There are many bentonite clay uses and benefits! Bentonite clay can be used externally and internally to help detox and cleanse the body. Below are some of my favorite daily uses for bentonite clay.
How does bentonite clay work?
There are numerous natural clay types out there that are packed with lots of benefits. Bentonite clay is one of them. This specific type of clay is derived from volcanic ash deposits and it has a unique detoxifying effect.
Overall, bentonite clay works by attracting and binding toxins and impurities, both externally and internally, helping to cleanse and detoxify the body and promote skin health.
Below are the benefits of bentonite clay and ways to use it.
Benefits of bentonite clay
Bentonite clay has many benefits for both external and internal use!
Rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, and silica, bentonite clay acts as a natural detoxifier, drawing out impurities, toxins, and heavy metals from the skin when applied topically in face masks or baths.
Its absorbent properties make it effective for treating oily skin and acne. Bentonite clay can also soothe irritation, inflammation, and minor skin infections.
Internally, it can be ingested to support digestive health by binding to toxins and aiding in their elimination, thus promoting overall detoxification and potentially alleviating symptoms of digestive issues like bloating.
5 Ways to use bentonite clay
Here are my top 5 bentonite clay uses:
1. Brush your teeth
Bentonite clay can clean your teeth better than most toothpastes on the market! I use it in my homemade toothpaste recipe and have purchased a few different natural toothpastes (like this one that are made with bentonite clay and essential oils).
2. Cleanse your skinÂ
Want to naturally cleanse your face and skin? This detox face mask is my go-to product for keeping my skin clean and clear. It can be used on the face and on the body.Â
3. Take a detox bath
Add a tablespoon of bentonite clay to your bath along with a cup of baking soda and a cup of epsom salts. The bentonite clay will aid in detoxifying your body and will also reduce chlorine in your water.
Read more about taking detox baths with magnesium and clay here.
4. Improve digestion
Bentonite clay may help you absorb nutrients by increasing flora activity in your gut. It’s also been used to treat digestive issues and help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms such as constipation and diarrhea.
5. Detox your hair
Use this homemade detox hair mask to remove impurities from your hair. This always leaves my hair feeling soft and clean!
Using bentonite clay to get all these, and many other benefits is quite simple. From creating a face mask with it to adding it to your drinking water, bentonite clay can be healthy addition to living a natural life!
However, you should ask your doctor before consuming bentonite clay, as they will be able to recommend a safe product and amount to use.
Potential risks of bentonite clay
Some bentonite clay products have been found to contain heavy metals, as highlighted by a 2016 FDA warning about high lead levels in a specific type of bentonite clay.
Using large amounts of bentonite clay may lead to side effects, so it’s essential to consult with a doctor before trying it as a treatment.
If you’re using bentonite clay for your skin, do a patch test first on an inconspicuous part of your skin to see if you experience any sensitivity or allergic reactions.
This article was originally written on February 20, 2015 and has recently been updated.
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How come you reply to everybody’s questions except you go right over the one about the lead this is the second one that you didn’t even bother discussing the lead content why not
For internal use, i bought some food grade clay. Do I take a teaspoon once a day on an empty stomach or with a meal?
Coconut Mama, does one NEED to use Baking Soda in a toothpaste? I totally don’t like the salty taste & it seems to irritate my gums. I don’t necessarily want an abrasive toothpaste; even if it’s mild. Is coconut oil, Bentonite clay & peppermint oil enough for a good toothpaste? Thanks!
Yes, you can leave it out if you like.
also I heard bentonite clay..some can contain lead…what are your thoughts? There are lots of natural toothpaste using bentonite clay…should we be worried about lead?
Hi Tiffany, just started drinking bentonite to remove lead build up in my blood. Should I mix only with water or can I use coconut water and other juices?
Water is best but you can add it to coconut water or juice too.
I have used Bentonite Clay as a mask because I had a severe withdrawal while spending a week at the Kushi Institute learning about Macrobiotics. They warned us that we might have some type of withdrawal… but what happened to me was unbelievable. I had been spraying for wasps, had blow back from the wind, it got all over me, even though I washed, my skin absorbed the poison and held on to it. Once I started the diet, and started detoxing… I swelled up like a blowfish… spent one solid day in my room with clay masks repeated frequently over the next 24 hours… it was miraculous how it pulled that toxin out of my face and reduced the swelling. Great stuff!!!
I want to make a particular recipe and I remembered your site (yes, it’s been awhile). Just let me say how much I love your new look, and all the good stuff! (Okay, now I’ve got to look for that recipe).
Hey love your website. New to coconut oil and your site has been so helpful!! I was going to get your take on better body foods organic coconut oil! That is what they sell at at SAMs where I shop! Thanks in advance!!
I’m not trying to stir up negative conflict or anything but I was wondering what you think about the “trace amounts” of lead found in bentonite clay? I have read wonderful things about it but have always been hesitant to buy it (especially for my kiddos to brush their teeth) because of the talk about it containing some lead. I know it’s considered a safe amount but I’m not sure what a safe amount would be. The FDA tells us that a lot of contaminants in our food and beauty products are safe and I don’t always agree. Thanks for your input! 🙂
Have you noticed she hasn’t mentioned anything about the clay with the leading it she has answered every question or reply to every question but every time something is about the lead she blows right past it doesn’t make you wonder why
I use Great Plains Liquid Clay, saves the clumping, I usually only do it though when I’m having stomach issues though, I do have some powdered but it says not for internal use, but I don’t fully understand why.
Great reminder I haven’t treated myself to a clay mask in ages! It’s great stuff – it never dries out my skin but leaves it feeling super fresh! I haven’t tried it in the bath yet so that’s definitely something to give a go. Thank you!