What Does Bentonite Clay Do?
Calcium bentonite clay: maybe not something you’re overly familiar with. This naturally-occurring substance comes from deep inside the earth. More specifically, it comes from volcanic ash. Sometimes referred to as montmorillonite clay, it has been used throughout history for a variety of reasons, including as a mask for the skin and as a digestive aid. But why, exactly, is bentonite clay so beneficial? Read on to learn where it comes from, what it’s made of, how it’s used, and what it can do to improve your health.
Calcium bentonite clay is formed when volcanic ash slowly ages over time. The ash, when given time and combined with water and certain other minerals, becomes a unique compound that humans have used for centuries. Technically, it doesn’t become calcium bentonite or montmorillonite until it makes contact with water. The clay can be found all over the world but it’s called bentonite when it comes from Montana where it is found in abundance (Fort Benton). When it comes from Montmorillon, France, it’s called Montmorillonite clay. The clay, regardless of its provenance, is prized for its healing properties, is commonly used for medicine, for topical use on the skin, as an alternative toothpaste and is sold in a variety of different forms.
Once the volcanic ash has mixed with the requisite other minerals and completed its chemical transformation into calcium bentonite clay, it is harvested out of the ground and dried. From there, the dried pieces are pulverized into a fine powder. This powder can be sold on its own, or the clay can go through a rehydration and redrying process to further refine it. After this second refinement stage, the clay is sifted and sorted by particle size, and is then shipped to manufacturers who can turn it into any number of consumer products.
The refined bentonite clay powder can be sold as medicine in pill form, which is commonly used to aid in digestion and as a detoxifier. The powder is also sold as a topical treatment for skin. When used this way, the powdered clay must be mixed with water to create a paste. The paste is then applied to areas of concern, usually the face, to treat irritation or acne. But what is it about bentonite clay that makes it such a popular and effective product?
The clay is a natural adsorbent and absorbent. That means the clay tends to draw in certain particles, usually toxins or contaminants (adsorbs), as well as water (absorbs). This is why people often use it on their skin to help with breakouts: it soaks up impurities and leaves the skin clean and free of dirt, oil and sebum. In addition, the clay actually has a natural negative ionic charge. That means that the molecules that make up the clay are negatively charged, so they attract positively charged particles. But how does the clay’s ionic charge benefit your health?
Well, the negative charge of a bentonite clay particle means that it will absorb certain other positively-charged particles. Once the clay has done this on your skin, for example, you can just rinse it off (removing the gross stuff right along with it). The same is true when the clay is used to detox the digestive tract (remember earlier when we said people sometimes eat bentonite clay?). By allowing the clay to work through your digestive tract, it can pull in impurities and toxins from your gut. You then pass the clay as you would anything else, getting rid of those unwanted materials.
In addition to sopping up dirt, oil and toxins, calcium bentonite clay has anti-inflammatory properties. This means that consuming the clay or using it as a topical treatment can help soothe inflamed tissues and reduce irritation. You may have heard of other natural anti-inflammatories, such as turmeric and green tea. Though a more unconventional substance, bentonite clay can have a similar effect.
Since the clay is naturally absorbent and can kill viruses, some people mix it with water to sip on in the event of an upset tummy. The clay can help settle the stomach and stop vomiting, and what’s more, it’s safe to give to pets (in small quantities) for the same reason. If your pet is having diarrhea or is throwing up, mixing a small amount of bentonite clay powder into their water is a safe and effective way to soothe digestive issues. Once dissolved in water, the clay is tasteless, so your pet won’t even notice it’s there. Check with your vet first, though.
Bentonite clay also has antimicrobial properties. This is especially helpful when the clay is used on skin as a detoxifying mask, as it helps control bacteria that can cause inflammation and acne on your skin. It is important to note, however, that bentonite clay tends to absorb lots of oil from the surface of the skin. So, if you tend to have a dry complexion, using a bentonite clay mask too often could lead to excessive drying and irritation.
But are there any possible harmful effects of ingesting bentonite clay, brushing your teeth with it or applying it topically? Possibly. It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor before you take (or use topically) bentonite clay or any new supplement. If you ingest too much, the clay could affect your body’s ability to absorb electrolytes and nutrients. It could also cause an intestinal blockage.
The other potential concern with using bentonite clay is that it can contain lead, arsenic, mercury or other heavy metals. It can also contain harmful bacteria or germs. At least one brand of bentonite clay has been identified as having elevated lead levels by the Food and Drug Administration – so much so that the agency as warned consumers not to use it. No cases of lead poisoning associated with bentonite clay have been confirmed, but it makes sense to take a cautious approach when trying any¬ new ingestible or topical product.
Generally speaking, though, calcium bentonite clay is rich in minerals that the human body needs to thrive like calcium, magnesium and iron. So, in addition to health benefits that normal mineral sources do not provide, this clay offers a plethora of benefits and gives you a portion of your daily mineral value.
Note, however, that you should not take more than half a teaspoon per day. For use on the skin, try not to exceed 3-4 applications per week to prevent excessive dryness or irritation.
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