The theory is that bentonite clay adsorbs materials by sticking to their molecules or ions. As the clay leaves the body, it takes the toxin or other molecules with it.
When a person uses it on the skin, bentonite clay may have the power to adsorb oils and bacteria. When they consume the clay, it may adsorb toxins or other unwanted substances from the digestive tract. Bentonite clay contains natural minerals such as calcium , magnesium , and iron , which may provide additional benefits. Bentonite clay forms from volcanic ash.
It gets its name from Fort Benton in Wyoming, where it occurs in large amounts. People can also find this clay in other places where volcanic ash has settled into the ground. Montmorillonite clay, named after Montmorillon in France, is the same type of clay. Some people ingest bentonite clay with the aim of removing toxins from the body. This may be one of its most well studied benefits. For example, a study on chicks found that bentonite clay reduced the effects of a toxin called aflatoxin B1, which comes from certain types of mold.
Chicks that received a concentrated bentonite clay product had fewer toxic effects than those who did not receive the clay. Another study looked at the effects of montmorillonite clay, which is very similar to bentonite clay, on reducing toxins in children in Ghana, West Africa. In the study area, aflatoxins in homemade nutritional supplements are linked with poor growth and related disabilities. The researchers found that children who received a calcium montmorillonite clay product each day for 2 weeks had fewer signs of aflatoxins in their urine than those who did not receive it.
In a small-scale animal study , rats consumed wastewater that contained cyanide. Researchers gave some of the rats various amounts of bentonite clay or a placebo. Those that received the most clay had the lowest amount of the toxin in their bodies after 3 weeks. Scientists need to conduct more research before they can confirm that bentonite clay is safe and effective for use in humans. Mix up to 1 teaspoon tsp of bentonite clay with 6—8 ounces oz of purified water and drink once per day.
People can buy bentonite clay powder in drug stores or choose from many brands online. Be sure to choose a form of clay that the manufacturer has labeled as edible. Take bentonite clay at least 2 hours before or after taking any medications. Because it can adsorb other molecules, bentonite clay may bind to some medications and reduce their effectiveness. Using a clay face mask can help remove impurities from the skin to treat acne or reduce the risk of pimples and skin infections.
Many commercial facial masks contain clays because of their clarifying effect on the skin. Some skin care masks contain bentonite, but a person can also make their own bentonite mask at home. Mix bentonite clay powder with water to make a thick paste.
Apply to the areas of skin that are prone to oil or acne. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Repeat two or three times per week. Otherwise, people can choose from a range of premade bentonite clay face masks online. Some people use bentonite clay to cleanse specific parts of their body. Learn more about using bentonite clay in an armpit detox and a foot detox here. Many people are allergic to urushiol, the oil that poison ivy plants produce.
When their skin comes into contact with poison ivy, they may develop the characteristic rash as an allergic reaction. A poison ivy rash can cause redness, irritation, and severe itching. A study from found that bentonite clay can treat poison ivy rash and speed up healing following an allergic reaction.
Wash the skin with soap and water as soon as possible after touching poison ivy. Use dish soap or a soap designed to remove oils to help remove the urushiol from the skin. Mix bentonite clay with water to form a paste and apply it to the affected area. Cover with a clean bandage or gauze pad. Repeat several times per day until the rash is gone. One study in rats found that ingesting a montmorillonite clay product helped reduce weight gain among those eating a high-fat diet.
Although some traditional healing methods have used clay products for many years, there are better ways to lose weight. This means it's extremely important to purchase a clay sold by a reputable brand that has ideally done an elemental analysis of their product to ensure safe lead levels if you don't see one on their website, you can request one.
While the consensus on whether or not you should ever consume bentonite clay is still pretty iffy if you're at all tempted, always consult with your doctor first , topical use of bentonite clay appears to be quite safe. But, of course, if you experience skin irritation, discontinue use. Want your passion for wellness to change the world?
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Medical Doctor. Molly Maloof, M. She founded her first technology company focused on bringing continuous glucose monitoring to the masses to optimize nutrition and health. Last updated on September 28, In This Article. What exactly is bentonite clay? The benefits of bentonite clay. It may help rid the body of heavy metals. It may promote good digestion.
It may help fight off serious bacterial infections like MRSA. It's been shown to soothe and protect skin. It may improve the appearance of skin and hair.
How to use bentonite clay for skin, hair, and health. Now, here are some of our favorite bentonite clay uses for health and beauty:. Soothing skin paste. Armpit mask. Nourishing face mask. Clarifying hair mask. Skin-softening clay bath. Soothing foot soak. Tooth-brushing powder.
Potential bentonite clay dangers: Are there side effects? Bottom Line. Jamie Schneider. Integrative Health. Jason Wachob. With Amy Shah, M. Eliza Sullivan. Sarah Regan. Latest Articles Off-the-Grid. Emma Loewe. Functional Food. Simon Hill.
Lindsay Boyers. Alexandra Engler. Well, for starters, it's not just any old type of clay. Fun fact: While the original source of bentonite clay was the Montmorillon region of France, where it's been used on the skin for centuries, the term "bentonite" refers to the largest source of the clay today, Fort Benton, WY, she adds. Field trip, anyone? To the point, bentonite clay has a long and storied history. It's the detoxifying properties that really are bentonite clay's calling card, but it can do more than just that.
As far as side effects go, topical use of bentonite clay is much less likely to cause any safety issues than ingestion of the ingredient, says Jeffy. That being said, sensitivity or a reaction is always possible. Do a small patch test on your inner forearm before applying all over your face, and if irritation occurs, discontinue use.
And, broadly speaking, bentonite clay is best reserved for those with oilier skin, as it can prove to be too drying for anyone who has a dryer complexion to begin with. There are plenty of products that contain bentonite clay, given that it does play nicely with a wide array of different ingredients. You can also easily purchase straight-up bentonite clay powder and go the DIY route, though Fahs warns that it's important to pay attention to what you're buying. This is why although there are many ways to purchase bentonite clay powder in bulk for very cheap, one should tread carefully," she says.
Do your research to find out where the clay is coming from, whether it's been checked for purity, etc. Both derms recommend this heavy-duty, pore cleansing mask. Also nice: It never gets super hard or cracked as it dries. One of Fahs's picks, this affordable mask pairs bentonite clay with kaolin clay another mineral-rich version for maximum purifying and oil absorption. Bonus points for the fact that it's fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, a boon for those whose skin is both oily and on the sensitive side.
If you're looking for straight-up bentonite clay because you want to take matters into your own hands, this is one of the most popular options out there, somewhat of a cult classic. FYI, the directions suggested mixing it with apple cider vinegar which makes for a less clumpy effect than if you mix it with water , which is fine, though Fahs notes that this can increase the likelihood of irritation, so proceed with caution.
There's also lactic acid in the mix for some gentle exfoliation, making this a great formula to reach for whenever your skin needs a little extra brightening boost. If you want to use bentonite clay as a strategic spot treatment rather than in a full face mask, try this guy. Bentonite and kaolin clays help pull out oil, while salicylic acid further helps unclog pores.
Additional ingredients—tasmanian pepper fruit and burdock root—tamp down redness, making this an effective way to quell pesky pimples overnight. This mask is a fan favorite of pretty much anyone who's ever tried it just check out the many glowing reviews floating around the internet as well as a go-to for Fahs. Bentonite is the second ingredient listed, so you know you're getting an effective amount of it.
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