Calcium Bentonite Clay - What is it & How to Use It.

Our Calcium Bentonite Clay and other healing clays have been used by cultures throughout history for natural internal and external detoxification and it's nutrients. Many animals will instinctively turn to eating dirt and clay to help remove poisons from their systems or during times of illness or distress.

The best Bentonite occurs in Wyoming and is known as western type bentonite. This type of Calcium Bentonite is capable of absorbing 7 to 10 times its own weight in water, and swelling up to 18 times its dry volume. 

What is Bentonite Clay?

Bentonite Clay is composed of aged volcanic ash. The name comes from the largest known deposit of Bentonite Clay located in Fort Benton, Wyoming.

Bentonite is a mineral rich volcanic ash that was deposited in sea water approximately 60 million years ago. It is a swelling-type bentonite clay containing only 14 to 17 elements. One of the lowest number of elements to comprise a mineral on earth. This low mineral count is believed to be partially responsible for the high absorptive properties in the clay. 

When activated, it's strong negative charge bonds to the positive charge in many toxins. When it comes in contact with a toxin, chemical, or heavy metal, the clay will absorb the toxin and release it’s own pure minerals such as, silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium, for the body to use.

Bentonite clay also helps get oxygen to the cells as it pulls excess hydrogen away and allows the cells to replace it with oxygen instead.

Bentonite clay can be used externally as a clay poultice, mud pack or in the bath and, in skin care recipes. A good quality Bentonite should be a grey/cream color and anything bordering “pure white” is suspect. It has a very fine, velveteen feel and is odorless and non-staining.

Many natural health professionals recognize the benefits from using Bentonite Clay to help with:

* Digestive disturbances like acid reflux, constipation, bloating, gas, etc. (Kaolin clay was a common ingredient in medicines like Maalox and Rolaids for years)

* Helping with skin and allergy issues

* To help provide minerals for the body

* To help speed recovery from vomiting and diarrhea

* Detoxification

* In oral health preparations

* Externally for all types of skin problems and to speed healing

* Healing clays like Bentonite have a high concentration of minerals including silica, calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and potassium.

Dr. Weston A Price, in his book “Nutrition and Physical Degeneration” reported that several native cultures including those in the Andes, Central Africa and Australia consumed clays in various ways, most often by carrying balls of dried clay in their bags and dissolving a small amount of the clay in water with meals to prevent poisoning from any toxins present.

In a study from Arizona State University, bentonite clay was found to be highly effective at killing MRSA as well as Salmonella, E. Coli and others. What is promising as research continues in this area is that depending on the method in which the clay kills the infection, it may not be possible for the MRSA or other bacteria to develop a resistance to it as it does with antibiotics.

How To Use Bentonite Clay.

Bentonite clay is a staple in my household. I’ve used it internally and externally for various issues. 

Important Notes: Do not store activated clay (mixed with water) where it is in direct contact with a metal or plastic. Storing the dry inactivated clay powder in a food grade BPA free plastic bag or container is perfectly OK. Because the clay does not start to absorb until it is activated.

 If you take it internally, do not take within an hour of food for best results and do not take within 2 hours of medications or supplements as it might reduce their effectiveness. Check with your doctor before using if you have any medical condition.  

Mixing or Activate Clay -  Bentonite Clay needs to be mixed or activated.

A simple way is use a quart size mason jar with a lid about 3/4 full of water. I start with 2 heaping tablespoon of Bentonite clay powder (Remember it's just mud , so it's not an exact science) put the lid on and shake well for 15 to 20 seconds. Then allow to sit for 2 hours. FOR THE CLAY TO ACTIVATE. Then I shake it up again.


I keep the mud stored in that mason jar with the lid on, in the cabinet without refrigeration.. If it starts to dry out over time. Just add water and remix. But I usually use it before that happens.

For most uses ONLY ONE SPOONFUL OF THIS ACTIVATED CLAY IS ALL THAT IS NEEDED.

For Internal Cleansing: Drink 1/2 to 1 teaspoon in a cup of water. Simply, combine in a glass jar with a plastic lid and shake until well mixed. This has helped improve my digestion and also seems to give me more energy. Make sure that any clay taken internally is labeled safe for internal use.

On the Skin: Externally, apply a paste of bentonite clay and water on any skin irritation like blemishes, insect bites, cuts, skin itching, or burns. Leave it on until it dries and wash off. This is said to be especially calming to skin itching from eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox, etc.

Skin Poultice for Bites/Burns/Cuts/Stings: For more severe issues, Create a poultice by putting a thick layer of clay on the skin and applying a wet gauze or cloth over it. Wrap the area and leave the poultice on, changing every 2 hours.

Face Mask: For smooth and healthy skin, you can make a paste of bentonite clay and water and apply to your face as a mask (a similar mask is used in many spas). Leave it on for 20 minutes and wash off. Many typically do this once or twice a week.

Detox Bath: Add about 1/4 cup of Bentonite Clay to a bath for a relaxing detox bath that softens skin.

For Oral Health: Because of it’s excellent ability to bind to heavy metals and toxins as well as to provide minerals. It can, also, be used alone for brushing and is tasteless and relatively textureless.  

Oral Rinse to whiten and remineralize teeth: Use Bentonite clay mixed with water as an alkalizing and toxin removing mouth rinse. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of clay in 1/4 cup water in a small jar with a plastic lid and shake well. Then, rinse with the water for 1-2 minutes and repeat until you have used it all.

For Mastitis: Create a poultice or mask of Bentonite Clay and water and apply externally to the area. Repeat as needed every hour until the infection is gone.

For Baby Powder: Plain Bentonite Clay makes a very soothing baby powder for use when there is infection or redness. It can also be made into a clay “mask” to help speed recovery in this area.

For Morning Sickness: Take 1/2 tsp of Bentonite Clay in water during early pregnancy to ward off morning sickness. It reduces nausea and may help you feel better. I checked with a doc/midwife and was told this was fine. However, you may want to check with your doctor or medical professional before using during pregnancy.

For Pets: For pets that are sick, vomiting or showing signs of illness, you can add Bentonite to their water or mix and give orally with a dropper or syringe without the needle. I have seen several cases where this helped pets recover quickly from what could otherwise have been serious illnesses.

I have read cases of Bentonite and other healing clays being used internally to help reduce radiation exposure, in alternative cancer treatments, and in MRSA infections. It is also said to greatly help in Parasite removal.

Keyword Tags - Bentonite Clay, bentonite clay