Posted on September 10, 2012

Bentonite clay is “the clay with a thousand uses.” This naturally occurring mineral has a strong affinity for water, and through a process called ion exchange, is a strong and effective binding agent. This natural remedy is suitable for internal and external personal use, and can be used as an environmentally friendly alternative in your yard and organic garden.

Detoxification: As a binding agent, when it is ingested bentonite clay absorbs internal contaminants such as toxins, heavy metals and poisons. Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal that is so toxic, even in trace amounts; it can damage your brain and body. Mercury is found in many things from food, to the fillings in your teeth. It was reported by The Washington Post in January 2009 that high fructose corn syrup can be contaminated with it, when nearly half of all samples tested were positive for it’s presence. Bentonite clay is a chelator of the highest order, according to Mercury info, an environmental health database whose mission is to prevent and reduce mercury exposure. Bentonite clay acts like a powerful vacuum cleaning sucking up mercury and removing it from the body. As Botanical.com notes, combining 1 tsp. to 1 tbsp. of bentonite clay (depending on your size) with 8 oz. of water allows you to ingest bentonite clay. When bentonite clay mixes with water, its chemical composition changes, and attracts, absorbs and binds internal contaminants to the clay. According to AboutClay.com, bentonite clay can absorb up to 32 times its molecular weight.

Skin Rejuvenation and Conditions: A type of bentonite clay called calcium bentonite can work on a family of viruses that cause warts. HPV, or human papillomavirus, can cause common, flat and plantar warts, which you can remove by covering them with a bentonite clay mudpack. A clay mudpack works by attracting and absorbing the virus, in the same fashion as ingested bentonite clay. Doing twice daily applications along with covering the clay mudpack to keep it wet makes this treatment more effective. In addition, bentonite clay mudpacks can help relieve symptoms of eczema and psoriasis. Bentonite clay can accelerate the body’s natural response to boils or carbuncles on the skin’s surface. Boils, according to the Mayo Clinic, are pus-filled sacs which inflame a hair follicle. The appearance of a boil can mean that the sufferer has diabetes or skin problems, or that body’s immunity has been compromised. Mix Bentonite clay with water and apply it as a paste to the boil. The clay dries and, after time, may become wet again as the clay draws pus or bacteria from the skin. The same procedure works for spider or serious insect bites.

Treatment of MRSA: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections are traditionally found in hospitals and doctors offices. This highly dangerous infection responds only to powerful drugs dispensed by a doctor. Researchers at Arizona State University found that Bentonite Clay could be applied to the site of a MRSA infection to contain the bacteria from spreading throughout other parts of the body.

Aids Digestion: Ingesting clay sounds like an odd thing to do at first, but you may change your mind when you learn about the immediate impact it has on the digestive tract. When mixed with water, bentonite clay swells up like a sponge, forming a highly porous substance that attracts and binds toxins into its open spaces. The clay behaves like fiber in the body, providing bulk to stimulate the intestinal muscles to perform their digestive duties effectively. This greatly reduces constipation, and improves irritable bowel symptoms. Along with the toxins, the clay passes through your body, eliminating them as waste to improve your gastrointestinal health.

Yard and Garden Applications: In his book, “The Healing Clay,” author Michel Abehsera cites numerous ways you can use bentonite clay as an alternative to pesticides and chemicals. For example, Abehsera recommends packing tree wounds and exposed branch ends after trimming with a bentonite clay mudpack to protect it from insects and bacteria. You can also mix bentonite clay with other soil additives, such as sand, humus and manure to create a custom made gardening soil.

This just a smattering of how you can use versatile clay, and another one of my “must have” items in the medicine cabinet.