The Healing Powers of Bentonite Clay

Throughout history, healing clays have been cherished by various cultures for their nutrient-rich properties and detoxifying abilities. Used in medicinal practices and revered in clay baths as 'mud therapy,' these clays—including kaolin, smectite, montmorillonite, Pascalite, and Fuller’s earth—play a crucial role in cleansing and revitalizing the body. Among these, Bentonite Clay stands out for its unique benefits.

What is Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite Clay is derived from aged volcanic ash, primarily found in Fort Benton, Wyoming. This clay is renowned for its ability to detoxify the body by acting like a magnet to draw out impurities due to being cationic (1). When hydrated, Bentonite Clay changes its electrical charge, enabling it to absorb toxins. Numerous studies have shown that bentonie clay prevents and treats exposure to mycotoxins (2). Farmers have used bentonite clay to put in feed to reduce the bioavailability of aflatoxin. 

The Healing Powers of Bentonite Clay

Bentonite Clay is celebrated for its remarkable detoxifying properties. It excels at absorbing and removing toxins, heavy metals, impurities, and chemicals from the body. When applied topically, Bentonite Clay can draw infections from wounds, speeding up the healing process. The first recorded use of Pascalite (a type of healing clay) dates back to the 1930s when a trapper named Emile Pascal discovered its healing properties after applying it to his chapped hands. This led to its use for burns, minor wounds, and infections.

Internal Benefits of Bentonite Clay

Internally, Bentonite Clay cleanses the liver, colon, and skin, balances gut bacteria, and strengthens the immune system. It’s also known to treat food allergies, food poisoning, viral infections, and parasites. Filled with minerals like magnesium, Bentonite Clay swells when mixed with water, creating a porous sponge that attracts and binds toxins. Even the highly toxic herbacide, Paraquat, was found to be removed with bentonite (3). 

Does it Deplete Minerals or Vitamins?

Studies on this topic have found that bentonite clay does not bind to, or counteract any minerals nor Vitamins C or Vitamin E (4). 

The Science Behind Bentonite Clay

Robert T. Martin, a mineralogist, highlights Bentonite's tiny particle size, which gives it a large surface area relative to its volume. This allows it to capture positively charged ions effectively. For context, one gram of Bentonite Clay has a surface area of 750 square meters, significantly more than activated charcoal's 500 square meters per gram.

With a pH of around 9.7, Bentonite Clay acts as an alkalizing agent, balancing the body's pH levels. It also aids in detoxifying the skin through clay baths, which are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to cleanse and balance pH levels. Bentonite was also reported to decrease heavy metal toxicity, such as that resulting from copper, lead, and cadmium (6). 

Bentonite Clay in Modern Medicine

Studies have shown that certain antibacterial clays, like Bentonite, are effective in treating diseases. A 2010 study suggested that natural clay minerals could become essential in combating pathogenic bacteria, especially as bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics. Research from Arizona State University found Bentonite Clay highly effective at killing MRSA, Salmonella, E. coli, and other bacteria (5). 

The Rise of Eating Clay

Recently, eating clay has gained popularity in Hollywood and beyond as a way to remove toxins and heavy metals from the body. This practice involves mixing a small amount of clay with water to create a sludge-like drink that helps draw out toxins. For best results, start with one spoonful at night and ensure the clay powder is of high quality.

Bentonite Clay’s Wide-Ranging Benefits

Bentonite Clay offers numerous benefits, including:

• Cleansing the liver, colon, and skin
• Balancing gut bacteria
• Strengthening the immune system
• Improving nutrient absorption
• Re-mineralizing cells and tissues
• Alkalizing the entire body
• Protecting against radiation
• Aiding in weight loss

Using Liquid Bentonite Clay

When taken internally, liquid Bentonite supports intestinal detoxification. It passes through the body undigested, absorbing toxins along the way, and even shows promise in treating bacterial infections. Starting with one tablespoon daily and gradually increasing the dosage can enhance its cleansing effects.

Conclusion

Incorporating Bentonite Clay into your routine can significantly boost your health by detoxifying your body and improving various bodily functions. Whether used topically or internally, Bentonite Clay is a powerful natural remedy worth exploring. For those interested in trying this remarkable healing clay, ensure you choose a high-quality supplement to maximize its benefits.

Sources