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Bentonite Clay (Montmorillonite)
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Bentonite clay, also known as Montmorillonite, is used in many treatments both internally and externally. As a detox aid Bentonite clay is valued for its ability to swell and absorb toxins from the body relieving symptoms associated with toxin build up. Externally bentonite can be used to sooth a myriad of skin ailments.
Properties
Bentonite clay often contains magnesium and up to 67 other trace minerals. Clays from different sources have different properties; some examples of bentonite clays are sodium bentonite, magnesium bentonite and calcium bentonite. Bentonite clay comes from deposits of volcanic ash that has settled over thousands of years. As the ash settles through the earth it absorbs different nutrients from the earth. It is the absorption process that makes clay such a beneficial detoxification in the body, absorbing toxins and carrying them through the system.
How It Works
Bentonite swells when it is mixed with water, and once it swells it becomes inert. Drinking clay mixed with water is used as a detoxifier and an internal body cleanser. When the clay enters the body in its swollen state it attracts toxins to its self. After it has attracted the toxins it then absorbs them into itself after which it passes through the body and is expelled taking the toxins along with it. As an inert substance it will pass through the body as is and does not change its structure within the body.
Internal Uses
Bentonite is considered an excellent detox aid. When toxins build up in the body it can affect over all health and feeling of well being. Toxins come from many sources such greasy foods and environmental sources. Over time these toxins can build up and inhibit the bodies natural functions contributing to ailments such as digestive problems, headaches and allergies. Using bentonite clay internally may help relive symptoms. Internal use of bentonite clay has also been used in treating ailments such as candida and yeast problems, gingivitis, parasitic infections and hay fever.
External Uses
Bentonite clay can be made into a back or compress and applied to the skin to sooth muscle damage, carpel tunnel, bruises, cuts and wounds. You can prepare a bentonite clay pack by mixing the clay with water until it has a mud like consistency and apply it to the affected area. Applying a clay pack to bacterial and fungal infections can be beneficial. Other skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis and rashes often respond well to bentonite clay pack and compress treatments.
Skin benefits: Bentonite clay is used as a clay poultice, mud pack, in the bath, and in skin care recipes. Bentonite clay has the ability to absorb toxins, impurities, heavy metals and other contaminants from the body.
The best clay for treating acne is a pure Calcium Bentonite Clay. Its amazing drawing power will help to open and clean out the pores. It removes excess sebum and is an excellent exfoliant. Calcium Bentonite Clay has natural antibacterial properties as well, and will dramatically speed the healing of the pimples. Many times, when people begin using clay masks to combat acne, they notice that their acne appears to worsen before it improves. Don't panic if this happens to you! This is a good thing! It means that the clay is doing its job, and is pulling the toxins from your skin. Also, your face may show some redness when you remove the clay. This is very normal. The Calcium Bentonite Clay increases the blood circulation to the skin, which aids in the healing process.
Considerations
Using bentonite clay internally may cause constipation as the clay swells when mixed with water. Other side effects are not known. Because the clay is inert after being mixed with water is doesn't interact with chemical functions in the body other than attracting and absorbing foreign toxins and carrying them away with it. When purchasing bentonite clay it should be a grey cream color rather than pure white.
Disclaimer: The information presented
herein is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not
been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or
prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements,
it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
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