Bentonite Clay is a grey odorless fine volcanic ash known by the alternate name of Montmorillonite, an absorbent aluminium phyllosilicate. Often found in beauty and natural remedies, this clay does not stain and mixes into a smooth thin consistency for application. It is has been used as both an internal and external detox aid; for skin irritations, topical swellings and to remove poisons. It absorbs heavy metals and leeches chemicals from the body through baths, poultices, masks, and mud packs. Due to its alkalinizing and gut balancing effects, Bentonite is also consumed for as a digestive remedy
Source: The largest known deposit is located in Fort Benton, Montana
Benefits:
Digestive Aid: For digestive disturbances like acid reflux, bloating constipation, gas , nausea or vomiting, 1/2 -1 teaspoon of food grade Bentonite clay is mixed well in 8 ounces of distilled water and consumed. A study performed at Arizona State University showed this clay effectively treats MRSA, Salmonella, E. Coli and other co-infections without developing resistance (as typically occurs with antibiotics!)
Mineral-Rich Concentration: A high concentration of minerals include potassium, sodium, silica, iron, calcium, and magnesium
Negative Ion Charge: An active compound , this unique clay produces an “electrical charge” when hydrated with fluids. Its electrical components change to create a strong negative charge which bonds to the positive charge in many toxins and chemicals. The clay absorbs the impurity and leaves minerals in its place
Increases Oxygen: Bentonite helps oxygen to transfer into cells. It pulls excess hydrogen out of the isotonic environment, allowing the cells to draw in oxygen instead
Skin Care: Most skin irritations, including bites, stings, blemishes, cuts, eczema, psoriasis, pox lesions, etc strongly benefit from topical applications like baths, masks and gauze poultices. It has also proven to be useful to soothe rashes resulting from radiation exposure in cancer treatment
Oral Health: Used as a mouth rinse, 1/4 teaspoon of clay is mixed in 4 ounces of distilled water to whiten and re-mineralize teeth. The alkalinizing and antibacterial benefits help treat gum infections and oral soft tissue irritation
Risks: Safe for animals and humans, but please check with your doctor or midwife before taking internally during pregnancy for nausea or digestive issues. If taken internally, do not eat within 1 hour before or after clay ingestion. Supplements and medications must be taken 2 hours following prevent the clay from rendering the medicaments ineffective
Do not store healing clays come in metal containers as this will reduce the magnetic ion effects
Sustainability: An abundant and naturally-occurring resource, Bentonite Clay results from the weathering and sedimentation of volcanic ash deposits. It is not at risk of depletion
Processing: Bentonite Clay is mined and then mechanically or chemically dried, calcined, and extruded to prepare the material for use in a wide range of applications
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2413170/- Antibacterial properties
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29038067 - For dermatological applications
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31548509 - Use in animal populations for health benefits
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31491854 - Reduction of pharmaceutical pollutants
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31472392 - Adsorption and biochemical reactions
https://www3.epa.gov/ttn/chief/ap42/ch11/final/c11s25.pdf - EPA report on mining practices