Bentonite Clay Detox: How Does It Work and Should You Do It?

You already know that bentonite clay is great for soothing irritated skin and clearing out pores. But bentonite clay detox? That’s still very much an underrated function of this highly versatile clay.

Which is a shame since bentonite clay (also known as montmorillonite clay) is an extremely potent detox tool that’s gentle enough to be included in pretty much everyone’s health arsenal.

Plus, using clay for healing and health benefits is not a new thing. It has been adopted by many cultures across the globe, from South America to Central Africa to Oceania,  for centuries (likely a lot longer) as part of their traditional healing process.

But why, you ask? Well, let’s take a deeper look at the benefits offered by a bentonite clay detox!

What is Bentonite Clay?

Before we go any further, we might as well start with the basics, mainly: what even is bentonite clay?

Bentonite clay is largely made up of volcanic ash. It’s typically grey or creamy in color with both a neutral smell and taste.

And just in case you were wondering – bentonite clay isn’t made up of anything called “bentons.”

Its name actually stems from one of the biggest sources of bentonite clay – Fort Benton, Wyoming. Its other name – montmorillonite – has a similar origin, having been taken from the Montmorillon region of France, where the clay was first discovered.

And its the unique properties that this clay posses that gives it its detoxing abilities…

How Bentonite Clay Detox Works

Lucky for us, it doesn’t take a PhD in molecular chemistry to understand how bentonite clay works. Here’s what you need to know about what a bentonite clay detox does for and in your body!

Firstly, it has colloidal properties, which means that it can disperse itself over a large surface area and infiltrate the body effectively. This is ideal for detoxing all your cells, cleansing them right through even down to a genetic and molecular level!

Secondly, bentonite clay is composed of many essential minerals which create a negative charge in its natural state. This allows it to bind to the majority of toxins which all herald a positive charge.

Moreover, bentonite clay will actively seek out these toxic particles. Any of you who did a bit of chemistry will know that negatively charged particles are very desperate to latch onto positively charged ones, to complete them on an atomic scale.

Lastly, this clay has the ability to swell when in contact with liquids. When it does this, it absorbs all the toxins readily from out of the liquid, purifying it. Since the body is made from more than 70% water, I’m sure you can imagine that this is a winning detox solution.

For all the same reasons, this clay is used not only for health, but also to clear out toxins from industrial waste water. Plants also benefit from this clay as it absorbs toxins from chemical sprays and pollution without damaging the pH of the soil.

13 Health Benefits of Bentonite Clay

The benefits of bentonite clay highlight not only why it makes such a great detoxifier but also why it ought be used for everyday health in general!

Removes Heavy Metals

This is what most detox programs aim to achieve! Bentonite clay is so effective at removing heavy metals from the body because of its negative charge. It readily binds to mercury, aluminium, benzene, cadmium, lead, and many more.

These heavy metals are commonly found in our modern environments, silently accumulating inside of our bodies and aiding the development of chronic lifestyle diseases.

Everything from car exhaust fumes to the pesticides sprayed on our foods has them, but fortunately bentonite clay is a cost-effective solution to drawing them out the body!

Kills Bacteria

Bentonite Clay has demonstrated a potent doctoring effect, helping to boost your immune system by annihilating a variety of bacteria!

Some of the bacteria it kills are the infamous E.Coli, which causes horrible stomach upsets, as well as the nasty Staphylococcus Aureus.

The clay’s power did not falter even in the face of penicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus Aureus, which usually is a one-way ticket to suffering multiple rounds of antibiotics through mainstream health protocols.

Draws Out Fluoride

Yes, finally a cheap, potent solution for getting rid of fluoride out our drinking water!

Bentonite Clay binds to fluoride and removes it from our drinking water. It can also remove it from your body if you drink it or from parts of your brain if you use it as a face mask.

If this news doesn’t make you jump up and down with joy, then you probably don’t know that fluoride is the only ingredient in many rat poisons, and that it contributes to a vast number of neurological disorders, like Alzheimer’s Disease.

Eliminates Mycotoxins

Mycotoxins, such as Aflotoxin B1, are molds found on peanuts and some grains. These toxins tend to accumulate in the body for years and eventually create cancer.

Thankfully, bentonite clay also binds onto these nasty guys and escorts them out without batting an eyelid!

Tones the Skin

Bentonite clay’s benefits aren’t only internal – which is why this clay is famous for beautification purposes. And studies back it up.

In fact, scientists have shown that Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, (the second most abundant compound found in Bentonite Clay) was effective at tightening the skin, making it a great natural toner.

Treats Skin Conditions

Those fortunate enough know how soft the skin becomes after having a mud bath at a spa. Bentonite Clay does that and more!

Studies observed that this clay began to reverse symptoms of allergic reactions and dermatitis in patients who used it like a face mask.

It reduces inflammation, itching and redness, as well as imparting many needed minerals back into the skin. This shows great promise for those who suffer from eczema and psoriasis too.

Heals Wounds

In a study carried out on a group of unfortunate rats, bentonite clay proved to be highly effective at healing their wounds!

The basis of wound healing relies on trace minerals, which become enzymes and components of scabs and more. Clays are a rich source of these metals and thus help to rapidly improve wound recovery.

Cleanses The Colon & Reduces Constipation

A huge problem for those who suffer from chronic constipation is a build-up of fecal matter in their colons. Mainstream options for getting rid of this toxic matter include heavy use of OTC laxatives or worse, colonic irrigation.

Luckily for those people, bentonite clay casually waltzed into the colon and binds to this toxic matter, helping to flush it out in no time!

1 tsp of bentonite also holds up to 224mg of magnesium and 1293mg of potassium! Both of these minerals have been proven to work as a great natural laxative without any negative side effects.

Boosts Available Oxygen Supply

Since bentonite attracts positively charged particles, it can bind to excess hydrogen in the body. This is fantastic news, as excessive hydrogen is often used to make compounds like hydrogen peroxide or HO, which have been shown to produce cancer.

Furthermore, there will be more available oxygen and less HO, which improves immune function, energy levels and decreases overall stress.

Has A Wealth of Essential Minerals

Bentonite Clay contains an average of 76 different trace minerals, metals and elements, all of which are crucial to help our body manufacture enzymes and more!

Alleviates Digestive Problems

Drawing out heavy metal toxins takes pressure off the liver and also helps to keep your microbiome populated with healthy bacteria (which can be damaged in the presence of heavy toxicity).

In this way, along with restoring minerals, bentonite clay can help your digestive system to run smoothly.

Protects Against UV Radiation

When used as a face or body mask, bentonite clay provides effective protection against UV radiation. These effects are largely due to the iron oxide content of Bentonite in combination with its expandability.

Inhibits Cancer Cell Growth

Bentonite Clay already prevents cancer indirectly by removing aflotoxins and reducing excess hydrogen from our bodies, but it actually stops the growth of specific cancer cells too!

In a study done, it was shown that cancer cells in the central nervous system were inhibited by bentonite.

How To Do A Bentonite Clay Detox

When it comes to a doing a bentonite clay detox – you’ve got options. Here are 5 easy ways to detox with bentonite clay!

Drink It

Mix 0.5 to 1 tsp of bentonite clay in a glass of water, stir well until dissolved and then down it fast! Do not do this more than once a day.

Bathe In It

An easy option to reap the benefits of a bentonite clay detox while giving yourself a spa bath pampering is to throw in a quarter cup of the clay into your bath water and use it as a soaking treatment.

This allows the clay to bind to the toxins that are dispelled from your skin. Plus, your skin will be silky smooth, less inflamed and hydrated afterwards.

Do A Mouthwash

Did you know that the mouth is one of the most vulnerable areas of the body when it comes to harmful bacteria and toxins?

So why not start the bentonite clay detox there?

It’s simple to do and all it consists of it is taking a bentonite clay in water mixture and swizzling the solution around in your mouth like a mouthwash.

Spit it out after a minute and don’t swallow.

This helps the clay to bind to and remove unhealthy substances and bacteria build-up around the teeth, tongue and gums.

Apply As A Face Mask

An easy way to detox your facial skin and pores of build-up and gunk is to do a bentonite clay face mask.

Using clean spring water, mix 1 tablespoon of clay with 2-3 tablespoons of water. Blend it until a smooth thick paste forms and then apply it liberally to your face. If you have a skin condition, apply it to the affected areas too.

Spot Treat Detox

This area-specific method of bentonite clay detox doesn’t just apply to your face – you can also use a clay mask for areas of your body that can really use a “clearing out.” Like your hair, for example, when its in need of a clarifying treatment or even your armpits.

The armpits, in particular, can be perfect for a bentonite clay detox especially if you’ve been a heavy user of drugstore deodorants and anti-perspirants and the chemical soup they contain, i.e. aluminum, phthalates, parabens, etc.

Not only does an armpit detox help soothe rashes and irritation as well as cut down on odor and sweat – but it also helps draw toxins out of this area, which is a lymph node and a major part of your immune system.

Bentonite Clay Detox Precautions

Bentonite is very safe to use, but you should be aware of a few precautions before you proceed, especially if the below apply to you…

Metal teeth fillings

Since bentonite clay absorbs heavy metals, be careful about ingesting it if you have metal teeth fillings. Rather bathe in it or use face masks.

Reduced Zinc Count

Bentonite replenishes trace minerals and absorbs heavy metals. But it also takes zinc out of your body, so make sure to take a helpful zinc supplement (like zinc picolinate) while ingesting this clay.

Detoxing In General

It’s always best to discuss a detox with your doctor first and to take it easy. Detox reactions can feel like you have a flu, amongst other things, so you may want to do a slow transition rather than piling on with the clay!

Don’t Inhale

Several studies show that directly inhaling bentonite clay promotes the risk of lung cancer cell growth due to increased aggravation from the fine particles. It was not intended to be snorted or inhaled in other words!