Various people and cultures around the world refer to bentonite clay as "healing clay" and with good reason. Having both amazing internal and topical uses, bentonite clay has been used for centuries but has become super popular amongst wellness enthusiasts. Composed of ash made from volcanos, one of the largest known sources of bentonite clay is found in Fort Benton, Wyoming (hence the name).

Internally bentonite clay benefits your body by producing an "electrical charge" when combined with liquid and seeking out and binding with toxins, chemicals, impurities and 'heavy metals" in your body and is then able to draw them out of your body. So internally the benefits of bentonite clay can include:
  • providing minerals for the body (bentonite clay is known for being abundant in minerals like calcium, magnesium, silica, sodium, copper, iron and potassium)
  • speeding up recovery from vomiting and diarrhea
  • fighting pathogens responsible for disease, like E. coli and a virus that can cause staph infection. 
  • and helping with digestive disturbances like constipation, acid reflux, gas and bloating
To use internally: mix 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of bentonite clay throughly with water, drink immediately, and use as often as daily. You can also use as a homemade mouthwash to detox your teeth and gums.
Skin and Hair
Externally bentonite clay is the ultimate skin detox! It is able to bind to bacteria and toxins that live on the surface of the skin and within pores and it even extract these from the pores. This can help to reduce acnes, redness, and even fight allergic reactions from lotions or face washes. The clay serves as antibiotic treatment topically, which can calm skin infections. So not only do I use on my face and underarms but also on my inner thighs and butt before showering. It also pulls all the crap out of your scalp and hair leaving it shinny and noticeably softer!

For your skin and hair the uses of bentonite clay can include:
  • as a face mask by mixing bentonite clay with apple cider vinegar until you form a paste and applying topically to your face and body. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse away. This can be done weekly.
  • as a hair detox since bentonite clay pulls chemicals and metals out from our bodies like a magnet. When applied to locs, bentonite clay pulls dirt, lint and product build-up from our hair. When you apply bentonite clay, be sure your locs are freshly shampooed. Mix equal parts of the clay with apple cider vinegar (until consistency of yogurt) and 10 drops of essential oil (like Rosemary for hair growth) in a non-metal bowl with a non-metal spoon. (If you use metal, you will activate or deactivate certain properties in the bentonite clay). Apply to hair and leave for 20 minutes, it will magically lift lint to surface. Be sure to thoroughly rinse! Optional: Rinse with a cup of water with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar added. See my other favorite loc detoxes here.
  • as a skin softening and relaxing detox bath by adding about 1/4 cup of Bentonite Clay to a bathwater.
Bentonite clay benefits the body because it is able to produce a natural charge that is electrical when in contact with liquid — very similar to how earthing (touching your bare feet to the earth) works.

Important: Don't let healing clays come in to contact with anything metal, this will reduce the effectiveness. I opt to use class, plastic and wood when working with bentonite clay.