How to Use Bentonite Clay for Acne, Digestion, Detoxification, and More

Did you know that you can use bentonite clay for acne, digestion, detoxification, and so many other health benefits for your body?

This clay has been super trendy lately, but is this humble health fad worth all the hype?

Many people think it’s a new thing, but our ancestors have been using bentonite clay for skin and health for thousands of years. Its recent resurgence in popularity is probably because many of us are returning to natural health and wellness products.

It’s also really inexpensive and simple to add to your diet or skincare regime. It’s easy to spend loads of hard-earned cash on detox products and things that make your skin pretty, so bentonite clay is an effective solution for people who are on a budget.

But it’s not ONLY for people on a budget. I first heard about it several years ago from an interview with the actress Leslie Mann. And umm… she has GORGEOUS skin and definitely doesn’t look her age!

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What is Bentonite Clay?

It was first discovered in France and called Montmorillonite clay. Re-discovered is more the right word, though, because it’s been used since ancient times in Europe, South America, and Australia.

It’s made from volcanic ash, and the largest source of it in the U.S. is from Fort Benton, Wyoming, hence the name.

You can eat it, drink, it, and slather it on your skin. Now you might be wondering why in the world you would want to ingest clay, but it’s got over 70 trace minerals in it, including calcium, copper, and magnesium. (1)

A cool property of bentonite is that when it comes in contact with liquid, it produces an electrical charge that binds toxins, making them easier to flush from the body. This makes it a superhero at removing heavy metals, chemicals, and impurities from the skin and digestive system.

Here are Some Ways It Heals When Taken Internally

Bentonite Clay is Amazing as a Detoxifier

Most toxins like heavy metals, bacteria, parasites, and pathogens have positively charged ions. Bentonite clay has a negative ionic charge, and when its mixed with liquid it latches on to toxic molecules and gets flushed out of your body through the bowels. (2)

One study showed that drinking bentonite clay reduced the amounts of lead, mercury, cadmium, and zinc in test subjects up to 51%! (3)

This ability to remove harmful junk out of your body makes it a fantastic detoxifier, both internally and externally.

It’s so good that it’s still used as an antidote to food poisoning, and alcohol and drug overdoses. If you’ve had a little bit too much to drink, it can also help decrease the symptoms of a hangover.

Bentonite clay doesn’t really have a taste or smell, so you can mix it in with water and drink it down. If it’s your first time detoxing, start small with a half teaspoon in a glass of water, then work your way up to a teaspoon.

It doesn’t take much to have an effect!

It Helps with Gut Health and Digestion

Compounds from bentonite clay are common ingredients in many over the counter anti-nausea and diarrhea medications because of their ability to neutralize the bacteria and viruses that might be causing the problem.

You might as well use the clay without all the additives because it’s just as effective and it’s got tons of trace minerals that are good for digestive health. It’s even safe for children, pregnant women, and fur babies to use.

When you remove the harmful bacteria from your intestines, the good bacteria can flourish, which is what you need to keep your gut healthy. This will help you digest your food better, keep toxins from getting into your system, and boost immunity.

Here’s a great recipe for a gut and colon cleanse:

• 1 tsp of activated charcoal
• 1 tbsp of psyllium husks
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (or ginger or garlic)
• 1 tbsp of bentonite clay
• 1 tbsp of chia seeds and/or flax seeds
• 16 oz of water

Add everything together in a mason jar, shake well, and drink. Drink a second glass of water immediately after, as you can become dehydrated.

(recipe courtesy of drinkbarjuicery.com)

Make sure to get a good brand that you CAN ingest. The #1 brand that we recommend for skin health and to use topically cannot be ingested. This supplement is a great alternative.

Make sure to ALWAYS read the labels on the back of all products before ingesting.

Bentonite Clay Helps with Weight Loss

It’s amazing that drinking a little clay mixed with water can have so many benefits, and one of the best ones is that it promotes weight loss!

A healthy gut is important when you’re trying to lose weight or keep it off. Bentonite cleanses the colon, strengths the immune system, and balances gut bacteria, all of which help the body process nutrients and promote weight loss. (4)

Researchers studied the effects of taking bentonite clay, along with eating an alkaline diet and taking probiotics, on weight loss and cholesterol over 21 days. They found that it lowered cholesterol by up to five points, and participants in the study lost an average of almost six pounds. (5)

It can also give us a nice big boost of energy by oxygenating our cells.

If You Use It Internally, Make Sure It’s the Right Kind

You can find bentonite in most health food stores and online (I get mine from Amazon), but not all brands are created equal.

Like all clay, it naturally has trace amounts of lead and other heavy metals, so if you’re going to take it internally, make sure that the product you use is food grade and good quality. It will contain low levels of metals and be safe for you to drink.

Remember how bentonite latches on to heavy metals and draws them in? If you use certain metal utensils, it can draw the metal out of it, so it’s better to use wood, plastic, or glass containers and utensils.

Bentonite clay also comes in a cream color, so if it’s white, it’s probably gone bad and shouldn’t be used. It should also be odorless and have very little taste.

Take one-half to one teaspoon a day with water to get the best results. Make sure to drink a bunch of water throughout the day so you stay hydrated, which makes it easier for your body to flush whatever toxins the clay has picked up out of your system.

Too much of a good thing, though, can cause harm. One child was given large amounts internally and developed dangerously low levels of potassium. (6)

Bentonite Clay Can Also Heal When Used Topically

Bentonite Clay Can Help Heal Wounds, Poison Ivy, and Skin Infections

It works the same way on the outside of your body as it does on the inside, by binding and removing toxins, allergens, and bacteria. It will suck all the bad gook out of your pores and any open wounds, and its antibiotic properties are a bonus. (7)

You can mix bentonite clay with water to make a paste, apply it to any areas that have infections, poison ivy, and even wounds. Leave it on for about 20 minutes, or until it dries, then wash off.

Here’s how to make a bentonite poultice that’s got amazing healing properties:

• 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay
• 4 tablespoons of cooled organic chamomile tea
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 5 drops of tea tree oil

With clean hands, slather the paste onto the affected area and leave it for a few hours. You can cover the area with gauze for the best benefit. Wash it off.

If you’ve gotten into some poison oak or have bug bites everywhere, you can make a larger batch of it and use the same proportions. Or better yet, pour a cup or two of bentonite into the tub and soak in it.

It will speed up healing times and calm irritated skin.

Use It as a Deep Pore Cleanser and to Heal Acne

Bentonite clay is a grime buster that’s going to leave your skin feeling fresh and clean. If you’ve got excess oil, dead cells, or grit on your face or in your pores, it will soak it up and you can wash it away.

Poor digestion, stress, not getting enough sleep, and diet can all contribute to acne. While you’re working on what will keep acne from returning, you can use a bentonite clay mask to clean pores and reduce inflammation.

Mix clay with rose or lavender water and a little bit of aloe vera gel, then smooth it on your face and let it dry.

Detox Your Hair with a Bentonite Clay Mask

Hair can get nasty buildup from styling gels, sprays, air pollution, and oils. This can clog the pores in your scalp and make it difficult for hair to stay healthy.

A clay mask can leave your hair feeling ultra-clean and give you some extra volume without drying it out. You’ll love the way your hair looks and feels after using this recipe.

• 1 cup cooled brewed herbal tea or water
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• approximately 3/4 cup bentonite clay
• 10 drops of essential oil of choice

Whisk the ingredients together and apply to wet hair. Let sit for 5 to 20 minutes without letting it dry, then rinse.

(recipe by wellnessmama.com)

Replace Talcum Powder with Bentonite Clay Powder

It’s healing properties make it a great product to use on your baby’s tender tush instead of baby powder. They often have fragrances and chemicals that aren’t good for sensitive skin.

Sprinkle a little on, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off for best results.

Bentonite clay powder will calm irritated skin and absorb odors and moisture, so it’s also great to use under the arms!

Where Can I Get Bentonite Clay?

For Skin Health (External Use)

Like I said before, you can get it in health food stores. I just buy mine on Amazon though. A small container usually lasts several months.

This is the brand that I’ve seen at health food stores and was used by a couple of nutritionists that I follow. It’s 100% natural bentonite clay and has a great recipe for a clay mask with apple cider vinegar on the back that I personally use at least once a week!

Click here to see the Aztec Secret Bentonite Clay.

For Digestion and Detox (Internal Use)

The Aztec Secret clay above is for external use ONLY and should not be ingested – as stated on the label.  Yerba Prima Bentonite Clay is a great one to take if you want to get the benefits of ingesting bentonite clay.

This supplement comes with an herbal detox and is made in the USA.

*Make sure to ALWAYS read the labels on the back of all products before ingesting.

Click here to see the Yerba Prima Bentonite Clay detox.

If you enjoyed this article on how to use bentonite clay for acne, digestion, detoxification, and more or have any questions, please feel to leave us a comment below.