irritants. Let the clay harden for 20 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. I have extremely sensitive skin, so bentonite clay is my go-to for bug bites, skin allergies, and sun rashes.

Maybe your baby is the one with sensitive skin. Bentonite’s also a great alternative to baby powder for babies with itchy, inflamed skin. The natural minerals in the clay soothe diaper rashes and gently cleanse the skin. You can apply a small amount of clay to your little one’s irritated skin, letting it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

If you’re looking to unwind after a long day, add the clay to your bath water. Soaking in bentonite clay leaves your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed while extracting toxins and reducing inflammation. This is my personal favorite, because it’s the easiest to do!

Internal Usage

Perhaps you’ve used bentonite clay masks with fabulous results. Well, you’ll be pleased to know that it works wonders on the inside too. Bentonite clay can be added to toothpaste mixtures or water to provide dental and digestive support. Add a dime-sized amount to your toothpaste and brush away the bacteria. If you’re having digestive discomfort, try mixing a few teaspoons into your water to restore the pH balance in your digestive system.

What Does It Do for Me?

We’ve only scratched the surface when it comes to the benefits bentonite clay provides. You know it’s dense in minerals, but what do those minerals do for your body? They detox harmful metals from the blood, boost immunity, and quell digestive problems, to name a few. Here are the seven benefits I’ve noticed from using it:

1. Detoxes Heavy Metals 

You encounter hundreds of toxins every day. You breathe them. You eat them. They’re a part of our world. It’s your job to be aware and protect your body from them. Bentonite clay works like a magnet for heavy metals. The oppositely charged clay attracts heavy metals throughout your entire system, pulling them out of your skin, mouth, and gut.

It even works as a water purifier by removing excess fluoride from the tap. Bentonite clay (combined with magnesium) can cleanse questionable tap water at an extremely cost-effective rate compared to other water purification methods.

2. Increases Oxygen Intake

These detoxing principles also allow your tissue to receive more oxygen. Bentonite pulls hydrogen out of cells, creating space for oxygen molecules. It may not sound like much, but increased oxygen is responsible for more rapid recovery from workouts, damaged tissue, and illness, leaving you refreshed and energized.

3. Boosts Immunity

The majority of your immune system resides in your gut. Detoxing harmful heavy metals from the body allows your immune system to work more diligently. In addition to the removal of toxins, research on bentonite clay indicates that it has antibacterial and antiviral properties. The clay was able to absorb harmful stomach viruses and bacteria that caused diarrhea and nausea, especially in infants.

4. Supports Dental Health

Your mouth is also teeming with bacteria. As unsettling as that sounds, it can be easily fixed by mixing bentonite clay into your toothpaste. Your mouth is the first line of defense against bacteria, and the clay removes bacteria, viruses, and toxins from your mouth before you swallow them, so your body doesn’t deal with them later.

5. Neutralizes Acidity

Bentonite clay has a systemic trickle-down effect. Once you detox your body and restore proper immunity, other problematic areas begin to fall into place. For example, the average American diet leaves your body highly acidic, which makes it difficult to receive proper nutrients from your food. The alkalizing minerals in bentonite clay neutralize the acid, allowing your body to reset its functions and regain a balanced pH level.

6. Promotes Probiotics

Bentonite promotes the growth of probiotics— the “good bacteria” in your gut wall. A healthy gut wall reduces bloating and indigestion by breaking down food and absorbing nutrients. Balanced probiotics work beyond your digestive system to level out mood swings, promote healthy brain function, and combat fatigue.

7. Quells Digestive Issues

If you suffer from frequent , constipation, IBS, nausea, or other digestive issues, bentonite clay is excellent for restoring digestive health. I’ve noticed less bloating and sensitivity in my stomach. It’s also frequently used as an anti-nausea treatment for pregnant women.

Bentonite’s natural properties allow it to produce its phenomenal results without the onslaught of side effects other digestive aids and anti-inflammatories contain.

What to Watch Out For

Like any product, you want to know which type to buy and any associated risks. Your clay should be gray or cream-colored, odorless, and tasteless. A bright white clay may indicate that it’s gone bad. Any other odors or tastes could indicate added processing, which is unnecessary for bentonite clay.

That being said, some bentonite clay products may contain trace amounts of lead, which means children and pregnant women should avoid them. The FDA issued a warning to consumers about “Bentonite Me Baby” by Alikay Naturals due to unsafe levels of lead.

Maybe you’re searching for skin products like me. Maybe you’re tired of munching on anti-acids. Whatever the case may be, bentonite clay might be the product you need! It’s a multi-purpose, cost-effective product with serious benefits. Personally, it’s helped my sensitive skin. I stumbled across it, and now it’s become a staple in my skincare regimen. It may just play a major role in your life too.